1
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Kannan A, Gangadharan Leela S, Branzei D, Gangwani L. Role of senataxin in R-loop-mediated neurodegeneration. Brain Commun 2024; 6:fcae239. [PMID: 39070547 PMCID: PMC11277865 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcae239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Senataxin is an RNA:DNA helicase that plays an important role in the resolution of RNA:DNA hybrids (R-loops) formed during transcription. R-loops are involved in the regulation of biological processes such as immunoglobulin class switching, gene expression and DNA repair. Excessive accumulation of R-loops results in DNA damage and loss of genomic integrity. Senataxin is critical for maintaining optimal levels of R-loops to prevent DNA damage and acts as a genome guardian. Within the nucleus, senataxin interacts with various RNA processing factors and DNA damage response and repair proteins. Senataxin interactors include survival motor neuron and zinc finger protein 1, with whom it co-localizes in sub-nuclear bodies. Despite its ubiquitous expression, mutations in senataxin specifically affect neurons and result in distinct neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis type 4 and ataxia with oculomotor apraxia type 2, which are attributed to the gain-of-function and the loss-of-function mutations in senataxin, respectively. In addition, low levels of senataxin (loss-of-function) in spinal muscular atrophy result in the accumulation of R-loops causing DNA damage and motor neuron degeneration. Senataxin may play multiple functions in diverse cellular processes; however, its emerging role in R-loop resolution and maintenance of genomic integrity is gaining attention in the field of neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we highlight the role of senataxin in R-loop resolution and its potential as a therapeutic target to treat neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shyni Gangadharan Leela
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Dana Branzei
- The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology Foundation, IFOM ETS, Milan 20139, Italy
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IGM-CNR), Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Laxman Gangwani
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
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2
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Wen X, Xu H, Woolley PR, Conway OM, Yao J, Matouschek A, Lambowitz AM, Paull TT. Senataxin deficiency disrupts proteostasis through nucleolar ncRNA-driven protein aggregation. J Cell Biol 2024; 223:e202309036. [PMID: 38717338 PMCID: PMC11080644 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202309036] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Senataxin is an evolutionarily conserved RNA-DNA helicase involved in DNA repair and transcription termination that is associated with human neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we investigated whether Senataxin loss affects protein homeostasis based on previous work showing R-loop-driven accumulation of DNA damage and protein aggregates in human cells. We find that Senataxin loss results in the accumulation of insoluble proteins, including many factors known to be prone to aggregation in neurodegenerative disorders. These aggregates are located primarily in the nucleolus and are promoted by upregulation of non-coding RNAs expressed from the intergenic spacer region of ribosomal DNA. We also map sites of R-loop accumulation in human cells lacking Senataxin and find higher RNA-DNA hybrids within the ribosomal DNA, peri-centromeric regions, and other intergenic sites but not at annotated protein-coding genes. These findings indicate that Senataxin loss affects the solubility of the proteome through the regulation of transcription-dependent lesions in the nucleus and the nucleolus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemei Wen
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Hengyi Xu
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Phillip R. Woolley
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Olivia M. Conway
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Jun Yao
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Andreas Matouschek
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Alan M. Lambowitz
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Department of Oncology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Tanya T. Paull
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Department of Oncology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
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3
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Ni Z, Ahmed N, Nabeel-Shah S, Guo X, Pu S, Song J, Marcon E, Burke G, Tong AH, Chan K, Ha KH, Blencowe B, Moffat J, Greenblatt J. Identifying human pre-mRNA cleavage and polyadenylation factors by genome-wide CRISPR screens using a dual fluorescence readthrough reporter. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:4483-4501. [PMID: 38587191 PMCID: PMC11077057 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae240] [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: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Messenger RNA precursors (pre-mRNA) generally undergo 3' end processing by cleavage and polyadenylation (CPA), which is specified by a polyadenylation site (PAS) and adjacent RNA sequences and regulated by a large variety of core and auxiliary CPA factors. To date, most of the human CPA factors have been discovered through biochemical and proteomic studies. However, genetic identification of the human CPA factors has been hampered by the lack of a reliable genome-wide screening method. We describe here a dual fluorescence readthrough reporter system with a PAS inserted between two fluorescent reporters. This system enables measurement of the efficiency of 3' end processing in living cells. Using this system in combination with a human genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 library, we conducted a screen for CPA factors. The screens identified most components of the known core CPA complexes and other known CPA factors. The screens also identified CCNK/CDK12 as a potential core CPA factor, and RPRD1B as a CPA factor that binds RNA and regulates the release of RNA polymerase II at the 3' ends of genes. Thus, this dual fluorescence reporter coupled with CRISPR/Cas9 screens reliably identifies bona fide CPA factors and provides a platform for investigating the requirements for CPA in various contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuyao Ni
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Nujhat Ahmed
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5A 1A8, Canada
| | - Syed Nabeel-Shah
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5A 1A8, Canada
| | - Xinghua Guo
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Shuye Pu
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Jingwen Song
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Edyta Marcon
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Giovanni L Burke
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5A 1A8, Canada
| | - Amy Hin Yan Tong
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5A 1A8, Canada
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Katherine Chan
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5A 1A8, Canada
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Kevin C H Ha
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5A 1A8, Canada
| | - Benjamin J Blencowe
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5A 1A8, Canada
| | - Jason Moffat
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5A 1A8, Canada
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON Canada
- Institute for Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Jack F Greenblatt
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5A 1A8, Canada
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4
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Giannini M, Porrua O. Senataxin: A key actor in RNA metabolism, genome integrity and neurodegeneration. Biochimie 2024; 217:10-19. [PMID: 37558082 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
The RNA/DNA helicase senataxin (SETX) has been involved in multiple crucial processes related to genome expression and integrity such us transcription termination, the regulation of transcription-replication conflicts and the resolution of R-loops. SETX has been the focus of numerous studies since the discovery that mutations in its coding gene are the root cause of two different neurodegenerative diseases: Ataxia with Oculomotor Apraxia type 2 (AOA2) and a juvenile form of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS4). A plethora of cellular phenotypes have been described as the result of SETX deficiency, yet the precise molecular function of SETX as well as the molecular pathways leading from SETX mutations to AOA2 and ALS4 pathologies have remained unclear. However, recent data have shed light onto the biochemical activities and biological roles of SETX, thus providing new clues to understand the molecular consequences of SETX mutation. In this review we summarize near two decades of scientific effort to elucidate SETX function, we discuss strengths and limitations of the approaches and models used thus far to investigate SETX-associated diseases and suggest new possible research avenues for the study of AOA2 and ALS4 pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Giannini
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Odil Porrua
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France.
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5
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Tsui A, Kouznetsova VL, Kesari S, Fiala M, Tsigelny IF. Role of Senataxin in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. J Mol Neurosci 2023; 73:996-1009. [PMID: 37982993 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-023-02169-0] [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: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, uncurable neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the degradation of motor neurons leading to muscle impairment, failure, and death. Senataxin, encoded by the SETX gene, is a human helicase protein whose mutations have been linked with ALS onset, particularly in its juvenile ALS4 form. Using senataxin's yeast homolog Sen1 as a model for study, it is suggested that senataxin's N-terminus interacts with RNA polymerase II, whilst its C-terminus engages in helicase activity. Senataxin is heavily involved in transcription regulation, termination, and R-loop resolution, enabled by recruitment and interactions with enzymes such as ubiquitin protein ligase SAN1 and ribonuclease H (RNase H). Senataxin also engages in DNA damage response (DDR), primarily interacting with the exosome subunit Rrp45. The Sen1 mutation E1597K, alongside the L389S and R2136H gain-of-function mutations to senataxin, is shown to cause negative structural and thus functional effects to the protein, thus contributing to a disruption in WT functions, motor neuron (MN) degeneration, and the manifestation of ALS clinical symptoms. This review corroborates and summarizes published papers concerning the structure and function of senataxin as well as the effects of their mutations in ALS pathology in order to compile current knowledge and provide a reference for future research. The findings compiled in this review are indicative of the experimental and therapeutic potential of senataxin and its mutations as a target in future ALS treatment/cure discovery, with some potential therapeutic routes also being discussed in the review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Tsui
- REHS Program, San Diego Supercomputer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Valentina L Kouznetsova
- San Diego Supercomputer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- CureScience Institute, San Diego, CA, USA
- BiAna, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Milan Fiala
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Igor F Tsigelny
- San Diego Supercomputer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- CureScience Institute, San Diego, CA, USA.
- BiAna, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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6
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Kordala AJ, Stoodley J, Ahlskog N, Hanifi M, Garcia Guerra A, Bhomra A, Lim WF, Murray LM, Talbot K, Hammond SM, Wood MJA, Rinaldi C. PRMT inhibitor promotes SMN2 exon 7 inclusion and synergizes with nusinersen to rescue SMA mice. EMBO Mol Med 2023; 15:e17683. [PMID: 37724723 PMCID: PMC10630883 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202317683] [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: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a leading genetic cause of infant mortality. The advent of approved treatments for this devastating condition has significantly changed SMA patients' life expectancy and quality of life. Nevertheless, these are not without limitations, and research efforts are underway to develop new approaches for improved and long-lasting benefits for patients. Protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) are emerging as druggable epigenetic targets, with several small-molecule PRMT inhibitors already in clinical trials. From a screen of epigenetic molecules, we have identified MS023, a potent and selective type I PRMT inhibitor able to promote SMN2 exon 7 inclusion in preclinical SMA models. Treatment of SMA mice with MS023 results in amelioration of the disease phenotype, with strong synergistic amplification of the positive effect when delivered in combination with the antisense oligonucleotide nusinersen. Moreover, transcriptomic analysis revealed that MS023 treatment has minimal off-target effects, and the added benefit is mainly due to targeting neuroinflammation. Our study warrants further clinical investigation of PRMT inhibition both as a stand-alone and add-on therapy for SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna J Kordala
- Department of Physiology Anatomy and GeneticsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Department of PaediatricsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM)OxfordUK
| | - Jessica Stoodley
- Department of PaediatricsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM)OxfordUK
| | - Nina Ahlskog
- Department of PaediatricsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM)OxfordUK
| | | | - Antonio Garcia Guerra
- Department of PaediatricsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM)OxfordUK
| | - Amarjit Bhomra
- Department of PaediatricsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM)OxfordUK
| | - Wooi Fang Lim
- Department of PaediatricsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM)OxfordUK
| | - Lyndsay M Murray
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary MedicineUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
- Euan McDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease ResearchUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Kevin Talbot
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe HospitalUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience DiscoveryUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | | | - Matthew JA Wood
- Department of PaediatricsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM)OxfordUK
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular CentreOxfordUK
| | - Carlo Rinaldi
- Department of PaediatricsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM)OxfordUK
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular CentreOxfordUK
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7
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Salvato I, Ricciardi L, Dal Col J, Nigro A, Giurato G, Memoli D, Sellitto A, Lamparelli EP, Crescenzi MA, Vitale M, Vatrella A, Nucera F, Brun P, Caicci F, Dama P, Stiff T, Castellano L, Idrees S, Johansen MD, Faiz A, Wark PA, Hansbro PM, Adcock IM, Caramori G, Stellato C. Expression of targets of the RNA-binding protein AUF-1 in human airway epithelium indicates its role in cellular senescence and inflammation. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1192028. [PMID: 37483631 PMCID: PMC10360199 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1192028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The RNA-binding protein AU-rich-element factor-1 (AUF-1) participates to posttranscriptional regulation of genes involved in inflammation and cellular senescence, two pathogenic mechanisms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Decreased AUF-1 expression was described in bronchiolar epithelium of COPD patients versus controls and in vitro cytokine- and cigarette smoke-challenged human airway epithelial cells, prompting the identification of epithelial AUF-1-targeted transcripts and function, and investigation on the mechanism of its loss. Results RNA immunoprecipitation-sequencing (RIP-Seq) identified, in the human airway epithelial cell line BEAS-2B, 494 AUF-1-bound mRNAs enriched in their 3'-untranslated regions for a Guanine-Cytosine (GC)-rich binding motif. AUF-1 association with selected transcripts and with a synthetic GC-rich motif were validated by biotin pulldown. AUF-1-targets' steady-state levels were equally affected by partial or near-total AUF-1 loss induced by cytomix (TNFα/IL1β/IFNγ/10 nM each) and siRNA, respectively, with differential transcript decay rates. Cytomix-mediated decrease in AUF-1 levels in BEAS-2B and primary human small-airways epithelium (HSAEC) was replicated by treatment with the senescence- inducer compound etoposide and associated with readouts of cell-cycle arrest, increase in lysosomal damage and senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors, and with AUF-1 transfer in extracellular vesicles, detected by transmission electron microscopy and immunoblotting. Extensive in-silico and genome ontology analysis found, consistent with AUF-1 functions, enriched RIP-Seq-derived AUF-1-targets in COPD-related pathways involved in inflammation, senescence, gene regulation and also in the public SASP proteome atlas; AUF-1 target signature was also significantly represented in multiple transcriptomic COPD databases generated from primary HSAEC, from lung tissue and from single-cell RNA-sequencing, displaying a predominant downregulation of expression. Discussion Loss of intracellular AUF-1 may alter posttranscriptional regulation of targets particularly relevant for protection of genomic integrity and gene regulation, thus concurring to airway epithelial inflammatory responses related to oxidative stress and accelerated aging. Exosomal-associated AUF-1 may in turn preserve bound RNA targets and sustain their function, participating to spreading of inflammation and senescence to neighbouring cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Salvato
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ‘Scuola Medica Salernitana’, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dentistry and Morphological and Functional Imaging (BIOMORF), University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Luca Ricciardi
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ‘Scuola Medica Salernitana’, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dentistry and Morphological and Functional Imaging (BIOMORF), University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Jessica Dal Col
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ‘Scuola Medica Salernitana’, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Annunziata Nigro
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ‘Scuola Medica Salernitana’, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Giorgio Giurato
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ‘Scuola Medica Salernitana’, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Domenico Memoli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ‘Scuola Medica Salernitana’, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Assunta Sellitto
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ‘Scuola Medica Salernitana’, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Erwin Pavel Lamparelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ‘Scuola Medica Salernitana’, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Maria Assunta Crescenzi
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ‘Scuola Medica Salernitana’, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Monica Vitale
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ‘Scuola Medica Salernitana’, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Alessandro Vatrella
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ‘Scuola Medica Salernitana’, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Francesco Nucera
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dentistry and Morphological and Functional Imaging (BIOMORF), University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Paola Brun
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Paola Dama
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Stiff
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Leandro Castellano
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Sobia Idrees
- Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Matt D. Johansen
- Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alen Faiz
- Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter A. Wark
- Immune Health, Hunter Medical Research Institute and The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Philip M. Hansbro
- Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Immune Health, Hunter Medical Research Institute and The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Ian M. Adcock
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gaetano Caramori
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dentistry and Morphological and Functional Imaging (BIOMORF), University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Cristiana Stellato
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ‘Scuola Medica Salernitana’, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
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8
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Gatti V, De Domenico S, Melino G, Peschiaroli A. Senataxin and R-loops homeostasis: multifaced implications in carcinogenesis. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:145. [PMID: 37147318 PMCID: PMC10163015 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01441-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
R-loops are inherent byproducts of transcription consisting of an RNA:DNA hybrid and a displaced single-stranded DNA. These structures are of key importance in controlling numerous physiological processes and their homeostasis is tightly controlled by the activities of several enzymes deputed to process R-loops and prevent their unproper accumulation. Senataxin (SETX) is an RNA/DNA helicase which catalyzes the unwinding of RNA:DNA hybrid portion of the R-loops, promoting thus their resolution. The key importance of SETX in R-loops homeostasis and its relevance with pathophysiological events is highlighted by the evidence that gain or loss of function SETX mutations underlie the pathogenesis of two distinct neurological disorders. Here, we aim to describe the potential impact of SETX on tumor onset and progression, trying to emphasize how dysregulation of this enzyme observed in human tumors might impact tumorigenesis. To this aim, we will describe the functional relevance of SETX in regulating gene expression, genome integrity, and inflammation response and discuss how cancer-associated SETX mutations might affect these pathways, contributing thus to tumor development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Gatti
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Translational Pharmacology, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara De Domenico
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Gerry Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Peschiaroli
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Translational Pharmacology, Rome, Italy.
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9
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Younger DS. Neurogenetic motor disorders. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2023; 195:183-250. [PMID: 37562870 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-98818-6.00003-0] [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: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Advances in the field of neurogenetics have practical applications in rapid diagnosis on blood and body fluids to extract DNA, obviating the need for invasive investigations. The ability to obtain a presymptomatic diagnosis through genetic screening and biomarkers can be a guide to life-saving disease-modifying therapy or enzyme replacement therapy to compensate for the deficient disease-causing enzyme. The benefits of a comprehensive neurogenetic evaluation extend to family members in whom identification of the causal gene defect ensures carrier detection and at-risk counseling for future generations. This chapter explores the many facets of the neurogenetic evaluation in adult and pediatric motor disorders as a primer for later chapters in this volume and a roadmap for the future applications of genetics in neurology.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Younger
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Neuroscience, CUNY School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States; Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine and Neurology, White Plains Hospital, White Plains, NY, United States.
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10
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Abstract
The scientific landscape surrounding amyotrophic lateral sclerosis has shifted immensely with a number of well-defined ALS disease-causing genes, each with related phenotypical and cellular motor neuron processes that have come to light. Yet in spite of decades of research and clinical investigation, there is still no etiology for sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and treatment options even for those with well-defined familial syndromes are still limited. This chapter provides a comprehensive review of the genetic basis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, highlighting factors that contribute to its heritability and phenotypic manifestations, and an overview of past, present, and upcoming therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Younger
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Neuroscience, CUNY School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States; Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine and Neurology, White Plains Hospital, White Plains, NY, United States.
| | - Robert H Brown
- Department of Neurology, UMass Chan Medical School, Donna M. and Robert J. Manning Chair in Neurosciences and Director in Neurotherapeutics, Worcester, MA, United States
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11
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R-Loop Formation in Meiosis: Roles in Meiotic Transcription-Associated DNA Damage. EPIGENOMES 2022; 6:epigenomes6030026. [PMID: 36135313 PMCID: PMC9498298 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes6030026] [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: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Meiosis is specialized cell division during gametogenesis that produces genetically unique gametes via homologous recombination. Meiotic homologous recombination entails repairing programmed 200–300 DNA double-strand breaks generated during the early prophase. To avoid interference between meiotic gene transcription and homologous recombination, mammalian meiosis is thought to employ a strategy of exclusively transcribing meiotic or post-meiotic genes before their use. Recent studies have shown that R-loops, three-stranded DNA/RNA hybrid nucleotide structures formed during transcription, play a crucial role in transcription and genome integrity. Although our knowledge about the function of R-loops during meiosis is limited, recent findings in mouse models have suggested that they play crucial roles in meiosis. Given that defective formation of an R-loop can cause abnormal transcription and transcription-coupled DNA damage, the precise regulatory network of R-loops may be essential in vivo for the faithful progression of mammalian meiosis and gametogenesis.
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12
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Cuartas J, Gangwani L. R-loop Mediated DNA Damage and Impaired DNA Repair in Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:826608. [PMID: 35783101 PMCID: PMC9243258 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.826608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Defects in DNA repair pathways are a major cause of DNA damage accumulation leading to genomic instability and neurodegeneration. Efficient DNA damage repair is critical to maintain genomicstability and support cell function and viability. DNA damage results in the activation of cell death pathways, causing neuronal death in an expanding spectrum of neurological disorders, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). SMA is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by mutations in the Survival Motor Neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. SMA is characterized by the degeneration of spinal cord motor neurons due to low levels of the SMN protein. The molecular mechanism of selective motor neuron degeneration in SMA was unclear for about 20 years. However, several studies have identified biochemical and molecular mechanisms that may contribute to the predominant degeneration of motor neurons in SMA, including the RhoA/ROCK, the c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK), and p53-mediated pathways, which are involved in mediating DNA damage-dependent cell death. Recent studies provided insight into selective degeneration of motor neurons, which might be caused by accumulation of R-loop-mediated DNA damage and impaired non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) DNA repair pathway leading to genomic instability. Here, we review the latest findings involving R-loop-mediated DNA damage and defects in neuron-specific DNA repair mechanisms in SMA and discuss these findings in the context of other neurodegenerative disorders linked to DNA damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Cuartas
- Center of Emphasis in Neurosciences, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States
| | - Laxman Gangwani
- Center of Emphasis in Neurosciences, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States
- Francis Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States
- *Correspondence: Laxman Gangwani
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13
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Kanagaraj R, Mitter R, Kantidakis T, Edwards MM, Benitez A, Chakravarty P, Fu B, Becherel O, Yang F, Lavin MF, Koren A, Stewart A, West SC. Integrated genome and transcriptome analyses reveal the mechanism of genome instability in ataxia with oculomotor apraxia 2. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2114314119. [PMID: 35042798 PMCID: PMC8795503 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2114314119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the SETX gene, which encodes Senataxin, are associated with the progressive neurodegenerative diseases ataxia with oculomotor apraxia 2 (AOA2) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis 4 (ALS4). To identify the causal defect in AOA2, patient-derived cells and SETX knockouts (human and mouse) were analyzed using integrated genomic and transcriptomic approaches. A genome-wide increase in chromosome instability (gains and losses) within genes and at chromosome fragile sites was observed, resulting in changes to gene-expression profiles. Transcription stress near promoters correlated with high GCskew and the accumulation of R-loops at promoter-proximal regions, which localized with chromosomal regions where gains and losses were observed. In the absence of Senataxin, the Cockayne syndrome protein CSB was required for the recruitment of the transcription-coupled repair endonucleases (XPG and XPF) and RAD52 recombination protein to target and resolve transcription bubbles containing R-loops, leading to genomic instability. These results show that transcription stress is an important contributor to SETX mutation-associated chromosome fragility and AOA2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radhakrishnan Kanagaraj
- DNA Recombination and Repair Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, United Kingdom;
| | - Richard Mitter
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, United Kingdom
| | | | - Matthew M Edwards
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Anaid Benitez
- DNA Recombination and Repair Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, United Kingdom
| | - Probir Chakravarty
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, United Kingdom
| | - Beiyuan Fu
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Cambridge CB10 1SA, United Kingdom
| | - Olivier Becherel
- Center for Clinical Research, University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4029, Australia
| | - Fengtang Yang
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Cambridge CB10 1SA, United Kingdom
| | - Martin F Lavin
- Center for Clinical Research, University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4029, Australia
| | - Amnon Koren
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Aengus Stewart
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen C West
- DNA Recombination and Repair Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, United Kingdom;
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14
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Kannan A, Cuartas J, Gangwani P, Branzei D, Gangwani L. Mutation in senataxin alters the mechanism of R-loop resolution in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis 4. Brain 2022; 145:3072-3094. [PMID: 35045161 PMCID: PMC9536298 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awab464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutation in the senataxin (SETX) gene causes an autosomal dominant neuromuscular disorder, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis 4 (ALS4), characterized by degeneration of motor neurons, muscle weakness and atrophy. SETX is an RNA-DNA helicase that mediates resolution of co-transcriptional RNA:DNA hybrids (R-loops). The process of R-loop resolution is essential for the normal functioning of cells, including neurons. The molecular basis of ALS4 pathogenesis and the mechanism of R-loop resolution are unclear. We report that the zinc finger protein ZPR1 binds to RNA:DNA hybrids, recruits SETX onto R-loops and is critical for R-loop resolution. ZPR1 deficiency disrupts the integrity of R-loop resolution complexes containing SETX and causes increased R-loop accumulation throughout gene transcription. We uncover that SETX is a downstream target of ZPR1 and that overexpression of ZPR1 can rescue R-loop resolution complexe assembly in SETX-deficient cells but not vice versa. To uncover the mechanism of R-loop resolution, we examined the function of SETX-ZPR1 complexes using two genetic motor neuron disease models with altered R-loop resolution. Notably, chronic low levels of SETX-ZPR1 complexes onto R-loops result in a decrease of R-loop resolution activity causing an increase in R-loop levels in spinal muscular atrophy. ZPR1 overexpression increases recruitment of SETX onto R-loops, decreases R-loops and rescues the spinal muscular atrophy phenotype in motor neurons and patient cells. Strikingly, interaction of SETX with ZPR1 is disrupted in ALS4 patients that have heterozygous SETX (L389S) mutation. ZPR1 fails to recruit the mutant SETX homodimer but recruits the heterodimer with partially disrupted interaction between SETX and ZPR1. Interestingly, disruption of SETX-ZPR1 complexes causes increase in R-loop resolution activity leading to fewer R-loops in ALS4. Modulation of ZPR1 levels regulates R-loop accumulation and rescues the pathogenic R-loop phenotype in ALS4 patient cells. These findings originate a new concept, ‘opposite alterations in a cell biological activity (R-loop resolution) result in similar pathogenesis (neurodegeneration) in different genetic motor neuron disorders’. We propose that ZPR1 collaborates with SETX and may function as a molecular brake to regulate SETX-dependent R-loop resolution activity critical for the normal functioning of motor neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annapoorna Kannan
- Center of Emphasis in Neurosciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79905, USA
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79905, USA
| | - Juliana Cuartas
- Center of Emphasis in Neurosciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79905, USA
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79905, USA
| | - Pratik Gangwani
- Automated Driving Compute System Architecture, GM Global Technical Center - Sloan Engineering Center, Warren, Michigan 48092, USA
| | - Dana Branzei
- The FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology Foundation, IFOM Foundation, Via Adamello 16, Milan 20139, Italy
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IGM-CNR), Via Abbiategrasso 207, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Laxman Gangwani
- Center of Emphasis in Neurosciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79905, USA
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79905, USA
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15
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Feng S, Manley JL. Replication protein A associates with nucleolar R loops and regulates rRNA transcription and nucleolar morphology. Genes Dev 2021; 35:1579-1594. [PMID: 34819354 PMCID: PMC8653787 DOI: 10.1101/gad.348858.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Here, Feng and Manley report novel functions of the DNA replication and repair factor replication protein A (RPA) in control of nucleolar homeostasis. Their findings both indicate new roles for RPA in nucleoli through pre-rRNA transcriptional control and also emphasize that RPA function in nucleolar homeostasis is linked to R-loop resolution under both physiological and pathological conditions. The nucleolus is an important cellular compartment in which ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs) are transcribed and where certain stress pathways that are crucial for cell growth are coordinated. Here we report novel functions of the DNA replication and repair factor replication protein A (RPA) in control of nucleolar homeostasis. We show that loss of the DNA:RNA helicase senataxin (SETX) promotes RPA nucleolar localization, and that this relocalization is dependent on the presence of R loops. Notably, this nucleolar RPA phenotype was also observed in the presence of camptothecin (CPT)-induced genotoxic stress, as well as in SETX-deficient AOA2 patient fibroblasts. Extending these results, we found that RPA is recruited to rDNA following CPT treatment, where RPA prevents R-loop-induced DNA double-strand breaks. Furthermore, we show that loss of RPA significantly decreased 47S pre-rRNA levels, which was accompanied by increased expression of both RNAP II-mediated “promoter and pre-rRNA antisense” RNA as well as RNAP I-transcribed intragenic spacer RNAs. Finally, and likely reflecting the above, we found that loss of RPA promoted nucleolar structural disorganization, characterized by the appearance of reduced size nucleoli. Our findings both indicate new roles for RPA in nucleoli through pre-rRNA transcriptional control and also emphasize that RPA function in nucleolar homeostasis is linked to R-loop resolution under both physiological and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Feng
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA
| | - James L Manley
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA
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16
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HMGB1 signaling phosphorylates Ku70 and impairs DNA damage repair in Alzheimer's disease pathology. Commun Biol 2021; 4:1175. [PMID: 34635772 PMCID: PMC8505418 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02671-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA damage is increased in Alzheimer's disease (AD), while the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Here, we employ comprehensive phosphoproteome analysis, and identify abnormal phosphorylation of 70 kDa subunit of Ku antigen (Ku70) at Ser77/78, which prevents Ku70-DNA interaction, in human AD postmortem brains. The abnormal phosphorylation inhibits accumulation of Ku70 to the foci of DNA double strand break (DSB), impairs DNA damage repair and eventually causes transcriptional repression-induced atypical cell death (TRIAD). Cells under TRIAD necrosis reveal senescence phenotypes. Extracellular high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein, which is released from necrotic or hyper-activated neurons in AD, binds to toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) of neighboring neurons, and activates protein kinase C alpha (PKCα) that executes Ku70 phosphorylation at Ser77/78. Administration of human monoclonal anti-HMGB1 antibody to post-symptomatic AD model mice decreases neuronal DSBs, suppresses secondary TRIAD necrosis of neurons, prevents escalation of neurodegeneration, and ameliorates cognitive symptoms. TRIAD shares multiple features with senescence. These results discover the HMGB1-Ku70 axis that accounts for the increase of neuronal DNA damage and secondary enhancement of TRIAD, the cell death phenotype of senescence, in AD.
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17
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Jurga M, Abugable AA, Goldman ASH, El-Khamisy SF. USP11 controls R-loops by regulating senataxin proteostasis. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5156. [PMID: 34526504 PMCID: PMC8443744 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25459-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
R-loops are by-products of transcription that must be tightly regulated to maintain genomic stability and gene expression. Here, we describe a mechanism for the regulation of the R-loop-specific helicase, senataxin (SETX), and identify the ubiquitin specific peptidase 11 (USP11) as an R-loop regulator. USP11 de-ubiquitinates SETX and its depletion increases SETX K48-ubiquitination and protein turnover. Loss of USP11 decreases SETX steady-state levels and reduces R-loop dissolution. Ageing of USP11 knockout cells restores SETX levels via compensatory transcriptional downregulation of the E3 ubiquitin ligase, KEAP1. Loss of USP11 reduces SETX enrichment at KEAP1 promoter, leading to R-loop accumulation, enrichment of the endonuclease XPF and formation of double-strand breaks. Overexpression of KEAP1 increases SETX K48-ubiquitination, promotes its degradation and R-loop accumulation. These data define a ubiquitination-dependent mechanism for SETX regulation, which is controlled by the opposing activities of USP11 and KEAP1 with broad applications for cancer and neurological disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Jurga
- School of Bioscience, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The Healthy Lifespan Institute and the Institute of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- The Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, University of Bradford, Bradford, UK
| | - Arwa A Abugable
- School of Bioscience, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The Healthy Lifespan Institute and the Institute of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Sherif F El-Khamisy
- School of Bioscience, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The Healthy Lifespan Institute and the Institute of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
- The Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, University of Bradford, Bradford, UK.
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18
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Nishimoto Y, Nakagawa S, Okano H. NEAT1 lncRNA and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neurochem Int 2021; 150:105175. [PMID: 34481908 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2021.105175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a representative neurological disease that is known to devastate entire motor neurons within a period of just a few years. Discoveries of the specific pathologies of relevant RNA-binding proteins, including TAR DNA-binding protein-43 (TDP-43) and fused in sarcoma/translocated in liposarcoma (FUS/TLS), and the causative genes of both familial and sporadic ALS have provided crucial information that could lead to a cure. In recent ALS research the GGGGCC-repeat expansion in the C9orf72 gene was identified as one of the most important pathological findings, suggesting the significance of both nuclear dysfunction due to dipeptide repeat proteins (DPRs) and RNA toxicity (such as pathological alterations of non-coding RNAs). In research on model animals carrying ALS-related molecules, the determination of whether a factor is protective or toxic has been controversial. Herein, we review the findings regarding NEAT1 RNA and C9orf72 GGGGCC repeats associated with ALS, from the viewpoint of conversion from the protective stage in the nucleus in early-phase ALS to late-phase induction of cell death. This review will provide insights for the development of RNA effectors as novel ALS treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshinori Nishimoto
- Department of Neurology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Shinichi Nakagawa
- RNA Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Okano
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan.
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19
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San Martin-Alonso M, Soler-Oliva ME, García-Rubio M, García-Muse T, Aguilera A. Harmful R-loops are prevented via different cell cycle-specific mechanisms. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4451. [PMID: 34294712 PMCID: PMC8298424 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24737-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Identifying how R-loops are generated is crucial to know how transcription compromises genome integrity. We show by genome-wide analysis of conditional yeast mutants that the THO transcription complex, prevents R-loop formation in G1 and S-phase, whereas the Sen1 DNA-RNA helicase prevents them only in S-phase. Interestingly, damage accumulates asymmetrically downstream of the replication fork in sen1 cells but symmetrically in the hpr1 THO mutant. Our results indicate that: R-loops form co-transcriptionally independently of DNA replication; that THO is a general and cell-cycle independent safeguard against R-loops, and that Sen1, in contrast to previously believed, is an S-phase-specific R-loop resolvase. These conclusions have important implications for the mechanism of R-loop formation and the role of other factors reported to affect on R-loop homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta San Martin-Alonso
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa CABIMER, Universidad de Sevilla-CSIC-UPO, Seville, Spain
| | - María E Soler-Oliva
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa CABIMER, Universidad de Sevilla-CSIC-UPO, Seville, Spain
| | - María García-Rubio
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa CABIMER, Universidad de Sevilla-CSIC-UPO, Seville, Spain
| | - Tatiana García-Muse
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa CABIMER, Universidad de Sevilla-CSIC-UPO, Seville, Spain.
| | - Andrés Aguilera
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa CABIMER, Universidad de Sevilla-CSIC-UPO, Seville, Spain.
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20
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Crossley MP, Brickner JR, Song C, Zar SMT, Maw SS, Chédin F, Tsai MS, Cimprich KA. Catalytically inactive, purified RNase H1: A specific and sensitive probe for RNA-DNA hybrid imaging. J Cell Biol 2021; 220:212458. [PMID: 34232287 PMCID: PMC8266564 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202101092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
R-loops are three-stranded nucleic acid structures with both physiological and pathological roles in cells. R-loop imaging generally relies on detection of the RNA-DNA hybrid component of these structures using the S9.6 antibody. We show that the use of this antibody for imaging can be problematic because it readily binds to double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) in vitro and in vivo, giving rise to nonspecific signal. In contrast, purified, catalytically inactive human RNase H1 tagged with GFP (GFP-dRNH1) is a more specific reagent for imaging RNA-DNA hybrids. GFP-dRNH1 binds strongly to RNA-DNA hybrids but not to dsRNA oligonucleotides in fixed human cells and is not susceptible to binding endogenous RNA. Furthermore, we demonstrate that purified GFP-dRNH1 can be applied to fixed cells to detect hybrids after their induction, thereby bypassing the need for cell line engineering. GFP-dRNH1 therefore promises to be a versatile tool for imaging and quantifying RNA-DNA hybrids under a wide range of conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena P Crossley
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Joshua R Brickner
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Chenlin Song
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Su Mon Thin Zar
- Biological Systems and Engineering, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA
| | - Su S Maw
- Biological Systems and Engineering, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA
| | - Frédéric Chédin
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Genome Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA
| | - Miaw-Sheue Tsai
- Biological Systems and Engineering, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA
| | - Karlene A Cimprich
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
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21
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Ramachandran S, Ma TS, Griffin J, Ng N, Foskolou IP, Hwang MS, Victori P, Cheng WC, Buffa FM, Leszczynska KB, El-Khamisy SF, Gromak N, Hammond EM. Hypoxia-induced SETX links replication stress with the unfolded protein response. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3686. [PMID: 34140498 PMCID: PMC8211819 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24066-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumour hypoxia is associated with poor patient prognosis and therapy resistance. A unique transcriptional response is initiated by hypoxia which includes the rapid activation of numerous transcription factors in a background of reduced global transcription. Here, we show that the biological response to hypoxia includes the accumulation of R-loops and the induction of the RNA/DNA helicase SETX. In the absence of hypoxia-induced SETX, R-loop levels increase, DNA damage accumulates, and DNA replication rates decrease. Therefore, suggesting that, SETX plays a role in protecting cells from DNA damage induced during transcription in hypoxia. Importantly, we propose that the mechanism of SETX induction in hypoxia is reliant on the PERK/ATF4 arm of the unfolded protein response. These data not only highlight the unique cellular response to hypoxia, which includes both a replication stress-dependent DNA damage response and an unfolded protein response but uncover a novel link between these two distinct pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaliny Ramachandran
- Department of Oncology, Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Tiffany S Ma
- Department of Oncology, Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jon Griffin
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Healthy Lifespan and Neuroscience Institute, Firth Court, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Department of Histopathology, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Natalie Ng
- Department of Oncology, Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Iosifina P Foskolou
- Department of Oncology, Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ming-Shih Hwang
- Department of Oncology, Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Pedro Victori
- Department of Oncology, Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Wei-Chen Cheng
- Department of Oncology, Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Francesca M Buffa
- Department of Oncology, Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Katarzyna B Leszczynska
- Department of Oncology, Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Neurobiology Center, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Sherif F El-Khamisy
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Healthy Lifespan and Neuroscience Institute, Firth Court, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, University of Bradford, Bradford, UK
| | - Natalia Gromak
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ester M Hammond
- Department of Oncology, Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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22
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Paull TT. DNA damage and regulation of protein homeostasis. DNA Repair (Amst) 2021; 105:103155. [PMID: 34116476 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2021.103155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The accumulation of unrepaired DNA lesions is associated with many pathological outcomes in humans, particularly in neurodegenerative diseases and in normal aging. Evidence supporting a causal role for DNA damage in the onset and progression of neurodegenerative disease has come from rare human patients with mutations in DNA damage response genes as well as from model organisms; however, the generality of this relationship in the normal population is unclear. In addition, the relevance of DNA damage in the context of proteotoxic stress-the widely accepted paradigm for pathology during neurodegeneration-is not well understood. Here, observations supporting intertwined roles of DNA damage and proteotoxicity in aging-related neurological outcomes are reviewed, with particular emphasis on recent insights into the relationships between DNA repair and autophagy, the ubiquitin proteasome system, formation of protein aggregates, poly-ADP-ribose polymerization, and transcription-driven DNA lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya T Paull
- The University of Texas at Austin, Department of Molecular Biosciences, Austin, TX, 78712, United States.
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23
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Wolffgramm J, Buchmuller B, Palei S, Muñoz‐López Á, Kanne J, Janning P, Schweiger MR, Summerer D. Light-Activation of DNA-Methyltransferases. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:13507-13512. [PMID: 33826797 PMCID: PMC8251764 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202103945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
5-Methylcytosine (5mC), the central epigenetic mark of mammalian DNA, plays fundamental roles in chromatin regulation. 5mC is written onto genomes by DNA methyltransferases (DNMT), and perturbation of this process is an early event in carcinogenesis. However, studying 5mC functions is limited by the inability to control individual DNMTs with spatiotemporal resolution in vivo. We report light-control of DNMT catalysis by genetically encoding a photocaged cysteine as a catalytic residue. This enables translation of inactive DNMTs, their rapid activation by light-decaging, and subsequent monitoring of de novo DNA methylation. We provide insights into how cancer-related DNMT mutations alter de novo methylation in vivo, and demonstrate local and tuneable cytosine methylation by light-controlled DNMTs fused to a programmable transcription activator-like effector domain targeting pericentromeric satellite-3 DNA. We further study early events of transcriptome alterations upon DNMT-catalyzed cytosine methylation. Our study sets a basis to dissect the order and kinetics of diverse chromatin-associated events triggered by normal and aberrant DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Wolffgramm
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical BiologyTU Dortmund UniversityOtto-Hahn Str. 4a44227DortmundGermany
| | - Benjamin Buchmuller
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical BiologyTU Dortmund UniversityOtto-Hahn Str. 4a44227DortmundGermany
| | - Shubhendu Palei
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical BiologyTU Dortmund UniversityOtto-Hahn Str. 4a44227DortmundGermany
| | - Álvaro Muñoz‐López
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical BiologyTU Dortmund UniversityOtto-Hahn Str. 4a44227DortmundGermany
| | - Julian Kanne
- Department of Epigenetics and Tumor Biology, Medical FacultyUniversity of CologneKerpener Str. 6250937KölnGermany
| | - Petra Janning
- Max-Planck-Institute for Molecular PhysiologyOtto-Hahn-Str. 1144227DortmundGermany
| | - Michal R. Schweiger
- Department of Epigenetics and Tumor Biology, Medical FacultyUniversity of CologneKerpener Str. 6250937KölnGermany
| | - Daniel Summerer
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical BiologyTU Dortmund UniversityOtto-Hahn Str. 4a44227DortmundGermany
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24
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Wolffgramm J, Buchmuller B, Palei S, Muñoz‐López Á, Kanne J, Janning P, Schweiger MR, Summerer D. Light‐Activation of DNA‐Methyltransferases. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202103945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Wolffgramm
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Biology TU Dortmund University Otto-Hahn Str. 4a 44227 Dortmund Germany
| | - Benjamin Buchmuller
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Biology TU Dortmund University Otto-Hahn Str. 4a 44227 Dortmund Germany
| | - Shubhendu Palei
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Biology TU Dortmund University Otto-Hahn Str. 4a 44227 Dortmund Germany
| | - Álvaro Muñoz‐López
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Biology TU Dortmund University Otto-Hahn Str. 4a 44227 Dortmund Germany
| | - Julian Kanne
- Department of Epigenetics and Tumor Biology, Medical Faculty University of Cologne Kerpener Str. 62 50937 Köln Germany
| | - Petra Janning
- Max-Planck-Institute for Molecular Physiology Otto-Hahn-Str. 11 44227 Dortmund Germany
| | - Michal R. Schweiger
- Department of Epigenetics and Tumor Biology, Medical Faculty University of Cologne Kerpener Str. 62 50937 Köln Germany
| | - Daniel Summerer
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Biology TU Dortmund University Otto-Hahn Str. 4a 44227 Dortmund Germany
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25
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COMMD4 functions with the histone H2A-H2B dimer for the timely repair of DNA double-strand breaks. Commun Biol 2021; 4:484. [PMID: 33875784 PMCID: PMC8055684 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-01998-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic stability is critical for normal cellular function and its deregulation is a universal hallmark of cancer. Here we outline a previously undescribed role of COMMD4 in maintaining genomic stability, by regulation of chromatin remodelling at sites of DNA double-strand breaks. At break-sites, COMMD4 binds to and protects histone H2B from monoubiquitination by RNF20/RNF40. DNA damage-induced phosphorylation of the H2A-H2B heterodimer disrupts the dimer allowing COMMD4 to preferentially bind H2A. Displacement of COMMD4 from H2B allows RNF20/40 to monoubiquitinate H2B and for remodelling of the break-site. Consistent with this critical function, COMMD4-deficient cells show excessive elongation of remodelled chromatin and failure of both non-homologous-end-joining and homologous recombination. We present peptide-mapping and mutagenesis data for the potential molecular mechanisms governing COMMD4-mediated chromatin regulation at DNA double-strand breaks. Amila Suraweera et al. use a range of biochemical and in vitro cellular assays to examine the role of the COMMD4 in DNA repair. Their results suggest that COMMD4 interacts with the histone H2A-H2B during repair of double-stranded DNA breaks, thereby maintaining genomic stability by regulating chromatin structure.
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26
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Pławińska-Czarnak J, Majewska A, Zarzyńska J, Bogdan J, Kaba J, Anusz K, Bagnicka E. Gene Expression Profile in Peripheral Blood Nuclear Cells of Small Ruminant Lentivirus-Seropositive and Seronegative Dairy Goats in Their First Lactation. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11040940. [PMID: 33810360 PMCID: PMC8066113 DOI: 10.3390/ani11040940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Caprine arthritis encephalitis, caused by small ruminant lentivirus (SRLV), is a disease that develops with various signs in adult goats, e.g., arthritis, mastitis, and progressive weight loss, while in goat kids, the disease presents with only neuropathy and extremely rarely. The disease results in reduced milk production and economic losses in herds of goats. Previously described changes in single gene expression do not fully explain all the processes occurring in the infected goats. Therefore, the present study describes the first use of a transcriptomic array designed specifically for goats in Poland. Its aim was to investigate the gene expression profiles of peripheral blood nuclear cells from SRLV-seropositive and SRLV-seronegative goats using a custom-made Capra hircus gene expression array. Just four genes out of ~50,000 were found to have differential expression; moreover, changes in their expression suggest an active inflammatory mechanism in SRLV-seropositive goats at the early stage of SRLV infection. Abstract The immune response to a viral antigen causes inflammatory cell infiltration to the tissue, which creates a suitable environment for the replication of the virus in macrophages, and the recruitment of more monocytes to the site of infection, or latently infected monocytes. The aim of the study was to analyze the transcriptomic profile of peripheral blood nuclear cells isolated from SRLV-seropositive and SRLV-negative goats at the peak of their first lactation. SRLV-seropositive goats were probably infected via colostrum. Custom transcriptomic microarrays for goats were designed and developed, namely the Capra hircus gene expression array, which features ~50,000 unique transcripts per microarray. Only four genes were differentially expressed, with up-regulated expression of the GIMAP2, SSC5D and SETX genes, and down-regulated expression of the GPR37 gene in SRLV-seropositive vs. SRLV-seronegative goats. However, in an RT-qPCR analysis, the result for the SETX gene was not confirmed. The differences in the expressions of the studied genes indicate an active inflammatory process in the SRLV-seropositive goats at the early stage of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Pławińska-Czarnak
- Department of Food Hygiene and Public Health Protection, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska 159, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland; (J.Z.); (J.B.); (K.A.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Alicja Majewska
- Department of Physiology Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska 159, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Joanna Zarzyńska
- Department of Food Hygiene and Public Health Protection, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska 159, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland; (J.Z.); (J.B.); (K.A.)
| | - Janusz Bogdan
- Department of Food Hygiene and Public Health Protection, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska 159, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland; (J.Z.); (J.B.); (K.A.)
| | - Jarosław Kaba
- Division of Epidemiology and Veterinary Management, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska 159c, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Krzysztof Anusz
- Department of Food Hygiene and Public Health Protection, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska 159, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland; (J.Z.); (J.B.); (K.A.)
| | - Emilia Bagnicka
- Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Postepu 36A, Jastrzebiec, 05-552 Magdalenka, Poland;
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27
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Rinaldi C, Pizzul P, Longhese MP, Bonetti D. Sensing R-Loop-Associated DNA Damage to Safeguard Genome Stability. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:618157. [PMID: 33505970 PMCID: PMC7829580 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.618157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA transcription and replication are two essential physiological processes that can turn into a threat for genome integrity when they compete for the same DNA substrate. During transcription, the nascent RNA strongly binds the template DNA strand, leading to the formation of a peculiar RNA-DNA hybrid structure that displaces the non-template single-stranded DNA. This three-stranded nucleic acid transition is called R-loop. Although a programed formation of R-loops plays important physiological functions, these structures can turn into sources of DNA damage and genome instability when their homeostasis is altered. Indeed, both R-loop level and distribution in the genome are tightly controlled, and the list of factors involved in these regulatory mechanisms is continuously growing. Over the last years, our knowledge of R-loop homeostasis regulation (formation, stabilization, and resolution) has definitely increased. However, how R-loops affect genome stability and how the cellular response to their unscheduled formation is orchestrated are still not fully understood. In this review, we will report and discuss recent findings about these questions and we will focus on the role of ATM- and Rad3-related (ATR) and Ataxia-telangiectasia-mutated (ATM) kinases in the activation of an R-loop-dependent DNA damage response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Rinaldi
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Bioscienze, Università di Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Pizzul
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Bioscienze, Università di Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Longhese
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Bioscienze, Università di Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Diego Bonetti
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Bioscienze, Università di Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
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28
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Renaud M, Tranchant C, Koenig M, Anheim M. Autosomal Recessive Cerebellar Ataxias With Elevated Alpha-Fetoprotein: Uncommon Diseases, Common Biomarker. Mov Disord 2020; 35:2139-2149. [PMID: 33044027 DOI: 10.1002/mds.28307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) is a biomarker of several autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxias (ARCAs), especially ataxia telangiectasia (AT) and ataxia with oculomotor apraxia (AOA) type 2 (AOA2). More recently, slightly elevated AFP has been reported in AOA1 and AOA4. Interestingly, AOA1, AOA2, AOA4, and AT are overlapping ARCAs characterized by oculomotor apraxia, with oculocephalic dissociation, choreo-dystonia, and/or axonal sensorimotor neuropathy, in addition to cerebellar ataxia with cerebellar atrophy. The genetic backgrounds in these disorders play central roles in nuclear maintenance through DNA repair [ATM (AT), APTX (AOA1), or PNKP (AOA4)] or RNA termination [SETX (AOA2)]. Partially discriminating thresholds of AFP have been proposed as a way to distinguish between ARCAs with elevated AFP. In these entities, elevated AFP may be an epiphenomenon as a result of liver transcriptional dysregulation. AFP is a simple and reliable biomarker for the diagnosis of ARCA in performance and interpretation of next-generation sequencing. Here, we evaluated clinical, laboratory, imaging, and molecular data of the group of ARCAs that share elevated AFP serum levels that have been described in the past two decades. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Renaud
- Service de Génétique Clinique, CHRU de Nancy, Nancy, France.,INSERM-U1256 NGERE, Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France
| | - Christine Tranchant
- Service de Neurologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), INSERM-U964/CNRS-UMR7104/Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France.,Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Michel Koenig
- Laboratoire de Génétique de Maladies Rares EA7402, Institut Universitaire de Recherche Clinique, Université de Montpellier, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Mathieu Anheim
- Service de Neurologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), INSERM-U964/CNRS-UMR7104/Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France.,Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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29
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Abraham KJ, Khosraviani N, Chan JNY, Gorthi A, Samman A, Zhao DY, Wang M, Bokros M, Vidya E, Ostrowski LA, Oshidari R, Pietrobon V, Patel PS, Algouneh A, Singhania R, Liu Y, Yerlici VT, De Carvalho DD, Ohh M, Dickson BC, Hakem R, Greenblatt JF, Lee S, Bishop AJR, Mekhail K. Nucleolar RNA polymerase II drives ribosome biogenesis. Nature 2020; 585:298-302. [PMID: 32669707 PMCID: PMC7486236 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-020-2497-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Proteins are manufactured by ribosomes-macromolecular complexes of protein and RNA molecules that are assembled within major nuclear compartments called nucleoli1,2. Existing models suggest that RNA polymerases I and III (Pol I and Pol III) are the only enzymes that directly mediate the expression of the ribosomal RNA (rRNA) components of ribosomes. Here we show, however, that RNA polymerase II (Pol II) inside human nucleoli operates near genes encoding rRNAs to drive their expression. Pol II, assisted by the neurodegeneration-associated enzyme senataxin, generates a shield comprising triplex nucleic acid structures known as R-loops at intergenic spacers flanking nucleolar rRNA genes. The shield prevents Pol I from producing sense intergenic noncoding RNAs (sincRNAs) that can disrupt nucleolar organization and rRNA expression. These disruptive sincRNAs can be unleashed by Pol II inhibition, senataxin loss, Ewing sarcoma or locus-associated R-loop repression through an experimental system involving the proteins RNaseH1, eGFP and dCas9 (which we refer to as 'red laser'). We reveal a nucleolar Pol-II-dependent mechanism that drives ribosome biogenesis, identify disease-associated disruption of nucleoli by noncoding RNAs, and establish locus-targeted R-loop modulation. Our findings revise theories of labour division between the major RNA polymerases, and identify nucleolar Pol II as a major factor in protein synthesis and nuclear organization, with potential implications for health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karan J Abraham
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Negin Khosraviani
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Janet N Y Chan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aparna Gorthi
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Anas Samman
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dorothy Y Zhao
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Miling Wang
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Michael Bokros
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Elva Vidya
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lauren A Ostrowski
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Roxanne Oshidari
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Violena Pietrobon
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Parasvi S Patel
- Princess Margaret Cancer Research Centre, University Health Network, and Department of Medical Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Arash Algouneh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Research Centre, University Health Network, and Department of Medical Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rajat Singhania
- Princess Margaret Cancer Research Centre, University Health Network, and Department of Medical Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yupeng Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - V Talya Yerlici
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel D De Carvalho
- Princess Margaret Cancer Research Centre, University Health Network, and Department of Medical Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael Ohh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brendan C Dickson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Razq Hakem
- Princess Margaret Cancer Research Centre, University Health Network, and Department of Medical Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jack F Greenblatt
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephen Lee
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Alexander J R Bishop
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Karim Mekhail
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Canada Research Chairs Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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30
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Richard P, Feng S, Tsai YL, Li W, Rinchetti P, Muhith U, Irizarry-Cole J, Stolz K, Sanz LA, Hartono S, Hoque M, Tadesse S, Seitz H, Lotti F, Hirano M, Chédin F, Tian B, Manley JL. SETX (senataxin), the helicase mutated in AOA2 and ALS4, functions in autophagy regulation. Autophagy 2020; 17:1889-1906. [PMID: 32686621 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2020.1796292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
SETX (senataxin) is an RNA/DNA helicase that has been implicated in transcriptional regulation and the DNA damage response through resolution of R-loop structures. Mutations in SETX result in either of two distinct neurodegenerative disorders. SETX dominant mutations result in a juvenile form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) called ALS4, whereas recessive mutations are responsible for ataxia called ataxia with oculomotor apraxia type 2 (AOA2). How mutations in the same protein can lead to different phenotypes is still unclear. To elucidate AOA2 disease mechanisms, we first examined gene expression changes following SETX depletion. We observed the effects on both transcription and RNA processing, but surprisingly observed decreased R-loop accumulation in SETX-depleted cells. Importantly, we discovered a strong connection between SETX and the macroautophagy/autophagy pathway, reflecting a direct effect on transcription of autophagy genes. We show that SETX depletion inhibits the progression of autophagy, leading to an accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins, decreased ability to clear protein aggregates, as well as mitochondrial defects. Analysis of AOA2 patient fibroblasts also revealed a perturbation of the autophagy pathway. Our work has thus identified a novel function for SETX in the regulation of autophagy, whose modulation may have a therapeutic impact for AOA2.Abbreviations: 3'READS: 3' region extraction and deep sequencing; ACTB: actin beta; ALS4: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis type 4; AOA2: ataxia with oculomotor apraxia type 2; APA: alternative polyadenylation; AS: alternative splicing; ATG7: autophagy-related 7; ATP6V0D2: ATPase H+ transporting V0 subunit D2; BAF: bafilomycin A1; BECN1: beclin 1; ChIP: chromatin IP; Chloro: chloroquine; CPT: camptothecin; DDR: DNA damage response; DNMT1: DNA methyltransferase 1; DRIP: DNA/RNA IP; DSBs: double strand breaks; EBs: embryoid bodies; FTD: frontotemporal dementia; GABARAP: GABA type A receptor-associated protein; GO: gene ontology; HR: homologous recombination; HTT: huntingtin; IF: immunofluorescence; IP: immunoprecipitation; iPSCs: induced pluripotent stem cells; KD: knockdown; MAP1LC3/LC3: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3; MN: motor neuron; MTORC1: mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase complex 1; PASS: PolyA Site Supporting; PFA: paraformaldehyde; RNAPII: RNA polymerase II; SCA: spinocerebellar ataxia; SETX: senataxin; SMA: spinal muscular atrophy; SMN1: survival of motor neuron 1, telomeric; SQSTM1/p62: sequestosome 1; TFEB: transcription factor EB; TSS: transcription start site; TTS: transcription termination site; ULK1: unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1; WB: western blot; WIPI2: WD repeat domain, phosphoinositide interacting 2; XRN2: 5'-3' exoribonuclease 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Richard
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.,Stellate Therapeutics, JLABS @ NYC, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Yueh-Lin Tsai
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Wencheng Li
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Paola Rinchetti
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.,Dino Ferrari Centre, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Ubayed Muhith
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Juan Irizarry-Cole
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Katharine Stolz
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lionel A Sanz
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Genome Center, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Stella Hartono
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Genome Center, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Mainul Hoque
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Saba Tadesse
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hervé Seitz
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, UMR 9002 CNRS and Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Francesco Lotti
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michio Hirano
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Frédéric Chédin
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Genome Center, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Bin Tian
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA.,Gene Expression and Regulation Program, and Center for Systems and Computational Biology, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - James L Manley
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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31
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Forrer Charlier C, Martins RAP. Protective Mechanisms Against DNA Replication Stress in the Nervous System. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:E730. [PMID: 32630049 PMCID: PMC7397197 DOI: 10.3390/genes11070730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The precise replication of DNA and the successful segregation of chromosomes are essential for the faithful transmission of genetic information during the cell cycle. Alterations in the dynamics of genome replication, also referred to as DNA replication stress, may lead to DNA damage and, consequently, mutations and chromosomal rearrangements. Extensive research has revealed that DNA replication stress drives genome instability during tumorigenesis. Over decades, genetic studies of inherited syndromes have established a connection between the mutations in genes required for proper DNA repair/DNA damage responses and neurological diseases. It is becoming clear that both the prevention and the responses to replication stress are particularly important for nervous system development and function. The accurate regulation of cell proliferation is key for the expansion of progenitor pools during central nervous system (CNS) development, adult neurogenesis, and regeneration. Moreover, DNA replication stress in glial cells regulates CNS tumorigenesis and plays a role in neurodegenerative diseases such as ataxia telangiectasia (A-T). Here, we review how replication stress generation and replication stress response (RSR) contribute to the CNS development, homeostasis, and disease. Both cell-autonomous mechanisms, as well as the evidence of RSR-mediated alterations of the cellular microenvironment in the nervous system, were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rodrigo A. P. Martins
- Programa de Biologia Celular e do Desenvolvimento, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil;
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A Systematic Review of Genotype-Phenotype Correlation across Cohorts Having Causal Mutations of Different Genes in ALS. J Pers Med 2020; 10:jpm10030058. [PMID: 32610599 PMCID: PMC7564886 DOI: 10.3390/jpm10030058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a rare and fatal neurodegenerative disease characterised by progressive deterioration of upper and lower motor neurons that eventually culminates in severe muscle atrophy, respiratory failure and death. There is a concerning lack of understanding regarding the mechanisms that lead to the onset of ALS and as a result there are no reliable biomarkers that aid in the early detection of the disease nor is there an effective treatment. This review first considers the clinical phenotypes associated with ALS, and discusses the broad categorisation of ALS and ALS-mimic diseases into upper and lower motor neuron diseases, before focusing on the genetic aetiology of ALS and considering the potential relationship of mutations of different genes to variations in phenotype. For this purpose, a systematic review is conducted collating data from 107 original published clinical studies on monogenic forms of the disease, surveying the age and site of onset, disease duration and motor neuron involvement. The collected data highlight the complexity of the disease's genotype-phenotype relationship, and thus the need for a nuanced approach to the development of clinical assays and therapeutics.
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Brambati A, Zardoni L, Nardini E, Pellicioli A, Liberi G. The dark side of RNA:DNA hybrids. MUTATION RESEARCH-REVIEWS IN MUTATION RESEARCH 2020; 784:108300. [PMID: 32430097 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2020.108300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
RNA:DNA hybrids form when nascent transcripts anneal to the DNA template strand or any homologous DNA region. Co-transcriptional RNA:DNA hybrids, organized in R-loop structures together with the displaced non-transcribed strand, assist gene expression, DNA repair and other physiological cellular functions. A dark side of the matter is that RNA:DNA hybrids are also a cause of DNA damage and human diseases. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the understanding of the mechanisms by which the impairment of hybrid turnover promotes DNA damage and genome instability via the interference with DNA replication and DNA double-strand break repair. We also discuss how hybrids could contribute to cancer, neurodegeneration and susceptibility to viral infections, focusing on dysfunctions associated with the anti-R-loop helicase Senataxin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Brambati
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza, CNR, Via Abbiategrasso 207, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Luca Zardoni
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza, CNR, Via Abbiategrasso 207, 27100, Pavia, Italy; Scuola Universitaria Superiore, IUSS, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Eleonora Nardini
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza, CNR, Via Abbiategrasso 207, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Achille Pellicioli
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giordano Liberi
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza, CNR, Via Abbiategrasso 207, 27100, Pavia, Italy; IFOM Foundation, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy.
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Regulation of long non-coding RNAs and genome dynamics by the RNA surveillance machinery. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2020; 21:123-136. [PMID: 32020081 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-019-0209-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Much of the mammalian genome is transcribed, generating long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that can undergo post-transcriptional surveillance whereby only a subset of the non-coding transcripts is allowed to attain sufficient stability to persist in the cellular milieu and control various cellular functions. Paralleling protein turnover by the proteasome complex, lncRNAs are also likely to exist in a dynamic equilibrium that is maintained through constant monitoring by the RNA surveillance machinery. In this Review, we describe the RNA surveillance factors and discuss the vital role of lncRNA surveillance in orchestrating various biological processes, including the protection of genome integrity, maintenance of pluripotency of embryonic stem cells, antibody-gene diversification, coordination of immune cell activation and regulation of heterochromatin formation. We also discuss examples of human diseases and developmental defects associated with the failure of RNA surveillance mechanisms, further highlighting the importance of lncRNA surveillance in maintaining cell and organism functions and health.
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Disruption of Spermatogenesis and Infertility in Ataxia with Oculomotor Apraxia Type 2 (AOA2). THE CEREBELLUM 2019; 18:448-456. [PMID: 30778901 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-019-01012-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Ataxia with oculomotor apraxia type 2 (AOA2) is a rare autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxia characterized by onset between 10 and 20 years of age and a range of neurological features that include progressive cerebellar atrophy, axonal sensorimotor neuropathy, oculomotor apraxia in a majority of patients, and elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). AOA2 is caused by mutation of the SETX gene which encodes senataxin, a DNA/RNA helicase involved in transcription regulation, RNA processing, and DNA maintenance. Disruption of senataxin in rodents led to defective spermatogenesis and sterility in males uncovering a key role for senataxin in male germ cell survival. Here, we report the first clinical and cellular evidence of impaired spermatogenesis in AOA2 patients. We assessed sperm production in three AOA2 patients and testicular pathology in one patient and compared the findings to those of Setx-knockout mice. Sperm production was impaired in all patients assessed (3/3, 100%). Analyses of testicular biopsies from an AOA2 patient recapitulate features of the histology seen in Setx-knockout mice, strongly suggesting an underlying mechanism centering on DNA-damage-mediated germ cell apoptosis. These findings support a role for senataxin in human reproductive function and highlight a novel clinical feature of AOA2 that extends the extra-neurological roles of senataxin. This raises an important reproductive counseling issue for clinicians, and fertility specialists should be aware of SETX mutations as a possible diagnosis in young male patients presenting with oligospermia or azoospermia since infertility may presage the later onset of neurological manifestations in some individuals.
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Taylor AMR, Rothblum-Oviatt C, Ellis NA, Hickson ID, Meyer S, Crawford TO, Smogorzewska A, Pietrucha B, Weemaes C, Stewart GS. Chromosome instability syndromes. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2019; 5:64. [PMID: 31537806 PMCID: PMC10617425 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-019-0113-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Fanconi anaemia (FA), ataxia telangiectasia (A-T), Nijmegen breakage syndrome (NBS) and Bloom syndrome (BS) are clinically distinct, chromosome instability (or breakage) disorders. Each disorder has its own pattern of chromosomal damage, with cells from these patients being hypersensitive to particular genotoxic drugs, indicating that the underlying defect in each case is likely to be different. In addition, each syndrome shows a predisposition to cancer. Study of the molecular and genetic basis of these disorders has revealed mechanisms of recognition and repair of DNA double-strand breaks, DNA interstrand crosslinks and DNA damage during DNA replication. Specialist clinics for each disorder have provided the concentration of expertise needed to tackle their characteristic clinical problems and improve outcomes. Although some treatments of the consequences of a disorder may be possible, for example, haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in FA and NBS, future early intervention to prevent complications of disease will depend on a greater understanding of the roles of the affected DNA repair pathways in development. An important realization has been the predisposition to cancer in carriers of some of these gene mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Malcolm R Taylor
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
| | | | - Nathan A Ellis
- The University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Ian D Hickson
- Center for Chromosome Stability, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stefan Meyer
- Stem Cell and Leukaemia Proteomics Laboratory, and Paediatric and Adolescent Oncology, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Haematology and Oncology, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital and The Christie NHS Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Thomas O Crawford
- Department of Neurology and Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Agata Smogorzewska
- Laboratory of Genome Maintenance, Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Barbara Pietrucha
- Department of Immunology, The Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Corry Weemaes
- Department of Pediatrics (Pediatric Immunology), Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Grant S Stewart
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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Caron P, van der Linden J, van Attikum H. Bon voyage: A transcriptional journey around DNA breaks. DNA Repair (Amst) 2019; 82:102686. [PMID: 31476573 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2019.102686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 07/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) affect chromatin integrity and impact DNA-dependent processes such as transcription. Several studies revealed that the transcription of genes located in close proximity to DSBs is transiently repressed. This is achieved through the establishment of either a transient repressive chromatin context or eviction of the RNA polymerase II complex from the damaged chromatin. While these mechanisms of transcription repression have been shown to affect the efficiency and accuracy of DSB repair, it became evident that the transcriptional state of chromatin before DSB formation also influences this process. Moreover, transcription can be initiated from DSB ends, generating long non-coding (lnc)RNAs that will be processed into sequence-specific double-stranded RNAs. These so-called DNA damage-induced (dd)RNAs dictate DSB repair by regulating the accumulation of DNA repair proteins at DSBs. Thus, a complex interplay between mechanisms of transcription activation and repression occurs at DSBs and affects their repair. Here we review our current understanding of the mechanisms that coordinate transcription and DSB repair to prevent genome instability arising from DNA breaks in transcribed regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Caron
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2333ZC, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Janette van der Linden
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2333ZC, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Haico van Attikum
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2333ZC, Leiden, the Netherlands.
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38
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Lorton BM, Shechter D. Cellular consequences of arginine methylation. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:2933-2956. [PMID: 31101937 PMCID: PMC6642692 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03140-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Arginine methylation is a ubiquitous post-translational modification. Three predominant types of arginine-guanidino methylation occur in Eukarya: mono (Rme1/MMA), symmetric (Rme2s/SDMA), and asymmetric (Rme2a/ADMA). Arginine methylation frequently occurs at sites of protein-protein and protein-nucleic acid interactions, providing specificity for binding partners and stabilization of important biological interactions in diverse cellular processes. Each methylarginine isoform-catalyzed by members of the protein arginine methyltransferase family, Type I (PRMT1-4,6,8) and Type II (PRMT5,9)-has unique downstream consequences. Methylarginines are found in ordered domains, domains of low complexity, and in intrinsically disordered regions of proteins-the latter two of which are intimately connected with biological liquid-liquid phase separation. This review highlights discoveries illuminating how arginine methylation affects genome integrity, gene transcription, mRNA splicing and mRNP biology, protein translation and stability, and phase separation. As more proteins and processes are found to be regulated by arginine methylation, its importance for understanding cellular physiology will continue to grow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin M Lorton
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - David Shechter
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
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Rivosecchi J, Larochelle M, Teste C, Grenier F, Malapert A, Ricci EP, Bernard P, Bachand F, Vanoosthuyse V. Senataxin homologue Sen1 is required for efficient termination of RNA polymerase III transcription. EMBO J 2019; 38:e101955. [PMID: 31294478 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2019101955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
R-loop disassembly by the human helicase Senataxin contributes to genome integrity and to proper transcription termination at a subset of RNA polymerase II genes. Whether Senataxin also contributes to transcription termination at other classes of genes has remained unclear. Here, we show that Sen1, one of two fission yeast homologues of Senataxin, promotes efficient termination of RNA polymerase III (RNAP3) transcription in vivo. In the absence of Sen1, RNAP3 accumulates downstream of RNAP3-transcribed genes and produces long exosome-sensitive 3'-extended transcripts. Importantly, neither of these defects was affected by the removal of R-loops. The finding that Sen1 acts as an ancillary factor for RNAP3 transcription termination in vivo challenges the pre-existing view that RNAP3 terminates transcription autonomously. We propose that Sen1 is a cofactor for transcription termination that has been co-opted by different RNA polymerases in the course of evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julieta Rivosecchi
- Laboratoire de Biologie et Modélisation de la Cellule, Université de Lyon, CNRS, UMR 5239, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Marc Larochelle
- Département de Biochimie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Camille Teste
- Laboratoire de Biologie et Modélisation de la Cellule, Université de Lyon, CNRS, UMR 5239, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Frédéric Grenier
- Département de Biochimie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Amélie Malapert
- Laboratoire de Biologie et Modélisation de la Cellule, Université de Lyon, CNRS, UMR 5239, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Emiliano P Ricci
- Laboratoire de Biologie et Modélisation de la Cellule, Université de Lyon, CNRS, UMR 5239, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Pascal Bernard
- Laboratoire de Biologie et Modélisation de la Cellule, Université de Lyon, CNRS, UMR 5239, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - François Bachand
- Département de Biochimie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.,Centre de Recherche du CHUS, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Vincent Vanoosthuyse
- Laboratoire de Biologie et Modélisation de la Cellule, Université de Lyon, CNRS, UMR 5239, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
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40
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Kannan A, Bhatia K, Branzei D, Gangwani L. Combined deficiency of Senataxin and DNA-PKcs causes DNA damage accumulation and neurodegeneration in spinal muscular atrophy. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 46:8326-8346. [PMID: 30010942 PMCID: PMC6144794 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic low levels of survival motor neuron (SMN) protein cause spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). SMN is ubiquitously expressed, but the mechanisms underlying predominant neuron degeneration in SMA are poorly understood. We report that chronic low levels of SMN cause Senataxin (SETX)-deficiency, which results in increased RNA–DNA hybrids (R-loops) and DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), and deficiency of DNA-activated protein kinase-catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs), which impairs DSB repair. Consequently, DNA damage accumulates in patient cells, SMA mice neurons and patient spinal cord tissues. In dividing cells, DSBs are repaired by homologous recombination (HR) and non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) pathways, but neurons predominantly use NHEJ, which relies on DNA-PKcs activity. In SMA dividing cells, HR repairs DSBs and supports cellular proliferation. In SMA neurons, DNA-PKcs-deficiency causes defects in NHEJ-mediated repair leading to DNA damage accumulation and neurodegeneration. Restoration of SMN levels rescues SETX and DNA-PKcs deficiencies and DSB accumulation in SMA neurons and patient cells. Moreover, SETX overexpression in SMA neurons reduces R-loops and DNA damage, and rescues neurodegeneration. Our findings identify combined deficiency of SETX and DNA-PKcs stemming downstream of SMN as an underlying cause of DSBs accumulation, genomic instability and neurodegeneration in SMA and suggest SETX as a potential therapeutic target for SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annapoorna Kannan
- Center of Emphasis in Neurosciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905
| | - Kanchan Bhatia
- Center of Emphasis in Neurosciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905
| | - Dana Branzei
- The FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology Foundation, IFOM Foundation, Via Adamello 16, Milan 20139, Italy.,Istituto di Genetica Molecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IGM-CNR), Via Abbiategrasso 207, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Laxman Gangwani
- Center of Emphasis in Neurosciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905.,Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
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41
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Gentile F, Scarlino S, Falzone YM, Lunetta C, Tremolizzo L, Quattrini A, Riva N. The Peripheral Nervous System in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Opportunities for Translational Research. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:601. [PMID: 31293369 PMCID: PMC6603245 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Although amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has been considered as a disorder of the motor neuron (MN) cell body, recent evidences show the non-cell-autonomous pathogenic nature of the disease. Axonal degeneration, loss of peripheral axons and destruction of nerve terminals are early events in the disease pathogenic cascade, anticipating MN degeneration, and the onset of clinical symptoms. Therefore, although ALS and peripheral axonal neuropathies should be differentiated in clinical practice, they also share damage to common molecular pathways, including axonal transport, RNA metabolism and proteostasis. Thus, an extensive evaluation of the molecular events occurring in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) could be fundamental to understand the pathogenic mechanisms of ALS, favoring the discovery of potential disease biomarkers, and new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Gentile
- Experimental Neuropathology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology – San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Scarlino
- Experimental Neuropathology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology – San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Yuri Matteo Falzone
- Experimental Neuropathology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology – San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Department of Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Lucio Tremolizzo
- Neurology Unit, ALS Clinic, San Gerardo Hospital, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Angelo Quattrini
- Experimental Neuropathology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology – San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Nilo Riva
- Experimental Neuropathology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology – San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Department of Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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42
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Collin P, Jeronimo C, Poitras C, Robert F. RNA Polymerase II CTD Tyrosine 1 Is Required for Efficient Termination by the Nrd1-Nab3-Sen1 Pathway. Mol Cell 2019; 73:655-669.e7. [PMID: 30639244 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2018.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 09/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, transcription termination at protein-coding genes is coupled to the cleavage of the nascent transcript, whereas most non-coding RNA transcription relies on a cleavage-independent termination pathway involving Nrd1, Nab3, and Sen1 (NNS). Termination involves RNA polymerase II CTD phosphorylation, but a systematic analysis of the contribution of individual residues would improve our understanding of the role of the CTD in this process. Here we investigated the effect of mutating phosphorylation sites in the CTD on termination. We observed widespread termination defects at protein-coding genes in mutants for Ser2 or Thr4 but rare defects in Tyr1 mutants for this genes class. Instead, mutating Tyr1 led to widespread termination defects at non-coding genes terminating via NNS. Finally, we showed that Tyr1 is important for pausing in the 5' end of genes and that slowing down transcription suppresses termination defects. Our work highlights the importance of Tyr1-mediated pausing in NNS-dependent termination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Collin
- Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal, 110 Avenue des Pins Ouest, Montréal, QC, H2W 1R7, Canada
| | - Célia Jeronimo
- Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal, 110 Avenue des Pins Ouest, Montréal, QC, H2W 1R7, Canada
| | - Christian Poitras
- Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal, 110 Avenue des Pins Ouest, Montréal, QC, H2W 1R7, Canada
| | - François Robert
- Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal, 110 Avenue des Pins Ouest, Montréal, QC, H2W 1R7, Canada; Département de Médecine, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, 2900 Boulevard Edouard-Montpetit, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada.
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Senataxin mutations elicit motor neuron degeneration phenotypes and yield TDP-43 mislocalization in ALS4 mice and human patients. Acta Neuropathol 2018; 136:425-443. [PMID: 29725819 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-018-1852-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis type 4 (ALS4) is a rare, early-onset, autosomal dominant form of ALS, characterized by slow disease progression and sparing of respiratory musculature. Dominant, gain-of-function mutations in the senataxin gene (SETX) cause ALS4, but the mechanistic basis for motor neuron toxicity is unknown. SETX is a RNA-binding protein with a highly conserved helicase domain, but does not possess a low-complexity domain, making it unique among ALS-linked disease proteins. We derived ALS4 mouse models by expressing two different senataxin gene mutations (R2136H and L389S) via transgenesis and knock-in gene targeting. Both approaches yielded SETX mutant mice that develop neuromuscular phenotypes and motor neuron degeneration. Neuropathological characterization of SETX mice revealed nuclear clearing of TDP-43, accompanied by TDP-43 cytosolic mislocalization, consistent with the hallmark pathology observed in human ALS patients. Postmortem material from ALS4 patients exhibited TDP-43 mislocalization in spinal cord motor neurons, and motor neurons from SETX ALS4 mice displayed enhanced stress granule formation. Immunostaining analysis for nucleocytoplasmic transport proteins Ran and RanGAP1 uncovered nuclear membrane abnormalities in the motor neurons of SETX ALS4 mice, and nuclear import was delayed in SETX ALS4 cortical neurons, indicative of impaired nucleocytoplasmic trafficking. SETX ALS4 mice thus recapitulated ALS disease phenotypes in association with TDP-43 mislocalization and provided insight into the basis for TDP-43 histopathology, linking SETX dysfunction to common pathways of ALS motor neuron degeneration.
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D'Ambrosi N, Cozzolino M, Carrì MT. Neuroinflammation in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Role of Redox (dys)Regulation. Antioxid Redox Signal 2018; 29:15-36. [PMID: 28895473 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2017.7271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is due to degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons in the anterior horn of the spinal cord and in the motor cortex. Mechanisms leading to motor neuron death are complex and currently the disease is untreatable. Recent Advances: Work in genetic models of ALS indicates that an imbalance in the cross talk that physiologically exists between motor neurons and the surrounding cells is eventually detrimental to motor neurons. In particular, the cascade of events collectively known as neuroinflammation and mainly characterized by a reactive phenotype of astrocytes and microglia, moderate infiltration of peripheral immune cells, and elevated levels of inflammatory mediators has been consistently observed in motor regions of the central nervous system (CNS) in sporadic and familial ALS, constituting a hallmark of the disease. Resident glial cells and infiltrated immune cells are considered among the major producers of reactive species of oxygen and nitrogen in pathological conditions of the CNS, including motor neuron diseases. CRITICAL ISSUES The timing and exact role of oxidative stress-mediated neuroinflammation and damage to motor neurons in ALS are still not fully elucidated. FUTURE DIRECTIONS It is clear that a major challenge in the next future will be to envisage effective strategies to modulate the neuroinflammatory response in the symptomatic stage of disease, to prevent progression of neurodegeneration through the propagation of oxidative damage. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 29, 15-36.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia D'Ambrosi
- 1 Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata , Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Cozzolino
- 2 Institute of Translational Pharmacology , CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Carrì
- 1 Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata , Rome, Italy .,3 Fondazione Santa Lucia , IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Singh P, Saha U, Paira S, Das B. Nuclear mRNA Surveillance Mechanisms: Function and Links to Human Disease. J Mol Biol 2018; 430:1993-2013. [PMID: 29758258 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2018.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Revised: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Production of export-competent mRNAs involves transcription and a series of dynamic processing and modification events of pre-messenger RNAs in the nucleus. Mutations in the genes encoding the transcription and mRNP processing machinery and the complexities involved in the biogenesis events lead to the formation of aberrant messages. These faulty transcripts are promptly eliminated by the nuclear RNA exosome and its cofactors to safeguard the cells and organisms from genetic catastrophe. Mutations in the components of the core nuclear exosome and its cofactors lead to the tissue-specific dysfunction of exosomal activities, which are linked to diverse human diseases and disorders. In this article, we examine the structure and function of both the yeast and human RNA exosome complex and its cofactors, discuss the nature of the various altered amino acid residues implicated in these diseases with the speculative mechanisms of the mutation-induced disorders and project the frontier and prospective avenues of the future research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pragyan Singh
- Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India
| | - Upasana Saha
- Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India
| | - Sunirmal Paira
- Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India
| | - Biswadip Das
- Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India.
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Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a motor neuron disease caused by mutations/deletions within the survival of motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene that lead to a pathological reduction of SMN protein levels. SMN is part of a multiprotein complex, functioning as a molecular chaperone that facilitates the assembly of spliceosomal small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNP). In addition to its role in spliceosome formation, SMN has also been found to interact with mRNA-binding proteins (mRBPs), and facilitate their assembly into mRNP transport granules. The association of protein and RNA in RNP complexes plays an important role in an extensive and diverse set of cellular processes that regulate neuronal growth, differentiation, and the maturation and plasticity of synapses. This review discusses the role of SMN in RNP assembly and localization, focusing on molecular defects that affect mRNA processing and may contribute to SMA pathology.
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Bennett CL, La Spada AR. Senataxin, A Novel Helicase at the Interface of RNA Transcriptome Regulation and Neurobiology: From Normal Function to Pathological Roles in Motor Neuron Disease and Cerebellar Degeneration. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2018; 20:265-281. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-89689-2_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
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Abstract
The autosomal-recessive cerebellar ataxias comprise more than half of the known genetic forms of ataxia and represent an extensive group of clinically heterogeneous disorders that can occur at any age but whose onset is typically prior to adulthood. In addition to ataxia, patients often present with polyneuropathy and clinical symptoms outside the nervous system. The most common of these diseases is Friedreich ataxia, caused by mutation of the frataxin gene, but recent advances in genetic analysis have greatly broadened the ever-expanding number of causative genes to over 50. In this review, the clinical neurogenetics of the recessive cerebellar ataxias will be discussed, including updates on recently identified novel ataxia genes, advancements in unraveling disease-specific molecular pathogenesis leading to ataxia, potential treatments under development, technologic improvements in diagnostic testing such as clinical exome sequencing, and what the future holds for clinicians and geneticists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brent L Fogel
- Program in Neurogenetics, Departments of Neurology and Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States.
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50
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Sakasai R, Isono M, Wakasugi M, Hashimoto M, Sunatani Y, Matsui T, Shibata A, Matsunaga T, Iwabuchi K. Aquarius is required for proper CtIP expression and homologous recombination repair. Sci Rep 2017; 7:13808. [PMID: 29061988 PMCID: PMC5653829 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-13695-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence indicates that transcription is closely related to DNA damage formation and that the loss of RNA biogenesis factors causes genome instability. However, whether such factors are involved in DNA damage responses remains unclear. We focus here on the RNA helicase Aquarius (AQR), a known R-loop processing factor, and show that its depletion in human cells results in the accumulation of DNA damage during S phase, mediated by R-loop formation. We investigated the involvement of Aquarius in DNA damage responses and found that AQR knockdown decreased DNA damage-induced foci formation of Rad51 and replication protein A, suggesting that Aquarius contributes to homologous recombination (HR)-mediated repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Interestingly, the protein level of CtIP, a DSB processing factor, was decreased in AQR-knockdown cells. Exogenous expression of Aquarius partially restored CtIP protein level; however, CtIP overproduction did not rescue defective HR in AQR-knockdown cells. In accordance with these data, Aquarius depletion sensitized cells to genotoxic agents. We propose that Aquarius contributes to the maintenance of genomic stability via regulation of HR by CtIP-dependent and -independent pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Sakasai
- Department of Biochemistry I, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Mayu Isono
- Education and Research Support Center, Gunma University, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Mitsuo Wakasugi
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Ishikawa, Japan
| | | | - Yumi Sunatani
- Department of Biochemistry I, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Tadashi Matsui
- Department of Biochemistry I, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Atsushi Shibata
- Education and Research Support Center, Gunma University, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Tsukasa Matsunaga
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Kuniyoshi Iwabuchi
- Department of Biochemistry I, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa, Japan.
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