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Monnat RJ. James German and the Quest to Understand Human RECQ Helicase Deficiencies. Cells 2024; 13:1077. [PMID: 38994931 PMCID: PMC11240319 DOI: 10.3390/cells13131077] [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: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
James German's work to establish the natural history and cancer risk associated with Bloom syndrome (BS) has had a strong influence on the generation of scientists and clinicians working to understand other RECQ deficiencies and heritable cancer predisposition syndromes. I summarize work by us and others below, inspired by James German's precedents with BS, to understand and compare BS with the other heritable RECQ deficiency syndromes with a focus on Werner syndrome (WS). What we know, unanswered questions and new opportunities are discussed, as are potential ways to treat or modify WS-associated disease mechanisms and pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond J Monnat
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine/Pathology and Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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2
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Kligfeld H, Han I, Abraham A, Shukla V. Alternative DNA structures in hematopoiesis and adaptive immunity. Adv Immunol 2024; 161:109-126. [PMID: 38763699 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ai.2024.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Besides the canonical B-form, DNA also adopts alternative non-B form conformations which are highly conserved in all domains of life. While extensive research over decades has centered on the genomic functions of B-form DNA, understanding how non-B-form conformations influence functional genomic states remains a fundamental and open question. Recent studies have ascribed alternative DNA conformations such as G-quadruplexes and R-loops as important functional features in eukaryotic genomes. This review delves into the biological importance of alternative DNA structures, with a specific focus on hematopoiesis and adaptive immunity. We discuss the emerging roles of G-quadruplex and R-loop structures, the two most well-studied alternative DNA conformations, in the hematopoietic compartment and present evidence for their functional roles in normal cellular physiology and associated pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Kligfeld
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States; Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Isabella Han
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Ajay Abraham
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States; Center for Human Immunobiology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Vipul Shukla
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States; Center for Human Immunobiology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States; Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States.
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3
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Olson CL, Wuttke DS. Guardians of the Genome: How the Single-Stranded DNA-Binding Proteins RPA and CST Facilitate Telomere Replication. Biomolecules 2024; 14:263. [PMID: 38540683 PMCID: PMC10968030 DOI: 10.3390/biom14030263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Telomeres act as the protective caps of eukaryotic linear chromosomes; thus, proper telomere maintenance is crucial for genome stability. Successful telomere replication is a cornerstone of telomere length regulation, but this process can be fraught due to the many intrinsic challenges telomeres pose to the replication machinery. In addition to the famous "end replication" problem due to the discontinuous nature of lagging strand synthesis, telomeres require various telomere-specific steps for maintaining the proper 3' overhang length. Bulk telomere replication also encounters its own difficulties as telomeres are prone to various forms of replication roadblocks. These roadblocks can result in an increase in replication stress that can cause replication forks to slow, stall, or become reversed. Ultimately, this leads to excess single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) that needs to be managed and protected for replication to continue and to prevent DNA damage and genome instability. RPA and CST are single-stranded DNA-binding protein complexes that play key roles in performing this task and help stabilize stalled forks for continued replication. The interplay between RPA and CST, their functions at telomeres during replication, and their specialized features for helping overcome replication stress at telomeres are the focus of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conner L. Olson
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Deborah S. Wuttke
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
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Sato K, Knipscheer P. G-quadruplex resolution: From molecular mechanisms to physiological relevance. DNA Repair (Amst) 2023; 130:103552. [PMID: 37572578 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2023.103552] [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: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Guanine-rich DNA sequences can fold into stable four-stranded structures called G-quadruplexes or G4s. Research in the past decade demonstrated that G4 structures are widespread in the genome and prevalent in regulatory regions of actively transcribed genes. The formation of G4s has been tightly linked to important biological processes including regulation of gene expression and genome maintenance. However, they can also pose a serious threat to genome integrity especially by impeding DNA replication, and G4-associated somatic mutations have been found accumulated in the cancer genomes. Specialised DNA helicases and single stranded DNA binding proteins that can resolve G4 structures play a crucial role in preventing genome instability. The large variety of G4 unfolding proteins suggest the presence of multiple G4 resolution mechanisms in cells. Recently, there has been considerable progress in our detailed understanding of how G4s are resolved, especially during DNA replication. In this review, we first discuss the current knowledge of the genomic G4 landscapes and the impact of G4 structures on DNA replication and genome integrity. We then describe the recent progress on the mechanisms that resolve G4 structures and their physiological relevance. Finally, we discuss therapeutic opportunities to target G4 structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koichi Sato
- Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute-KNAW & University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Puck Knipscheer
- Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute-KNAW & University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
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Noto A, Valenzisi P, Fratini F, Kulikowicz T, Sommers JA, Di Feo F, Palermo V, Semproni M, Crescenzi M, Brosh RM, Franchitto A, Pichierri P. PHOSPHORYLATION-DEPENDENT ASSOCIATION OF WRN WITH RPA IS REQUIRED FOR RECOVERY OF REPLICATION FORKS STALLED AT SECONDARY DNA STRUCTURES. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.08.552428. [PMID: 37609214 PMCID: PMC10441285 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.08.552428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
The WRN protein mutated in the hereditary premature aging disorder Werner syndrome plays a vital role in handling, processing, and restoring perturbed replication forks. One of its most abundant partners, Replication Protein A (RPA), has been shown to robustly enhance WRN helicase activity in specific cases when tested in vitro. However, the significance of RPA-binding to WRN at replication forks in vivo has remained largely unexplored. In this study, we have identified several conserved phosphorylation sites in the acidic domain of WRN that are targeted by Casein Kinase 2 (CK2). Surprisingly, these phosphorylation sites are essential for the interaction between WRN and RPA, both in vitro and in human cells. By characterizing a CK2-unphosphorylatable WRN mutant that lacks the ability to bind RPA, we have determined that the WRN-RPA complex plays a critical role in fork recovery after replication stress whereas the WRN-RPA interaction is not necessary for the processing of replication forks or preventing DNA damage when forks stall or collapse. When WRN fails to bind RPA, fork recovery is impaired, leading to the accumulation of single-stranded DNA gaps in the parental strands, which are further enlarged by the structure-specific nuclease MRE11. Notably, RPA-binding by WRN and its helicase activity are crucial for countering the persistence of G4 structures after fork stalling. Therefore, our findings reveal for the first time a novel role for the WRN-RPA interaction to facilitate fork restart, thereby minimizing G4 accumulation at single-stranded DNA gaps and suppressing accumulation of unreplicated regions that may lead to MUS81-dependent double-strand breaks requiring efficient repair by RAD51 to prevent excessive DNA damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Noto
- Mechanisms, Biomarkers and Models Section – Genome Stability Group, Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299 – 00161 Rome (Italy)
- Helicases and Genomic Integrity Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, NIH, 251 Bayview Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21224 (USA)
| | - Pasquale Valenzisi
- Mechanisms, Biomarkers and Models Section – Genome Stability Group, Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299 – 00161 Rome (Italy)
| | - Federica Fratini
- Core Facilities Technical-Scientific Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299 – 00161 Rome (Italy)
| | - Tomasz Kulikowicz
- Helicases and Genomic Integrity Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, NIH, 251 Bayview Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21224 (USA)
| | - Joshua A. Sommers
- Helicases and Genomic Integrity Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, NIH, 251 Bayview Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21224 (USA)
| | - Flavia Di Feo
- Mechanisms, Biomarkers and Models Section – Genome Stability Group, Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299 – 00161 Rome (Italy)
| | - Valentina Palermo
- Mechanisms, Biomarkers and Models Section – Genome Stability Group, Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299 – 00161 Rome (Italy)
| | - Maurizio Semproni
- Mechanisms, Biomarkers and Models Section – Genome Stability Group, Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299 – 00161 Rome (Italy)
| | - Marco Crescenzi
- Core Facilities Technical-Scientific Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299 – 00161 Rome (Italy)
| | - Robert M. Brosh
- Helicases and Genomic Integrity Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, NIH, 251 Bayview Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21224 (USA)
| | - Annapaola Franchitto
- Mechanisms, Biomarkers and Models Section – Genome Stability Group, Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299 – 00161 Rome (Italy)
| | - Pietro Pichierri
- Mechanisms, Biomarkers and Models Section – Genome Stability Group, Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299 – 00161 Rome (Italy)
- Istituto Nazionale di Biostrutture e Biosistemi, Viale delle Medaglie d’Oro 305 – 00134 Rome (Italy)
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Vijay Kumar MJ, Morales R, Tsvetkov AS. G-quadruplexes and associated proteins in aging and Alzheimer's disease. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2023; 4:1164057. [PMID: 37323535 PMCID: PMC10267416 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2023.1164057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Aging is a prominent risk factor for many neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Alzheimer's disease is characterized by progressive cognitive decline, memory loss, and neuropsychiatric and behavioral symptoms, accounting for most of the reported dementia cases. This disease is now becoming a major challenge and burden on modern society, especially with the aging population. Over the last few decades, a significant understanding of the pathophysiology of AD has been gained by studying amyloid deposition, hyperphosphorylated tau, synaptic dysfunction, oxidative stress, calcium dysregulation, and neuroinflammation. This review focuses on the role of non-canonical secondary structures of DNA/RNA G-quadruplexes (G4s, G4-DNA, and G4-RNA), G4-binding proteins (G4BPs), and helicases, and their roles in aging and AD. Being critically important for cellular function, G4s are involved in the regulation of DNA and RNA processes, such as replication, transcription, translation, RNA localization, and degradation. Recent studies have also highlighted G4-DNA's roles in inducing DNA double-strand breaks that cause genomic instability and G4-RNA's participation in regulating stress granule formation. This review emphasizes the significance of G4s in aging processes and how their homeostatic imbalance may contribute to the pathophysiology of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. J. Vijay Kumar
- The Department of Neurology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Rodrigo Morales
- The Department of Neurology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
- Centro Integrativo de Biologia y Quimica Aplicada (CIBQA), Universidad Bernardo O’Higgins, Santiago, Chile
| | - Andrey S. Tsvetkov
- The Department of Neurology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
- The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, United States
- UTHealth Consortium on Aging, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, United States
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Adams MN, Croft LV, Urquhart A, Saleem MAM, Rockstroh A, Duijf PHG, Thomas PB, Ferguson GP, Najib IM, Shah ET, Bolderson E, Nagaraj S, Williams ED, Nelson CC, O'Byrne KJ, Richard DJ. hSSB1 (NABP2/OBFC2B) modulates the DNA damage and androgen-induced transcriptional response in prostate cancer. Prostate 2023; 83:628-640. [PMID: 36811381 PMCID: PMC10953336 DOI: 10.1002/pros.24496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Activation and regulation of androgen receptor (AR) signaling and the DNA damage response impact the prostate cancer (PCa) treatment modalities of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and radiotherapy. Here, we have evaluated a role for human single-strand binding protein 1 (hSSB1/NABP2) in modulation of the cellular response to androgens and ionizing radiation (IR). hSSB1 has defined roles in transcription and maintenance of genome stability, yet little is known about this protein in PCa. METHODS We correlated hSSB1 with measures of genomic instability across available PCa cases from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Microarray and subsequent pathway and transcription factor enrichment analysis were performed on LNCaP and DU145 prostate cancer cells. RESULTS Our data demonstrate that hSSB1 expression in PCa correlates with measures of genomic instability including multigene signatures and genomic scars that are reflective of defects in the repair of DNA double-strand breaks via homologous recombination. In response to IR-induced DNA damage, we demonstrate that hSSB1 regulates cellular pathways that control cell cycle progression and the associated checkpoints. In keeping with a role for hSSB1 in transcription, our analysis revealed that hSSB1 negatively modulates p53 and RNA polymerase II transcription in PCa. Of relevance to PCa pathology, our findings highlight a transcriptional role for hSSB1 in regulating the androgen response. We identified that AR function is predicted to be impacted by hSSB1 depletion, whereby this protein is required to modulate AR gene activity in PCa. CONCLUSIONS Our findings point to a key role for hSSB1 in mediating the cellular response to androgen and DNA damage via modulation of transcription. Exploiting hSSB1 in PCa might yield benefits as a strategy to ensure a durable response to ADT and/or radiotherapy and improved patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark N. Adams
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Translational Research InstituteQueensland University of TechnologyWoolloongabbaQueenslandAustralia
| | - Laura V. Croft
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Translational Research InstituteQueensland University of TechnologyWoolloongabbaQueenslandAustralia
| | - Aaron Urquhart
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Translational Research InstituteQueensland University of TechnologyWoolloongabbaQueenslandAustralia
| | | | - Anja Rockstroh
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Translational Research InstituteQueensland University of TechnologyWoolloongabbaQueenslandAustralia
| | - Pascal H. G. Duijf
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Translational Research InstituteQueensland University of TechnologyWoolloongabbaQueenslandAustralia
- Centre for Data ScienceQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- Institute of Clinical MedicineUniversity of OsloOsloNorway
- Department of Medical GeneticsOslo University HospitalOsloNorway
- Diamantina InstituteThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Patrick B. Thomas
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Translational Research InstituteQueensland University of TechnologyWoolloongabbaQueenslandAustralia
- Queensland Bladder Cancer InitiativeWoolloongabbaQueenslandAustralia
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre – QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Genevieve P. Ferguson
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Translational Research InstituteQueensland University of TechnologyWoolloongabbaQueenslandAustralia
| | - Idris Mohd Najib
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Translational Research InstituteQueensland University of TechnologyWoolloongabbaQueenslandAustralia
| | - Esha T. Shah
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Translational Research InstituteQueensland University of TechnologyWoolloongabbaQueenslandAustralia
| | - Emma Bolderson
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Translational Research InstituteQueensland University of TechnologyWoolloongabbaQueenslandAustralia
| | - Shivashankar Nagaraj
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Translational Research InstituteQueensland University of TechnologyWoolloongabbaQueenslandAustralia
| | - Elizabeth D. Williams
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Translational Research InstituteQueensland University of TechnologyWoolloongabbaQueenslandAustralia
- Queensland Bladder Cancer InitiativeWoolloongabbaQueenslandAustralia
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre – QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Colleen C. Nelson
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Translational Research InstituteQueensland University of TechnologyWoolloongabbaQueenslandAustralia
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre – QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Kenneth J. O'Byrne
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Translational Research InstituteQueensland University of TechnologyWoolloongabbaQueenslandAustralia
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre – QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- Cancer ServicesPrincess Alexandra HospitalWoolloongabbaQueenslandAustralia
| | - Derek J. Richard
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Translational Research InstituteQueensland University of TechnologyWoolloongabbaQueenslandAustralia
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Datta A, Sommers JA, Jhujh SS, Harel T, Stewart GS, Brosh RM. Discovery of a new hereditary RECQ helicase disorder RECON syndrome positions the replication stress response and genome homeostasis as centrally important processes in aging and age-related disease. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 86:101887. [PMID: 36805074 PMCID: PMC10018417 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.101887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Characterizing the molecular deficiencies underlying human aging has been a formidable challenge as it is clear that a complex myriad of factors including genetic mutations, environmental influences, and lifestyle choices influence the deterioration responsible for human pathologies. In addition, the common denominators of human aging, exemplified by the newly updated hallmarks of aging (López-Otín et al., 2023), suggest multiple avenues and layers of crosstalk between pathways important for genome and cellular homeostasis, both of which are major determinants of both good health and lifespan. In this regard, we postulate that hereditary disorders characterized by chromosomal instability offer a unique window of insight into aging and age-related disease processes. Recently, we discovered a new RECQ helicase disorder, designated RECON syndrome attributed to bi-allelic mutations in the RECQL1 gene (Abu-Libdeh et al., 2022). Cells deficient in RECQL1 exhibit genomic instability and a compromised response to replication stress, providing further evidence for the significance of genome homeostasis to suppress disease phenotypes. Here we provide a perspective on the pathology of RECON syndrome to inform the reader as to how molecular defects in the RECQL1 gene contribute to underlying deficiencies in nucleic acid metabolism often seen in certain aging or age-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arindam Datta
- Helicases and Genomic Integrity Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Joshua A Sommers
- Helicases and Genomic Integrity Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Satpal S Jhujh
- Institute for Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Tamar Harel
- Department of Genetics, Hadassah Medical Organization and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Grant S Stewart
- Institute for Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Robert M Brosh
- Helicases and Genomic Integrity Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
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Leung AOW, Yiu TC, Liu L, Tam HY, Gu S, Tu J, Pei D, Cheung HH. Targeting G-quadruplex for rescuing impaired chondrogenesis in WRN-deficient stem cells. Cell Biosci 2022; 12:212. [PMID: 36587229 PMCID: PMC9805690 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-022-00939-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pathogenic mutations in WRN are a cause of premature aging disease Werner syndrome (WS). Besides accelerated aging phenotypes and cancer predisposition, patients with WS also display underdevelopment in the skeletal system, characterized by short stature, light body weight and unusually thin extremities. The reasons for these developmental defects are not completely understood and the underlying molecular mechanism remains to be elucidated. RESULTS In this study, WRN was found to modulate transcription of short stature homeobox gene SHOX. Loss of WRN resulted in insufficient expression of SHOX, the gene dose of which is critical for driving chondrocyte differentiation. WRN could bind the G-quadruplex (G4) structures in the SHOX promoter and stimulate transcription. Aberrant formation of G4 structures in WRN-deficient cells impeded normal transcription of SHOX, thus resulting in impaired chondrogenesis. Chondrogenesis could be rescued by overexpression of WRN helicase or SHOX, suggesting that SHOX is a downstream target of WRN. Gene editing of the G4 structures in the SHOX promoter could increase SHOX expression, therefore rescuing the impaired chondrogenesis in WRN-deficient cells. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that dysgenesis of the developing bone in WS might be caused by SHOX insufficiency. Aberrant formation of G4 structures in SHOX promoter suppresses SHOX expression and impairs chondrogenesis. Targeted mutagenesis in the G4 structures enhances SHOX expression and thus providing an opportunity to rescue the chondrogenic defect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian On-Wah Leung
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China ,grid.9227.e0000000119573309Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science and Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tsz-Ching Yiu
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lingxiao Liu
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China ,grid.9227.e0000000119573309Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science and Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hei-Yin Tam
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shen Gu
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jiajie Tu
- grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XInstitute of Clinical Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Duanqing Pei
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science and Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong SAR, China ,grid.494629.40000 0004 8008 9315Laboratory of Cell Fate Control, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, 310024 Hangzhou, China
| | - Hoi-Hung Cheung
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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WRN promotes bone development and growth by unwinding SHOX-G-quadruplexes via its helicase activity in Werner Syndrome. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5456. [PMID: 36114168 PMCID: PMC9481537 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33012-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractWerner Syndrome (WS) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by premature aging due to mutations of the WRN gene. A classical sign in WS patients is short stature, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Here we report that WRN is indispensable for chondrogenesis, which is the engine driving the elongation of bones and determines height. Zebrafish lacking wrn exhibit impairment of bone growth and have shorter body stature. We pinpoint the function of WRN to its helicase domain. We identify short-stature homeobox (SHOX) as a crucial and direct target of WRN and find that the WRN helicase core regulates the transcriptional expression of SHOX via unwinding G-quadruplexes. Consistent with this, shox−/− zebrafish exhibit impaired bone growth, while genetic overexpression of SHOX or shox expression rescues the bone developmental deficiency induced in WRN/wrn-null mutants both in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, we have identified a previously unknown function of WRN in regulating bone development and growth through the transcriptional regulation of SHOX via the WRN helicase domain, thus illuminating a possible approach for new therapeutic strategies.
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Georgakopoulos-Soares I, Parada GE, Hemberg M. Secondary structures in RNA synthesis, splicing and translation. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:2871-2884. [PMID: 35765654 PMCID: PMC9198270 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.05.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Even though the functional role of mRNA molecules is primarily decided by the nucleotide sequence, several properties are determined by secondary structure conformations. Examples of secondary structures include long range interactions, hairpins, R-loops and G-quadruplexes and they are formed through interactions of non-adjacent nucleotides. Here, we discuss advances in our understanding of how secondary structures can impact RNA synthesis, splicing, translation and mRNA half-life. During RNA synthesis, secondary structures determine RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) speed, thereby influencing splicing. Splicing is also determined by RNA binding proteins and their binding rates are modulated by secondary structures. For the initiation of translation, secondary structures can control the choice of translation start site. Here, we highlight the mechanisms by which secondary structures modulate these processes, discuss advances in technologies to detect and study them systematically, and consider the roles of RNA secondary structures in disease.
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12
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Brosh RM, Wu Y. An emerging picture of FANCJ's role in G4 resolution to facilitate DNA replication. NAR Cancer 2021; 3:zcab034. [PMID: 34873585 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcab034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A well-accepted hallmark of cancer is genomic instability, which drives tumorigenesis. Therefore, understanding the molecular and cellular defects that destabilize chromosomal integrity is paramount to cancer diagnosis, treatment and cure. DNA repair and the replication stress response are overarching paradigms for maintenance of genomic stability, but the devil is in the details. ATP-dependent helicases serve to unwind DNA so it is replicated, transcribed, recombined and repaired efficiently through coordination with other nucleic acid binding and metabolizing proteins. Alternatively folded DNA structures deviating from the conventional anti-parallel double helix pose serious challenges to normal genomic transactions. Accumulating evidence suggests that G-quadruplex (G4) DNA is problematic for replication. Although there are multiple human DNA helicases that can resolve G4 in vitro, it is debated which helicases are truly important to resolve such structures in vivo. Recent advances have begun to elucidate the principal helicase actors, particularly in cellular DNA replication. FANCJ, a DNA helicase implicated in cancer and the chromosomal instability disorder Fanconi Anemia, takes center stage in G4 resolution to allow smooth DNA replication. We will discuss FANCJ's role with its protein partner RPA to remove G4 obstacles during DNA synthesis, highlighting very recent advances and implications for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert M Brosh
- Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Yuliang Wu
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E5, Canada
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13
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Antcliff A, McCullough LD, Tsvetkov AS. G-Quadruplexes and the DNA/RNA helicase DHX36 in health, disease, and aging. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:25578-25587. [PMID: 34862880 PMCID: PMC8714159 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
G-Quadruplex (G4) DNA (G4 DNA) and RNA (G4 RNA) are secondary nucleic acid structures that have multiple roles in vital cellular processes. G4 DNA- and RNA-binding proteins and unwinding helicases associate with and regulate G4s during virtually all processes that involve DNA and RNA. DEAH-Box helicase 36 (DHX36), a member of the large DExD/H box helicase family, enzymatically unwinds both G4 DNA and G4 RNA. By exerting its G4 helicase function, DHX36 regulates transcription, genomic stability, telomere maintenance, translation and RNA metabolism. This review will provide an overview of G4s and DHX36, including DHX36's potential role in neuronal development and neurodegeneration. We conclude with a discussion of the possible functions of G4s and DHX36 in the aging brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Antcliff
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Louise D. McCullough
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Andrey S. Tsvetkov
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- UTHealth Consortium on Aging, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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14
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Liu Y, Zhu X, Wang K, Zhang B, Qiu S. The Cellular Functions and Molecular Mechanisms of G-Quadruplex Unwinding Helicases in Humans. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:783889. [PMID: 34912850 PMCID: PMC8667583 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.783889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are stable non-canonical secondary structures formed by G-rich DNA or RNA sequences. They play various regulatory roles in many biological processes. It is commonly agreed that G4 unwinding helicases play key roles in G4 metabolism and function, and these processes are closely related to physiological and pathological processes. In recent years, more and more functional and mechanistic details of G4 helicases have been discovered; therefore, it is necessary to carefully sort out the current research efforts. Here, we provide a systematic summary of G4 unwinding helicases from the perspective of functions and molecular mechanisms. First, we provide a general introduction about helicases and G4s. Next, we comprehensively summarize G4 unfolding helicases in humans and their proposed cellular functions. Then, we review their study methods and molecular mechanisms. Finally, we share our perspective on further prospects. We believe this review will provide opportunities for researchers to reach the frontiers in the functions and molecular mechanisms of human G4 unwinding helicases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- Key laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), Collaborative Innovation Center for Mountain Ecology and Agro-Bioengineering (CICMEAB), College of Life Sciences/Institute of Agro-bioengineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- College of Basic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- The Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering and Biological Pharmacy of Guizhou Province, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- School of Liquor and Food Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Xinting Zhu
- College of Basic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Kejia Wang
- Key laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), Collaborative Innovation Center for Mountain Ecology and Agro-Bioengineering (CICMEAB), College of Life Sciences/Institute of Agro-bioengineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- The Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering and Biological Pharmacy of Guizhou Province, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- School of Liquor and Food Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- College of Basic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Shuyi Qiu
- Key laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), Collaborative Innovation Center for Mountain Ecology and Agro-Bioengineering (CICMEAB), College of Life Sciences/Institute of Agro-bioengineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- The Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering and Biological Pharmacy of Guizhou Province, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- School of Liquor and Food Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
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15
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Linke R, Limmer M, Juranek SA, Heine A, Paeschke K. The Relevance of G-Quadruplexes for DNA Repair. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12599. [PMID: 34830478 PMCID: PMC8620898 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212599] [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: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA molecules can adopt a variety of alternative structures. Among these structures are G-quadruplex DNA structures (G4s), which support cellular function by affecting transcription, translation, and telomere maintenance. These structures can also induce genome instability by stalling replication, increasing DNA damage, and recombination events. G-quadruplex-driven genome instability is connected to tumorigenesis and other genetic disorders. In recent years, the connection between genome stability, DNA repair and G4 formation was further underlined by the identification of multiple DNA repair proteins and ligands which bind and stabilize said G4 structures to block specific DNA repair pathways. The relevance of G4s for different DNA repair pathways is complex and depends on the repair pathway itself. G4 structures can induce DNA damage and block efficient DNA repair, but they can also support the activity and function of certain repair pathways. In this review, we highlight the roles and consequences of G4 DNA structures for DNA repair initiation, processing, and the efficiency of various DNA repair pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Linke
- Department of Oncology, Hematology, Rheumatology and Immune-Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (R.L.); (M.L.); (S.A.J.); (A.H.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Michaela Limmer
- Department of Oncology, Hematology, Rheumatology and Immune-Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (R.L.); (M.L.); (S.A.J.); (A.H.)
| | - Stefan A. Juranek
- Department of Oncology, Hematology, Rheumatology and Immune-Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (R.L.); (M.L.); (S.A.J.); (A.H.)
| | - Annkristin Heine
- Department of Oncology, Hematology, Rheumatology and Immune-Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (R.L.); (M.L.); (S.A.J.); (A.H.)
| | - Katrin Paeschke
- Department of Oncology, Hematology, Rheumatology and Immune-Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (R.L.); (M.L.); (S.A.J.); (A.H.)
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16
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Javadekar SM, Nilavar NM, Paranjape A, Das K, Raghavan SC. Characterization of G-quadruplex antibody reveals differential specificity for G4 DNA forms. DNA Res 2021; 27:5934508. [PMID: 33084858 PMCID: PMC7711166 DOI: 10.1093/dnares/dsaa024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that human genome can fold into non-B DNA structures, when appropriate sequence and favourable conditions are present. Among these, G-quadruplexes (G4-DNA) are associated with gene regulation, chromosome fragility and telomere maintenance. Although several techniques are used in detecting such structures in vitro, understanding their intracellular existence has been challenging. Recently, an antibody, BG4, was described to study G4 structures within cells. Here, we characterize BG4 for its affinity towards G4-DNA, using several biochemical and biophysical tools. BG4 bound to G-rich DNA derived from multiple genes that form G-quadruplexes, unlike complementary C-rich or random sequences. BLI studies revealed robust binding affinity (Kd = 17.4 nM). Gel shift assays show BG4 binds to inter- and intramolecular G4-DNA, when it is in parallel orientation. Mere presence of G4-motif in duplex DNA is insufficient for antibody recognition. Importantly, BG4 can bind to G4-DNA within telomere sequence in a supercoiled plasmid. Finally, we show that BG4 binds to form efficient foci in four cell lines, irrespective of their lineage, demonstrating presence of G4-DNA in genome. Importantly, number of BG4 foci within the cells can be modulated, upon knockdown of G4-resolvase, WRN. Thus, we establish specificity of BG4 towards G4-DNA and discuss its potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saniya M Javadekar
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Namrata M Nilavar
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Amita Paranjape
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Kohal Das
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Sathees C Raghavan
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
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17
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Abstract
Significance: Werner syndrome (WS) is a rare autosomal recessive malady typified by a pro-oxidant/proinflammatory status, genetic instability, and by the early onset of numerous age-associated illnesses. The protein malfunctioning in WS individuals (WRN) is a helicase/exonuclease implicated in transcription, DNA replication/repair, and telomere maintenance. Recent Advances: In the last two decades, a series of important biological systems were created to comprehend at the molecular level the effect of a defective WRN protein. Such biological tools include mouse and worm (Caenorhabditis elegans) with a mutation in the Wrn helicase ortholog as well as human WS-induced pluripotent stem cells that can ultimately be differentiated into most cell lineages. Such WS models have identified anomalies related to the hallmarks of aging. Most importantly, vitamin C counteracts these age-related cellular phenotypes in these systems. Critical Issues: Vitamin C is the only antioxidant agent capable of reversing the cellular aging-related phenotypes in those biological systems. Since vitamin C is a cofactor for many hydroxylases and mono- or dioxygenase, it adds another level of complexity in deciphering the exact molecular pathways affected by this vitamin. Moreover, it is still unclear whether a short- or long-term vitamin C supplementation in human WS patients who already display aging-related phenotypes will have a beneficial impact. Future Directions: The discovery of new molecular markers specific to the modified biological pathways in WS that can be used for novel imaging techniques or as blood markers will be necessary to assess the favorable effect of vitamin C supplementation in WS. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 34, 856-874.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Aumailley
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Michel Lebel
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
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18
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Hanna R, Flamier A, Barabino A, Bernier G. G-quadruplexes originating from evolutionary conserved L1 elements interfere with neuronal gene expression in Alzheimer's disease. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1828. [PMID: 33758195 PMCID: PMC7987966 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22129-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA sequences containing consecutive guanines organized in 4-interspaced tandem repeats can form stable single-stranded secondary structures, called G-quadruplexes (G4). Herein, we report that the Polycomb group protein BMI1 is enriched at heterochromatin regions containing putative G4 DNA sequences, and that G4 structures accumulate in cells with reduced BMI1 expression and/or relaxed chromatin, including sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD) neurons. In AD neurons, G4 structures preferentially accumulate in lamina-associated domains, and this is rescued by re-establishing chromatin compaction. ChIP-seq analyses reveal that G4 peaks correspond to evolutionary conserved Long Interspersed Element-1 (L1) sequences predicted to be transcriptionally active. Hence, G4 structures co-localize with RNAPII, and inhibition of transcription can reverse the G4 phenotype without affecting chromatin's state, thus uncoupling both components. Intragenic G4 structures affecting splicing events are furthermore associated with reduced neuronal gene expression in AD. Active L1 sequences are thus at the origin of most G4 structures observed in human neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy Hanna
- Stem Cell and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Anthony Flamier
- Stem Cell and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Whitehead Institute of Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Andrea Barabino
- Stem Cell and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Gilbert Bernier
- Stem Cell and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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19
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Kato H, Maezawa Y, Takayama N, Ouchi Y, Kaneko H, Kinoshita D, Takada-Watanabe A, Oshima M, Koshizaka M, Ogata H, Kubota Y, Mitsukawa N, Eto K, Iwama A, Yokote K. Fibroblasts from different body parts exhibit distinct phenotypes in adult progeria Werner syndrome. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:4946-4961. [PMID: 33627520 PMCID: PMC7950285 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Werner syndrome (WS), also known as adult progeria, is characterized by accelerated aging symptoms from a young age. Patients with WS experience painful intractable skin ulcers with calcifications in their extremities, subcutaneous lipoatrophy, and sarcopenia. However, there is no significant abnormality in the trunk skin, where the subcutaneous fat relatively accumulates. The cause of such differences between the limbs and trunk is unknown. To investigate the underlying mechanism behind these phenomena, we established and analyzed dermal fibroblasts from the foot and trunk of two WS patients. As a result, WS foot-derived fibroblasts showed decreased proliferative potential compared to that from the trunk, which correlated with the telomere shortening. Transcriptome analysis showed increased expression of genes involved in osteogenesis in the foot fibroblasts, while adipogenic and chondrogenic genes were downregulated in comparison with the trunk. Consistent with these findings, the adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation capacity was significantly decreased in the foot fibroblasts in vitro. On the other hand, the osteogenic potential was mutually maintained and comparable in the foot and trunk fibroblasts. These distinct phenotypes in the foot and trunk fibroblasts are consistent with the clinical symptoms of WS and may partially explain the underlying mechanism of this disease phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisaya Kato
- Department of Endocrinology, Hematology and Gerontology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chuo-Ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan.,Division of Diabetes, Metabolism and Endocrinology, Chiba University Hospital, Chuo-Ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Yoshiro Maezawa
- Department of Endocrinology, Hematology and Gerontology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chuo-Ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan.,Division of Diabetes, Metabolism and Endocrinology, Chiba University Hospital, Chuo-Ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Naoya Takayama
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chuo-Ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Yasuo Ouchi
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chuo-Ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan.,Gene Expression Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Hiyori Kaneko
- Department of Endocrinology, Hematology and Gerontology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chuo-Ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan.,Division of Diabetes, Metabolism and Endocrinology, Chiba University Hospital, Chuo-Ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Daisuke Kinoshita
- Department of Endocrinology, Hematology and Gerontology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chuo-Ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan.,Department of Diabetes and Metabolism, Asahi General Hospital, Asahi-Shi, Chiba 289-2511, Japan
| | - Aki Takada-Watanabe
- Department of Endocrinology, Hematology and Gerontology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chuo-Ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Motohiko Oshima
- Division of Stem Cell and Molecular Medicine, Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-Ku, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| | - Masaya Koshizaka
- Department of Endocrinology, Hematology and Gerontology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chuo-Ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan.,Division of Diabetes, Metabolism and Endocrinology, Chiba University Hospital, Chuo-Ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Ogata
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chuo-Ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Kubota
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chuo-Ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Mitsukawa
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chuo-Ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Koji Eto
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chuo-Ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan.,Department of Clinical Application, Center for IPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Shogoin, Sakyo-Ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Atsushi Iwama
- Division of Stem Cell and Molecular Medicine, Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-Ku, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| | - Koutaro Yokote
- Department of Endocrinology, Hematology and Gerontology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chuo-Ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan.,Division of Diabetes, Metabolism and Endocrinology, Chiba University Hospital, Chuo-Ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
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20
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Das T, Pal S, Ganguly A. Human RecQ helicases in transcription-associated stress management: bridging the gap between DNA and RNA metabolism. Biol Chem 2021; 402:617-636. [PMID: 33567180 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2020-0324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
RecQ helicases are a highly conserved class of DNA helicases that play crucial role in almost all DNA metabolic processes including replication, repair and recombination. They are able to unwind a wide variety of complex intermediate DNA structures that may result from cellular DNA transactions and hence assist in maintaining genome integrity. Interestingly, a huge number of recent reports suggest that many of the RecQ family helicases are directly or indirectly involved in regulating transcription and gene expression. On one hand, they can remove complex structures like R-loops, G-quadruplexes or RNA:DNA hybrids formed at the intersection of transcription and replication. On the other hand, emerging evidence suggests that they can also regulate transcription by directly interacting with RNA polymerase or recruiting other protein factors that may regulate transcription. This review summarizes the up to date knowledge on the involvement of three human RecQ family proteins BLM, WRN and RECQL5 in transcription regulation and management of transcription associated stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tulika Das
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur721302, India
| | - Surasree Pal
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur721302, India
| | - Agneyo Ganguly
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur721302, India
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21
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Kandhaya-Pillai R, Hou D, Zhang J, Yang X, Compoginis G, Mori T, Tchkonia T, Martin GM, Hisama FM, Kirkland JL, Oshima J. SMAD4 mutations and cross-talk between TGF-β/IFNγ signaling accelerate rates of DNA damage and cellular senescence, resulting in a segmental progeroid syndrome-the Myhre syndrome. GeroScience 2021; 43:1481-1496. [PMID: 33428109 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-020-00318-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
SMAD4 encodes a member of the SMAD family of proteins involved in the TGF-β signaling pathway. Potentially heritable, autosomal dominant, gain-of-function heterozygous variants of SMAD4 cause a rare developmental disorder, the Myhre syndrome, which is associated with a wide range of developmental and post-developmental phenotypes that we now characterize as a novel segmental progeroid syndrome. Whole-exome sequencing of a patient referred to our International Registry of Werner Syndrome revealed a heterozygous p.Arg496Cys variant of the SMAD4 gene. To investigate the role of SMAD4 mutations in accelerated senescence, we generated cellular models overexpressing either wild-type SMAD4 or mutant SMAD4-R496C in normal skin fibroblasts. We found that cells expressing the SMAD4-R496C mutant exhibited decreased proliferation and elevated expression of cellular senescence and inflammatory markers, including IL-6, IFNγ, and a TGF-β target gene, PAI-1. Here we show that transient exposure to TGF-β, an inflammatory cytokine, followed by chronic IFNγ stimulation, accelerated rates of senescence that were associated with increased DNA damage foci and SMAD4 expression. TGF-β, IFNγ, or combinations of both were not sufficient to reduce proliferation rates of fibroblasts. In contrast, TGF-β alone was able to induce preadipocyte senescence via induction of the mTOR protein. The mTOR inhibitor rapamycin mitigated TGF-β-induced expression of p21, p16, and DNA damage foci and improved replicative potential of preadipocytes, supporting the cell-specific response to this cytokine. These findings collectively suggest that persistent DNA damage and cross-talk between TGF-β/IFNγ pathways contribute to a series of molecular events leading to cellular senescence and a segmental progeroid syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renuka Kandhaya-Pillai
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Box 357470, HSB, Seattle, WA, K-543, USA
| | - Deyin Hou
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Box 357470, HSB, Seattle, WA, K-543, USA
| | - Jiaming Zhang
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Box 357470, HSB, Seattle, WA, K-543, USA
| | - Xiaomeng Yang
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Box 357470, HSB, Seattle, WA, K-543, USA
| | - Goli Compoginis
- Department of Dermatology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Takayasu Mori
- Department of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tamara Tchkonia
- Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - George M Martin
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Box 357470, HSB, Seattle, WA, K-543, USA
| | - Fuki M Hisama
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - James L Kirkland
- Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Junko Oshima
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Box 357470, HSB, Seattle, WA, K-543, USA.
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22
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Miglietta G, Russo M, Capranico G. G-quadruplex-R-loop interactions and the mechanism of anticancer G-quadruplex binders. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:11942-11957. [PMID: 33137181 PMCID: PMC7708042 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic DNA and cellular RNAs can form a variety of non-B secondary structures, including G-quadruplex (G4) and R-loops. G4s are constituted by stacked guanine tetrads held together by Hoogsteen hydrogen bonds and can form at key regulatory sites of eukaryote genomes and transcripts, including gene promoters, untranslated exon regions and telomeres. R-loops are 3-stranded structures wherein the two strands of a DNA duplex are melted and one of them is annealed to an RNA. Specific G4 binders are intensively investigated to discover new effective anticancer drugs based on a common rationale, i.e.: the selective inhibition of oncogene expression or specific impairment of telomere maintenance. However, despite the high number of known G4 binders, such a selective molecular activity has not been fully established and several published data point to a different mode of action. We will review published data that address the close structural interplay between G4s and R-loops in vitro and in vivo, and how these interactions can have functional consequences in relation to G4 binder activity. We propose that R-loops can play a previously-underestimated role in G4 binder action, in relation to DNA damage induction, telomere maintenance, genome and epigenome instability and alterations of gene expression programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Miglietta
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, via Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Russo
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, via Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni Capranico
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, via Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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23
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Dhar S, Datta A, Brosh RM. DNA helicases and their roles in cancer. DNA Repair (Amst) 2020; 96:102994. [PMID: 33137625 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2020.102994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
DNA helicases, known for their fundamentally important roles in genomic stability, are high profile players in cancer. Not only are there monogenic helicase disorders with a strong disposition to cancer, it is well appreciated that helicase variants are associated with specific cancers (e.g., breast cancer). Flipping the coin, DNA helicases are frequently overexpressed in cancerous tissues and reduction in helicase gene expression results in reduced proliferation and growth capacity, as well as DNA damage induction and apoptosis of cancer cells. The seminal roles of helicases in the DNA damage and replication stress responses, as well as DNA repair pathways, validate their vital importance in cancer biology and suggest their potential values as targets in anti-cancer therapy. In recent years, many laboratories have characterized the specialized roles of helicase to resolve transcription-replication conflicts, maintain telomeres, mediate cell cycle checkpoints, remodel stalled replication forks, and regulate transcription. In vivo models, particularly mice, have been used to interrogate helicase function and serve as a bridge for preclinical studies that may lead to novel therapeutic approaches. In this review, we will summarize our current knowledge of DNA helicases and their roles in cancer, emphasizing the latest developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srijita Dhar
- Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Arindam Datta
- Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Robert M Brosh
- Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
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Datta A, Dhar S, Awate S, Brosh RM. Synthetic Lethal Interactions of RECQ Helicases. Trends Cancer 2020; 7:146-161. [PMID: 33041245 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2020.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
DNA helicases have risen to the forefront as genome caretakers. Their prominent roles in chromosomal stability are demonstrated by the linkage of mutations in helicase genes to hereditary disorders with defects in DNA repair, the replication stress response, and/or transcriptional activation. Conversely, accumulating evidence suggests that DNA helicases in cancer cells have a network of pathway interactions such that codeficiency of some helicases and their genetically interacting proteins results in synthetic lethality (SL). Such genetic interactions may potentially be exploited for cancer therapies. We discuss the roles of RECQ DNA helicases in cancer, emphasizing some of the more recent developments in SL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arindam Datta
- Section on DNA Helicases, Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Srijita Dhar
- Section on DNA Helicases, Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Sanket Awate
- Section on DNA Helicases, Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Robert M Brosh
- Section on DNA Helicases, Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
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25
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Mutations in conserved functional domains of human RecQ helicases are associated with diseases and cancer: A review. Biophys Chem 2020; 265:106433. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2020.106433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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26
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Chalikian TV, Liu L, Macgregor RB. Duplex-tetraplex equilibria in guanine- and cytosine-rich DNA. Biophys Chem 2020; 267:106473. [PMID: 33031980 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2020.106473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Noncanonical four-stranded DNA structures, including G-quadruplexes and i-motifs, have been discovered in the cell and are implicated in a variety of genomic regulatory functions. The tendency of a specific guanine- and cytosine-rich region of genomic DNA to adopt a four-stranded conformation depends on its ability to overcome the constraints of duplex base-pairing by undergoing consecutive duplex-to-coil and coil-to-tetraplex transitions. The latter ability is determined by the balance between the free energies of participating ordered and disordered structures. In this review, we present an overview of the literature on the stability of G-quadruplex and i-motif structures and discuss the extent of duplex-tetraplex competition as a function of the sequence context of the DNA and environmental conditions including temperature, pH, salt, molecular crowding, and the presence of G-quadruplex-binding ligands. We outline how the results of in vitro studies can be expanded to understanding duplex-tetraplex equilibria in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tigran V Chalikian
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, 144 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3M2, Canada.
| | - Lutan Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, 144 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Robert B Macgregor
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, 144 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3M2, Canada
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Abstract
Several decades elapsed between the first descriptions of G-quadruplex nucleic acid structures (G4s) assembled in vitro and the emergence of experimental findings indicating that such structures can form and function in living systems. A large body of evidence now supports roles for G4s in many aspects of nucleic acid biology, spanning processes from transcription and chromatin structure, mRNA processing, protein translation, DNA replication and genome stability, and telomere and mitochondrial function. Nonetheless, it must be acknowledged that some of this evidence is tentative, which is not surprising given the technical challenges associated with demonstrating G4s in biology. Here I provide an overview of evidence for G4 biology, focusing particularly on the many potential pitfalls that can be encountered in its investigation, and briefly discuss some of broader biological processes that may be impacted by G4s including cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. Brad Johnson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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28
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Lejault P, Moruno-Manchon JF, Vemu SM, Honarpisheh P, Zhu L, Kim N, Urayama A, Monchaud D, McCullough LD, Tsvetkov AS. Regulation of autophagy by DNA G-quadruplexes. Autophagy 2020; 16:2252-2259. [PMID: 32420812 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2020.1769991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Guanine-rich DNA strands can form secondary structures known as G-quadruplexes (G4-DNA or G4s). G4-DNA is important for the regulation of replication and transcription. We recently showed that the expression of Atg7, a gene that is critical for macroautophagy/autophagy, is controlled by G4-DNA in neurons. We demonstrated that the transcription factor SUB1/PC4 and the G4-DNA-specific antibody HF2 bind to a putative G4-DNA motif located in the Atg7 gene. Stabilizing G4-DNA with the G4-ligand pyridostatin (PDS) downregulates Atg7 expression in neurons. Here, we further investigated how G4-DNA in the Atg7 gene is stabilized by PDS. We show that PDS can form 1:1 and 2:1 complexes with the Atg7's G4. We also demonstrate that PDS downregulates the ATG7 protein and the expression of Atg7 in astrocytes as well as in neurons. Together with our previous findings, these data establish a novel G4-DNA-associated mechanism of autophagy regulation at a transcriptional level in neurons and astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Lejault
- UBFC Dijon, Institut De Chimie Moléculaire (ICMUB) , Dijon, France
| | - Jose F Moruno-Manchon
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston , Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sree M Vemu
- Summer Research Program, the University of Texas Medical School at Houston , TX, USA
| | - Pedram Honarpisheh
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston , Houston, TX, USA.,The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences , Houston, TX, USA
| | - Liang Zhu
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Research Design Core Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston , Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston , Houston, TX, USA
| | - Nayun Kim
- The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences , Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston , TX
| | - Akihiko Urayama
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston , Houston, TX, USA.,The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences , Houston, TX, USA
| | - David Monchaud
- UBFC Dijon, Institut De Chimie Moléculaire (ICMUB) , Dijon, France
| | - Louise D McCullough
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston , Houston, TX, USA.,The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences , Houston, TX, USA
| | - Andrey S Tsvetkov
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston , Houston, TX, USA.,The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences , Houston, TX, USA.,UTHealth Consortium on Aging, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School , Houston, TX, USA
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29
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Brosh RM, Matson SW. History of DNA Helicases. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11030255. [PMID: 32120966 PMCID: PMC7140857 DOI: 10.3390/genes11030255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery of the DNA double helix, there has been a fascination in understanding the molecular mechanisms and cellular processes that account for: (i) the transmission of genetic information from one generation to the next and (ii) the remarkable stability of the genome. Nucleic acid biologists have endeavored to unravel the mysteries of DNA not only to understand the processes of DNA replication, repair, recombination, and transcription but to also characterize the underlying basis of genetic diseases characterized by chromosomal instability. Perhaps unexpectedly at first, DNA helicases have arisen as a key class of enzymes to study in this latter capacity. From the first discovery of ATP-dependent DNA unwinding enzymes in the mid 1970's to the burgeoning of helicase-dependent pathways found to be prevalent in all kingdoms of life, the story of scientific discovery in helicase research is rich and informative. Over four decades after their discovery, we take this opportunity to provide a history of DNA helicases. No doubt, many chapters are left to be written. Nonetheless, at this juncture we are privileged to share our perspective on the DNA helicase field - where it has been, its current state, and where it is headed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert M. Brosh
- Section on DNA Helicases, Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
- Correspondence: (R.M.B.J.); (S.W.M.); Tel.: +1-410-558-8578 (R.M.B.J.); +1-919-962-0005 (S.W.M.)
| | - Steven W. Matson
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Correspondence: (R.M.B.J.); (S.W.M.); Tel.: +1-410-558-8578 (R.M.B.J.); +1-919-962-0005 (S.W.M.)
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30
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Zheng L, Meng Y, Campbell JL, Shen B. Multiple roles of DNA2 nuclease/helicase in DNA metabolism, genome stability and human diseases. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:16-35. [PMID: 31754720 PMCID: PMC6943134 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz1101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA2 nuclease/helicase is a structure-specific nuclease, 5'-to-3' helicase, and DNA-dependent ATPase. It is involved in multiple DNA metabolic pathways, including Okazaki fragment maturation, replication of 'difficult-to-replicate' DNA regions, end resection, stalled replication fork processing, and mitochondrial genome maintenance. The participation of DNA2 in these different pathways is regulated by its interactions with distinct groups of DNA replication and repair proteins and by post-translational modifications. These regulatory mechanisms induce its recruitment to specific DNA replication or repair complexes, such as DNA replication and end resection machinery, and stimulate its efficient cleavage of various structures, for example, to remove RNA primers or to produce 3' overhangs at telomeres or double-strand breaks. Through these versatile activities at replication forks and DNA damage sites, DNA2 functions as both a tumor suppressor and promoter. In normal cells, it suppresses tumorigenesis by maintaining the genomic integrity. Thus, DNA2 mutations or functional deficiency may lead to cancer initiation. However, DNA2 may also function as a tumor promoter, supporting cancer cell survival by counteracting replication stress. Therefore, it may serve as an ideal target to sensitize advanced DNA2-overexpressing cancers to current chemo- and radiotherapy regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zheng
- Department of Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 East Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Yuan Meng
- Department of Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 East Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Judith L Campbell
- Divisions of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Binghui Shen
- Department of Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 East Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
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31
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Lu L, Jin W, Wang LL. RECQ DNA Helicases and Osteosarcoma. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1258:37-54. [PMID: 32767233 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-43085-6_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The RECQ family of DNA helicases is a conserved group of enzymes that plays an important role in maintaining genomic stability. Humans possess five RECQ helicase genes, and mutations in three of them - BLM, WRN, and RECQL4 - are associated with the genetic disorders Bloom syndrome, Werner syndrome, and Rothmund-Thomson syndrome (RTS), respectively. These syndromes share overlapping clinical features, and importantly they are all associated with an increased risk of cancer. Patients with RTS have the highest specific risk of developing osteosarcoma compared to all other cancer predisposition syndromes; therefore, RTS serves as a relevant model to study the pathogenesis and molecular genetics of osteosarcoma. The "tumor suppressor" function of the RECQ helicases continues to be an area of active investigation. This chapter will focus primarily on the known cellular functions of RECQL4 and how these may relate to tumorigenesis, as well as ongoing efforts to understand RECQL4's functions in vivo using animal models. Understanding the RECQ pathways will provide insight into avenues for novel cancer therapies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linchao Lu
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology/Oncology, Texas Children's Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Weidong Jin
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology/Oncology, Texas Children's Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lisa L Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology/Oncology, Texas Children's Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
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32
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Estep KN, Butler TJ, Ding J, Brosh RM. G4-Interacting DNA Helicases and Polymerases: Potential Therapeutic Targets. Curr Med Chem 2019; 26:2881-2897. [PMID: 29149833 DOI: 10.2174/0929867324666171116123345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Revised: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Guanine-rich DNA can fold into highly stable four-stranded DNA structures called G-quadruplexes (G4). In recent years, the G-quadruplex field has blossomed as new evidence strongly suggests that such alternately folded DNA structures are likely to exist in vivo. G4 DNA presents obstacles for the replication machinery, and both eukaryotic DNA helicases and polymerases have evolved to resolve and copy G4 DNA in vivo. In addition, G4-forming sequences are prevalent in gene promoters, suggesting that G4-resolving helicases act to modulate transcription. METHODS We have searched the PubMed database to compile an up-to-date and comprehensive assessment of the field's current knowledge to provide an overview of the molecular interactions of Gquadruplexes with DNA helicases and polymerases implicated in their resolution. RESULTS Novel computational tools and alternative strategies have emerged to detect G4-forming sequences and assess their biological consequences. Specialized DNA helicases and polymerases catalytically act upon G4-forming sequences to maintain normal replication and genomic stability as well as appropriate gene regulation and cellular homeostasis. G4 helicases also resolve telomeric repeats to maintain chromosomal DNA ends. Bypass of many G4-forming sequences is achieved by the action of translesion DNS polymerases or the PrimPol DNA polymerase. While the collective work has supported a role of G4 in nuclear DNA metabolism, an emerging field centers on G4 abundance in the mitochondrial genome. CONCLUSION Discovery of small molecules that specifically bind and modulate DNA helicases and polymerases or interact with the G4 DNA structure itself may be useful for the development of anticancer regimes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina N Estep
- Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, NIH Biomedical Research Center, 251 Bayview Blvd Baltimore, MD 21224, United States
| | - Thomas J Butler
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, NIH Biomedical Research Center, 251 Bayview Blvd Baltimore, MD 21224, United States
| | - Jun Ding
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, NIH Biomedical Research Center, 251 Bayview Blvd Baltimore, MD 21224, United States
| | - Robert M Brosh
- Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, NIH Biomedical Research Center, 251 Bayview Blvd Baltimore, MD 21224, United States
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33
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Kim N. The Interplay between G-quadruplex and Transcription. Curr Med Chem 2019; 26:2898-2917. [PMID: 29284393 PMCID: PMC6026074 DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666171229132619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2017] [Revised: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
G4 DNA is a non-canonical DNA structure consisting of a stacked array of Gquartets held together by base pairing between guanine bases. The formation of G4 DNA requires a cluster of guanine-runs within a strand of DNA. Even though the chemistry of this remarkable DNA structure has been under investigation for decades, evidence supporting the biological relevance of G4 DNA has only begun to emerge and point to very important and conserved biological functions. This review will specifically focus on the interplay between transcription and G4 DNA and discuss two alternative but interconnected perspectives. The first part of the review will describe the evidence substantiating the intriguing idea that a shift in DNA structural conformation could be another layer of non-genetic or epigenetic regulator of gene expression and thereby an important determinant of cell fate. The second part will describe the recent genetic studies showing that those genomic loci containing G4 DNA-forming guanine-rich sequences are potential hotspots of genome instability and that the level and orientation of transcription is critical in the materialization of genome instability associated with these sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayun Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston; The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, United States
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34
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Guanine Quadruplex DNA Regulates Gamma Radiation Response of Genome Functions in the Radioresistant Bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans. J Bacteriol 2019; 201:JB.00154-19. [PMID: 31235513 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00154-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Guanine quadruplex (G4) DNA/RNA are secondary structures that regulate the various cellular processes in both eukaryotes and bacteria. Deinococcus radiodurans, a Gram-positive bacterium known for its extraordinary radioresistance, shows a genomewide occurrence of putative G4 DNA-forming motifs in its GC-rich genome. N-Methyl mesoporphyrin (NMM), a G4 DNA structure-stabilizing drug, did not affect bacterial growth under normal conditions but inhibited the postirradiation recovery of gamma-irradiated cells. Transcriptome sequencing analysis of cells treated with both radiation and NMM showed repression of gamma radiation-responsive gene expression, which was observed in the absence of NMM. Notably, this effect of NMM on the expression of housekeeping genes involved in other cellular processes was not observed. Stabilization of G4 DNA structures mapped at the upstream of recA and in the encoding region of DR_2199 had negatively affected promoter activity in vivo, DNA synthesis in vitro and protein translation in Escherichia coli host. These results suggested that G4 DNA plays an important role in DNA damage response and in the regulation of expression of the DNA repair proteins required for radioresistance in D. radiodurans IMPORTANCE Deinococcus radiodurans can recover from extensive DNA damage caused by many genotoxic agents. It lacks LexA/RecA-mediated canonical SOS response. Therefore, the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of DNA damage response would be worth investigating in this bacterium. D. radiodurans genome is GC-rich and contains numerous islands of putative guanine quadruplex (G4) DNA structure-forming motifs. Here, we showed that in vivo stabilization of G4 DNA structures can impair DNA damage response processes in D. radiodurans Essential cellular processes such as transcription, DNA synthesis, and protein translation, which are also an integral part of the double-strand DNA break repair pathway, are affected by the arrest of G4 DNA structure dynamics. Thus, the role of DNA secondary structures in DNA damage response and radioresistance is demonstrated.
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35
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Bermisheva MA, Gilyazova IR, Akhmadishina LZ, Gimalova GF, Zinnatullina GF, Khusnutdinova EK. A WRN Nonsense Mutation, p.R1406X, is Not a Risk Factor of Breast Cancer. RUSS J GENET+ 2019. [DOI: 10.1134/s1022795419070056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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36
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Hereditary myeloid malignancies. Best Pract Res Clin Haematol 2019; 32:163-176. [DOI: 10.1016/j.beha.2019.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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37
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Lerner LK, Sale JE. Replication of G Quadruplex DNA. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10020095. [PMID: 30700033 PMCID: PMC6409989 DOI: 10.3390/genes10020095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
A cursory look at any textbook image of DNA replication might suggest that the complex machine that is the replisome runs smoothly along the chromosomal DNA. However, many DNA sequences can adopt non-B form secondary structures and these have the potential to impede progression of the replisome. A picture is emerging in which the maintenance of processive DNA replication requires the action of a significant number of additional proteins beyond the core replisome to resolve secondary structures in the DNA template. By ensuring that DNA synthesis remains closely coupled to DNA unwinding by the replicative helicase, these factors prevent impediments to the replisome from causing genetic and epigenetic instability. This review considers the circumstances in which DNA forms secondary structures, the potential responses of the eukaryotic replisome to these impediments in the light of recent advances in our understanding of its structure and operation and the mechanisms cells deploy to remove secondary structure from the DNA. To illustrate the principles involved, we focus on one of the best understood DNA secondary structures, G quadruplexes (G4s), and on the helicases that promote their resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leticia Koch Lerner
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK.
| | - Julian E Sale
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK.
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38
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Developing Novel G-Quadruplex Ligands: from Interaction with Nucleic Acids to Interfering with Nucleic Acid⁻Protein Interaction. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24030396. [PMID: 30678288 PMCID: PMC6384609 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24030396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Revised: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplex is a special secondary structure of nucleic acids in guanine-rich sequences of genome. G-quadruplexes have been proved to be involved in the regulation of replication, DNA damage repair, and transcription and translation of oncogenes or other cancer-related genes. Therefore, targeting G-quadruplexes has become a novel promising anti-tumor strategy. Different kinds of small molecules targeting the G-quadruplexes have been designed, synthesized, and identified as potential anti-tumor agents, including molecules directly bind to the G-quadruplex and molecules interfering with the binding between the G-quadruplex structures and related binding proteins. This review will explore the feasibility of G-quadruplex ligands acting as anti-tumor drugs, from basis to application. Meanwhile, since helicase is the most well-defined G-quadruplex-related protein, the most extensive research on the relationship between helicase and G-quadruplexes, and its meaning in drug design, is emphasized.
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39
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Falabella M, Fernandez RJ, Johnson FB, Kaufman BA. Potential Roles for G-Quadruplexes in Mitochondria. Curr Med Chem 2019; 26:2918-2932. [PMID: 29493440 PMCID: PMC6113130 DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666180228165527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Revised: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Some DNA or RNA sequences rich in guanine (G) nucleotides can adopt noncanonical conformations known as G-quadruplexes (G4). In the nuclear genome, G4 motifs have been associated with genome instability and gene expression defects, but they are increasingly recognized to be regulatory structures. Recent studies have revealed that G4 structures can form in the mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) and potential G4 forming sequences are associated with the origin of mtDNA deletions. However, little is known about the regulatory role of G4 structures in mitochondria. In this short review, we will explore the potential for G4 structures to regulate mitochondrial function, based on evidence from the nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micol Falabella
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Center for Metabolism and Mitochondrial Medicine and Vascular Medicine Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Rafael J Fernandez
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - F Brad Johnson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Brett A Kaufman
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Center for Metabolism and Mitochondrial Medicine and Vascular Medicine Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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Zhu X, Chen H, Yang Y, Xu C, Zhou J, Zhou J, Chen Y. Distinct prognosis of mRNA expression of the five RecQ DNA-helicase family members - RECQL, BLM, WRN, RECQL4, and RECQL5 - in patients with breast cancer. Cancer Manag Res 2018; 10:6649-6668. [PMID: 30584360 PMCID: PMC6287649 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s185769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Five RecQ helicase family members have a role in maintaining genome stability. However, their prognostic roles in breast cancer remain unknown. We aimed to investigate the prognostic values of the RecQ family and clinical outcomes in breast cancer. Methods We used the Kaplan-Meier Plotter database (http://kmplot.com/analysis) to analyze prognostic values of RecQ-family mRNA expression in all breast cancers and in different intrinsic subtypes and clinicopathological characteristics. Protein-expression levels of WRN and RECQL4 were confirmed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in breast cancer tissues. Results Increased expression of RECQL mRNA was significantly associated with reduced relapse-free survival (RFS) and postprogression survival (PPS) in all breast cancers, and improved overall survival (OS) in patients with basal-like breast cancer and in mutant-p53-type breast cancer patients. Increased expression of BLM mRNA was correlated with reduced distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) in all patients. Increased expression of WRN mRNA was associated with improved OS and RFS in breast cancer patients. Increased expression of RECQL4 mRNA was associated with reduced OS, DMFS, and RFS in all breast cancers, and with reduced OS in patients with luminal A, HER2-positive, ER-positive, and PR-positive breast cancer. Increased expression of RECQL5 mRNA was associated with improved RFS in all patients, and with improved OS in patients with lymph-node-negative breast cancer, but with reduced OS in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer. IHC staining confirmed that high expression of WRN was correlated with increased OS and high expression of RECQL4 associated with reduced OS at protein levels. Conclusion mRNA-expression levels of RecQ members were significantly correlated with prognosis in breast cancer patients. These preliminary findings require further study to determine whether RecQ-targeting reagents might be developed for clinical application in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Zhu
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China, .,The Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention of China National Ministry of Education, The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical Sciences of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China,
| | - Huihui Chen
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China,
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China, .,Department of Breast Surgery, Jiaxing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunjing Xu
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China, .,The Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention of China National Ministry of Education, The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical Sciences of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China,
| | - Jun Zhou
- Department of Breast Surgery, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaojiao Zhou
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China, .,The Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention of China National Ministry of Education, The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical Sciences of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China,
| | - Yiding Chen
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China, .,The Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention of China National Ministry of Education, The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical Sciences of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China,
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Non-duplex G-Quadruplex Structures Emerge as Mediators of Epigenetic Modifications. Trends Genet 2018; 35:129-144. [PMID: 30527765 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2018.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The role of non-duplex DNA, the guanine-quadruplex structure in particular, is becoming widely appreciated. Increasing evidence in the last decade implicates quadruplexes in important processes such as transcription and replication. Interestingly, more recent work suggests roles for quadruplexes, in association with quadruplex-interacting proteins, in epigenetics through both DNA and histone modifications. Here, we review the effect of the quadruplex structure on post-replication epigenetic memory and quadruplex-induced promoter DNA/histone modifications. Furthermore, we highlight the epigenetic state of the telomerase promoter where quadruplexes could play a key regulatory role. Finally, we discuss the possibility that DNA structures such as quadruplexes, within a largely duplex DNA background, could act as molecular anchors for locally induced epigenetic modifications.
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Jodoin R, Perreault JP. G-quadruplexes formation in the 5'UTRs of mRNAs associated with colorectal cancer pathways. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0208363. [PMID: 30507959 PMCID: PMC6277105 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0208363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA G-quadruplexes (rG4) are stable non-canonical secondary structures composed of G-rich sequences. Many rG4 structures located in the 5'UTRs of mRNAs act as translation repressors due to their high stability which is thought to impede ribosomal scanning. That said, it is not known if these are mRNA-specific examples, or if they are indicative of a global expression regulation mechanism of the mRNAs involved in a common pathway based on structure folding recognition. Gene-ontology analysis of mRNAs bearing a predicted rG4 motif in their 5'UTRs revealed an enrichment for mRNAs associated with the colorectal cancer pathway. Bioinformatic tools for rG4 prediction, and experimental in vitro validations were used to confirm and compare the folding of the predicted rG4s of the mRNAs associated with dysregulated pathways in colorectal cancer. The rG4 folding was confirmed for the first time for 9 mRNAs. A repressive effect of 3 rG4 candidates on the expression of a reporter gene was also measured in colorectal cancer cell lines. This work highlights the fact that rG4 prediction is not yet accurate, and that experimental characterization is still essential in order to identify the precise rG4 folding sequences and the possible common features shared between the rG4 overrepresented in important biological pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Jodoin
- Département de Biochimie, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Jean-Pierre Perreault
- Département de Biochimie, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
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Hui CW, St-Pierre MK, Detuncq J, Aumailley L, Dubois MJ, Couture V, Skuk D, Marette A, Tremblay JP, Lebel M, Tremblay MÈ. Nonfunctional mutant Wrn protein leads to neurological deficits, neuronal stress, microglial alteration, and immune imbalance in a mouse model of Werner syndrome. Brain Behav Immun 2018; 73:450-469. [PMID: 29908963 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2018.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Werner syndrome (WS) is a premature aging disorder caused by mutations in a RecQ-family DNA helicase, WRN. Mice lacking part of the helicase domain of the WRN orthologue exhibit many phenotypic features of WS, including metabolic abnormalities and a shorter lifespan. Yet, little is known about the impact of WRN mutations on the central nervous system in both humans and mouse models of WS. In the current study, we have performed a longitudinal behavioral assessment on mice bearing a Wrn helicase deletion. Behavioral tests demonstrated a loss of motor activity and coordination, reduction in perception, increase in repetitive behavior, and deficits in both spatial and social novelty memories in Wrn mutant mice compared to age-matched wild type mice. These neurological deficits were associated with biochemical and histological changes in the brain of aged Wrn mutant mice. Microglia, resident immune cells that regulate neuronal plasticity and function in the brain, were hyper-ramified in multiple regions involved with the behavioral deficits of Wrn mutant mice. Furthermore, western analyses indicated that Wrn mutant mice exhibited an increase of oxidative stress markers in the prefrontal cortex. Supporting these findings, electron microscopy studies revealed increased cellular aging and oxidative stress features, among microglia and neurons respectively, in the prefrontal cortex of aged Wrn mutant mice. In addition, multiplex immunoassay of serum identified significant changes in the expression levels of several pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Taken together, these findings indicate that microglial dysfunction and neuronal oxidative stress, associated with peripheral immune system alterations, might be important driving forces leading to abnormal neurological symptoms in WS thus suggesting potential therapeutic targets for interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin Wai Hui
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université Laval (CHUL), 2705 Laurier Blvd., Québec City, Québec G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Marie-Kim St-Pierre
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université Laval (CHUL), 2705 Laurier Blvd., Québec City, Québec G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Jérôme Detuncq
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université Laval (CHUL), 2705 Laurier Blvd., Québec City, Québec G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Lucie Aumailley
- Axe endocrinologie/néphrologie, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université Laval (CHUL), 2705 Laurier Blvd., Québec City, Québec G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Marie-Julie Dubois
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, 2725 Chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec City, Québec G1V 4G5, Canada
| | - Vanessa Couture
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université Laval (CHUL), 2705 Laurier Blvd., Québec City, Québec G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Daniel Skuk
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université Laval (CHUL), 2705 Laurier Blvd., Québec City, Québec G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - André Marette
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, 2725 Chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec City, Québec G1V 4G5, Canada
| | - Jacques P Tremblay
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université Laval (CHUL), 2705 Laurier Blvd., Québec City, Québec G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Michel Lebel
- Axe endocrinologie/néphrologie, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université Laval (CHUL), 2705 Laurier Blvd., Québec City, Québec G1V 4G2, Canada.
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université Laval (CHUL), 2705 Laurier Blvd., Québec City, Québec G1V 4G2, Canada.
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Yanhua X, Suxian Z. Cerebral Haemorrhage in a Young Patient With Atypical Werner Syndrome Due to Mutations in LMNA. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:433. [PMID: 30123186 PMCID: PMC6085819 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Werner syndrome is a rare genetic disorder; classical Werner syndrome is caused by mutations in the WRN gene. However, recent research has shown that LMNA gene mutations can also cause premature ageing syndromes such as atypical Werner syndrome (AWS). AWS usually manifests as muscular damage, defects in the cardiac conduction system, lipoatrophy, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and premature ageing. Clinical presentation: A 24-year-old man presented with severe abdominal aortic and peripheral artery disease and cerebral haemorrhage. He was prescribed once-daily 20 mg atorvastatin. Another large cerebral haemorrhage occurred 8 months after discharge. Although he underwent minimally invasive intracranial haematoma surgery, paralysis set in. Molecular studies showed a missense mutation within exon 5 (c.898G>C) that caused amino acid aspartate 300 to be replaced by histidine (p.Asp300His) in the LMNA gene. The patient was diagnosed with AWS. Conclusions: Haemorrhagic stroke and progeroid features may be manifestations of LMNA-linked AWS. In such cases, the patient's family history and genetic background should be investigated. WRN and LMNA gene testing of the proband and the immediate family should be considered. This case report provides a deeper understanding of the role of LMNA mutations in AWS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Yanhua
- Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical College, Guilin, China
- Guilin People's Hospital, Guilin, China
| | - Zhou Suxian
- Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical College, Guilin, China
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45
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Frankel D, Delecourt V, Harhouri K, De Sandre-Giovannoli A, Lévy N, Kaspi E, Roll P. MicroRNAs in hereditary and sporadic premature aging syndromes and other laminopathies. Aging Cell 2018; 17:e12766. [PMID: 29696758 PMCID: PMC6052405 DOI: 10.1111/acel.12766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hereditary and sporadic laminopathies are caused by mutations in genes encoding lamins, their partners, or the metalloprotease ZMPSTE24/FACE1. Depending on the clinical phenotype, they are classified as tissue‐specific or systemic diseases. The latter mostly manifest with several accelerated aging features, as in Hutchinson–Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) and other progeroid syndromes. MicroRNAs are small noncoding RNAs described as powerful regulators of gene expression, mainly by degrading target mRNAs or by inhibiting their translation. In recent years, the role of these small RNAs has become an object of study in laminopathies using in vitro or in vivo murine models as well as cells/tissues of patients. To date, few miRNAs have been reported to exert protective effects in laminopathies, including miR‐9, which prevents progerin accumulation in HGPS neurons. The recent literature has described the potential implication of several other miRNAs in the pathophysiology of laminopathies, mostly by exerting deleterious effects. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge of the functional relevance and molecular insights of miRNAs in laminopathies. Furthermore, we discuss how these discoveries could help to better understand these diseases at the molecular level and could pave the way toward identifying new potential therapeutic targets and strategies based on miRNA modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane Frankel
- Aix Marseille Univ; INSERM; MMG; Marseille France
- APHM, Hôpital la Timone; Service de Biologie Cellulaire; Marseille France
| | | | | | - Annachiara De Sandre-Giovannoli
- Aix Marseille Univ; INSERM; MMG; Marseille France
- APHM, Hôpital la Timone; Département de Génétique Médicale; Marseille France
| | - Nicolas Lévy
- Aix Marseille Univ; INSERM; MMG; Marseille France
- APHM, Hôpital la Timone; Département de Génétique Médicale; Marseille France
| | - Elise Kaspi
- Aix Marseille Univ; INSERM; MMG; Marseille France
- APHM, Hôpital la Timone; Service de Biologie Cellulaire; Marseille France
| | - Patrice Roll
- Aix Marseille Univ; INSERM; MMG; Marseille France
- APHM, Hôpital la Timone; Service de Biologie Cellulaire; Marseille France
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Burla R, La Torre M, Merigliano C, Vernì F, Saggio I. Genomic instability and DNA replication defects in progeroid syndromes. Nucleus 2018; 9:368-379. [PMID: 29936894 PMCID: PMC7000143 DOI: 10.1080/19491034.2018.1476793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Progeroid syndromes induced by mutations in lamin A or in its interactors – named progeroid laminopathies – are model systems for the dissection of the molecular pathways causing physiological and premature aging. A large amount of data, based mainly on the Hutchinson Gilford Progeria syndrome (HGPS), one of the best characterized progeroid laminopathy, has highlighted the role of lamins in multiple DNA activities, including replication, repair, chromatin organization and telomere function. On the other hand, the phenotypes generated by mutations affecting genes directly acting on DNA function, as mutations in the helicases WRN and BLM or in the polymerase polδ, share many of the traits of progeroid laminopathies. These evidences support the hypothesis of a concerted implication of DNA function and lamins in aging. We focus here on these aspects to contribute to the comprehension of the driving forces acting in progeroid syndromes and premature aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romina Burla
- a Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie "C. Darwin" , Sapienza Università di Roma , Roma , Italy.,b Istituto di Biologia e Patologia Molecolari del CNR , Rome , Italy
| | - Mattia La Torre
- a Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie "C. Darwin" , Sapienza Università di Roma , Roma , Italy.,b Istituto di Biologia e Patologia Molecolari del CNR , Rome , Italy
| | - Chiara Merigliano
- a Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie "C. Darwin" , Sapienza Università di Roma , Roma , Italy
| | - Fiammetta Vernì
- a Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie "C. Darwin" , Sapienza Università di Roma , Roma , Italy
| | - Isabella Saggio
- a Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie "C. Darwin" , Sapienza Università di Roma , Roma , Italy.,b Istituto di Biologia e Patologia Molecolari del CNR , Rome , Italy.,c Istituto Pasteur Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti , Rome , Italy
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Schwindt E, Paeschke K. Mms1 is an assistant for regulating G-quadruplex DNA structures. Curr Genet 2018; 64:535-540. [PMID: 29098365 PMCID: PMC5948289 DOI: 10.1007/s00294-017-0773-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2017] [Revised: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The preservation of genome stability is fundamental for every cell. Genomic integrity is constantly challenged. Among those challenges are also non-canonical nucleic acid structures. In recent years, scientists became aware of the impact of G-quadruplex (G4) structures on genome stability. It has been shown that folded G4-DNA structures cause changes in the cell, such as transcriptional up/down-regulation, replication stalling, or enhanced genome instability. Multiple helicases have been identified to regulate G4 structures and by this preserve genome stability. Interestingly, although these helicases are mostly ubiquitous expressed, they show specificity for G4 regulation in certain cellular processes (e.g., DNA replication). To this date, it is not clear how this process and target specificity of helicases are achieved. Recently, Mms1, an ubiquitin ligase complex protein, was identified as a novel G4-DNA-binding protein that supports genome stability by aiding Pif1 helicase binding to these regions. In this perspective review, we discuss the question if G4-DNA interacting proteins are fundamental for helicase function and specificity at G4-DNA structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eike Schwindt
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Katrin Paeschke
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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Abstract
Advances in understanding mechanisms of nucleic acids have revolutionized molecular biology and medicine, but understanding of nontraditional nucleic acid conformations is less developed. The guanine quadruplex (G4) alternative DNA structure was first described in the 1960s, but the existence of G4 structures (G4-S) and their participation in myriads of biological functions are still underappreciated. Despite many tools to study G4s and many examples of roles for G4s in eukaryotic molecular processes and issues with uncontrolled G4-S formation, there is relatively little knowledge about the roles of G4-S in viral or prokaryotic systems. This review summarizes the state of the art with regard to G4-S in eukaryotes and their potential roles in human disease before discussing the evidence that G4-S have equivalent importance in affecting viral and bacterial life.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Steven Seifert
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA;
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Oshima J, Kato H, Maezawa Y, Yokote K. RECQ helicase disease and related progeroid syndromes: RECQ2018 meeting. Mech Ageing Dev 2018; 173:80-83. [PMID: 29752965 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2018.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Revised: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Progeroid syndrome is a group of disorders characterized by the early onset of diseases that are associated with aging. Best known examples are Werner syndrome, which is adult onset and results from disease-causing DNA sequence variants in the RecQ helicase gene WRN, and Hutchison-Gilford progeria syndrome, which is childhood-onset and results from unique, recurrent disease-causing DNA sequence variants of the gene LMNA that encodes nuclear intermediate filaments. Related single gene RecQ disorders are Bloom syndrome and Rothmund-Thomson syndrome. The RecQ disorders Cockayne syndrome and xeroderma pigmentosum result from disease-causing DNA sequence variants in genes involved in the nucleotide excision repair pathway. RECQ2018: The International Meeting on RECQ Helicases and Related Diseases was held on February 16-18, 2018 in Chiba, Japan. The purpose of the meeting was to facilitate clinical and research collaborations for the goal of developing effective treatments for RECQ disorders and other progeroid syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junko Oshima
- Department of Clinical Cell Biology and Medicine, Chiba University, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan; Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Hisaya Kato
- Department of Clinical Cell Biology and Medicine, Chiba University, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yoshiro Maezawa
- Department of Clinical Cell Biology and Medicine, Chiba University, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Koutaro Yokote
- Department of Clinical Cell Biology and Medicine, Chiba University, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
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50
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Aumailley L, Roux-Dalvai F, Kelly I, Droit A, Lebel M. Vitamin C alters the amount of specific endoplasmic reticulum associated proteins involved in lipid metabolism in the liver of mice synthesizing a nonfunctional Werner syndrome (Wrn) mutant protein. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0193170. [PMID: 29494634 PMCID: PMC5832228 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Werner syndrome (WS) is a premature aging disorder caused by mutations in a protein containing both a DNA exonuclease and DNA helicase domain. Mice lacking the helicase domain of the Wrn protein orthologue exhibit transcriptomic and metabolic alterations, some of which are reversed by vitamin C. Recent studies on these animals indicated that the mutant protein is associated with enriched endoplasmic reticulum (ER) fractions of tissues resulting in an ER stress response. In this study, we identified proteins that exhibit actual level differences in the ER enriched fraction between the liver of wild type and Wrn mutant mice using quantitative proteomic profiling with label-free Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) and immunoblotting were performed to validate findings in a secondary independent cohort of wild type and Wrn mutant mice. DAVID 6.7 (NIH) was used for functional annotation analysis and indicated that the identified proteins exhibiting level changes between untreated wild type, Wrn mutant, and vitamin C treated Wrn mutant mice (ANOVA P–value < 0.05) were involved in fatty acid and steroid metabolism pathways (Bonferroni P-value = 0.0137). Finally, when we compared the transcriptomic and the proteomic data of our mouse cohorts only ~7% of the altered mRNA profiles encoding for ER gene products were consistent with their corresponding protein profiles measured by the label-free quantification methods. These results suggest that a great number of ER gene products are regulated at the post-transcriptional level in the liver of Wrn mutant mice exhibiting an ER stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Aumailley
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City Québec, Canada
| | - Florence Roux-Dalvai
- Proteomics Platform Center, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City Québec, Canada
| | - Isabelle Kelly
- Proteomics Platform Center, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City Québec, Canada
| | - Arnaud Droit
- Proteomics Platform Center, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City Québec, Canada
| | - Michel Lebel
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City Québec, Canada
- * E-mail:
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