1
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McJunkin K, Gottesman S. What goes up must come down: off switches for regulatory RNAs. Genes Dev 2024; 38:597-613. [PMID: 39111824 PMCID: PMC11368247 DOI: 10.1101/gad.351934.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/22/2024]
Abstract
Small RNAs base pair with and regulate mRNA translation and stability. For both bacterial small regulatory RNAs and eukaryotic microRNAs, association with partner proteins is critical for the stability and function of the regulatory RNAs. We review the mechanisms for degradation of these RNAs: displacement of the regulatory RNA from its protein partner (in bacteria) or destruction of the protein and its associated microRNAs (in eukaryotes). These mechanisms can allow specific destruction of a regulatory RNA via pairing with a decay trigger RNA or function as global off switches by disrupting the stability or function of the protein partner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine McJunkin
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA;
| | - Susan Gottesman
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
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2
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Nahar S, Morales Moya LJ, Brunner J, Hendriks GJ, Towbin B, Hauser Y, Brancati G, Gaidatzis D, Großhans H. Dynamics of miRNA accumulation during C. elegans larval development. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:5336-5355. [PMID: 38381904 PMCID: PMC11109986 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae115] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Temporally and spatially controlled accumulation underlies the functions of microRNAs (miRNAs) in various developmental processes. In Caenorhabditis elegans, this is exemplified by the temporal patterning miRNAs lin-4 and let-7, but for most miRNAs, developmental expression patterns remain poorly resolved. Indeed, experimentally observed long half-lives may constrain possible dynamics. Here, we profile miRNA expression throughout C. elegans postembryonic development at high temporal resolution, which identifies dynamically expressed miRNAs. We use mathematical models to explore the underlying mechanisms. For let-7, we can explain, and experimentally confirm, a striking stepwise accumulation pattern through a combination of rhythmic transcription and stage-specific regulation of precursor processing by the RNA-binding protein LIN-28. By contrast, the dynamics of several other miRNAs cannot be explained by regulation of production rates alone. Specifically, we show that a combination of oscillatory transcription and rhythmic decay drive rhythmic accumulation of miR-235, orthologous to miR-92 in other animals. We demonstrate that decay of miR-235 and additional miRNAs depends on EBAX-1, previously implicated in target-directed miRNA degradation (TDMD). Taken together, our results provide insight into dynamic miRNA decay and establish a resource to studying both the developmental functions of, and the regulatory mechanisms acting on, miRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smita Nahar
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI), Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Jana Brunner
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI), Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gert-Jan Hendriks
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin Towbin
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI), Basel, Switzerland
- University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Yannick P Hauser
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI), Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Giovanna Brancati
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI), Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dimos Gaidatzis
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI), Basel, Switzerland
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Helge Großhans
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI), Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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3
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Kotagama K, Grimme AL, Braviner L, Yang B, Sakhawala R, Yu G, Benner LK, Joshua-Tor L, McJunkin K. Catalytic residues of microRNA Argonautes play a modest role in microRNA star strand destabilization in C. elegans. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:4985-5001. [PMID: 38471816 PMCID: PMC11109956 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae170] [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] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Many microRNA (miRNA)-guided Argonaute proteins can cleave RNA ('slicing'), even though miRNA-mediated target repression is generally cleavage-independent. Here we use Caenorhabditis elegans to examine the role of catalytic residues of miRNA Argonautes in organismal development. In contrast to previous work, mutations in presumed catalytic residues did not interfere with development when introduced by CRISPR. We find that unwinding and decay of miRNA star strands is weakly defective in the catalytic residue mutants, with the largest effect observed in embryos. Argonaute-Like Gene 2 (ALG-2) is more dependent on catalytic residues for unwinding than ALG-1. The miRNAs that displayed the greatest (albeit minor) dependence on catalytic residues for unwinding tend to form stable duplexes with their star strand, and in some cases, lowering duplex stability alleviates dependence on catalytic residues. While a few miRNA guide strands are reduced in the mutant background, the basis of this is unclear since changes were not dependent on EBAX-1, an effector of Target-Directed miRNA Degradation (TDMD). Overall, this work defines a role for the catalytic residues of miRNA Argonautes in star strand decay; future work should examine whether this role contributes to the selection pressure to conserve catalytic activity of miRNA Argonautes across the metazoan phylogeny.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasuen Kotagama
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, NIDDK Intramural Research Program, 50 South Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Acadia L Grimme
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, NIDDK Intramural Research Program, 50 South Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Johns Hopkins University Department of Biology, 3400 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Leah Braviner
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, One Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Bing Yang
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, NIDDK Intramural Research Program, 50 South Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Rima M Sakhawala
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, NIDDK Intramural Research Program, 50 South Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Johns Hopkins University Department of Biology, 3400 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Guoyun Yu
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, NIDDK Intramural Research Program, 50 South Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Lars Kristian Benner
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, NIDDK Intramural Research Program, 50 South Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Leemor Joshua-Tor
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, One Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Katherine McJunkin
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, NIDDK Intramural Research Program, 50 South Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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4
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Kotagama K, McJunkin K. Recent advances in understanding microRNA function and regulation in C. elegans. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2024; 154:4-13. [PMID: 37055330 PMCID: PMC10564972 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2023.03.011] [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: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) were first discovered in C. elegans as essential post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression. Since their initial discovery, miRNAs have been implicated in numerous areas of physiology and disease in all animals examined. In recent years, the C. elegans model continues to contribute important advances to all areas of miRNA research. Technological advances in tissue-specific miRNA profiling and genome editing have driven breakthroughs in understanding biological functions of miRNAs, mechanism of miRNA action, and regulation of miRNAs. In this review, we highlight these new C. elegans findings from the past five to seven years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasuen Kotagama
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Katherine McJunkin
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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5
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Kotagama K, Grimme AL, Braviner L, Yang B, Sakhawala RM, Yu G, Benner LK, Joshua-Tor L, McJunkin K. The catalytic activity of microRNA Argonautes plays a modest role in microRNA star strand destabilization in C. elegans. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.01.19.524782. [PMID: 36711716 PMCID: PMC9882359 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.19.524782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Many Argonaute proteins can cleave RNA ("slicing") as part of the microRNA-induced silencing complex (miRISC), even though miRNA-mediated target repression is generally independent of target cleavage. Here we use genome editing in C. elegans to examine the role of miRNA-guided slicing in organismal development. In contrast to previous work, slicing-inactivating mutations did not interfere with normal development when introduced by CRISPR. We find that unwinding and decay of miRNA star strands is weakly defective in the absence of slicing, with the largest effect observed in embryos. Argonaute-Like Gene 2 (ALG-2) is more dependent on slicing for unwinding than ALG-1. The miRNAs that displayed the greatest (albeit minor) dependence on slicing for unwinding tend to form stable duplexes with their star strand, and in some cases, lowering duplex stability alleviates dependence on slicing. Gene expression changes were consistent with negligible to moderate loss of function for miRNA guides whose star strand was upregulated, suggesting a reduced proportion of mature miRISC in slicing mutants. While a few miRNA guide strands are reduced in the mutant background, the basis of this is unclear since changes were not dependent on EBAX-1, a factor in the Target-Directed miRNA Degradation (TDMD) pathway. Overall, this work defines a role for miRNA Argonaute slicing in star strand decay; future work should examine whether this role could have contributed to the selection pressure to conserve catalytic activity of miRNA Argonautes across the metazoan phylogeny.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasuen Kotagama
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, NIDDK Intramural Research Program, 50 South Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Acadia L. Grimme
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, NIDDK Intramural Research Program, 50 South Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Johns Hopkins University Department of Biology, 3400 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Leah Braviner
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, One Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Bing Yang
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, NIDDK Intramural Research Program, 50 South Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Rima M. Sakhawala
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, NIDDK Intramural Research Program, 50 South Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Johns Hopkins University Department of Biology, 3400 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Guoyun Yu
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, NIDDK Intramural Research Program, 50 South Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Lars Kristian Benner
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, NIDDK Intramural Research Program, 50 South Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Current address: Johns Hopkins University Department of Biology, 3400 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Leemor Joshua-Tor
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, One Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Katherine McJunkin
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, NIDDK Intramural Research Program, 50 South Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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6
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Yin R, Lu H, Cao Y, Zhang J, Liu G, Guo Q, Kai X, Zhao J, Wei Y. The Mechanisms of miRNAs on Target Regulation and their Recent Advances in Atherosclerosis. Curr Med Chem 2024; 31:5779-5804. [PMID: 37807413 DOI: 10.2174/0109298673253678230920054220] [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: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
miRNAs are crucial regulators in a variety of physiological and pathological processes, while their regulation mechanisms were usually described as negatively regulating gene expression by targeting the 3'-untranslated region(3'-UTR) of target gene miRNAs through seed sequence in tremendous studies. However, recent evidence indicated the existence of non-canonical mechanisms mediated by binding other molecules besides mRNAs. Additionally, accumulating evidence showed that functions of intracellular and intercellular miRNAs exhibited spatiotemporal patterns. Considering that detailed knowledge of the miRNA regulating mechanism is essential for understanding the roles and further clinical applications associated with their dysfunction and dysregulation, which is complicated and not fully clarified. Based on that, we summarized the recently reported regulation mechanisms of miRNAs, including recognitions, patterns of actions, and chemical modifications. And we also highlight the novel findings of miRNAs in atherosclerosis progression researches to provide new insights for non-coding RNA-based therapy in intractable diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runting Yin
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, No. 301, Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, 212000, China
| | - Hongyu Lu
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, No. 301, Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, 212000, China
| | - Yixin Cao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Jia Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, No. 301, Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, 212000, China
| | - Geng Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, No. 301, Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, 212000, China
| | - Qian Guo
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, No. 301, Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, 212000, China
| | - Xinyu Kai
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, No. 301, Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, 212000, China
| | - Jiemin Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, No. 301, Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, 212000, China
| | - Yuan Wei
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, No. 301, Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, 212000, China
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7
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Shang R, Lee S, Senavirathne G, Lai EC. microRNAs in action: biogenesis, function and regulation. Nat Rev Genet 2023; 24:816-833. [PMID: 37380761 PMCID: PMC11087887 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-023-00611-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 114.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Ever since microRNAs (miRNAs) were first recognized as an extensive gene family >20 years ago, a broad community of researchers was drawn to investigate the universe of small regulatory RNAs. Although core features of miRNA biogenesis and function were revealed early on, recent years continue to uncover fundamental information on the structural and molecular dynamics of core miRNA machinery, how miRNA substrates and targets are selected from the transcriptome, new avenues for multilevel regulation of miRNA biogenesis and mechanisms for miRNA turnover. Many of these latest insights were enabled by recent technological advances, including massively parallel assays, cryogenic electron microscopy, single-molecule imaging and CRISPR-Cas9 screening. Here, we summarize the current understanding of miRNA biogenesis, function and regulation, and outline challenges to address in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renfu Shang
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Seungjae Lee
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gayan Senavirathne
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eric C Lai
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY, USA.
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8
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Oikawa S, Yuan S, Kato Y, Akimoto T. Skeletal muscle-enriched miRNAs are highly unstable in vivo and may be regulated in a Dicer-independent manner. FEBS J 2023; 290:5692-5703. [PMID: 37525425 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that control essential cellular processes. For several decades, the molecular mechanisms underlying the functions and biogenesis of miRNAs have been clarified, whereas the molecular dynamics of miRNAs are poorly understood. We recently found that muscle-enriched miRNAs were reduced by only 20 ~ 50% in the skeletal muscles even 4 weeks after the suppression of miRNA processing through an inducible depletion of Dicer1 gene. These data suggest that miRNAs are stably expressed in skeletal muscle. In this study, we investigated the half-lives of those miRNAs in adult skeletal muscle with an in vivo metabolic labeling strategy and a genetic mouse model. In contrast to the hypothesis, in vivo metabolic labeling revealed that the half-lives of skeletal-muscle-enriched miRNAs were approximately 11-20 h. Furthermore, the levels of mature miR-23a decreased rapidly in the skeletal muscle of mice lacking miR-23 clusters in a tamoxifen-inducible manner. These data suggest that skeletal-muscle-enriched miRNAs are not highly stable in vivo. We also observed that the transfer of miR-150 into Dicer1-deficient muscle increased the miR-150 level to the same as that in control muscle. Taken together, our data demonstrate that miRNAs are degraded within a few days in adult skeletal muscle and that a Dicer-independent biogenetic pathway may produce mature miRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Oikawa
- Laboratory of Muscle Biology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Waseda University, Tokorozawa, Japan
- Waseda Institute for Sport Sciences, Waseda University, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | - Shuaibang Yuan
- Graduate School of Sport Sciences, Waseda University, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | - Yoshio Kato
- Biomedical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Takayuki Akimoto
- Laboratory of Muscle Biology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Waseda University, Tokorozawa, Japan
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9
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Zhou H, He Y, Ou C, He X, Cao P. miR-18a expression correlates with ATM and p53 levels and poor prognosis in lymphomas. J Cancer 2023; 14:1301-1308. [PMID: 37283790 PMCID: PMC10240661 DOI: 10.7150/jca.83854] [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: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
microRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding, endogenous, small-molecule RNAs. They are involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and metabolism. Additionally, they play an essential role in the development and progression of various malignancies. Recent research has revealed that miR-18a plays an important role in cancer development. However, its role in lymphoma is not yet fully understood. In this study, we investigated the clinicopathological characteristics and potential functional roles of miR-18a in lymphomas. First, we predicted the potential downstream genes of miR-18a using miRTarBase software and subjected these downstream genes to Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses to determine the potential mechanisms of action of these genes. We found that these target genes were closely related to cellular senescence, the p53 signaling pathway, and other signaling pathways. From the predicted downstream target genes, ATM and p53 were selected as the target genes; their deletion in patients with lymphoma was detected using the fluorescence in situ hybridization technique. The results showed that some patients with lymphoma have a deletion of the ATM and p53 genes. In addition, the deletion rates of ATM and p53 were positively correlated with the expression of miR-18a. Next, the expression levels of miR-18a and the deletion rates of ATM and p53 were used for correlation and prognostic analyses with patient clinical information. The findings revealed a significant difference in disease-free survival (DFS) between patients with lymphoma with ATM deletion and those with a normal ATM gene expression (p < 0.001). Moreover, a significant difference in overall survival (OS) and DFS between patients with p53 deletion and those with normal p53 expression was observed (p < 0.001). The results indicate that the deletion of ATM and p53 downstream of miR-18a is closely associated with the development of lymphoma. Thus, these biomarkers may serve as key prognostic biomarkers for lymphomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhou
- Department of Hematology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Yuxiang He
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Chunlin Ou
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaoyun He
- Departments of Ultrasound Imaging, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Pengfei Cao
- Department of Hematology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
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10
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Lee S, Jee D, Srivastava S, Yang A, Ramidi A, Shang R, Bortolamiol-Becet D, Pfeffer S, Gu S, Wen J, Lai EC. Promiscuous splicing-derived hairpins are dominant substrates of tailing-mediated defense of miRNA biogenesis in mammals. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112111. [PMID: 36800291 PMCID: PMC10508058 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112111] [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: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Canonical microRNA (miRNA) hairpins are processed by the RNase III enzymes Drosha and Dicer into ∼22 nt RNAs loaded into an Argonaute (Ago) effector. In addition, splicing generates numerous intronic hairpins that bypass Drosha (mirtrons) to yield mature miRNAs. Here, we identify hundreds of previously unannotated, splicing-derived hairpins in intermediate-length (∼50-100 nt) but not small (20-30 nt) RNA data. Since we originally defined mirtrons from small RNA duplexes, we term this larger set as structured splicing-derived RNAs (ssdRNAs). These associate with Dicer and/or Ago complexes, but generally accumulate modestly and are poorly conserved. We propose they contaminate the canonical miRNA pathway, which consequently requires defense against the siege of splicing-derived substrates. Accordingly, ssdRNAs/mirtrons comprise dominant hairpin substrates for 3' tailing by multiple terminal nucleotidyltransferases, notably TUT4/7 and TENT2. Overall, the rampant proliferation of young mammalian mirtrons/ssdRNAs, coupled with an inhibitory molecular defense, comprises a Red Queen's race of intragenomic conflict.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seungjae Lee
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan-Kettering Institute, 1275 York Avenue, Box 252, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - David Jee
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan-Kettering Institute, 1275 York Avenue, Box 252, New York, NY 10065, USA; Weill Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Sid Srivastava
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan-Kettering Institute, 1275 York Avenue, Box 252, New York, NY 10065, USA; High Technology High School, Lincroft, NJ 07738, USA
| | - Acong Yang
- RNA Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, 8 National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Abhinav Ramidi
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan-Kettering Institute, 1275 York Avenue, Box 252, New York, NY 10065, USA; High Technology High School, Lincroft, NJ 07738, USA
| | - Renfu Shang
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan-Kettering Institute, 1275 York Avenue, Box 252, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Diane Bortolamiol-Becet
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan-Kettering Institute, 1275 York Avenue, Box 252, New York, NY 10065, USA; Université de Strasbourg, Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire du CNRS, 2 Allée Konrad Roentgen, 67084 Strasbourg, France
| | - Sébastien Pfeffer
- Université de Strasbourg, Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire du CNRS, 2 Allée Konrad Roentgen, 67084 Strasbourg, France
| | - Shuo Gu
- RNA Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, 8 National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Jiayu Wen
- Division of Genome Sciences and Cancer, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
| | - Eric C Lai
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan-Kettering Institute, 1275 York Avenue, Box 252, New York, NY 10065, USA; Weill Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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11
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MacKenzie M, Argyropoulos C. An Introduction to Nanopore Sequencing: Past, Present, and Future Considerations. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:459. [PMID: 36838159 PMCID: PMC9966803 DOI: 10.3390/mi14020459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
There has been significant progress made in the field of nanopore biosensor development and sequencing applications, which address previous limitations that restricted widespread nanopore use. These innovations, paired with the large-scale commercialization of biological nanopore sequencing by Oxford Nanopore Technologies, are making the platforms a mainstay in contemporary research laboratories. Equipped with the ability to provide long- and short read sequencing information, with quick turn-around times and simple sample preparation, nanopore sequencers are rapidly improving our understanding of unsolved genetic, transcriptomic, and epigenetic problems. However, there remain some key obstacles that have yet to be improved. In this review, we provide a general introduction to nanopore sequencing principles, discussing biological and solid-state nanopore developments, obstacles to single-base detection, and library preparation considerations. We present examples of important clinical applications to give perspective on the potential future of nanopore sequencing in the field of molecular diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan MacKenzie
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Christos Argyropoulos
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
- Clinical & Translational Science Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
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12
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Han J, Mendell JT. MicroRNA turnover: a tale of tailing, trimming, and targets. Trends Biochem Sci 2023; 48:26-39. [PMID: 35811249 PMCID: PMC9789169 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2022.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) post-transcriptionally repress gene expression by guiding Argonaute (AGO) proteins to target mRNAs. While much is known about the regulation of miRNA biogenesis, miRNA degradation pathways are comparatively poorly understood. Although miRNAs generally exhibit slow turnover, they can be rapidly degraded through regulated mechanisms that act in a context- or sequence-specific manner. Recent work has revealed a particularly important role for specialized target interactions in controlling rates of miRNA degradation. Engagement of these targets is associated with the addition and removal of nucleotides from the 3' ends of miRNAs, a process known as tailing and trimming. Here we review these mechanisms of miRNA modification and turnover, highlighting the contexts in which they impact miRNA stability and discussing important questions that remain unanswered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaeil Han
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9148, USA
| | - Joshua T Mendell
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9148, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9148, USA.
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13
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Yang A, Bofill-De Ros X, Stanton R, Shao TJ, Villanueva P, Gu S. TENT2, TUT4, and TUT7 selectively regulate miRNA sequence and abundance. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5260. [PMID: 36071058 PMCID: PMC9452540 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32969-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
TENTs generate miRNA isoforms by 3' tailing. However, little is known about how tailing regulates miRNA function. Here, we generate isogenic HEK293T cell lines in which TENT2, TUT4 and TUT7 are knocked out individually or in combination. Together with rescue experiments, we characterize TENT-specific effects by deep sequencing, Northern blot and in vitro assays. We find that 3' tailing is not random but highly specific. In addition to its known adenylation, TENT2 contributes to guanylation and uridylation on mature miRNAs. TUT4 uridylates most miRNAs whereas TUT7 is dispensable. Removing adenylation has a marginal impact on miRNA levels. By contrast, abolishing uridylation leads to dysregulation of a set of miRNAs. Besides let-7, miR-181b and miR-222 are negatively regulated by TUT4/7 via distinct mechanisms while the miR-888 cluster is upregulated specifically by TUT7. Our results uncover the selective actions of TENTs in generating 3' isomiRs and pave the way to investigate their functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Acong Yang
- RNA Mediated Gene Regulation Section; RNA Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Xavier Bofill-De Ros
- RNA Mediated Gene Regulation Section; RNA Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Ryan Stanton
- RNA Mediated Gene Regulation Section; RNA Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Tie-Juan Shao
- RNA Mediated Gene Regulation Section; RNA Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
- School of Basic Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Patricia Villanueva
- RNA Mediated Gene Regulation Section; RNA Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Shuo Gu
- RNA Mediated Gene Regulation Section; RNA Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA.
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14
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Donnelly BF, Yang B, Grimme AL, Vieux KF, Liu CY, Zhou L, McJunkin K. The developmentally timed decay of an essential microRNA family is seed-sequence dependent. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111154. [PMID: 35947946 PMCID: PMC9413084 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNA (miRNA) abundance is tightly controlled by regulation of biogenesis and decay. Here, we show that the mir-35 miRNA family undergoes selective decay at the transition from embryonic to larval development in C. elegans. The seed sequence of the miRNA is necessary and largely sufficient for this regulation. Sequences outside the seed (3' end) regulate mir-35 abundance in the embryo but are not necessary for sharp decay at the transition to larval development. Enzymatic modifications of the miRNA 3' end are neither prevalent nor correlated with changes in decay, suggesting that miRNA 3' end display is not a core feature of this mechanism and further supporting a seed-driven decay model. Our findings demonstrate that seed-sequence-specific decay can selectively and coherently regulate all redundant members of a miRNA seed family, a class of mechanism that has great biological and therapeutic potential for dynamic regulation of a miRNA family's target repertoire.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget F Donnelly
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, NIDDK Intramural Research Program, 50 South Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; Johns Hopkins University Department of Biology, 3400 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Bing Yang
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, NIDDK Intramural Research Program, 50 South Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Acadia L Grimme
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, NIDDK Intramural Research Program, 50 South Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; Johns Hopkins University Department of Biology, 3400 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Karl-Frédéric Vieux
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, NIDDK Intramural Research Program, 50 South Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Chen-Yu Liu
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, NIDDK Intramural Research Program, 50 South Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Lecong Zhou
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, NIDDK Intramural Research Program, 50 South Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Katherine McJunkin
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, NIDDK Intramural Research Program, 50 South Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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15
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Panzade G, Li L, Hebbar S, Veksler-Lublinsky I, Zinovyeva A. Global profiling and annotation of templated isomiRs dynamics across Caenorhabditis elegans development. RNA Biol 2022; 19:928-942. [PMID: 35848953 PMCID: PMC9298154 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2022.2099646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
microRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression through translational repression and mRNA destabilization. During canonical miRNA biogenesis, several miRNA isoforms, or isomiRs, are produced from a single precursor miRNA. Templated isomiRs are generated through Drosha or Dicer cleavage at alternate positions on either the primary or the precursor miRNAs, generating truncated or extended 5' and/or 3' miRNA ends. As changes to the mature miRNA sequence can alter miRNA gene target repertoire, we investigated the extent of templated isomiR prevalence, providing a profiling map for templated isomiRs across stages of C. elegans development. While most miRNA loci did not produce abundant templated isomiRs, a substantial number of miRNA loci produced isomiRs were just as, or more, abundant than their annotated canonical mature miRNAs. 3' end miRNA alterations were more frequent than the seed-altering 5' end extensions or truncations. However, we identified several miRNA loci that produced a considerable amount of isomiRs with 5' end alterations, predicted to target new, distinct sets of genes. Overall, the presented annotation of templated isomiR dynamics across C. elegans developmental stages provides a basis for further studies into miRNA biogenesis and the intriguing potential of functional miRNA diversification through isomiR production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganesh Panzade
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - Li Li
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - Shilpa Hebbar
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - Isana Veksler-Lublinsky
- Department of Software and Information Systems Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-sheva, Israel
| | - Anna Zinovyeva
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
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16
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Frédérick PM, Simard MJ. Regulation and different functions of the animal microRNA-induced silencing complex. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2021; 13:e1701. [PMID: 34725940 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Among the different types of small RNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs) are key players in controlling gene expression at the mRNA level. To be active, they must associate with an Argonaute protein to form the miRNA induced silencing complex (miRISC) and binds to specific mRNA through complementarity sequences. The miRISC binding to an mRNA can lead to multiple outcomes, the most frequent being inhibition of the translation and/or deadenylation followed by decapping and mRNA decay. In the last years, several studies described different mechanisms modulating miRISC functions in animals. For instance, the regulation of the Argonaute protein through post-translational modifications can change the miRISC gene regulatory activity as well as modulate its binding to proteins, mRNA targets and miRISC stability. Furthermore, the presence of RNA binding proteins and multiple miRISCs at the targeted mRNA 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) can also affect its function through cooperation or competition mechanisms, underlying the importance of the 3'UTR environment in miRNA-mediated repression. Another way to regulate the miRISC function is by modulation of its interactors, forming different types of miRNA silencing complexes that affect gene regulation differently. It is also reported that the subcellular localization of several components of the miRNA pathway can modulate miRISC function, suggesting an important role for vesicular trafficking in the regulation of this essential silencing complex. This article is categorized under: RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > RNA-Protein Complexes Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > RNAi: Mechanisms of Action Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Biogenesis of Effector Small RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre-Marc Frédérick
- Oncology Division, CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Québec, QC, Canada.,Université Laval Cancer Research Centre, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Martin J Simard
- Oncology Division, CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Québec, QC, Canada.,Université Laval Cancer Research Centre, Québec, QC, Canada
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