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Zhang N, Wen K. The role of lncRNA binding to RNA‑binding proteins to regulate mRNA stability in cancer progression and drug resistance mechanisms (Review). Oncol Rep 2024; 52:142. [PMID: 39219266 PMCID: PMC11378159 DOI: 10.3892/or.2024.8801] [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: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a disease that poses a serious threat to human health, the occurrence and development of which involves complex molecular mechanisms. Long non‑coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and RNA‑binding proteins (RBPs) are important regulatory molecules within cells, which have garnered extensive attention in cancer research in recent years. The binding of lncRNAs and RBPs plays a crucial role in the post‑transcriptional regulation of mRNA, affecting the synthesis of proteins related to cancer by regulating the stability of mRNA. This, in turn, regulates the malignant biological behaviors of tumor cells, such as proliferation and metastasis, and serves an important role in therapeutic resistance. The present study reviewed the role of lncRNA‑RBP interactions in the regulation of mRNA stability in various malignant tumors, with a focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying this regulatory interaction. The aim of the present review was to gain a deeper understanding of these molecular mechanisms to provide new strategies and insights for the precise treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nianjie Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Tenth Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University (Dongguan People's Hospital), Dongguan, Guangdong 523059, P.R. China
| | - Kunming Wen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Tenth Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University (Dongguan People's Hospital), Dongguan, Guangdong 523059, P.R. China
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2
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Cao X, Zhang Y, Ding Y, Wan Y. Identification of RNA structures and their roles in RNA functions. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2024; 25:784-801. [PMID: 38926530 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-024-00748-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
The development of high-throughput RNA structure profiling methods in the past decade has greatly facilitated our ability to map and characterize different aspects of RNA structures transcriptome-wide in cell populations, single cells and single molecules. The resulting high-resolution data have provided insights into the static and dynamic nature of RNA structures, revealing their complexity as they perform their respective functions in the cell. In this Review, we discuss recent technical advances in the determination of RNA structures, and the roles of RNA structures in RNA biogenesis and functions, including in transcription, processing, translation, degradation, localization and RNA structure-dependent condensates. We also discuss the current understanding of how RNA structures could guide drug design for treating genetic diseases and battling pathogenic viruses, and highlight existing challenges and future directions in RNA structure research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinang Cao
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yueying Zhang
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK
| | - Yiliang Ding
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK.
| | - Yue Wan
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
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Chen YT, Tsai HJ, Kan CH, Ma CP, Chen HW, Chang IYF, Liu H, Wu CC, Chu WY, Wu YC, Chang KP, Yu JS, Tan BCM. Noncanonical formation of SNX5 gene-derived circular RNA regulates cancer growth. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:599. [PMID: 39155279 PMCID: PMC11330969 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06980-4] [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: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 08/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a prevalent cancer worldwide, exhibiting unique regional prevalence. Despite advancements in diagnostics and therapy, the 5-year survival rate for patients has seen limited improvement. A deeper understanding of OSCC pathogenesis, especially its molecular underpinnings, is essential for improving detection, prevention, and treatment. In this context, noncoding RNAs, such as circular RNAs (circRNAs), have gained recognition as crucial regulators and potential biomarkers in OSCC progression. Our study highlights the discovery of previously uncharacterized circRNAs, including a SNX5 gene-derived circRNA, circSNX5, through deep sequencing of OSCC patient tissue transcriptomes. We established circSNX5's tumor-specific expression and its strong correlation with patient survival using structure-specific and quantitative PCR analyses. In vitro and in vivo experiments underscored circSNX5 RNA's regulatory role in cancer growth and metastasis. Further, our omics profiling and functional assays revealed that ADAM10 is a critical effector in circSNX5-mediated cancer progression, with circSNX5 maintaining ADAM10 expression by sponging miR-323. This novel circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory axis significantly contributes to oral cancer progression and malignancy. Moreover, we discovered that circSNX5 RNA is produced via noncanonical sequential back-splicing of pre-mRNA, a process negatively regulated by the RNA-binding protein STAU1. This finding adds a new dimension to our understanding of exonic circRNA biogenesis in the eukaryotic transcriptome. Collectively, our findings offer a detailed mechanistic dissection and functional interpretation of a novel circRNA, shedding light on the role of the noncoding transcriptome in cancer biology and potentially paving the way for innovative therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Tung Chen
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Ju Tsai
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hua Kan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Pei Ma
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Wen Chen
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
| | - Ian Yi-Feng Chang
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Lin-Kou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
- Genomic Medicine Core Laboratory, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
| | - Hsuan Liu
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
- Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Lin-Kou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Ching Wu
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Yun Chu
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Chun Wu
- Asia American International Academy, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Ping Chang
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Lin-Kou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
| | - Jau-Song Yu
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
| | - Bertrand Chin-Ming Tan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Lin-Kou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan.
- Research Center for Emerging Viral Infections, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan.
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4
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Parvez F, Sangpal D, Paithankar H, Amin Z, Chugh J. Differential conformational dynamics in two type-A RNA-binding domains drive the double-stranded RNA recognition and binding. eLife 2024; 13:RP94842. [PMID: 39116184 PMCID: PMC11309768 DOI: 10.7554/elife.94842] [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: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Trans-activation response (TAR) RNA-binding protein (TRBP) has emerged as a key player in the RNA interference pathway, wherein it binds to different pre-microRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), each varying in sequence and/or structure. We hypothesize that TRBP displays dynamic adaptability to accommodate heterogeneity in target RNA structures. Thus, it is crucial to ascertain the role of intrinsic and RNA-induced protein dynamics in RNA recognition and binding. We have previously elucidated the role of intrinsic and RNA-induced conformational exchange in the double-stranded RNA-binding domain 1 (dsRBD1) of TRBP in shape-dependent RNA recognition. The current study delves into the intrinsic and RNA-induced conformational dynamics of the TRBP-dsRBD2 and then compares it with the dsRBD1 study carried out previously. Remarkably, the two domains exhibit differential binding affinity to a 12-bp dsRNA owing to the presence of critical residues and structural plasticity. Furthermore, we report that dsRBD2 depicts constrained conformational plasticity when compared to dsRBD1. Although, in the presence of RNA, dsRBD2 undergoes induced conformational exchange within the designated RNA-binding regions and other residues, the amplitude of the motions remains modest when compared to those observed in dsRBD1. We propose a dynamics-driven model of the two tandem domains of TRBP, substantiating their contributions to the versatility of dsRNA recognition and binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Firdousi Parvez
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER)PuneIndia
| | - Devika Sangpal
- Department of Biotechnology (with jointly merged Institute of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology), Savitribai Phule Pune UniversityPuneIndia
| | - Harshad Paithankar
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER)PuneIndia
| | - Zainab Amin
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER)PuneIndia
| | - Jeetender Chugh
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER)PuneIndia
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5
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Zhao R, Huang S, Li J, Gu A, Fu M, Hua W, Mao Y, Lei QY, Lu B, Wen W. Excessive STAU1 condensate drives mTOR translation and autophagy dysfunction in neurodegeneration. J Cell Biol 2024; 223:e202311127. [PMID: 38913026 PMCID: PMC11194678 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202311127] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The double-stranded RNA-binding protein Staufen1 (STAU1) regulates a variety of physiological and pathological events via mediating RNA metabolism. STAU1 overabundance was observed in tissues from mouse models and fibroblasts from patients with neurodegenerative diseases, accompanied by enhanced mTOR signaling and impaired autophagic flux, while the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here, we find that endogenous STAU1 forms dynamic cytoplasmic condensate in normal and tumor cell lines, as well as in mouse Huntington's disease knockin striatal cells. STAU1 condensate recruits target mRNA MTOR at its 5'UTR and promotes its translation both in vitro and in vivo, and thus enhanced formation of STAU1 condensate leads to mTOR hyperactivation and autophagy-lysosome dysfunction. Interference of STAU1 condensate normalizes mTOR levels, ameliorates autophagy-lysosome function, and reduces aggregation of pathological proteins in cellular models of neurodegenerative diseases. These findings highlight the importance of balanced phase separation in physiological processes, suggesting that modulating STAU1 condensate may be a strategy to mitigate the progression of neurodegenerative diseases with STAU1 overabundance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiqian Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shijing Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingyu Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Aihong Gu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Minjie Fu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Hua
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Mao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qun-Ying Lei
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Boxun Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenyu Wen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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6
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Li CL, Zhou GF, Xie XY, Wang L, Chen X, Pan QL, Pu YL, Yang J, Song L, Chen GJ. STAU1 exhibits a dual function by promoting amyloidogenesis and tau phosphorylation in cultured cells. Exp Neurol 2024; 377:114805. [PMID: 38729552 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114805] [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: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Staufen-1 (STAU1) is a double-stranded RNA-binding protein (RBP) involved in a variety of pathological conditions. In this study, we investigated the potential role of STAU1 in Alzheimer's disease (AD), in which two hallmarks are well-established as cerebral β-amyloid protein (Aβ) deposition and Tau-centered neurofibrillary tangles. We found that STAU1 protein level was significantly increased in cells that stably express full-length APP and the brain of APP/PS1 mice, an animal model of AD. STAU1 knockdown, as opposed to overexpression, significantly decreased the protein levels of β-amyloid converting enzyme 1 (BACE1) and Aβ. We further found that STAU1 extended the half-life of the BACE1 mRNA through binding to the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR). Transcriptome analysis revealed that STAU1 enhanced the expression of growth arrest and DNA damage 45 β (GADD45B) upstream of P38 MAPK signaling, which contributed to STAU1-induced regulation of Tau phosphorylation at Ser396 and Thr181. Together, STAU1 promoted amyloidogenesis by inhibiting BACE1 mRNA decay, and augmented Tau phosphorylation through activating GADD45B in relation to P38 MAPK. Targeting STAU1 that acts on both amyloidogenesis and tauopathy may serve as an optimistic approach for AD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Lu Li
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital Of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Major Neurological and Mental Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Gui-Feng Zhou
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital Of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Major Neurological and Mental Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Xiao-Yong Xie
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital Of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Major Neurological and Mental Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital Of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Major Neurological and Mental Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Xue Chen
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital Of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Major Neurological and Mental Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Qiu-Ling Pan
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital Of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Major Neurological and Mental Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Ya-Lan Pu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital Of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Major Neurological and Mental Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital Of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Major Neurological and Mental Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Li Song
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital Of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Major Neurological and Mental Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Guo-Jun Chen
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital Of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Major Neurological and Mental Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing 400016, China.
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Zhukova M, Schedl P, Shidlovskii YV. The role of secondary structures in the functioning of 3' untranslated regions of mRNA: A review of functions of 3' UTRs' secondary structures and hypothetical involvement of secondary structures in cytoplasmic polyadenylation in Drosophila. Bioessays 2024; 46:e2300099. [PMID: 38161240 PMCID: PMC11337203 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202300099] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
3' untranslated regions (3' UTRs) of mRNAs have many functions, including mRNA processing and transport, translational regulation, and mRNA degradation and stability. These different functions require cis-elements in 3' UTRs that can be either sequence motifs or RNA structures. Here we review the role of secondary structures in the functioning of 3' UTRs and discuss some of the trans-acting factors that interact with these secondary structures in eukaryotic organisms. We propose potential participation of 3'-UTR secondary structures in cytoplasmic polyadenylation in the model organism Drosophila melanogaster. Because the secondary structures of 3' UTRs are essential for post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression, their disruption leads to a wide range of disorders, including cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Trans-acting factors, such as STAU1 and nucleolin, which interact with 3'-UTR secondary structures of target transcripts, influence the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases and tumor metastasis, suggesting that they are possible therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariya Zhukova
- Laboratory of Gene Expression Regulation in Development, Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Gene Biology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Paul Schedl
- Laboratory of Gene Expression Regulation in Development, Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Gene Biology, Moscow, Russia
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Yulii V. Shidlovskii
- Laboratory of Gene Expression Regulation in Development, Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Gene Biology, Moscow, Russia
- Department of Biology and General Genetics, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
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Pasterczyk KR, Li XL, Singh R, Zibitt MS, Hartford CCR, Pongor L, Jenkins LM, Hu Y, Zhao PX, Muys BR, Kumar S, Roper N, Aladjem MI, Pommier Y, Grammatikakis I, Lal A. Staufen1 Represses the FOXA1-Regulated Transcriptome by Destabilizing FOXA1 mRNA in Colorectal Cancer Cells. Mol Cell Biol 2024; 44:43-56. [PMID: 38347726 PMCID: PMC10950277 DOI: 10.1080/10985549.2024.2307574] [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: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors play key roles in development and disease by controlling gene expression. Forkhead box A1 (FOXA1), is a pioneer transcription factor essential for mouse development and functions as an oncogene in prostate and breast cancer. In colorectal cancer (CRC), FOXA1 is significantly downregulated and high FOXA1 expression is associated with better prognosis, suggesting potential tumor suppressive functions. We therefore investigated the regulation of FOXA1 expression in CRC, focusing on well-differentiated CRC cells, where FOXA1 is robustly expressed. Genome-wide RNA stability assays identified FOXA1 as an unstable mRNA in CRC cells. We validated FOXA1 mRNA instability in multiple CRC cell lines and in patient-derived CRC organoids, and found that the FOXA1 3'UTR confers instability to the FOXA1 transcript. RNA pulldowns and mass spectrometry identified Staufen1 (STAU1) as a potential regulator of FOXA1 mRNA. Indeed, STAU1 knockdown resulted in increased FOXA1 mRNA and protein expression due to increased FOXA1 mRNA stability. Consistent with these data, RNA-seq following STAU1 knockdown in CRC cells revealed that FOXA1 targets were upregulated upon STAU1 knockdown. Collectively, this study uncovers a molecular mechanism by which FOXA1 is regulated in CRC cells and provides insights into our understanding of the complex mechanisms of gene regulation in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine R. Pasterczyk
- Regulatory RNAs and Cancer Section, Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Xiao Ling Li
- Regulatory RNAs and Cancer Section, Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Ragini Singh
- Regulatory RNAs and Cancer Section, Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Meira S. Zibitt
- Regulatory RNAs and Cancer Section, Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Corrine Corrina R. Hartford
- Regulatory RNAs and Cancer Section, Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Lorinc Pongor
- DNA Replication Group, Developmental Therapeutics Branch, CCR, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Lisa M. Jenkins
- Mass Spectrometry Section, Laboratory of Cell Biology, CCR, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Yue Hu
- Omics Bioinformatic Facility, Genetics Branch, CCR, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Patrick X. Zhao
- Omics Bioinformatic Facility, Genetics Branch, CCR, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Bruna R. Muys
- Regulatory RNAs and Cancer Section, Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Suresh Kumar
- Molecular Pharmacology Group, Developmental Therapeutics Branch, CCR, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Nitin Roper
- Molecular Pharmacology Group, Developmental Therapeutics Branch, CCR, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Mirit I. Aladjem
- DNA Replication Group, Developmental Therapeutics Branch, CCR, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Yves Pommier
- Molecular Pharmacology Group, Developmental Therapeutics Branch, CCR, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Ioannis Grammatikakis
- Regulatory RNAs and Cancer Section, Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Ashish Lal
- Regulatory RNAs and Cancer Section, Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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9
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Paul S, Dansithong W, Gandelman M, Figueroa KP, Zu T, Ranum LPW, Scoles DR, Pulst SM. Staufen Impairs Autophagy in Neurodegeneration. Ann Neurol 2023; 93:398-416. [PMID: 36151701 PMCID: PMC9892312 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase is one of the master coordinators of cellular stress responses, regulating metabolism, autophagy, and apoptosis. We recently reported that staufen1 (STAU1), a stress granule (SG) protein, was overabundant in fibroblast cell lines from patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal degeneration, Huntington's, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's diseases as well as animal models, and patient tissues. STAU1 overabundance is associated with mTOR hyperactivation and links SG formation with autophagy. Our objective was to determine the mechanism of mTOR regulation by STAU1. METHODS We determined STAU1 abundance with disease- and chemical-induced cellular stressors in patient cells and animal models. We also used RNA-binding assays to contextualize STAU1 interaction with MTOR mRNA. RESULTS STAU1 and mTOR were overabundant in bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC)-C9ORF72, ATXN2Q127 , and Thy1-TDP-43 transgenic mouse models. Reducing STAU1 levels in these mice normalized mTOR levels and activity and autophagy-related marker proteins. We also saw increased STAU1 levels in HEK293 cells transfected to express C9ORF72-relevant dipeptide repeats (DPRs). Conversely, DPR accumulations were not observed in cells treated by STAU1 RNA interference (RNAi). Overexpression of STAU1 in HEK293 cells increased mTOR levels through direct MTOR mRNA interaction, activating downstream targets and impairing autophagic flux. Targeting mTOR by rapamycin or RNAi normalized STAU1 abundance in an SCA2 cellular model. INTERPRETATION STAU1 interaction with mTOR drives its hyperactivation and inhibits autophagic flux in multiple models of neurodegeneration. Staufen, therefore, constitutes a novel target to modulate mTOR activity and autophagy, and for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. ANN NEUROL 2023;93:398-416.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharan Paul
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | | | - Mandi Gandelman
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | | | - Tao Zu
- Center for NeuroGenetics and Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Laura P W Ranum
- Center for NeuroGenetics and Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Daniel R Scoles
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Stefan M Pulst
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
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10
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Zeke A, Schád É, Horváth T, Abukhairan R, Szabó B, Tantos A. Deep structural insights into RNA-binding disordered protein regions. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2022; 13:e1714. [PMID: 35098694 PMCID: PMC9539567 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Recent efforts to identify RNA binding proteins in various organisms and cellular contexts have yielded a large collection of proteins that are capable of RNA binding in the absence of conventional RNA recognition domains. Many of the recently identified RNA interaction motifs fall into intrinsically disordered protein regions (IDRs). While the recognition mode and specificity of globular RNA binding elements have been thoroughly investigated and described, much less is known about the way IDRs can recognize their RNA partners. Our aim was to summarize the current state of structural knowledge on the RNA binding modes of disordered protein regions and to propose a classification system based on their sequential and structural properties. Through a detailed structural analysis of the complexes that contain disordered protein regions binding to RNA, we found two major binding modes that represent different recognition strategies and, most likely, functions. We compared these examples with DNA binding disordered proteins and found key differences stemming from the nucleic acids as well as similar binding strategies, implying a broader substrate acceptance by these proteins. Due to the very limited number of known structures, we integrated molecular dynamics simulations in our study, whose results support the proposed structural preferences of specific RNA‐binding IDRs. To broaden the scope of our review, we included a brief analysis of RNA‐binding small molecules and compared their structural characteristics and RNA recognition strategies to the RNA‐binding IDRs. This article is categorized under:RNA Structure and Dynamics > RNA Structure, Dynamics, and Chemistry RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein–RNA Recognition RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Small Molecule–RNA Interactions
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Affiliation(s)
- András Zeke
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Éva Schád
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tamás Horváth
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Rawan Abukhairan
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Beáta Szabó
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Agnes Tantos
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
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11
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Bonnet-Magnaval F, DesGroseillers L. The Staufen1-dependent cell cycle regulon or how a misregulated RNA-binding protein leads to cancer. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2021; 96:2192-2208. [PMID: 34018319 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, an increasing number of reports have linked the RNA-binding protein Staufen1 (STAU1) to the control of cell decision making. In non-transformed cells, STAU1 balances the expression of messenger RNA (mRNA) regulons that regulate differentiation and well-ordered cell division. Misregulation of STAU1 expression and/or functions changes the fragile balance in the expression of pro- and anti-proliferative and apoptotic genes and favours a novel equilibrium that supports cell proliferation and cancer development. The misregulation of STAU1 functions causes multiple coordinated modest effects in the post-transcriptional regulation of many RNA targets that code for cell cycle regulators, leading to dramatic consequences at the cellular level. The new tumorigenic equilibrium in STAU1-mediated gene regulation observed in cancer cells can be further altered by a slight increase in STAU1 expression that favours expression of pro-apoptotic genes and cell death. The STAU1-dependent cell cycle regulon is a good model to study how abnormal expression of an RNA-binding protein promotes cell growth and provides an advantageous selection of malignant cells in the first step of cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Bonnet-Magnaval
- Département de biochimie et médecine moléculaire, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, 2900 Édouard Montpetit, Montréal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Luc DesGroseillers
- Département de biochimie et médecine moléculaire, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, 2900 Édouard Montpetit, Montréal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada
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12
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Opposing roles for Egalitarian and Staufen in transport, anchoring and localization of oskar mRNA in the Drosophila oocyte. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009500. [PMID: 33798193 PMCID: PMC8046350 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Localization of oskar mRNA includes two distinct phases: transport from nurse cells to the oocyte, a process typically accompanied by cortical anchoring in the oocyte, followed by posterior localization within the oocyte. Signals within the oskar 3' UTR directing transport are individually weak, a feature previously hypothesized to facilitate exchange between the different localization machineries. We show that alteration of the SL2a stem-loop structure containing the oskar transport and anchoring signal (TAS) removes an inhibitory effect such that in vitro binding by the RNA transport factor, Egalitarian, is elevated as is in vivo transport from the nurse cells into the oocyte. Cortical anchoring within the oocyte is also enhanced, interfering with posterior localization. We also show that mutation of Staufen recognized structures (SRSs), predicted binding sites for Staufen, disrupts posterior localization of oskar mRNA just as in staufen mutants. Two SRSs in SL2a, one overlapping the Egalitarian binding site, are inferred to mediate Staufen-dependent inhibition of TAS anchoring activity, thereby promoting posterior localization. The other three SRSs in the oskar 3' UTR are also required for posterior localization, including two located distant from any known transport signal. Staufen, thus, plays multiple roles in localization of oskar mRNA.
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Sadeq S, Al-Hashimi S, Cusack CM, Werner A. Endogenous Double-Stranded RNA. Noncoding RNA 2021; 7:15. [PMID: 33669629 PMCID: PMC7930956 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna7010015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The birth of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) is closely associated with the presence and activation of repetitive elements in the genome. The transcription of endogenous retroviruses as well as long and short interspersed elements is not only essential for evolving lncRNAs but is also a significant source of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). From an lncRNA-centric point of view, the latter is a minor source of bother in the context of the entire cell; however, dsRNA is an essential threat. A viral infection is associated with cytoplasmic dsRNA, and endogenous RNA hybrids only differ from viral dsRNA by the 5' cap structure. Hence, a multi-layered defense network is in place to protect cells from viral infections but tolerates endogenous dsRNA structures. A first line of defense is established with compartmentalization; whereas endogenous dsRNA is found predominantly confined to the nucleus and the mitochondria, exogenous dsRNA reaches the cytoplasm. Here, various sensor proteins recognize features of dsRNA including the 5' phosphate group of viral RNAs or hybrids with a particular length but not specific nucleotide sequences. The sensors trigger cellular stress pathways and innate immunity via interferon signaling but also induce apoptosis via caspase activation. Because of its central role in viral recognition and immune activation, dsRNA sensing is implicated in autoimmune diseases and used to treat cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Andreas Werner
- Biosciences Institute, Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (S.S.); (S.A.-H.); (C.M.C.)
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14
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Wang C, Lin H. Roles of piRNAs in transposon and pseudogene regulation of germline mRNAs and lncRNAs. Genome Biol 2021; 22:27. [PMID: 33419460 PMCID: PMC7792047 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-020-02221-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PIWI proteins, a subfamily of PAZ/PIWI Domain family RNA-binding proteins, are best known for their function in silencing transposons and germline development by partnering with small noncoding RNAs called PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs). However, recent studies have revealed multifaceted roles of the PIWI-piRNA pathway in regulating the expression of other major classes of RNAs in germ cells. In this review, we summarize how PIWI proteins and piRNAs regulate the expression of many disparate RNAs, describing a highly complex global genomic regulatory relationship at the RNA level through which piRNAs functionally connect all major constituents of the genome in the germline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Wang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Haifan Lin
- Yale Stem Cell Center and Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06519, USA.
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15
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Li Q, Kang C. A Practical Perspective on the Roles of Solution NMR Spectroscopy in Drug Discovery. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25132974. [PMID: 32605297 PMCID: PMC7411973 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25132974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Solution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a powerful tool to study structures and dynamics of biomolecules under physiological conditions. As there are numerous NMR-derived methods applicable to probe protein–ligand interactions, NMR has been widely utilized in drug discovery, especially in such steps as hit identification and lead optimization. NMR is frequently used to locate ligand-binding sites on a target protein and to determine ligand binding modes. NMR spectroscopy is also a unique tool in fragment-based drug design (FBDD), as it is able to investigate target-ligand interactions with diverse binding affinities. NMR spectroscopy is able to identify fragments that bind weakly to a target, making it valuable for identifying hits targeting undruggable sites. In this review, we summarize the roles of solution NMR spectroscopy in drug discovery. We describe some methods that are used in identifying fragments, understanding the mechanism of action for a ligand, and monitoring the conformational changes of a target induced by ligand binding. A number of studies have proven that 19F-NMR is very powerful in screening fragments and detecting protein conformational changes. In-cell NMR will also play important roles in drug discovery by elucidating protein-ligand interactions in living cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingxin Li
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Biomass High Value Utilization, Guangdong Provincial Bioengineering Institute (Guangzhou Sugarcane Industry Research Institute), Guangzhou 510316, China
- Correspondence: (Q.L.); (C.K.); Tel.: +86-020-84168436 (Q.L.); +65-64070602 (C.K.)
| | - CongBao Kang
- Experimental Drug Development Centre (EDDC), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 10 Biopolis Road, Chromos, #05-01, Singapore 138670, Singapore
- Correspondence: (Q.L.); (C.K.); Tel.: +86-020-84168436 (Q.L.); +65-64070602 (C.K.)
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