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Naga R, Poddar S, Bhattacharjee A, Kar P, Bose A, Mattaparthi VSK, Mukherjee O, Saha S. Structural analysis of human ATE1 isoforms and their interactions with Arg-tRNA Arg. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:7554-7573. [PMID: 37505085 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2240449] [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: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Posttranslational protein arginylation has been shown as a key regulator of cellular processes in eukaryotes by affecting protein stability, function, and interaction with macromolecules. Thus, the enzyme Arginyltransferase and its targets, are of immense interest to modulate cellular processes in the normal and diseased state. While the study on the effect of this posttranslational modification in mammalian systems gained momentum in the recent times, the detail structures of human ATE1 (hATE1) enzymes has not been investigated so far. Thus, the purpose of this study was to predict the overall structure and the structure function relationship of hATE1 enzyme and its four isoforms. The structure of four ATE1 isoforms were modelled and were docked with 3'end of the Arg-tRNAArg which acts as arginine donor in the arginylation reaction, followed by MD simulation. All the isoforms showed two distinct domains. A compact domain and a somewhat flexible domain as observed in the RMSF plot. A distinct similarity in the overall structure and interacting residues were observed between hATE1-1 and X4 compared to hATE1-2 and 5. While the putative active sites of all the hATE1 isoforms were located at the same pocket, differences were observed in the active site residues across hATE1 isoforms suggesting different substrate specificity. Mining of nsSNPs showed several nsSNPs including cancer associated SNPs with deleterious consequences on hATE1 structure and function. Thus, the current study for the first time shows the structural differences in the mammalian ATE1 isoforms and their possible implications in the function of these proteins.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Naga
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology, Durgapur, West Bengal, India
| | - Sayan Poddar
- Department of Bioscience and Biomedical Engineering, IIT Indore, Indore, India
| | - Arghyadeep Bhattacharjee
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology, Durgapur, West Bengal, India
- Department of Microbiology, Kingston College of Science, Barasat, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Parimal Kar
- Department of Bioscience and Biomedical Engineering, IIT Indore, Indore, India
| | - Avishek Bose
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology, Durgapur, West Bengal, India
| | | | - Oindrilla Mukherjee
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology, Durgapur, West Bengal, India
| | - Sougata Saha
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology, Durgapur, West Bengal, India
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2
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Bao N, Wang Z, Fu J, Dong H, Jin Y. RNA structure in alternative splicing regulation: from mechanism to therapy. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2024. [PMID: 39034824 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2024119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing is a highly intricate process that plays a crucial role in post-transcriptional regulation and significantly expands the functional proteome of a limited number of coding genes in eukaryotes. Its regulation is multifactorial, with RNA structure exerting a significant impact. Aberrant RNA conformations lead to dysregulation of splicing patterns, which directly affects the manifestation of disease symptoms. In this review, the molecular mechanisms of RNA secondary structure-mediated splicing regulation are summarized, with a focus on the complex interplay between aberrant RNA conformations and disease phenotypes resulted from splicing defects. This study also explores additional factors that reshape structural conformations, enriching our understanding of the mechanistic network underlying structure-mediated splicing regulation. In addition, an emphasis has been placed on the clinical role of targeting aberrant splicing corrections in human diseases. The principal mechanisms of action behind this phenomenon are described, followed by a discussion of prospective development strategies and pertinent challenges.
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3
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Petrova M, Margasyuk S, Vorobeva M, Skvortsov D, Dontsova O, Pervouchine DD. BRD2 and BRD3 genes independently evolved RNA structures to control unproductive splicing. NAR Genom Bioinform 2024; 6:lqad113. [PMID: 38226395 PMCID: PMC10789245 DOI: 10.1093/nargab/lqad113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The mammalian BRD2 and BRD3 genes encode structurally related proteins from the bromodomain and extraterminal domain protein family. The expression of BRD2 is regulated by unproductive splicing upon inclusion of exon 3b, which is located in the region encoding a bromodomain. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that BRD2 exon 3b inclusion is controlled by a pair of conserved complementary regions (PCCR) located in the flanking introns. Furthermore, we identified a highly conserved element encoding a cryptic poison exon 5b and a previously unknown PCCR in the intron between exons 5 and 6 of BRD3, however, outside of the homologous bromodomain. Minigene mutagenesis and blockage of RNA structure by antisense oligonucleotides demonstrated that RNA structure controls the rate of inclusion of poison exons. The patterns of BRD2 and BRD3 expression and splicing show downregulation upon inclusion of poison exons, which become skipped in response to transcription elongation slowdown, further confirming a role of PCCRs in unproductive splicing regulation. We conclude that BRD2 and BRD3 independently acquired poison exons and RNA structures to dynamically control unproductive splicing. This study describes a convergent evolution of regulatory unproductive splicing mechanisms in these genes, providing implications for selective modulation of their expression in therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Petrova
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Bolshoy Bulvar, 30, str. 1, Moscow 121205, Russia
| | - Sergey Margasyuk
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Bolshoy Bulvar, 30, str. 1, Moscow 121205, Russia
| | - Margarita Vorobeva
- Faculty of Chemistry, Moscow State University, GSP-1, 1-3 Leninskiye Gory, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Dmitry Skvortsov
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Bolshoy Bulvar, 30, str. 1, Moscow 121205, Russia
- Faculty of Chemistry, Moscow State University, GSP-1, 1-3 Leninskiye Gory, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Olga A Dontsova
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Bolshoy Bulvar, 30, str. 1, Moscow 121205, Russia
- Faculty of Chemistry, Moscow State University, GSP-1, 1-3 Leninskiye Gory, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Dmitri D Pervouchine
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Bolshoy Bulvar, 30, str. 1, Moscow 121205, Russia
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4
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Bose R, Saleem I, Mustoe AM. Causes, functions, and therapeutic possibilities of RNA secondary structure ensembles and alternative states. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:17-35. [PMID: 38199037 PMCID: PMC10842484 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2023.12.010] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
RNA secondary structure plays essential roles in encoding RNA regulatory fate and function. Most RNAs populate ensembles of alternatively paired states and are continually unfolded and refolded by cellular processes. Measuring these structural ensembles and their contributions to cellular function has traditionally posed major challenges, but new methods and conceptual frameworks are beginning to fill this void. In this review, we provide a mechanism- and function-centric compendium of the roles of RNA secondary structural ensembles and minority states in regulating the RNA life cycle, from transcription to degradation. We further explore how dysregulation of RNA structural ensembles contributes to human disease and discuss the potential of drugging alternative RNA states to therapeutically modulate RNA activity. The emerging paradigm of RNA structural ensembles as central to RNA function provides a foundation for a deeper understanding of RNA biology and new therapeutic possibilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritwika Bose
- Therapeutic Innovation Center (THINC), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Irfana Saleem
- Therapeutic Innovation Center (THINC), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Anthony M Mustoe
- Therapeutic Innovation Center (THINC), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
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5
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Vorobeva MA, Skvortsov DA, Pervouchine DD. Cooperation and Competition of RNA Secondary Structure and RNA-Protein Interactions in the Regulation of Alternative Splicing. Acta Naturae 2023; 15:23-31. [PMID: 38234601 PMCID: PMC10790352 DOI: 10.32607/actanaturae.26826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The regulation of alternative splicing in eukaryotic cells is carried out through the coordinated action of a large number of factors, including RNA-binding proteins and RNA structure. The RNA structure influences alternative splicing by blocking cis-regulatory elements, or bringing them closer or farther apart. In combination with RNA-binding proteins, it generates transcript conformations that help to achieve the necessary splicing outcome. However, the binding of regulatory proteins depends on RNA structure and, vice versa, the formation of RNA structure depends on the interaction with regulators. Therefore, RNA structure and RNA-binding proteins are inseparable components of common regulatory mechanisms. This review highlights examples of alternative splicing regulation by RNA-binding proteins, the regulation through local and long-range RNA structures, as well as how these elements work together, cooperate, and compete.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. A. Vorobeva
- M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119192 Russian Federation
| | - D. A. Skvortsov
- M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119192 Russian Federation
| | - D. D. Pervouchine
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, 121205 Russian Federation
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6
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Margasyuk S, Kalinina M, Petrova M, Skvortsov D, Cao C, Pervouchine DD. RNA in situ conformation sequencing reveals novel long-range RNA structures with impact on splicing. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 29:1423-1436. [PMID: 37295923 PMCID: PMC10573301 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079508.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Over recent years, long-range RNA structure has emerged as a factor that is fundamental to alternative splicing regulation. An increasing number of human disorders are now being associated with splicing defects; hence it is essential to develop methods that assess long-range RNA structure experimentally. RNA in situ conformation sequencing (RIC-seq) is a method that recapitulates RNA structure within physiological RNA-protein complexes. In this work, we juxtapose pairs of conserved complementary regions (PCCRs) that were predicted in silico with the results of RIC-seq experiments conducted in seven human cell lines. We show statistically that RIC-seq support of PCCRs correlates with their properties, such as equilibrium free energy, presence of compensatory substitutions, and occurrence of A-to-I RNA editing sites and forked eCLIP peaks. Exons enclosed in PCCRs that are supported by RIC-seq tend to have weaker splice sites and lower inclusion rates, which is indicative of post-transcriptional splicing regulation mediated by RNA structure. Based on these findings, we prioritize PCCRs according to their RIC-seq support and show, using antisense nucleotides and minigene mutagenesis, that PCCRs in two disease-associated human genes, PHF20L1 and CASK, and also PCCRs in their murine orthologs, impact alternative splicing. In sum, we demonstrate how RIC-seq experiments can be used to discover functional long-range RNA structures, and particularly those that regulate alternative splicing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey Margasyuk
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow 143026, Russia
| | - Marina Kalinina
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow 143026, Russia
| | - Marina Petrova
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow 143026, Russia
| | - Dmitry Skvortsov
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow 143026, Russia
- Moscow State University, Faculty of Chemistry, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Changchang Cao
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
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7
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Shenasa H, Bentley DL. Pre-mRNA splicing and its cotranscriptional connections. Trends Genet 2023; 39:672-685. [PMID: 37236814 PMCID: PMC10524715 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2023.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Transcription of eukaryotic genes by RNA polymerase II (Pol II) yields RNA precursors containing introns that must be spliced out and the flanking exons ligated together. Splicing is catalyzed by a dynamic ribonucleoprotein complex called the spliceosome. Recent evidence has shown that a large fraction of splicing occurs cotranscriptionally as the RNA chain is extruded from Pol II at speeds of up to 5 kb/minute. Splicing is more efficient when it is tethered to the transcription elongation complex, and this linkage permits functional coupling of splicing with transcription. We discuss recent progress that has uncovered a network of connections that link splicing to transcript elongation and other cotranscriptional RNA processing events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Shenasa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, RNA Bioscience Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, PO Box 6511, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - David L Bentley
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, RNA Bioscience Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, PO Box 6511, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
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8
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Lazzeri G, Micheletti C, Pasquali S, Faccioli P. RNA folding pathways from all-atom simulations with a variationally improved history-dependent bias. Biophys J 2023; 122:3089-3098. [PMID: 37355771 PMCID: PMC10432211 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Atomically detailed simulations of RNA folding have proven very challenging in view of the difficulties of developing realistic force fields and the intrinsic computational complexity of sampling rare conformational transitions. As a step forward in tackling these issues, we extend to RNA an enhanced path-sampling method previously successfully applied to proteins. In this scheme, the information about the RNA's native structure is harnessed by a soft history-dependent biasing force promoting the generation of productive folding trajectories in an all-atom force field with explicit solvent. A rigorous variational principle is then applied to minimize the effect of the bias. Here, we report on an application of this method to RNA molecules from 20 to 47 nucleotides long and increasing topological complexity. By comparison with analog simulations performed on small proteins with similar size and architecture, we show that the RNA folding landscape is significantly more frustrated, even for relatively small chains with a simple topology. The predicted RNA folding mechanisms are found to be consistent with the available experiments and some of the existing coarse-grained models. Due to its computational performance, this scheme provides a promising platform to efficiently gather atomistic RNA folding trajectories, thus retain the information about the chemical composition of the sequence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianmarco Lazzeri
- Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Physics Department of Trento University, Povo (Trento), Italy
| | | | - Samuela Pasquali
- Laboratoire Cibles Thérapeutiques et Conception de Médicaments, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France; Laboratoire Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France.
| | - Pietro Faccioli
- Physics Department of Trento University, Povo (Trento), Italy; INFN-TIFPA, Povo (Trento), Italy.
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9
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Haque N, Will A, Cook AG, Hogg JR. A network of DZF proteins controls alternative splicing regulation and fidelity. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:6411-6429. [PMID: 37144502 PMCID: PMC10325889 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteins containing DZF (domain associated with zinc fingers) modules play important roles throughout gene expression, from transcription to translation. Derived from nucleotidyltransferases but lacking catalytic residues, DZF domains serve as heterodimerization surfaces between DZF protein pairs. Three DZF proteins are widely expressed in mammalian tissues, ILF2, ILF3 and ZFR, which form mutually exclusive ILF2-ILF3 and ILF2-ZFR heterodimers. Using eCLIP-Seq, we find that ZFR binds across broad intronic regions to regulate the alternative splicing of cassette and mutually exclusive exons. ZFR preferentially binds dsRNA in vitro and is enriched on introns containing conserved dsRNA elements in cells. Many splicing events are similarly altered upon depletion of any of the three DZF proteins; however, we also identify independent and opposing roles for ZFR and ILF3 in alternative splicing regulation. Along with widespread involvement in cassette exon splicing, the DZF proteins control the fidelity and regulation of over a dozen highly validated mutually exclusive splicing events. Our findings indicate that the DZF proteins form a complex regulatory network that leverages dsRNA binding by ILF3 and ZFR to modulate splicing regulation and fidelity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazmul Haque
- Biochemistry and Biophysics Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD20892, USA
| | - Alexander Will
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Atlanta G Cook
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - J Robert Hogg
- Biochemistry and Biophysics Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD20892, USA
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10
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How does precursor RNA structure influence RNA processing and gene expression? Biosci Rep 2023; 43:232489. [PMID: 36689327 PMCID: PMC9977717 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20220149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA is a fundamental biomolecule that has many purposes within cells. Due to its single-stranded and flexible nature, RNA naturally folds into complex and dynamic structures. Recent technological and computational advances have produced an explosion of RNA structural data. Many RNA structures have regulatory and functional properties. Studying the structure of nascent RNAs is particularly challenging due to their low abundance and long length, but their structures are important because they can influence RNA processing. Precursor RNA processing is a nexus of pathways that determines mature isoform composition and that controls gene expression. In this review, we examine what is known about human nascent RNA structure and the influence of RNA structure on processing of precursor RNAs. These known structures provide examples of how other nascent RNAs may be structured and show how novel RNA structures may influence RNA processing including splicing and polyadenylation. RNA structures can be targeted therapeutically to treat disease.
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11
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Qiu J, Qu R, Lin M, Xu J, Zhu Q, Zhang Z, Sun J. Position-dependent effects of hnRNP A1/A2 in SMN1/2 exon7 splicing. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA (BBA) - GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2022; 1865:194875. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2022.194875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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12
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Alternative RNA Conformations: Companion or Combatant. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13111930. [DOI: 10.3390/genes13111930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA molecules, in one form or another, are involved in almost all aspects of cell physiology, as well as in disease development. The diversity of the functional roles of RNA comes from its intrinsic ability to adopt complex secondary and tertiary structures, rivaling the diversity of proteins. The RNA molecules form dynamic ensembles of many interconverting conformations at a timescale of seconds, which is a key for understanding how they execute their cellular functions. Given the crucial role of RNAs in various cellular processes, we need to understand the RNA molecules from a structural perspective. Central to this review are studies aimed at revealing the regulatory role of conformational equilibria in RNA in humans to understand genetic diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as in pathogens such as bacteria and viruses so as to understand the progression of infectious diseases. Furthermore, we also summarize the prior studies on the use of RNA structures as platforms for the rational design of small molecules for therapeutic applications.
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13
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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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14
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Sergeeva OV, Shcherbinina EY, Shomron N, Zatsepin TS. Modulation of RNA Splicing by Oligonucleotides: Mechanisms of Action and Therapeutic Implications. Nucleic Acid Ther 2022; 32:123-138. [PMID: 35166605 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2021.0067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of RNA splicing causes many diseases and disorders. Several therapeutic approaches have been developed to correct aberrant alternative splicing events for the treatment of cancers and hereditary diseases, including gene therapy and redirecting splicing, using small molecules or splice switching oligonucleotides (SSO). Significant advances in the chemistry and pharmacology of nucleic acid have led to the development of clinically approved SSO drugs for the treatment of spinal muscular dystrophy and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of SSO action with emphasis on "less common" approaches to modulate alternative splicing, including bipartite and bifunctional SSO, oligonucleotide decoys for splice factors and SSO-mediated mRNA degradation via AS-NMD and NGD pathways. We briefly discuss the current progress and future perspectives of SSO therapy for rare and ultrarare diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga V Sergeeva
- Center of Life Sciences, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Noam Shomron
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Timofei S Zatsepin
- Center of Life Sciences, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia.,Department of Chemistry, Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
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15
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Dong H, Xu B, Guo P, Zhang J, Yang X, Li L, Fu Y, Shi J, Zhang S, Zhu Y, Shi Y, Zhou F, Bian L, You W, Shi F, Yang X, Huang J, He H, Jin Y. Hidden RNA pairings counteract the "first-come, first-served" splicing principle to drive stochastic choice in Dscam1 splice variants. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabm1763. [PMID: 35080968 PMCID: PMC8791459 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abm1763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Drosophila melanogaster Dscam1 encodes 38,016 isoforms via mutually exclusive splicing; however, the regulatory mechanism behind this is not fully understood. Here, we found a set of hidden RNA secondary structures that balance the stochastic choice of Dscam1 splice variants (designated balancer RNA secondary structures). In vivo mutational analyses revealed the dual function of these balancer interactions in driving the stochastic choice of splice variants, through enhancement of the inclusion of distal exon 6s by cooperating with docking site–selector pairing to form a stronger multidomain pre-mRNA structure and through simultaneous repression of the inclusion of proximal exon 6s by antagonizing their docking site–selector pairings. Thus, we provide an elegant molecular model based on competition and cooperation between two sets of docking site–selector and balancer pairings, which counteracts the “first-come, first-served” principle. Our findings provide conceptual and mechanistic insight into the dynamics and functions of long-range RNA secondary structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyang Dong
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bingbing Xu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Pengjuan Guo
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xi Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu China
| | - Lei Li
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ying Fu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jilong Shi
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shixin Zhang
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yanda Zhu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yang Shi
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fengyan Zhou
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lina Bian
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wendong You
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Feng Shi
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaofeng Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianhua Huang
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haihuai He
- Department of Neurosurgery and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu China
| | - Yongfeng Jin
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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16
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Strunz T, Kellner M, Kiel C, Weber BHF. Assigning Co-Regulated Human Genes and Regulatory Gene Clusters. Cells 2021; 10:2395. [PMID: 34572044 PMCID: PMC8470523 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Elucidating the role of genetic variation in the regulation of gene expression is key to understanding the pathobiology of complex diseases which, in consequence, is crucial in devising targeted treatment options. Expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) analysis correlates a genetic variant with the strength of gene expression, thus defining thousands of regulated genes in a multitude of human cell types and tissues. Some eQTL may not act independently of each other but instead may be regulated in a coordinated fashion by seemingly independent genetic variants. To address this issue, we combined the approaches of eQTL analysis and colocalization studies. Gene expression was determined in datasets comprising 49 tissues from the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project. From about 33,000 regulated genes, over 14,000 were found to be co-regulated in pairs and were assembled across all tissues to almost 15,000 unique clusters containing up to nine regulated genes affected by the same eQTL signal. The distance of co-regulated eGenes was, on average, 112 kilobase pairs. Of 713 genes known to express clinical symptoms upon haploinsufficiency, 231 (32.4%) are part of at least one of the identified clusters. This calls for caution should treatment approaches aim at an upregulation of a haploinsufficient gene. In conclusion, we present an unbiased approach to identifying co-regulated genes in and across multiple tissues. Knowledge of such common effects is crucial to appreciate implications on biological pathways involved, specifically when a treatment option targets a co-regulated disease gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Strunz
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (T.S.); (M.K.); (C.K.)
| | - Martin Kellner
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (T.S.); (M.K.); (C.K.)
| | - Christina Kiel
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (T.S.); (M.K.); (C.K.)
| | - Bernhard H. F. Weber
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (T.S.); (M.K.); (C.K.)
- Institute of Clinical Human Genetics, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
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17
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Ferreira I, Slott S, Astakhova K, Weber G. Complete Mesoscopic Parameterization of Single LNA Modifications in DNA Applied to Oncogene Probe Design. J Chem Inf Model 2021; 61:3615-3624. [PMID: 34251211 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.1c00470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The use of mesoscopic models to describe the thermodynamic properties of locked nucleic acid (LNA)-modified nucleotides can provide useful insights into their properties, such as hydrogen-bonding and stacking interactions. In addition, the mesoscopic parameters can be used to optimize LNA insertion in probes, to achieve accurate melting temperature predictions, and to obtain duplex opening profiles at the base-pair level. Here, we applied this type of model to parameterize a large set of melting temperatures for LNA-modified sequences, from published sources, covering all possible nearest-neighbor configurations. We have found a very large increase in Morse potentials, which indicates very strong hydrogen bonding as the main cause of improved LNA thermodynamic stability. LNA-modified adenine-thymine (AT) was found to have similar hydrogen bonding to unmodified cytosine-guanine (CG) base pairs, while for LNA CG, we found exceptionally large hydrogen bonding. In contrast, stacking interactions, which were thought to be behind the stability of LNA, were similar to unmodified DNA in most cases. We applied the new LNA parameters to the design of BRAF, KRAS, and EGFR oncogene variants by testing all possible LNA modifications. Selected sequences were then synthesized and had their hybridization temperatures measured, achieving a prediction accuracy within 1 °C. We performed a detailed base-pair opening analysis to discuss specific aspects of these probe hybridizations that may be relevant for probe design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabela Ferreira
- Departamento de Física, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.,Programa Interunidades de Pós-Graduação em Bioinformática, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Sofie Slott
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, Bygning 207, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Kira Astakhova
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, Bygning 207, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Gerald Weber
- Departamento de Física, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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18
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Conserved long-range base pairings are associated with pre-mRNA processing of human genes. Nat Commun 2021; 12:2300. [PMID: 33863890 PMCID: PMC8052449 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22549-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability of nucleic acids to form double-stranded structures is essential for all living systems on Earth. Current knowledge on functional RNA structures is focused on locally-occurring base pairs. However, crosslinking and proximity ligation experiments demonstrated that long-range RNA structures are highly abundant. Here, we present the most complete to-date catalog of conserved complementary regions (PCCRs) in human protein-coding genes. PCCRs tend to occur within introns, suppress intervening exons, and obstruct cryptic and inactive splice sites. Double-stranded structure of PCCRs is supported by decreased icSHAPE nucleotide accessibility, high abundance of RNA editing sites, and frequent occurrence of forked eCLIP peaks. Introns with PCCRs show a distinct splicing pattern in response to RNAPII slowdown suggesting that splicing is widely affected by co-transcriptional RNA folding. The enrichment of 3'-ends within PCCRs raises the intriguing hypothesis that coupling between RNA folding and splicing could mediate co-transcriptional suppression of premature pre-mRNA cleavage and polyadenylation.
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