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Zhang D, Fu W, Zhu S, Pan Y, Li R. RNA methylation patterns, immune characteristics, and autophagy-related mechanisms mediated by N6-methyladenosine (m6A) regulatory factors in venous thromboembolism. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:403. [PMID: 38658847 PMCID: PMC11044431 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10294-2] [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: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have found a link between deep vein thrombosis and inflammatory reactions. N6-methyladenosine (m6A), a crucial element in immunological regulation, is believed to contribute to the pathophysiology of venous thromboembolism (VTE). However, how the m6A-modified immune microenvironment is involved in VTE remains unclear. In the present study, we identified a relationship between VTE and the expression of several m6A regulatory elements by analyzing peripheral blood samples from 177 patients with VTE and 88 healthy controls from public GEO databases GSE19151 and GSE48000. We used machine learning to identify essential genes and constructed a diagnostic model for VTE using multivariate logistic regression. Unsupervised cluster analysis revealed a marked difference between m6A modification patterns in terms of immune cell infiltration, inflammatory reactivity, and autophagy. We identified two m6A-related autophagy genes (i.e., CHMP2B and SIRT1) and the crucial m6A regulator YTHDF3 using bioinformatics. We also examined two potential mechanisms through which YTHDF3 may affect VTE. m6A modification, immunity, and autophagy are closely linked in VTE, offering novel mechanistic and therapeutic insights.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wenxia Fu
- Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Shiwei Zhu
- Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Yitong Pan
- Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Ruogu Li
- Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai, 200030, China.
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2
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Yin J, Fu J, Xu J, Chen C, Zhu H, Wang B, Yu C, Yang X, Cai R, Li M, Ji K, Wu W, Zhao Y, Zheng Z, Pu Y, Zheng L. Integrated analysis of m6A regulator-mediated RNA methylation modification patterns and immune characteristics in Sjögren's syndrome. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28645. [PMID: 38596085 PMCID: PMC11002070 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28645] [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: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The epigenetic modifier N6-methyladenosine (m6A), recognized as the most prevalent internal modification in messenger RNA (mRNA), has recently emerged as a pivotal player in immune regulation. Its dysregulation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune conditions. However, the implications of m6A modification within the immune microenvironment of Sjögren's syndrome (SS), a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by exocrine gland dysfunction, remain unexplored. Herein, we leverage an integrative analysis combining public database resources and novel sequencing data to investigate the expression profiles of m6A regulatory genes in SS. Our cohort comprised 220 patients diagnosed with SS and 62 healthy individuals, enabling a comprehensive evaluation of peripheral blood at the transcriptomic level. We report a significant association between SS and altered expression of key m6A regulators, with these changes closely tied to the activation of CD4+ T cells. Employing a random forest (RF) algorithm, we identified crucial genes contributing to the disease phenotype, which facilitated the development of a robust diagnostic model via multivariate logistic regression analysis. Further, unsupervised clustering revealed two distinct m6A modification patterns, which were significantly associated with variations in immunocyte infiltration, immune response activity, and biological function enrichment in SS. Subsequently, we proceeded with a screening process aimed at identifying genes that were differentially expressed (DEGs) between the two groups distinguished by m6A modification. Leveraging these DEGs, we employed weight gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to uncover sets of genes that exhibited strong co-variance and hub genes that were closely linked to m6A modification. Through rigorous analysis, we identified three critical m6A regulators - METTL3, ALKBH5, and YTHDF1 - alongside two m6A-related hub genes, COMMD8 and SRP9. These elements collectively underscore a complex but discernible pattern of m6A modification that appears to be integrally linked with SS's pathogenesis. Our findings not only illuminate the significant correlation between m6A modification and the immune microenvironment in SS but also lay the groundwork for a deeper understanding of m6A regulatory mechanisms. More importantly, the identification of these key regulators and hub genes opens new avenues for the diagnosis and treatment of SS, presenting potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhao Yin
- Department of Oral Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiayao Fu
- Department of Oral Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiabao Xu
- Department of Oral Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Changyu Chen
- Department of Oral Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Hanyi Zhu
- Department of Oral Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Baoli Wang
- Department of Oral Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Chuangqi Yu
- Department of Oral Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiujuan Yang
- Department of Oral Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruiyu Cai
- College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengyang Li
- College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kaihan Ji
- College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wanning Wu
- College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yijie Zhao
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital, Fudan University, 1258 Fuxin Zhong Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Zhanglong Zheng
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Tongji University, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Tooth Restoration and Regeneration, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiping Pu
- Department of Oral Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingyan Zheng
- Department of Oral Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
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3
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Meng WY, Wang ZX, Zhang Y, Hou Y, Xue JH. Epigenetic marks or not? The discovery of novel DNA modifications in eukaryotes. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:106791. [PMID: 38403247 PMCID: PMC11065753 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.106791] [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: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA modifications add another layer of complexity to the eukaryotic genome to regulate gene expression, playing critical roles as epigenetic marks. In eukaryotes, the study of DNA epigenetic modifications has been confined to 5mC and its derivatives for decades. However, rapid developing approaches have witnessed the expansion of DNA modification reservoirs during the past several years, including the identification of 6mA, 5gmC, 4mC, and 4acC in diverse organisms. However, whether these DNA modifications function as epigenetic marks requires careful consideration. In this review, we try to present a panorama of all the DNA epigenetic modifications in eukaryotes, emphasizing recent breakthroughs in the identification of novel DNA modifications. The characterization of their roles in transcriptional regulation as potential epigenetic marks is summarized. More importantly, the pathways for generating or eliminating these DNA modifications, as well as the proteins involved are comprehensively dissected. Furthermore, we briefly discuss the potential challenges and perspectives, which should be taken into account while investigating novel DNA modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Ying Meng
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital affiliated to Tongji University, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zi-Xin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital affiliated to Tongji University, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunfang Zhang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yujun Hou
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jian-Huang Xue
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital affiliated to Tongji University, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
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4
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Berggren KA, Schwartz RE, Kleiner RE, Ploss A. The impact of epitranscriptomic modifications on liver disease. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2024; 35:331-346. [PMID: 38212234 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2023.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
RNA modifications have emerged as important mechanisms of gene regulation. Developmental, metabolic, and cell cycle regulatory processes are all affected by epitranscriptomic modifications, which control gene expression in a dynamic manner. The hepatic tissue is highly metabolically active and has an impressive ability to regenerate after injury. Cell proliferation, differentiation, and metabolism, which are all essential to the liver response to injury and regeneration, are regulated via RNA modification. Two such modifications, N6-methyladenosine (m6A)and 5-methylcytosine (m5C), have been identified as prognostic disease markers and potential therapeutic targets for liver diseases. Here, we describe progress in understanding the role of RNA modifications in liver biology and disease and discuss specific areas where unexpected results could lead to improved future understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith A Berggren
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Robert E Schwartz
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Ralph E Kleiner
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Alexander Ploss
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA.
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Wang C, Yao S, Zhang T, Sun X, Bai C, Zhou P. RNA N6-Methyladenosine Modification in DNA Damage Response and Cancer Radiotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2597. [PMID: 38473842 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The N6-methyladenosine (M6A) modification is the most common internal chemical modification of RNA molecules in eukaryotes. This modification can affect mRNA metabolism, regulate RNA transcription, nuclear export, splicing, degradation, and translation, and significantly impact various aspects of physiology and pathobiology. Radiotherapy is the most common method of tumor treatment. Different intrinsic cellular mechanisms affect the response of cells to ionizing radiation (IR) and the effectiveness of cancer radiotherapy. In this review, we summarize and discuss recent advances in understanding the roles and mechanisms of RNA M6A methylation in cellular responses to radiation-induced DNA damage and in determining the outcomes of cancer radiotherapy. Insights into RNA M6A methylation in radiation biology may facilitate the improvement of therapeutic strategies for cancer radiotherapy and radioprotection of normal tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cui Wang
- College of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Shibo Yao
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Tinghui Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Xiaoya Sun
- College of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Chenjun Bai
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Pingkun Zhou
- College of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
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6
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Gong C, Chakraborty D, Koudelka GB. A prophage encoded ribosomal RNA methyltransferase regulates the virulence of Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:856-871. [PMID: 38084890 PMCID: PMC10810198 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad1150] [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: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin (Stx) released by Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) causes life-threatening illness. Its production and release require induction of Stx-encoding prophage resident within the STEC genome. We identified two different STEC strains, PA2 and PA8, bearing Stx-encoding prophage whose sequences primarily differ by the position of an IS629 insertion element, yet differ in their abilities to kill eukaryotic cells and whose prophages differ in their spontaneous induction frequencies. The IS629 element in ϕPA2, disrupts an ORF predicted to encode a DNA adenine methyltransferase, whereas in ϕPA8, this element lies in an intergenic region. Introducing a plasmid expressing the methyltransferase gene product into ϕPA2 bearing-strains increases both the prophage spontaneous induction frequency and virulence to those exhibited by ϕPA8 bearing-strains. However, a plasmid bearing mutations predicted to disrupt the putative active site of the methyltransferase does not complement either of these defects. When complexed with a second protein, the methyltransferase holoenzyme preferentially uses 16S rRNA as a substrate. The second subunit is responsible for directing the preferential methylation of rRNA. Together these findings reveal a previously unrecognized role for rRNA methylation in regulating induction of Stx-encoding prophage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Gong
- Department of Biological Sciences University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | | | - Gerald B Koudelka
- Department of Biological Sciences University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
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7
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Höfler S, Duss O. Interconnections between m 6A RNA modification, RNA structure, and protein-RNA complex assembly. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202302240. [PMID: 37935465 PMCID: PMC10629537 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302240] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein-RNA complexes exist in many forms within the cell, from stable machines such as the ribosome to transient assemblies like the spliceosome. All protein-RNA assemblies rely on spatially and temporally coordinated interactions between specific proteins and RNAs to achieve a functional form. RNA folding and structure are often critical for successful protein binding and protein-RNA complex formation. RNA modifications change the chemical nature of a given RNA and often alter its folding kinetics. Both these alterations can affect how and if proteins or other RNAs can interact with the modified RNA and assemble into complexes. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common base modification on mRNAs and regulatory noncoding RNAs and has been shown to impact RNA structure and directly modulate protein-RNA interactions. In this review, focusing on the mechanisms and available quantitative information, we discuss first how the METTL3/14 m6A writer complex is specifically targeted to RNA assisted by protein-RNA and other interactions to enable site-specific and co-transcriptional RNA modification and, once introduced, how the m6A modification affects RNA folding and protein-RNA interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Höfler
- https://ror.org/03mstc592 Structural and Computational Biology Unit, EMBL Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Olivier Duss
- https://ror.org/03mstc592 Structural and Computational Biology Unit, EMBL Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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8
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Lin L, Zhao Y, Zheng Q, Zhang J, Li H, Wu W. Epigenetic targeting of autophagy for cancer: DNA and RNA methylation. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1290330. [PMID: 38148841 PMCID: PMC10749975 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1290330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy, a crucial cellular mechanism responsible for degradation and recycling of intracellular components, is modulated by an intricate network of molecular signals. Its paradoxical involvement in oncogenesis, acting as both a tumor suppressor and promoter, has been underscored in recent studies. Central to this regulatory network are the epigenetic modifications of DNA and RNA methylation, notably the presence of N6-methyldeoxyadenosine (6mA) in genomic DNA and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) in eukaryotic mRNA. The 6mA modification in genomic DNA adds an extra dimension of epigenetic regulation, potentially impacting the transcriptional dynamics of genes linked to autophagy and, especially, cancer. Conversely, m6A modification, governed by methyltransferases and demethylases, influences mRNA stability, processing, and translation, affecting genes central to autophagic pathways. As we delve deeper into the complexities of autophagy regulation, the importance of these methylation modifications grows more evident. The interplay of 6mA, m6A, and autophagy points to a layered regulatory mechanism, illuminating cellular reactions to a range of conditions. This review delves into the nexus between DNA 6mA and RNA m6A methylation and their influence on autophagy in cancer contexts. By closely examining these epigenetic markers, we underscore their promise as therapeutic avenues, suggesting novel approaches for cancer intervention through autophagy modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luobin Lin
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Biotechnology Drug Candidates, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceuticals, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuntao Zhao
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Biotechnology Drug Candidates, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceuticals, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qinzhou Zheng
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Biotechnology Drug Candidates, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceuticals, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiayang Zhang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Biotechnology Drug Candidates, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceuticals, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Huaqin Li
- School of Health Sciences, Guangzhou Xinhua University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenmei Wu
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Biotechnology Drug Candidates, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceuticals, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Qaria MA, Xu C, Hu R, Alsubki RA, Ali MY, Sivasamy S, Attia KA, Zhu D. Ectoine Globally Hypomethylates DNA in Skin Cells and Suppresses Cancer Proliferation. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:621. [PMID: 38132942 PMCID: PMC10744768 DOI: 10.3390/md21120621] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications, mainly aberrant DNA methylation, have been shown to silence the expression of genes involved in epigenetic diseases, including cancer suppression genes. Almost all conventional cancer therapeutic agents, such as the DNA hypomethylation drug 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine, have insurmountable side effects. To investigate the role of the well-known DNA protectant (ectoine) in skin cell DNA methylation and cancer cell proliferation, comprehensive methylome sequence analysis, 5-methyl cytosine (5mC) analysis, proliferation and tumorigenicity assays, and DNA epigenetic modifications-related gene analysis were performed. The results showed that extended ectoine treatment globally hypomethylated DNA in skin cells, especially in the CpG island (CGIs) element, and 5mC percentage was significantly reduced. Moreover, ectoine mildly inhibited skin cell proliferation and did not induce tumorigenicity in HaCaT cells injected into athymic nude mice. HaCaT cells treated with ectoine for 24 weeks modulated the mRNA expression levels of Dnmt1, Dnmt3a, Dnmt3b, Dnmt3l, Hdac1, Hdac2, Kdm3a, Mettl3, Mettl14, Snrpn, and Mest. Overall, ectoine mildly demethylates DNA in skin cells, modulates the expression of epigenetic modification-related genes, and reduces cell proliferation. This evidence suggests that ectoine is a potential anti-aging agent that prevents DNA hypermethylation and subsequently activates cancer-suppressing genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majjid A. Qaria
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (M.A.Q.); (C.X.); (M.Y.A.); (S.S.)
| | - Chunyan Xu
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (M.A.Q.); (C.X.); (M.Y.A.); (S.S.)
| | - Ran Hu
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China;
| | - Roua A. Alsubki
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Mohamed Yassin Ali
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (M.A.Q.); (C.X.); (M.Y.A.); (S.S.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, Fayoum University, Fayoum 63514, Egypt
| | - Sethupathy Sivasamy
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (M.A.Q.); (C.X.); (M.Y.A.); (S.S.)
| | - Kotb A. Attia
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Daochen Zhu
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (M.A.Q.); (C.X.); (M.Y.A.); (S.S.)
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10
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Breger K, Kunkler CN, O'Leary NJ, Hulewicz JP, Brown JA. Ghost authors revealed: The structure and function of human N 6 -methyladenosine RNA methyltransferases. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2023; 15:e1810. [PMID: 37674370 PMCID: PMC10915109 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Despite the discovery of modified nucleic acids nearly 75 years ago, their biological functions are still being elucidated. N6 -methyladenosine (m6 A) is the most abundant modification in eukaryotic messenger RNA (mRNA) and has also been detected in non-coding RNAs, including long non-coding RNA, ribosomal RNA, and small nuclear RNA. In general, m6 A marks can alter RNA secondary structure and initiate unique RNA-protein interactions that can alter splicing, mRNA turnover, and translation, just to name a few. Although m6 A marks in human RNAs have been known to exist since 1974, the structures and functions of methyltransferases responsible for writing m6 A marks have been established only recently. Thus far, there are four confirmed human methyltransferases that catalyze the transfer of a methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) to the N6 position of adenosine, producing m6 A: methyltransferase-like protein (METTL) 3/METTL14 complex, METTL16, METTL5, and zinc-finger CCHC-domain-containing protein 4. Though the methyltransferases have unique RNA targets, all human m6 A RNA methyltransferases contain a Rossmann fold with a conserved SAM-binding pocket, suggesting that they utilize a similar catalytic mechanism for methyl transfer. For each of the human m6 A RNA methyltransferases, we present the biological functions and links to human disease, RNA targets, catalytic and kinetic mechanisms, and macromolecular structures. We also discuss m6 A marks in human viruses and parasites, assigning m6 A marks in the transcriptome to specific methyltransferases, small molecules targeting m6 A methyltransferases, and the enzymes responsible for hypermodified m6 A marks and their biological functions in humans. Understanding m6 A methyltransferases is a critical steppingstone toward establishing the m6 A epitranscriptome and more broadly the RNome. This article is categorized under: RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein-RNA Recognition RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > RNA-Protein Complexes RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein-RNA Interactions: Functional Implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurtis Breger
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Charlotte N Kunkler
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Nathan J O'Leary
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Jacob P Hulewicz
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Jessica A Brown
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
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11
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Liu R, Zhao E, Yu H, Yuan C, Abbas MN, Cui H. Methylation across the central dogma in health and diseases: new therapeutic strategies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:310. [PMID: 37620312 PMCID: PMC10449936 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01528-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The proper transfer of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein is essential for cell-fate control, development, and health. Methylation of DNA, RNAs, histones, and non-histone proteins is a reversible post-synthesis modification that finetunes gene expression and function in diverse physiological processes. Aberrant methylation caused by genetic mutations or environmental stimuli promotes various diseases and accelerates aging, necessitating the development of therapies to correct the disease-driver methylation imbalance. In this Review, we summarize the operating system of methylation across the central dogma, which includes writers, erasers, readers, and reader-independent outputs. We then discuss how dysregulation of the system contributes to neurological disorders, cancer, and aging. Current small-molecule compounds that target the modifiers show modest success in certain cancers. The methylome-wide action and lack of specificity lead to undesirable biological effects and cytotoxicity, limiting their therapeutic application, especially for diseases with a monogenic cause or different directions of methylation changes. Emerging tools capable of site-specific methylation manipulation hold great promise to solve this dilemma. With the refinement of delivery vehicles, these new tools are well positioned to advance the basic research and clinical translation of the methylation field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruochen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Erhu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Huijuan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Chaoyu Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Muhammad Nadeem Abbas
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China.
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China.
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
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12
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Wang L, Shi L, Liang Y, Ng JKW, Yin CH, Wang L, Hou J, Wang Y, Fung CSH, Chiu PKF, Ng CF, Tsui SKW. Dissecting the effects of METTL3 on alternative splicing in prostate cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1227016. [PMID: 37675218 PMCID: PMC10477979 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1227016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the role of METTL3 has been extensively studied in many cancers, its role in isoform switching in prostate cancer (PCa) has been poorly explored. To investigate its role, we applied standard RNA-sequencing and long-read direct RNA-sequencing from Oxford Nanopore to examine how METTL3 affects alternative splicing (AS) in two PCa cell lines. By dissecting genome-wide METTL3-regulated AS events, we noted that two PCa cell lines (representing two different PCa subtypes, androgen-sensitive or resistant) behave differently in exon skipping and intron retention events following METTL3 depletion, suggesting AS heterogeneity in PCa. Moreover, we revealed that METTL3-regulated AS is dependent on N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and distinct splicing factors. Analysis of the AS landscape also revealed cell type specific AS signatures for some genes (e.g., MKNK2) involved in key functions in PCa tumorigenesis. Finally, we also validated the clinical relevance of MKNK2 AS events in PCa patients and pointed to the possible regulatory mechanism related to m6A in the exon14a/b region and SRSF1. Overall, we characterize the role of METTL3 in regulating PCa-associated AS programs, expand the role of METTL3 in tumorigenesis, and suggest that MKNK2 AS events may serve as a new potential prognostic biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Wang
- Metabolic Disease Research Center, Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ling Shi
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yonghao Liang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Judy Kin-Wing Ng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chan Hoi Yin
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lingyi Wang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jinpao Hou
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yiwei Wang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Cathy Sin-Hang Fung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Peter Ka-Fung Chiu
- SH Ho Urology Centre, Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chi-Fai Ng
- SH Ho Urology Centre, Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Stephen Kwok-Wing Tsui
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Hong Kong Bioinformatics Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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13
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Yue SW, Liu HL, Su HF, Luo C, Liang HF, Zhang BX, Zhang W. m6A-regulated tumor glycolysis: new advances in epigenetics and metabolism. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:137. [PMID: 37582735 PMCID: PMC10426175 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01841-8] [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: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycolytic reprogramming is one of the most important features of cancer and plays an integral role in the progression of cancer. In cancer cells, changes in glucose metabolism meet the needs of self-proliferation, angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, metastasis, and also affect the immune escape, prognosis evaluation and therapeutic effect of cancer. The n6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of RNA is widespread in eukaryotic cells. Dynamic and reversible m6A modifications are widely involved in the regulation of cancer stem cell renewal and differentiation, tumor therapy resistance, tumor microenvironment, tumor immune escape, and tumor metabolism. Lately, more and more evidences show that m6A modification can affect the glycolysis process of tumors in a variety of ways to regulate the biological behavior of tumors. In this review, we discussed the role of glycolysis in tumor genesis and development, and elaborated in detail the profound impact of m6A modification on different tumor by regulating glycolysis. We believe that m6A modified glycolysis has great significance and potential for tumor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Wei Yue
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‑Pancreatic‑Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei Province, Wuhan, China
| | - Hai-Ling Liu
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‑Pancreatic‑Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei Province, Wuhan, China
| | - Hong-Fei Su
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‑Pancreatic‑Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei Province, Wuhan, China
| | - Chu Luo
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‑Pancreatic‑Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei Province, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui-Fang Liang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‑Pancreatic‑Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei Province, Wuhan, China.
| | - Bi-Xiang Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‑Pancreatic‑Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei Province, Wuhan, China.
| | - Wei Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‑Pancreatic‑Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei Province, Wuhan, China.
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14
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Zhou J, Horton JR, Kaur G, Chen Q, Li X, Mendoza F, Wu T, Blumenthal RM, Zhang X, Cheng X. Biochemical and structural characterization of the first-discovered metazoan DNA cytosine-N4 methyltransferase from the bdelloid rotifer Adineta vaga. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105017. [PMID: 37414145 PMCID: PMC10406627 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105017] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Much is known about the generation, removal, and roles of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) in eukaryote DNA, and there is a growing body of evidence regarding N6-methyladenine, but very little is known about N4-methylcytosine (4mC) in the DNA of eukaryotes. The gene for the first metazoan DNA methyltransferase generating 4mC (N4CMT) was reported and characterized recently by others, in tiny freshwater invertebrates called bdelloid rotifers. Bdelloid rotifers are ancient, apparently asexual animals, and lack canonical 5mC DNA methyltransferases. Here, we characterize the kinetic properties and structural features of the catalytic domain of the N4CMT protein from the bdelloid rotifer Adineta vaga. We find that N4CMT generates high-level methylation at preferred sites, (a/c)CG(t/c/a), and low-level methylation at disfavored sites, exemplified by ACGG. Like the mammalian de novo 5mC DNA methyltransferase 3A/3B (DNMT3A/3B), N4CMT methylates CpG dinucleotides on both DNA strands, generating hemimethylated intermediates and eventually fully methylated CpG sites, particularly in the context of favored symmetric sites. In addition, like DNMT3A/3B, N4CMT methylates non-CpG sites, mainly CpA/TpG, though at a lower rate. Both N4CMT and DNMT3A/3B even prefer similar CpG-flanking sequences. Structurally, the catalytic domain of N4CMT closely resembles the Caulobacter crescentus cell cycle-regulated DNA methyltransferase. The symmetric methylation of CpG, and similarity to a cell cycle-regulated DNA methyltransferase, together suggest that N4CMT might also carry out DNA synthesis-dependent methylation following DNA replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jujun Zhou
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - John R Horton
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Gundeep Kaur
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Qin Chen
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Xuwen Li
- Department of Molecular & Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Fabian Mendoza
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Tao Wu
- Department of Molecular & Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Robert M Blumenthal
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Program in Bioinformatics, The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, Ohio, USA.
| | - Xing Zhang
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
| | - Xiaodong Cheng
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
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15
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Konttinen O, Carmody J, Kurnik M, Johnson KA, Reich N. High fidelity DNA strand-separation is the major specificity determinant in DNA methyltransferase CcrM's catalytic mechanism. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:6883-6898. [PMID: 37326016 PMCID: PMC10359602 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad443] [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: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Strand-separation is emerging as a novel DNA recognition mechanism but the underlying mechanisms and quantitative contribution of strand-separation to fidelity remain obscure. The bacterial DNA adenine methyltransferase, CcrM, recognizes 5'GANTC'3 sequences through a DNA strand-separation mechanism with unusually high selectivity. To explore this novel recognition mechanism, we incorporated Pyrrolo-dC into cognate and noncognate DNA to monitor the kinetics of strand-separation and used tryptophan fluorescence to follow protein conformational changes. Both signals are biphasic and global fitting showed that the faster phase of DNA strand-separation was coincident with the protein conformational transition. Non-cognate sequences did not display strand-separation and methylation was reduced > 300-fold, providing evidence that strand-separation is a major determinant of selectivity. Analysis of an R350A mutant showed that the enzyme conformational step can occur without strand-separation, so the two events are uncoupled. A stabilizing role for the methyl-donor (SAM) is proposed; the cofactor interacts with a critical loop which is inserted between the DNA strands, thereby stabilizing the strand-separated conformation. The results presented here are broadly applicable to the study of other N6-adenine methyltransferases that contain the structural features implicated in strand-separation, which are found widely dispersed across many bacterial phyla, including human and animal pathogens, and some Eukaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Konttinen
- Biomolecular Science and Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Jason Carmody
- Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Martin Kurnik
- Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Kenneth A Johnson
- Life Sciences Interdisciplinary Graduate Program, Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Norbert Reich
- Biomolecular Science and Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
- Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
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16
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Zhou J, Deng Y, Iyamu ID, Horton JR, Yu D, Hajian T, Vedadi M, Rotili D, Mai A, Blumenthal RM, Zhang X, Huang R, Cheng X. Comparative Study of Adenosine Analogs as Inhibitors of Protein Arginine Methyltransferases and a Clostridioides difficile-Specific DNA Adenine Methyltransferase. ACS Chem Biol 2023; 18:734-745. [PMID: 37082867 PMCID: PMC10127221 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.3c00035] [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: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
S-Adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM) analogs are adaptable tools for studying and therapeutically inhibiting SAM-dependent methyltransferases (MTases). Some MTases play significant roles in host-pathogen interactions, one of which is Clostridioides difficile-specific DNA adenine MTase (CamA). CamA is needed for efficient sporulation and alters persistence in the colon. To discover potent and selective CamA inhibitors, we explored modifications of the solvent-exposed edge of the SAM adenosine moiety. Starting from the two parental compounds (6e and 7), we designed an adenosine analog (11a) carrying a 3-phenylpropyl moiety at the adenine N6-amino group, and a 3-(cyclohexylmethyl guanidine)-ethyl moiety at the sulfur atom off the ribose ring. Compound 11a (IC50 = 0.15 μM) is 10× and 5× more potent against CamA than 6e and 7, respectively. The structure of the CamA-DNA-inhibitor complex revealed that 11a adopts a U-shaped conformation, with the two branches folded toward each other, and the aliphatic and aromatic rings at the two ends interacting with one another. 11a occupies the entire hydrophobic surface (apparently unique to CamA) next to the adenosine binding site. Our work presents a hybrid knowledge-based and fragment-based approach to generating CamA inhibitors that would be chemical agents to examine the mechanism(s) of action and therapeutic potentials of CamA in C. difficile infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jujun Zhou
- Department
of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Youchao Deng
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute for Drug
Discovery, Center for Cancer Research, Purdue
University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Iredia D. Iyamu
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute for Drug
Discovery, Center for Cancer Research, Purdue
University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - John R. Horton
- Department
of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Dan Yu
- Department
of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Taraneh Hajian
- Drug
Discovery Program, Ontario Institute for
Cancer Research, Toronto, ON M5G 0A3, Canada
| | - Masoud Vedadi
- Department
of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University
of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Drug
Discovery Program, Ontario Institute for
Cancer Research, Toronto, ON M5G 0A3, Canada
| | - Dante Rotili
- Department
of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza
University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonello Mai
- Department
of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza
University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Pasteur Institute,
Cenci-Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University
of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Robert M. Blumenthal
- Department
of Medical Microbiology and Immunology and Program in Bioinformatics, The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life
Sciences, Toledo, Ohio 43614, United States
| | - Xing Zhang
- Department
of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Rong Huang
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute for Drug
Discovery, Center for Cancer Research, Purdue
University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Xiaodong Cheng
- Department
of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
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17
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Feng X, He C. Mammalian DNA N 6-methyladenosine: Challenges and new insights. Mol Cell 2023; 83:343-351. [PMID: 36736309 PMCID: PMC10182828 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
DNA N6-methyldeoxyadenosine (6mA) modification was first discovered in Bacterium coli in the 1950s. Over the next several decades, 6mA was recognized as a critical DNA modification in the genomes of prokaryotes and protists. While important in prokaryotes, less is known about the presence and functional roles of DNA 6mA in eukaryotes, particularly in mammals. Taking advantage of recent technology advances that made 6mA detection and sequencing possible, studies over the past several years have brought new insights into 6mA biology in mammals. In this perspective, we present recent progress, discuss challenges, and pose four questions for future research regarding mammalian DNA 6mA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinran Feng
- Department of Human Genetics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Chuan He
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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18
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Broche J, Köhler AR, Kühnel F, Osteresch B, Chandrasekaran TT, Adam S, Brockmeyer J, Jeltsch A. Genome-wide deposition of 6-methyladenine in human DNA reduces the viability of HEK293 cells and directly influences gene expression. Commun Biol 2023; 6:138. [PMID: 36732350 PMCID: PMC9895073 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04466-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
While cytosine-C5 methylation of DNA is an essential regulatory system in higher eukaryotes, the presence and relevance of 6-methyladenine (m6dA) in human cells is controversial. To study the role of m6dA in human DNA, we introduced it in human cells at a genome-wide scale at GANTC and GATC sites by expression of bacterial DNA methyltransferases and observed concomitant reductions in cell viability, in particular after global GANTC methylation. We identified several genes that are directly regulated by m6dA in a GANTC context. Upregulated genes showed m6dA-dependent reduction of H3K27me3 suggesting that the PRC2 complex is inhibited by m6dA. Genes downregulated by m6dA showed enrichment of JUN family transcription factor binding sites. JUN binds m6dA containing DNA with reduced affinity suggesting that m6dA can reduce the recruitment of JUN transcription factors to target genes. Our study documents that global introduction of m6dA in human DNA has physiological effects. Furthermore, we identified a set of target genes which are directly regulated by m6dA in human cells, and we defined two molecular pathways with opposing effects by which artificially introduced m6dA in GANTC motifs can directly control gene expression and phenotypes of human cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Broche
- grid.5719.a0000 0004 1936 9713Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany ,grid.10392.390000 0001 2190 1447Present Address: Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Calwerstr. 7, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Anja R. Köhler
- grid.5719.a0000 0004 1936 9713Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Fiona Kühnel
- grid.5719.a0000 0004 1936 9713Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Bernd Osteresch
- grid.5719.a0000 0004 1936 9713Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, Department of Food Chemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 5b, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Thyagarajan T. Chandrasekaran
- grid.5719.a0000 0004 1936 9713Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Sabrina Adam
- grid.5719.a0000 0004 1936 9713Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Jens Brockmeyer
- grid.5719.a0000 0004 1936 9713Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, Department of Food Chemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 5b, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Albert Jeltsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany.
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19
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Structural insights into DNA N 6-adenine methylation by the MTA1 complex. Cell Discov 2023; 9:8. [PMID: 36658132 PMCID: PMC9852454 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-022-00516-w] [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: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
N6-methyldeoxyadenine (6mA) has recently been reported as a prevalent DNA modification in eukaryotes. The Tetrahymena thermophila MTA1 complex consisting of four subunits, namely MTA1, MTA9, p1, and p2, is the first identified eukaryotic 6mA methyltransferase (MTase) complex. Unlike the prokaryotic 6mA MTases which have been biochemically and structurally characterized, the operation mode of the MTA1 complex remains largely elusive. Here, we report the cryogenic electron microscopy structures of the quaternary MTA1 complex in S-adenosyl methionine (SAM)-bound (2.6 Å) and S-adenosyl homocysteine (SAH)-bound (2.8 Å) states. Using an AI-empowered integrative approach based on AlphaFold prediction and chemical cross-linking mass spectrometry, we further modeled a near-complete structure of the quaternary complex. Coupled with biochemical characterization, we revealed that MTA1 serves as the catalytic core, MTA1, MTA9, and p1 likely accommodate the substrate DNA, and p2 may facilitate the stabilization of MTA1. These results together offer insights into the molecular mechanism underpinning methylation by the MTA1 complex and the potential diversification of MTases for N6-adenine methylation.
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20
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Zhou J, Horton JR, Menna M, Fiorentino F, Ren R, Yu D, Hajian T, Vedadi M, Mazzoccanti G, Ciogli A, Weinhold E, Hüben M, Blumenthal RM, Zhang X, Mai A, Rotili D, Cheng X. Systematic Design of Adenosine Analogs as Inhibitors of a Clostridioides difficile-Specific DNA Adenine Methyltransferase Required for Normal Sporulation and Persistence. J Med Chem 2023; 66:934-950. [PMID: 36581322 PMCID: PMC9841527 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Antivirulence agents targeting endospore-transmitted Clostridioides difficile infections are urgently needed. C. difficile-specific DNA adenine methyltransferase (CamA) is required for efficient sporulation and affects persistence in the colon. The active site of CamA is conserved and closely resembles those of hundreds of related S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM)-dependent methyltransferases, which makes the design of selective inhibitors more challenging. We explored the solvent-exposed edge of the SAM adenosine moiety and systematically designed 42 analogs of adenosine carrying substituents at the C6-amino group (N6) of adenosine. We compare the inhibitory properties and binding affinity of these diverse compounds and present the crystal structures of CamA in complex with 14 of them in the presence of substrate DNA. The most potent of these inhibitors, compound 39 (IC50 ∼ 0.4 μM and KD ∼ 0.2 μM), is selective for CamA against closely related bacterial and mammalian DNA and RNA adenine methyltransferases, protein lysine and arginine methyltransferases, and human adenosine receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jujun Zhou
- Department
of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - John R. Horton
- Department
of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Martina Menna
- Department
of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza
University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Fiorentino
- Department
of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza
University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Ren Ren
- Department
of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Dan Yu
- Department
of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Taraneh Hajian
- Structural
Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Masoud Vedadi
- Structural
Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Department
of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University
of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Giulia Mazzoccanti
- Department
of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza
University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Ciogli
- Department
of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza
University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Elmar Weinhold
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, D-52056 Aachen, Germany
| | - Michael Hüben
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, D-52056 Aachen, Germany
| | - Robert M. Blumenthal
- Department
of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, and Program in Bioinformatics, The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life
Sciences, Toledo, Ohio 43614, United States
| | - Xing Zhang
- Department
of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Antonello Mai
- Department
of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza
University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Pasteur
Institute, Cenci-Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Dante Rotili
- Department
of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza
University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Xiaodong Cheng
- Department
of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
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21
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Li M, Xia M, Zhang Z, Tan Y, Li E, Guo Z, Fang M, Zhu Y, Hu Z. METTL3 antagonizes 5‑FU chemotherapy and confers drug resistance in colorectal carcinoma. Int J Oncol 2022; 61:106. [PMID: 35856434 PMCID: PMC9374465 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2022.5396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of top five leading causes of cancer-associated mortalities worldwide. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is the first-line chemotherapeutic drug in the treatment of CRC; however, its antineoplastic efficiency is limited due to acquired drug resistance. The regulatory mechanism underlying 5-FU chemotherapeutic response and drug resistance in CRC remains largely unknown. The present study identified that silencing of methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) suppressed the proliferation and migration of CRC HCT-8 cells. Using cell survival assays, flow cytometric and colony formation analyses, it was revealed that inhibition of METTL3 sensitized HCT-8 cells to 5-FU by enhancing DNA damage and inducing apoptosis in HCT-8 cells under 5-FU treatment. Furthermore, the expression of METTL3 was upregulated in 5-FU-resistant CRC cells (HCT-8R), which contributed to drug resistance through regulation of RAD51 associated Protein 1 (RAD51AP1) expression. Western blotting, immunofluorescence staining and drug sensitivity assays demonstrated that knockdown of METTL3 augmented 5-FU-induced DNA damage and overcame 5-FU-resistance in HCT-8R cells, which could be mimicked by inhibition of RAD51AP1. The present study revealed that the METTL3/RAD51AP1 axis plays an important role in the acquisition of 5-FU resistance in CRC, and targeting METTL3/RAD51AP1 may be a promising adjuvant therapeutic strategy for patients with CRC, particularly for those with 5-FU-resistant CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Li
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, P.R. China
| | - Mingyue Xia
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, P.R. China
| | - Ziyu Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, P.R. China
| | - Yanyin Tan
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, P.R. China
| | - Enjie Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, P.R. China
| | - Zhigang Guo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, P.R. China
| | - Mingzhi Fang
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, P.R. China
| | - Yong Zhu
- National Centre of Colorectal Disease, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, P.R. China
| | - Zhigang Hu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, P.R. China
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22
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Wen X, Wang J, Wang Q, Liu P, Zhao H. Interaction between N6-methyladenosine and autophagy in the regulation of bone and tissue degeneration. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:978283. [PMID: 36072293 PMCID: PMC9443517 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.978283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone and tissue degeneration are the most common skeletal disorders that seriously affect people’s quality of life. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is one of the most common RNA modifications in eukaryotic cells, affecting the alternative splicing, translation, stability and degradation of mRNA. Interestingly, increasing number of evidences have indicated that m6A modification could modulate the expression of autophagy-related (ATG) genes and promote autophagy in the cells. Autophagy is an important process regulating intracellular turnover and is evolutionarily conserved in eukaryotes. Abnormal autophagy results in a variety of diseases, including cardiomyopathy, degenerative disorders, and inflammation. Thus, the interaction between m6A modification and autophagy plays a prominent role in the onset and progression of bone and tissue degeneration. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge related to the effect of m6A modification on autophagy, and introduce the role of the crosstalk between m6A modification and autophagy in bone and tissue degeneration. An in-depth knowledge of the above crosstalk may help to improve our understanding of their effects on bone and tissue degeneration and provide novel insights for the future therapeutics.
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23
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Yu D, Zhou J, Chen Q, Wu T, Blumenthal RM, Zhang X, Cheng X. Enzymatic Characterization of In Vitro Activity of RNA Methyltransferase PCIF1 on DNA. Biochemistry 2022; 61:1005-1013. [PMID: 35605980 PMCID: PMC9178792 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.2c00134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PCIF1 and FTO are a pair of human mRNA cap-specific modification enzymes that have opposing activities. PCIF1 adds a methyl group to the N6-position of 2'O-methyladenosine (Am), generating N6, 2'O-dimethyladenosine (m6Am), when Am is the cap-proximal nucleotide. FTO removes the N6-methyl group from m6Am. In addition, FTO has a demethylase activity on a broad spectrum of various RNA substrates, as well as on DNA N6-methyldeoxyadenosine (m6dA). While the existence of m6dA in mammalian DNA remains controversial, we show here that PCIF1 has significant methylation activity on single stranded DNA deoxyadenosine, double stranded RNA/DNA hybrids, and double stranded DNA, though with lower catalytic efficiency than that on its preferred RNA substrate. PCIF1 has activities in the order ssRNA > RNA/DNA hybrid > ssDNA > dsDNA. We discuss the implications of PCIF1 generation, and FTO removal, of DNA adenine methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Yu
- Department
of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Jujun Zhou
- Department
of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Qin Chen
- Department
of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Tao Wu
- Department
of Molecular & Human Genetics, Baylor
College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Robert M. Blumenthal
- Department
of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, and Program in Bioinformatics, The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life
Sciences, Toledo, Ohio 43614, United States
| | - Xing Zhang
- Department
of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Xiaodong Cheng
- Department
of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
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24
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Sun J, Cheng B, Su Y, Li M, Ma S, Zhang Y, Zhang A, Cai S, Bao Q, Wang S, Zhu P. The Potential Role of m6A RNA Methylation in the Aging Process and Aging-Associated Diseases. Front Genet 2022; 13:869950. [PMID: 35518355 PMCID: PMC9065606 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.869950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common and conserved internal eukaryotic mRNA modification. m6A modification is a dynamic and reversible post-transcriptional regulatory modification, initiated by methylase and removed by RNA demethylase. m6A-binding proteins recognise the m6A modification to regulate gene expression. Recent studies have shown that altered m6A levels and abnormal regulator expression are crucial in the ageing process and the occurrence of age-related diseases. In this review, we summarise some key findings in the field of m6A modification in the ageing process and age-related diseases, including cell senescence, autophagy, inflammation, oxidative stress, DNA damage, tumours, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). We focused on the biological function and potential molecular mechanisms of m6A RNA methylation in ageing and age-related disease progression. We believe that m6A modification may provide a new target for anti-ageing therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Sun
- Department of Geriatrics, The Second Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.,Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Bokai Cheng
- Department of Geriatrics, The Second Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.,Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Yongkang Su
- Department of Geriatrics, The Second Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.,Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Man Li
- Department of Geriatrics, The Second Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.,Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Shouyuan Ma
- Department of Geriatric Cardiology, The Second Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Outpatient, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Anhang Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, The Second Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.,Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Shuang Cai
- Department of Geriatrics, The Second Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.,Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Qiligeer Bao
- Department of Geriatrics, The Second Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.,Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Shuxia Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, The Second Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.,Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Zhu
- Department of Geriatrics, The Second Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.,Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
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25
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Li E, Xia M, Du Y, Long K, Ji F, Pan F, He L, Hu Z, Guo Z. METTL3 promotes homologous recombination repair and modulates chemotherapeutic response in breast cancer by regulating the EGF/Rad51 axis. eLife 2022; 11:75231. [PMID: 35502895 PMCID: PMC9094751 DOI: 10.7554/elife.75231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
METTL3 and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) are involved in many types of biological and pathological processes, including DNA repair. However, the function and mechanism of METTL3 in DNA repair and chemotherapeutic response remain largely unknown. In present study, we identified that METTL3 participates in the regulation of homologous recombination repair (HR), which further influences chemotherapeutic response in both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer (BC) cells. Knockdown of METTL3 sensitized these BC cells to Adriamycin (ADR; also named as doxorubicin) treatment and increased accumulation of DNA damage. Mechanically, we demonstrated that inhibition of METTL3 impaired HR efficiency and increased ADR-induced DNA damage by regulating m6A modification of EGF/RAD51 axis. METTL3 promoted EGF expression through m6A modification, which further upregulated RAD51 expression, resulting in enhanced HR activity. We further demonstrated that the m6A 'reader', YTHDC1, bound to the m6A modified EGF transcript and promoted EGF synthesis, which enhanced HR and cell survival during ADR treatment in breast cancer cells. Our findings reveal a pivotal mechanism of METTL3-mediated HR and chemotherapeutic drug response, which may contribute to cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enjie Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mingyue Xia
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu Du
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Kaili Long
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Feng Ji
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Feiyan Pan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lingfeng He
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhigang Hu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhigang Guo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
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26
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Shen C, Wang K, Deng X, Chen J. DNA N 6-methyldeoxyadenosine in mammals and human disease. Trends Genet 2022; 38:454-467. [PMID: 34991904 PMCID: PMC9007851 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2021.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
N6-methyladenine (6mA) is the most prevalent DNA modification in prokaryotes. However, its presence and significance in eukaryotes remain elusive. Recently, with methodology advances in detection and sequencing of 6mA in eukaryotes, 6mA is back in the spotlight. Although multiple studies have reported that 6mA is an important epigenetic mark in eukaryotes and plays a regulatory role in DNA transcription, transposon activation, stress response, and other bioprocesses, there are some discrepancies in the current literature. We review the recent advances in 6mA research in eukaryotes, especially in mammals. In particular, we describe the abundance/distribution of 6mA, its potential role in regulating gene expression, identified regulators, and pathological roles in human diseases, especially in cancer. The limitations faced by the field and future perspectives in 6mA research are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Shen
- Department of Systems Biology, City of Hope, Monrovia 91007, USA
| | - Kitty Wang
- Department of Systems Biology, City of Hope, Monrovia 91007, USA
| | - Xiaolan Deng
- Department of Systems Biology, City of Hope, Monrovia 91007, USA
| | - Jianjun Chen
- Department of Systems Biology, City of Hope, Monrovia 91007, USA
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27
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Li J, Momen-Heravi F, Wu X, He K. Mechanism of METTL14 and m6A modification of lncRNA MALAT1 in the proliferation of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells. Oral Dis 2022. [PMID: 35467063 DOI: 10.1111/odi.14220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Methyltransferase-like 14 (METTL14) plays an epigenetic role in various cancer through N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification. This study sought to analyze the mechanism of METTL14 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cell proliferation. METHODS Expression levels of METTL14, lncRNA metastasis associated with lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (lncRNA MALAT1), microRNA (miR)-224-5p, and histone lysine demethylase 2A (KDM2A) in OSCC tissues (N = 40), and cell lines (FaDu, SCC-25, CAL-27, and SCC-15) were detected. Cell viability and colony formation capacity were assessed. m6A level, stability, and subcellular localization of lncRNA MALAT1 were determined. Nude mouse xenograft tumor assay was performed to confirm the role of METTL14 in vivo. RESULTS METTL14 and lncRNA MALAT1 were upregulated, and miR-224-5p was downregulated in OSCC tissues and cells. Silencing METTL14 repressed OSCC cell viability and colony formation. Overexpression of MALAT1 and KDM2A or miR-224-5p downregulation reversed the inhibition of silencing METTL14 on OSCC cell proliferation. METTL14 induced m6A modification of MALAT1 to upregulate MALAT1. MALAT1 is comparatively bound to miR-224-5p to promote KDM2A transcription. In vivo, METTL14 promoted tumor growth via regulating MALAT1/miR-224-5p/ KDM2A. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our findings verified the therapeutic role of silencing METTL14 in OSCC treatment through the MALAT1/miR-224-5p/KDM2A axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinli Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, 923 Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Nanning City, Guangxi Province, China
| | - Fatemeh Momen-Heravi
- Cancer Biology and Immunology Laboratory, College of Dental Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
- Division of Periodontics, Section of Oral, Diagnostic and Rehabilitation Sciences, Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Xun Wu
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Southern Medical University Shenzhen Stomatology Hospital (Pingshan), Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Kaili He
- Department of Stomatology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province, China
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28
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Yu D, Dai N, Wolf EJ, Corrêa IR, Zhou J, Wu T, Blumenthal RM, Zhang X, Cheng X. Enzymatic characterization of mRNA cap adenosine-N6 methyltransferase PCIF1 activity on uncapped RNAs. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101751. [PMID: 35189146 PMCID: PMC8931429 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The phosphorylated RNA polymerase II CTD interacting factor 1 (PCIF1) is a methyltransferase that adds a methyl group to the N6-position of 2′O-methyladenosine (Am), generating N6, 2′O-dimethyladenosine (m6Am) when Am is the cap-proximal nucleotide. In addition, PCIF1 has ancillary methylation activities on internal adenosines (both A and Am), although with much lower catalytic efficiency relative to that of its preferred cap substrate. The PCIF1 preference for 2′O-methylated Am over unmodified A nucleosides is due mainly to increased binding affinity for Am. Importantly, it was recently reported that PCIF1 can methylate viral RNA. Although some viral RNA can be translated in the absence of a cap, it is unclear what roles PCIF1 modifications may play in the functionality of viral RNAs. Here we show, using in vitro assays of binding and methyltransfer, that PCIF1 binds an uncapped 5′-Am oligonucleotide with approximately the same affinity as that of a cap analog (KM = 0.4 versus 0.3 μM). In addition, PCIF1 methylates the uncapped 5′-Am with activity decreased by only fivefold to sixfold compared with its preferred capped substrate. We finally discuss the relationship between PCIF1-catalyzed RNA methylation, shown here to have broader substrate specificity than previously appreciated, and that of the RNA demethylase fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO), which demonstrates PCIF1-opposing activities on capped RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Yu
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Nan Dai
- New England Biolabs, Inc, Ipswich, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Eric J Wolf
- New England Biolabs, Inc, Ipswich, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ivan R Corrêa
- New England Biolabs, Inc, Ipswich, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jujun Zhou
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Tao Wu
- Department of Molecular & Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Robert M Blumenthal
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, and Program in Bioinformatics, The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, Ohio, USA
| | - Xing Zhang
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
| | - Xiaodong Cheng
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
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29
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Song T, Lv S, Li N, Zhao X, Ma X, Yan Y, Wang W, Sun L. OUP accepted manuscript. J Mol Cell Biol 2022; 14:6536920. [PMID: 35212732 PMCID: PMC9264158 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjac011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
m6A, a conserved and abundant modification on RNA, regulates RNA processing and function. RNA m6A machinery, including writers, erasers, and readers of m6A, is indispensable for m6A installation and function. Intriguingly, recent studies have revealed that m6A machinery can be recruited to chromatin by pleiotropic factors, including nascent RNA, transcription factors, regulatory RNA, histone modifications, and epigenetic machinery. Consequently, recruitment of m6A machinery can directly regulate chromatin biology, such as transcription, DNA damage repair, and DNA recombination beyond installation of m6A on nascent mRNA. Here, we discuss recent evidence showing that m6A machinery is targeted to chromatin and the direct biological consequences along with the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Suli Lv
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Neng Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xuefeng Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xianyun Ma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yingying Yan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Weixia Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
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30
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Recent Advances on DNA Base Flipping: A General Mechanism for Writing, Reading, and Erasing DNA Modifications. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1389:295-315. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-11454-0_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Legartová S, Svobodová Kovaříková A, Běhalová Suchánková J, Polášek-Sedláčková H, Bártová E. Early recruitment of PARP-dependent m 8A RNA methylation at DNA lesions is subsequently accompanied by active DNA demethylation. RNA Biol 2022; 19:1153-1171. [PMID: 36382943 PMCID: PMC9673957 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2022.2139109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA methylation, especially 6-methyladenosine (m6A)-modified RNAs, plays a specific role in DNA damage response (DDR). Here, we also observe that RNA modified at 8-methyladenosine (m8A) is recruited to UVA-damaged chromatin immediately after microirradiation. Interestingly, the level of m8A RNA at genomic lesions was reduced after inhibition of histone deacetylases and DNA methyltransferases. It appears in later phases of DNA damage response, accompanied by active DNA demethylation. Also, PARP inhibitor (PARPi), Olaparib, prevented adenosine methylation at microirradiated chromatin. PARPi abrogated not only m6A and m8A RNA positivity at genomic lesions, but also XRCC1, the factor of base excision repair (BER), did not recognize lesions in DNA. To this effect, Olaparib enhanced the genome-wide level of γH2AX. This histone modification interacted with m8A RNAs to a similar extent as m8A RNAs with DNA. Pronounced interaction properties we did not observe for m6A RNAs and DNA; however, m6A RNA interacted with XRCC1 with the highest efficiency, especially in microirradiated cells. Together, we show that the recruitment of m6A RNA and m8A RNA to DNA lesions is PARP dependent. We suggest that modified RNAs likely play a role in the BER mechanism accompanied by active DNA demethylation. In this process, γH2AX stabilizes m6A/m8A-positive RNA-DNA hybrid loops via its interaction with m8A RNAs. R-loops could represent basic three-stranded structures recognized by PARP-dependent non-canonical m6A/m8A-mediated DNA repair pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soňa Legartová
- Department of Cell Biology and Epigenetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 612 65, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Alena Svobodová Kovaříková
- Department of Cell Biology and Epigenetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 612 65, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Běhalová Suchánková
- Department of Cell Biology and Epigenetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 612 65, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Polášek-Sedláčková
- Department of Cell Biology and Epigenetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 612 65, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Bártová
- Department of Cell Biology and Epigenetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 612 65, Brno, Czech Republic,CONTACT Eva Bártová Department of Cell Biology and Epigenetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 612 65, Brno, Czech Republic
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Miao YQ, Chen W, Zhou J, Shen Q, Sun Y, Li T, Wang SC. N(6)-adenosine-methyltransferase-14 promotes glioma tumorigenesis by repressing argininosuccinate synthase 1 expression in an m6A-dependent manner. Bioengineered 2022; 13:1858-1871. [PMID: 35012429 PMCID: PMC8805915 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.2018386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioma is one of the leading causes of tumor-related deaths worldwide, but its potential mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the biological role and potential mechanism of argininosuccinate synthase 1 (ASS1) in glioma. The relative expression levels of ASS1 in glioma specimens and cell lines were calculated by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting. The biological functions of ASS1 were demonstrated using the 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay, transwell assay, and in vivo experiments. In addition, methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP), RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), and luciferase reporter assays were performed to explore the molecular mechanism of ASS1 in glioma. ASS1 expression levels were found to be downregulated in glioma specimens and cell lines. Functionally, we confirmed that ASS1 inhibited glioma cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and growth both. Furthermore, we found that ASS1 was a target of N(6)-adenosine-methyltransferase-14 (METTL14)-mediated N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification. Overexpression of METTL14 markedly elevated ASS1 mRNA m6A modification and suppressed ASS1 mRNA expression. We also revealed that METTL14-mediated ASS1 mRNA degradation relied on the YTH m6A RNA-binding protein 2 (YTHDF2)-dependent pathway. We confirmed that decreased ASS1 expression promoted the cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in glioma, and that the METTL14/ASS1/YTHDF2 regulatory axis may be an effective therapeutic target for glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- You-Qing Miao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Urology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianfeng Zhou
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiyang Shen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ying Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Sheng-Chan Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, Geriatric Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Zhou J, Horton JR, Yu D, Ren R, Blumenthal RM, Zhang X, Cheng X. Repurposing epigenetic inhibitors to target the Clostridioides difficile-specific DNA adenine methyltransferase and sporulation regulator CamA. Epigenetics 2021; 17:970-981. [PMID: 34523387 PMCID: PMC9487755 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2021.1976910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetically targeted therapeutic development, particularly for SAM-dependent methylations of DNA, mRNA and histones has been proceeding rapidly for cancer treatments over the past few years. However, this approach has barely begun to be exploited for developing new antibiotics, despite an overwhelming global need to counter antimicrobial resistance. Here, we explore whether SAM analogues, some of which are in (pre)clinical studies as inhibitors of human epigenetic enzymes, can also inhibit Clostridioides difficile-specific DNA adenine methyltransferase (CamA), a sporulation regulator present in all C. difficile genomes sequenced to date, but found in almost no other bacteria. We found that SGC0946 (an inhibitor of DOT1L), JNJ-64619178 (an inhibitor of PRMT5) and SGC8158 (an inhibitor of PRMT7) inhibit CamA enzymatic activity in vitro at low micromolar concentrations. Structural investigation of the ternary complexes of CamA-DNA in the presence of SGC0946 or SGC8158 revealed conformational rearrangements of the N-terminal arm, with no apparent disturbance of the active site. This N-terminal arm and its modulation of exchanges between SAM (the methyl donor) and SAH (the reaction product) during catalysis of methyl transfer are, to date, unique to CamA. Our work presents a substantial first step in generating potent and selective inhibitors of CamA that would serve in the near term as chemical probes to investigate the cellular mechanism(s) of CamA in controlling spore formation and colonization, and eventually as therapeutic antivirulence agents useful in treating C. difficile infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jujun Zhou
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - John R Horton
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Dan Yu
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ren Ren
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Robert M Blumenthal
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, and Program in Bioinformatics, The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH USA
| | - Xing Zhang
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xiaodong Cheng
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Rachakonda S, Hoheisel JD, Kumar R. Occurrence, functionality and abundance of the TERT promoter mutations. Int J Cancer 2021; 149:1852-1862. [PMID: 34313327 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.33750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Telomere shortening at chromosomal ends due to the constraints of the DNA replication process acts as a tumor suppressor by restricting the replicative potential in primary cells. Cancers evade that limitation primarily through the reactivation of telomerase via different mechanisms. Mutations within the promoter of the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene represent a definite mechanism for the ribonucleic enzyme regeneration predominantly in cancers that arise from tissues with low rates of self-renewal. The promoter mutations cause a moderate increase in TERT transcription and consequent telomerase upregulation to the levels sufficient to delay replicative senescence but not prevent bulk telomere shortening and genomic instability. Since the discovery, a staggering number of studies have resolved the discrete aspects, effects and clinical relevance of the TERT promoter mutations. The promoter mutations link transcription of TERT with oncogenic pathways, associate with markers of poor outcome and define patients with reduced survivals in several cancers. In this review, we discuss the occurrence and impact of the promoter mutations and highlight the mechanism of TERT activation. We further deliberate on the foundational question of the abundance of the TERT promoter mutations and a general dearth of functional mutations within noncoding sequences, as evident from pan-cancer analysis of the whole-genomes. We posit that the favorable genomic constellation within the TERT promoter may be less than a common occurrence in other noncoding functional elements. Besides, the evolutionary constraints limit the functional fraction within the human genome, hence the lack of abundant mutations outside the coding sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jörg D Hoheisel
- Division of Functional Genome Analysis, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rajiv Kumar
- Division of Functional Genome Analysis, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
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