1
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Hallier M, Bronsard J, Dréano S, Sassi M, Cattoir V, Felden B, Augagneur Y. RNAIII is linked with the pentose phosphate pathway through the activation of RpiRc in Staphylococcus aureus. mSphere 2024; 9:e0034823. [PMID: 38591898 PMCID: PMC11237564 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00348-23] [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: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus RNAIII is a dual-function regulatory RNA that controls the expression of multiple virulence genes and especially the transition from adhesion to the production of exotoxins. However, its contribution to S. aureus central metabolism remains unclear. Using MS2-affinity purification coupled with RNA sequencing, we uncovered more than 50 novel RNAIII-mRNA interactions. Among them, we demonstrate that RNAIII is a major activator of the rpiRc gene, encoding a regulator of the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP). RNAIII binds the 5' UTR of rpiRc mRNA to favor ribosome loading, leading to an increased expression of RpiRc and, subsequently, of two PPP enzymes. Finally, we show that RNAIII and RpiRc are involved in S. aureus fitness in media supplemented with various carbohydrate sources related to PPP and glycolysis. Collectively, our data depict an unprecedented phenotype associated with the RNAIII regulon, especially the direct implication of RNAIII in central metabolic activity modulation. These findings show that the contribution of RNAIII in Staphylococcus aureus adaptation goes far beyond what was initially reported. IMPORTANCE Staphylococcus aureus is a major human pathogen involved in acute and chronic infections. Highly recalcitrant to antibiotic treatment, persistent infections are mostly associated with the loss of RNAIII expression, a master RNA regulator responsible for the switch from colonization to infection. Here, we used the MS2 affinity purification coupled with RNA sequencing approach to identify novel mRNA targets of RNAIII and uncover novel functions. We demonstrate that RNAIII is an activator of the expression of genes involved in the pentose phosphate pathway and is implicated in the adjustment of bacterial fitness as a function of carbohydrate sources. Taken together, our results demonstrate an unprecedented role of RNAIII that goes beyond the knowledge gained so far and contributes to a better understanding of the role of RNAIII in bacterial adaptation expression and the coordination of a complex regulatory network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Hallier
- QCPS (Quality Control in Protein Synthesis), IGDR UMR CNRS 6290, Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France
- BRM (Bacterial Regulatory RNAs and Medicine), UMR_S 1230, Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France
| | - Julie Bronsard
- BRM (Bacterial Regulatory RNAs and Medicine), UMR_S 1230, Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France
| | - Stéphane Dréano
- Molecular Bases of Tumorigenesis: VHL Disease Team, CNRS UMR 6290 IGDR, BIOSIT, Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France
| | - Mohamed Sassi
- BRM (Bacterial Regulatory RNAs and Medicine), UMR_S 1230, Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France
| | - Vincent Cattoir
- BRM (Bacterial Regulatory RNAs and Medicine), UMR_S 1230, Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France
| | - Brice Felden
- BRM (Bacterial Regulatory RNAs and Medicine), UMR_S 1230, Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France
| | - Yoann Augagneur
- BRM (Bacterial Regulatory RNAs and Medicine), UMR_S 1230, Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France
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2
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Borges FS, Quilles JC, Lorenzon LB, Espada CR, Freitas-Castro F, Defina TPA, Holetz FB, Cruz AK. Leishmania Ribosomal Protein (RP) paralogous genes compensate each other's expression maintaining protein native levels. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0292152. [PMID: 38753846 PMCID: PMC11098316 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
In the protozoan parasite Leishmania, most genes encoding for ribosomal proteins (RPs) are present as two or more copies in the genome. However, their untranslated regions (UTRs) are predominantly divergent and might be associated with a distinct regulation of the expression of paralogous genes. Herein, we investigated the expression profiles of two RPs (S16 and L13a) encoded by duplicated genes in Leishmania major. The genes encoding for the S16 protein possess identical coding sequences (CDSs) and divergent UTRs, whereas the CDSs of L13a diverge by two amino acids and by their UTRs. Using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, we generated knockout (Δ) and endogenously tagged transfectants for each paralog of L13a and S16 genes. Combining tagged and Δ cell lines we found evidence of differential expression of both RPS16 and RPL13a isoforms throughout parasite development, with one isoform consistently more abundant than its respective copy. In addition, compensatory expression was observed for each paralog upon deletion of the corresponding isoform, suggesting functional conservation between these proteins. This differential expression pattern relates to post-translational processes, given compensation occurs at the level of the protein, with no alterations detected at transcript level. Ribosomal profiles for RPL13a indicate a standard behavior for these paralogues suggestive of interaction with heavy RNA-protein complexes, as already reported for other RPs in trypanosomatids. We identified paralog-specific bound to their 3'UTRs which may be influential in regulating paralog expression. In support, we identified conserved cis-elements within the 3'UTRs of RPS16 and RPL13a; cis-elements exclusive to the UTR of the more abundant paralog or to the less abundant ones were identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisca S. Borges
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, FMRP/USP–University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José C. Quilles
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, FMRP/USP–University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucas B. Lorenzon
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, FMRP/USP–University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Caroline R. Espada
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, FMRP/USP–University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Felipe Freitas-Castro
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, FMRP/USP–University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tânia P. A. Defina
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, FMRP/USP–University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fabíola B. Holetz
- Laboratory of Gene Expression Regulation, Carlos Chagas Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Angela K. Cruz
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, FMRP/USP–University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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3
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Mediati DG, Dan W, Lalaouna D, Dinh H, Pokhrel A, Rowell KN, Michie KA, Stinear TP, Cain AK, Tree JJ. The 3' UTR of vigR is required for virulence in Staphylococcus aureus and has expanded through STAR sequence repeat insertions. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114082. [PMID: 38583155 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114082] [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: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are alarmingly common, and treatment is confined to last-line antibiotics. Vancomycin is the treatment of choice for MRSA bacteremia, and treatment failure is often associated with vancomycin-intermediate S. aureus isolates. The regulatory 3' UTR of the vigR mRNA contributes to vancomycin tolerance and upregulates the autolysin IsaA. Using MS2-affinity purification coupled with RNA sequencing, we find that the vigR 3' UTR also regulates dapE, a succinyl-diaminopimelate desuccinylase required for lysine and peptidoglycan synthesis, suggesting a broader role in controlling cell wall metabolism and vancomycin tolerance. Deletion of the 3' UTR increased virulence, while the isaA mutant is completely attenuated in a wax moth larvae model. Sequence and structural analyses of vigR indicated that the 3' UTR has expanded through the acquisition of Staphylococcus aureus repeat insertions that contribute sequence for the isaA interaction seed and may functionalize the 3' UTR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel G Mediati
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Australian Institute for Microbiology and Infection, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia.
| | - William Dan
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David Lalaouna
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, ARN UPR 9002, Strasbourg, France
| | - Hue Dinh
- School of Natural Sciences, ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alaska Pokhrel
- Australian Institute for Microbiology and Infection, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia; School of Natural Sciences, ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Keiran N Rowell
- Structural Biology Facility, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Katharine A Michie
- Structural Biology Facility, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Timothy P Stinear
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Amy K Cain
- School of Natural Sciences, ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jai J Tree
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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4
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Bahena-Ceron R, Teixeira C, Ponce JRJ, Wolff P, Couzon F, François P, Klaholz BP, Vandenesch F, Romby P, Moreau K, Marzi S. RlmQ: a newly discovered rRNA modification enzyme bridging RNA modification and virulence traits in Staphylococcus aureus. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2024; 30:200-212. [PMID: 38164596 PMCID: PMC10870370 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079850.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
rRNA modifications play crucial roles in fine-tuning the delicate balance between translation speed and accuracy, yet the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Comparative analyses of the rRNA modifications in taxonomically distant bacteria could help define their general, as well as species-specific, roles. In this study, we identified a new methyltransferase, RlmQ, in Staphylococcus aureus responsible for the Gram-positive specific m7G2601, which is not modified in Escherichia coli (G2574). We also demonstrate the absence of methylation on C1989, equivalent to E. coli C1962, which is methylated at position 5 by the Gram-negative specific RlmI methyltransferase, a paralog of RlmQ. Both modifications (S. aureus m7G2601 and E. coli m5C1962) are situated within the same tRNA accommodation corridor, hinting at a potential shared function in translation. Inactivation of S. aureus rlmQ causes the loss of methylation at G2601 and significantly impacts growth, cytotoxicity, and biofilm formation. These findings unravel the intricate connections between rRNA modifications, translation, and virulence in pathogenic Gram-positive bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Bahena-Ceron
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Chloé Teixeira
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Université de Lyon, Inserm U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Jose R Jaramillo Ponce
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Philippe Wolff
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Florence Couzon
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Université de Lyon, Inserm U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Pauline François
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Université de Lyon, Inserm U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Bruno P Klaholz
- Centre for Integrative Biology, Department of Integrated Structural Biology, IGBMC, 67400 Illkirch, France
- CNRS UMR 7104, 67400 Illkirch, France
- Inserm U964, 67400 Illkirch, France
- Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - François Vandenesch
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Université de Lyon, Inserm U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, 69007 Lyon, France
- Institut des agents infectieux, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69004 Lyon, France
- Centre National de Référence des Staphylocoques, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69317 Lyon, France
| | - Pascale Romby
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Karen Moreau
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Université de Lyon, Inserm U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Stefano Marzi
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, 67000 Strasbourg, France
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5
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Bar A, Argaman L, Eldar M, Margalit H. TRS: a method for determining transcript termini from RNAtag-seq sequencing data. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7843. [PMID: 38030608 PMCID: PMC10687069 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43534-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In bacteria, determination of the 3' termini of transcripts plays an essential role in regulation of gene expression, affecting the functionality and stability of the transcript. Several experimental approaches were developed to identify the 3' termini of transcripts, however, these were applied only to a limited number of bacteria and growth conditions. Here we present a straightforward approach to identify 3' termini from widely available RNA-seq data without the need for additional experiments. Our approach relies on the observation that the RNAtag-seq sequencing protocol results in overabundance of reads mapped to transcript 3' termini. We present TRS (Termini by Read Starts), a computational pipeline exploiting this property to identify 3' termini in RNAtag-seq data, and show that the identified 3' termini are highly reliable. Since RNAtag-seq data are widely available for many bacteria and growth conditions, our approach paves the way for studying bacterial transcription termination in an unprecedented scope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Bar
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics IMRIC, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 9112102, Israel
| | - Liron Argaman
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics IMRIC, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 9112102, Israel
| | - Michal Eldar
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics IMRIC, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 9112102, Israel
| | - Hanah Margalit
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics IMRIC, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 9112102, Israel.
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6
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Stiens J, Tan YY, Joyce R, Arnvig KB, Kendall SL, Nobeli I. Using a whole genome co-expression network to inform the functional characterisation of predicted genomic elements from Mycobacterium tuberculosis transcriptomic data. Mol Microbiol 2023; 119:381-400. [PMID: 36924313 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.15055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
A whole genome co-expression network was created using Mycobacterium tuberculosis transcriptomic data from publicly available RNA-sequencing experiments covering a wide variety of experimental conditions. The network includes expressed regions with no formal annotation, including putative short RNAs and untranslated regions of expressed transcripts, along with the protein-coding genes. These unannotated expressed transcripts were among the best-connected members of the module sub-networks, making up more than half of the 'hub' elements in modules that include protein-coding genes known to be part of regulatory systems involved in stress response and host adaptation. This data set provides a valuable resource for investigating the role of non-coding RNA, and conserved hypothetical proteins, in transcriptomic remodelling. Based on their connections to genes with known functional groupings and correlations with replicated host conditions, predicted expressed transcripts can be screened as suitable candidates for further experimental validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Stiens
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Biological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK
| | - Yen Yi Tan
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Biological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK
| | - Rosanna Joyce
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Biological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK
| | - Kristine B Arnvig
- Division of Biosciences, Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sharon L Kendall
- Royal Veterinary College, Centre for Emerging, Endemic and Exotic Diseases, Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Hatfield, UK
| | - Irene Nobeli
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Biological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK
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7
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Zabolotskii AI, Kozlovskiy SV, Katrukha AG. The Influence of the Nucleotide Composition of Genes and Gene Regulatory Elements on the Efficiency of Protein Expression in Escherichia coli. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2023; 88:S176-S191. [PMID: 37069120 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297923140109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant proteins expressed in Escherichia coli are widely used in biochemical research and industrial processes. At the same time, achieving higher protein expression levels and correct protein folding still remains the key problem, since optimization of nutrient media, growth conditions, and methods for induction of protein synthesis do not always lead to the desired result. Often, low protein expression is determined by the sequences of the expressed genes and their regulatory regions. The genetic code is degenerated; 18 out of 20 amino acids are encoded by more than one codon. Choosing between synonymous codons in the coding sequence can significantly affect the level of protein expression and protein folding due to the influence of the gene nucleotide composition on the probability of formation of secondary mRNA structures that affect the ribosome binding at the translation initiation phase, as well as the ribosome movement along the mRNA during elongation, which, in turn, influences the mRNA degradation and the folding of the nascent protein. The nucleotide composition of the mRNA untranslated regions, in particular the promoter and Shine-Dalgarno sequences, also affects the efficiency of mRNA transcription, translation, and degradation. In this review, we describe the genetic principles that determine the efficiency of protein production in Escherichia coli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur I Zabolotskii
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
| | | | - Alexey G Katrukha
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia
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8
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Zou Z, Zhang C, Wang Q, Hou Z, Xiong Z, Kong F, Wang Q, Song J, Liu B, Liu B, Wang L, Lai F, Fan Q, Tao W, Zhao S, Ma X, Li M, Wu K, Zhao H, Chen ZJ, Xie W. Translatome and transcriptome co-profiling reveals a role of TPRXs in human zygotic genome activation. Science 2022; 378:abo7923. [PMID: 36074823 DOI: 10.1126/science.abo7923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Translational regulation plays a critical role during the oocyte-to-embryo transition (OET) and zygotic genome activation (ZGA). Here, we integrated ultra-low-input Ribo-seq with mRNA-seq to co-profile the translatome and transcriptome in human oocytes and early embryos. Comparison with mouse counterparts identified widespread differentially translated genes functioning in epigenetic reprogramming, transposon defense, and small RNA biogenesis, in part driven by species-specific regulatory elements in 3' untranslated regions. Moreover, PRD-like homeobox transcription factors, including TPRXL, TPRX1, and TPRX2, are highly translated around ZGA. TPRX1/2/L knockdown leads to defective ZGA and preimplantation development. Ectopically expressed TPRXs bind and activate key ZGA genes in human embryonic stem cells. These data reveal the conservation and divergence of translation landscapes during OET and identify critical regulators of human ZGA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoning Zou
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.,Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.,Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Chuanxin Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Qiuyan Wang
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.,Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Zhenzhen Hou
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Zhuqing Xiong
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.,Peking University-Tsinghua University-National Institute of Biological Sciences Joint Graduate Program, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Feng Kong
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.,Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Qiujun Wang
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.,Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jinzhu Song
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Boyang Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Bofeng Liu
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.,Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Lijuan Wang
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.,Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Fangnong Lai
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.,Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Qiang Fan
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.,Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Wenrong Tao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Shuai Zhao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Xiaonan Ma
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Miao Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Keliang Wu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Han Zhao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.,Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.,Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200135, China.,Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, China
| | - Wei Xie
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.,Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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9
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Menendez-Gil P, Catalan-Moreno A, Caballero CJ, Toledo-Arana A. Staphylococcus aureus ftnA 3'-Untranslated Region Modulates Ferritin Production Facilitating Growth Under Iron Starvation Conditions. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:838042. [PMID: 35572681 PMCID: PMC9093591 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.838042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Iron acquisition and modulation of its intracellular concentration are critical for the development of all living organisms. So far, several proteins have been described to be involved in iron homeostasis. Among them, ferritins act as the major iron storage proteins, sequestering internalized iron and modulating its concentration inside bacterial cells. We previously described that the deletion of the 3’-untranslated region (3’UTR) of the ftnA gene, which codes for ferritin in Staphylococcus aureus, increased the ftnA mRNA and ferritin levels. Here, we show that the ferritin levels are affected by RNase III and PNPase, which target the ftnA 3’UTR. Rifampicin mRNA stability experiments revealed that the half-life of the ftnA mRNA is affected by both RNase III and the ftnA 3’UTR. A transcriptional fusion of the ftnA 3’UTR to the gfp reporter gene decreased green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression, indicating that the ftnA 3’UTR could work as an independent module. Additionally, a chromosomal deletion of the ftnA 3’UTR impaired S. aureus growth under conditions of iron starvation. Overall, this work highlights the biological relevance of the ftnA 3’UTR for iron homeostasis in S. aureus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Menendez-Gil
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología (IdAB), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-Gobierno de Navarra, Navarra, Spain
| | - Arancha Catalan-Moreno
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología (IdAB), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-Gobierno de Navarra, Navarra, Spain
| | - Carlos J Caballero
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología (IdAB), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-Gobierno de Navarra, Navarra, Spain
| | - Alejandro Toledo-Arana
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología (IdAB), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-Gobierno de Navarra, Navarra, Spain
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10
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Bioinformatics Analysis of the Interaction of miRNAs and piRNAs with Human mRNA Genes Having di- and Trinucleotide Repeats. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13050800. [PMID: 35627185 PMCID: PMC9141802 DOI: 10.3390/genes13050800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The variability of nucleotide repeats is considered one of the causes of diseases, but their biological function is not understood. In recent years, the interaction of miRNAs and piRNAs with the mRNAs of genes responsible for developing neurodegenerative and oncological diseases and diabetes have been actively studied. We explored candidate genes with nucleotide repeats to predict associations with miRNAs and piRNAs. The parameters of miRNAs and piRNA binding sites with mRNAs of human genes having nucleotide repeats were determined using the MirTarget program. This program defines the start of the initiation of miRNA and piRNA binding to mRNAs, the localization of miRNA and piRNA binding sites in the 5′-untranslated region (5′UTR), coding sequence (CDS) and 3′-untranslated region (3′UTR); the free energy of binding; and the schemes of nucleotide interactions of miRNAs and piRNAs with mRNAs. The characteristics of miRNAs and piRNA binding sites with mRNAs of 73 human genes were determined. The 5′UTR, 3′UTR and CDS of the mRNAs of genes are involved in the development of neurodegenerative, oncological and diabetes diseases with GU, AC dinucleotide and CCG, CAG, GCC, CGG, CGC trinucleotide repeats. The associations of miRNAs, piRNAs and candidate target genes could be recommended for developing methods for diagnosing diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases, oncological diseases and diabetes.
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11
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Choe D, Kim K, Kang M, Lee SG, Cho S, Palsson B, Cho BK. Synthetic 3'-UTR valves for optimal metabolic flux control in Escherichia coli. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:4171-4186. [PMID: 35357499 PMCID: PMC9023263 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
As the design of genetic circuitry for synthetic biology becomes more sophisticated, diverse regulatory bioparts are required. Despite their importance, well-characterized 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR) bioparts are limited. Thus, transcript 3′-ends require further investigation to understand the underlying regulatory role and applications of the 3′-UTR. Here, we revisited the use of Term-Seq in the Escherichia coli strain K-12 MG1655 to enhance our understanding of 3′-UTR regulatory functions and to provide a diverse collection of tunable 3′-UTR bioparts with a wide termination strength range. Comprehensive analysis of 1,629 transcript 3′-end positions revealed multiple 3′-termini classes generated through transcription termination and RNA processing. The examination of individual Rho-independent terminators revealed a reduction in downstream gene expression over a wide range, which led to the design of novel synthetic metabolic valves that control metabolic fluxes in branched pathways. These synthetic metabolic valves determine the optimal balance of heterologous pathways for maximum target biochemical productivity. The regulatory strategy using 3′-UTR bioparts is advantageous over promoter- or 5′-UTR-based transcriptional control as it modulates gene expression at transcription levels without trans-acting element requirements (e.g. transcription factors). Our results provide a foundational platform for 3′-UTR engineering in synthetic biology applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghui Choe
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Kangsan Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Minjeong Kang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Goo Lee
- Synthetic Biology & Bioengineering Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Suhyung Cho
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea.,KI for the BioCentury, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Bernhard Palsson
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Byung-Kwan Cho
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea.,KI for the BioCentury, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
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12
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Regulation of Heterogenous LexA Expression in Staphylococcus aureus by an Antisense RNA Originating from Transcriptional Read-Through upon Natural Mispairings in the sbrB Intrinsic Terminator. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23010576. [PMID: 35009002 PMCID: PMC8745188 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial genomes are pervasively transcribed, generating a wide variety of antisense RNAs (asRNAs). Many of them originate from transcriptional read-through events (TREs) during the transcription termination process. Previous transcriptome analyses revealed that the lexA gene from Staphylococcus aureus, which encodes the main SOS response regulator, is affected by the presence of an asRNA. Here, we show that the lexA antisense RNA (lexA-asRNA) is generated by a TRE on the intrinsic terminator (TTsbrB) of the sbrB gene, which is located downstream of lexA, in the opposite strand. Transcriptional read-through occurs by a natural mutation that destabilizes the TTsbrB structure and modifies the efficiency of the intrinsic terminator. Restoring the mispairing mutation in the hairpin of TTsbrB prevented lexA-asRNA transcription. The level of lexA-asRNA directly correlated with cellular stress since the expressions of sbrB and lexA-asRNA depend on the stress transcription factor SigB. Comparative analyses revealed strain-specific nucleotide polymorphisms within TTsbrB, suggesting that this TT could be prone to accumulating natural mutations. A genome-wide analysis of TREs suggested that mispairings in TT hairpins might provide wider transcriptional connections with downstream genes and, ultimately, transcriptomic variability among S. aureus strains.
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13
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Desgranges E, Barrientos L, Herrgott L, Marzi S, Toledo-Arana A, Moreau K, Vandenesch F, Romby P, Caldelari I. The 3'UTR-derived sRNA RsaG coordinates redox homeostasis and metabolism adaptation in response to glucose-6-phosphate uptake in Staphylococcus aureus. Mol Microbiol 2021; 117:193-214. [PMID: 34783400 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus RsaG is a 3'-untranslated region (3'UTR) derived sRNA from the conserved uhpT gene encoding a glucose-6-phosphate (G6P) transporter expressed in response to extracellular G6P. The transcript uhpT-RsaG undergoes degradation from 5'- to 3'-end by the action of the exoribonucleases J1/J2, which are blocked by a stable hairpin structure at the 5'-end of RsaG, leading to its accumulation. RsaG together with uhpT is induced when bacteria are internalized into host cells or in the presence of mucus-secreting cells. Using MS2-affinity purification coupled with RNA sequencing, several RNAs were identified as targets including mRNAs encoding the transcriptional factors Rex, CcpA, SarA, and the sRNA RsaI. Our data suggested that RsaG contributes to the control of redox homeostasis and adjusts metabolism to changing environmental conditions. RsaG uses different molecular mechanisms to stabilize, degrade, or repress the translation of its mRNA targets. Although RsaG is conserved only in closely related species, the uhpT 3'UTR of the ape pathogen S. simiae harbors an sRNA, whose sequence is highly different, and which does not respond to G6P levels. Our results hypothesized that the 3'UTRs from UhpT transporter encoding mRNAs could have rapidly evolved to enable adaptation to host niches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Desgranges
- Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, UPR9002, CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Laura Barrientos
- Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, UPR9002, CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Lucas Herrgott
- Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, UPR9002, CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Stefano Marzi
- Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, UPR9002, CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | | | - Karen Moreau
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - François Vandenesch
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Pascale Romby
- Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, UPR9002, CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Isabelle Caldelari
- Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, UPR9002, CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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14
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Abstract
Conventional bacterial genome annotation provides information about coding sequences but ignores untranslated regions and operons. However, untranslated regions contain important regulatory elements as well as targets for many regulatory factors, such as small RNAs. Operon maps are also essential for functional gene analysis. In the last decade, considerable progress has been made in the study of bacterial transcriptomes through transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq). Given the compact nature of bacterial genomes, many challenges still cannot be resolved through short reads generated using classical RNA-seq because of fragmentation and loss of the full-length information. Direct RNA sequencing is a technology that sequences the native RNA directly without information loss or bias. Here, we employed direct RNA sequencing to annotate the Vibrio parahaemolyticus transcriptome with its full features, including transcription start sites (TSSs), transcription termination sites, and operon maps. A total of 4,103 TSSs were identified. In comparison to short-read sequencing, full-length information provided a deeper view of TSS classification, showing that most internal and antisense TSSs were actually a result of gene overlap. Sequencing the transcriptome of V. parahaemolyticus grown with bile allowed us to study the landscape of pathogenicity island Vp-PAI. Some genes in this region were reannotated, providing more accurate annotation to increase precision in their characterization. Quantitative detection of operons in V. parahaemolyticus showed high complexity in some operons, shedding light on a greater extent of regulation within the same operon. Our study using direct RNA sequencing provides a quantitative and high-resolution landscape of the V. parahaemolyticus transcriptome. IMPORTANCEVibrio parahaemolyticus is a halophilic bacterium found in the marine environment. Outbreaks of gastroenteritis resulting from seafood poisoning by these pathogens have risen over the past 2 decades. Upon ingestion by humans—often through the consumption of raw or undercooked seafood—V. parahaemolyticus senses the host environment and expresses numerous genes, the products of which synergize to synthesize and secrete toxins that can cause acute gastroenteritis. To understand the regulation of such adaptive response, mRNA transcripts must be mapped accurately. However, due to the limitations of common sequencing methods, not all features of bacterial transcriptomes are always reported. We applied direct RNA sequencing to analyze the V. parahaemolyticus transcriptome. Mapping the full features of the transcriptome is anticipated to enhance our understanding of gene regulation in this bacterium and provides a data set for future work. Additionally, this study reveals a deeper view of a complicated transcriptome landscape, demonstrating the importance of applying such methods to other bacterial models.
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15
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Siblings or doppelgängers? Deciphering the evolution of structured cis-regulatory RNAs beyond homology. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 48:1941-1951. [PMID: 32869842 PMCID: PMC7609027 DOI: 10.1042/bst20191060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Structured cis-regulatory RNAs have evolved across all domains of life, highlighting the utility and plasticity of RNA as a regulatory molecule. Homologous RNA sequences and structures often have similar functions, but homology may also be deceiving. The challenges that derive from trying to assign function to structure and vice versa are not trivial. Bacterial riboswitches, viral and eukaryotic IRESes, CITEs, and 3′ UTR elements employ an array of mechanisms to exert their effects. Bioinformatic searches coupled with biochemical and functional validation have elucidated some shared and many unique ways cis-regulators are employed in mRNA transcripts. As cis-regulatory RNAs are resolved in greater detail, it is increasingly apparent that shared homology can mask the full spectrum of mRNA cis-regulator functional diversity. Furthermore, similar functions may be obscured by lack of obvious sequence similarity. Thus looking beyond homology is crucial for furthering our understanding of RNA-based regulation.
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16
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Menendez-Gil P, Toledo-Arana A. Bacterial 3'UTRs: A Useful Resource in Post-transcriptional Regulation. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 7:617633. [PMID: 33490108 PMCID: PMC7821165 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.617633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial messenger RNAs (mRNAs) are composed of 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions (UTRs) that flank the coding sequences (CDSs). In eukaryotes, 3′UTRs play key roles in post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms. Shortening or deregulation of these regions is associated with diseases such as cancer and metabolic disorders. Comparatively, little is known about the functions of 3′UTRs in bacteria. Over the past few years, 3′UTRs have emerged as important players in the regulation of relevant bacterial processes such as virulence, iron metabolism, and biofilm formation. This MiniReview is an update for the different 3′UTR-mediated mechanisms that regulate gene expression in bacteria. Some of these include 3′UTRs that interact with the 5′UTR of the same transcript to modulate translation, 3′UTRs that are targeted by specific ribonucleases, RNA-binding proteins and small RNAs (sRNAs), and 3′UTRs that act as reservoirs of trans-acting sRNAs, among others. In addition, recent findings regarding a differential evolution of bacterial 3′UTRs and its impact in the species-specific expression of orthologous genes are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Menendez-Gil
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología (IdAB), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - Gobierno de Navarra, Navarra, Spain
| | - Alejandro Toledo-Arana
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología (IdAB), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - Gobierno de Navarra, Navarra, Spain
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17
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Nieuwkoop T, Finger-Bou M, van der Oost J, Claassens NJ. The Ongoing Quest to Crack the Genetic Code for Protein Production. Mol Cell 2020; 80:193-209. [PMID: 33010203 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2020.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the genetic design principles that determine protein production remains a major challenge. Although the key principles of gene expression were discovered 50 years ago, additional factors are still being uncovered. Both protein-coding and non-coding sequences harbor elements that collectively influence the efficiency of protein production by modulating transcription, mRNA decay, and translation. The influences of many contributing elements are intertwined, which complicates a full understanding of the individual factors. In natural genes, a functional balance between these factors has been obtained in the course of evolution, whereas for genetic-engineering projects, our incomplete understanding still limits optimal design of synthetic genes. However, notable advances have recently been made, supported by high-throughput analysis of synthetic gene libraries as well as by state-of-the-art biomolecular techniques. We discuss here how these advances further strengthen understanding of the gene expression process and how they can be harnessed to optimize protein production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thijs Nieuwkoop
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Max Finger-Bou
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - John van der Oost
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Nico J Claassens
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE Wageningen, the Netherlands.
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