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Caramiello AM, Pirota V. Novel Therapeutic Horizons: SNCA Targeting in Parkinson's Disease. Biomolecules 2024; 14:949. [PMID: 39199337 PMCID: PMC11352499 DOI: 10.3390/biom14080949] [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: 07/03/2024] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Alpha-synuclein (αSyn) aggregates are the primary component of Lewy bodies, which are pathological hallmarks of Parkinson's disease (PD). The toxicity of αSyn seems to increase with its elevated expression during injury, suggesting that therapeutic approaches focused on reducing αSyn burden in neurons could be beneficial. Additionally, studies have shown higher levels of SNCA mRNA in the midbrain tissues and substantia nigra dopaminergic neurons of sporadic PD post-mortem brains compared to controls. Therefore, the regulation of SNCA expression and inhibition of αSyn synthesis could play an important role in the pathogenesis of injury, resulting in an effective treatment approach for PD. In this context, we summarized the most recent and innovative strategies proposed that exploit the targeting of SNCA to regulate translation and efficiently knock down cytoplasmatic levels of αSyn. Significant progress has been made in developing antisense technologies for treating PD in recent years, with a focus on antisense oligonucleotides and short-interfering RNAs, which achieve high specificity towards the desired target. To provide a more exhaustive picture of this research field, we also reported less common but highly innovative strategies, including small molecules, designed to specifically bind 5'-untranslated regions and, targeting secondary nucleic acid structures present in the SNCA gene, whose formation can be modulated, acting as a transcription and translation control. To fully describe the efficiency of the reported strategies, the effect of αSyn reduction on cellular viability and dopamine homeostasis was also considered.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valentina Pirota
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 10, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
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2
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Pirota V, Rey F, Esposito L, Fantini V, Pandini C, Maghraby E, Di Gerlando R, Doria F, Mella M, Pansarasa O, Gandellini P, Freccero M, Carelli S, Cereda C. Effective lowering of α-synuclein expression by targeting G-quadruplex structures within the SNCA gene. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 277:134417. [PMID: 39098688 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.134417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
Alpha-synuclein, encoded by the SNCA gene, is a pivotal protein implicated in the pathogenesis of synucleinopathies, including Parkinson's disease. Current approaches for modulating alpha-synuclein levels involve antisense nucleotides, siRNAs, and small molecules targeting SNCA's 5'-UTR mRNA. Here, we propose a groundbreaking strategy targeting G-quadruplex structures to effectively modulate SNCA gene expression and lowering alpha-synuclein amount. Novel G-quadruplex sequences, identified on the SNCA gene's transcription starting site and 5'-UTR of SNCA mRNAs, were experimentally confirmed for their stability through biophysical assays and in vitro experiments on human genomic DNA. Biological validation in differentiated SH-SY5Y cells revealed that well-known G-quadruplex ligands remarkably stabilized these structures, inducing the modulation of SNCA mRNAs expression, and the effective decrease in alpha-synuclein amount. Besides, a novel peptide nucleic acid conjugate, designed to selectively disrupt of G-quadruplex within the SNCA gene promoter, caused a promising lowering of both SNCA mRNA and alpha-synuclein protein. Altogether our findings highlight G-quadruplexes' key role as intriguing biological targets in achieving a notable and successful reduction in alpha-synuclein expression, pointing to a novel approach against synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Pirota
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; G4-INTERACT, USERN, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Federica Rey
- G4-INTERACT, USERN, Pavia, Italy; Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Fondazione Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Center of Functional Genomics and Rare diseases, Buzzi Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Letizia Esposito
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Fondazione Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Center of Functional Genomics and Rare diseases, Buzzi Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Fantini
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Neurogenetic, Golgi-Cenci Foundation, Abbiategrasso, Italy
| | - Cecilia Pandini
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Erika Maghraby
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare diseases, Buzzi Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy; Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Rosalinda Di Gerlando
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; Molecular Biology and Transcriptomic Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Filippo Doria
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mariella Mella
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Orietta Pansarasa
- Cellular Models and Neuroepigenetics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Mauro Freccero
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stephana Carelli
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Fondazione Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Center of Functional Genomics and Rare diseases, Buzzi Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy.
| | - Cristina Cereda
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare diseases, Buzzi Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy
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3
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Alvarez Jerez P, Daida K, Grenn FP, Malik L, Miano-Burkhardt A, Makarious MB, Ding J, Gibbs JR, Moore A, Reed X, Nalls MA, Shah S, Mahmoud M, Sedlazeck FJ, Dolzhenko E, Park M, Iwaki H, Casey B, Ryten M, Blauwendraat C, Singleton AB, Billingsley KJ. Characterizing a complex CT-rich haplotype in intron 4 of SNCA using large-scale targeted amplicon long-read sequencing. NPJ Parkinsons Dis 2024; 10:136. [PMID: 39060285 PMCID: PMC11282088 DOI: 10.1038/s41531-024-00749-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder with a significant risk proportion driven by genetics. While much progress has been made, most of the heritability remains unknown. This is in-part because previous genetic studies have focused on the contribution of single nucleotide variants. More complex forms of variation, such as structural variants and tandem repeats, are already associated with several synucleinopathies. However, because more sophisticated sequencing methods are usually required to detect these regions, little is understood regarding their contribution to PD. One example is a polymorphic CT-rich region in intron 4 of the SNCA gene. This haplotype has been suggested to be associated with risk of Lewy Body (LB) pathology in Alzheimer's Disease and SNCA gene expression, but is yet to be investigated in PD. Here, we attempt to resolve this CT-rich haplotype and investigate its role in PD. We performed targeted PacBio HiFi sequencing of the region in 1375 PD cases and 959 controls. We replicate the previously reported associations and a novel association between two PD risk SNVs (rs356182 and rs5019538) and haplotype 4, the largest haplotype. Through quantitative trait locus analyzes we identify a significant haplotype 4 association with alternative CAGE transcriptional start site usage, not leading to significant differential SNCA gene expression in post-mortem frontal cortex brain tissue. Therefore, disease association in this locus might not be biologically driven by this CT-rich repeat region. Our data demonstrates the complexity of this SNCA region and highlights that further follow up functional studies are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Alvarez Jerez
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Center for Alzheimer's and Related Dementias, National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Kensuke Daida
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Center for Alzheimer's and Related Dementias, National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Francis P Grenn
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Laksh Malik
- Center for Alzheimer's and Related Dementias, National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Abigail Miano-Burkhardt
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Center for Alzheimer's and Related Dementias, National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mary B Makarious
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jinhui Ding
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - J Raphael Gibbs
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Anni Moore
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Xylena Reed
- Center for Alzheimer's and Related Dementias, National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mike A Nalls
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Center for Alzheimer's and Related Dementias, National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD, USA
- DataTecnica LLC, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Syed Shah
- DataTecnica LLC, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Medhat Mahmoud
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Fritz J Sedlazeck
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Computer Science, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Morgan Park
- NIH Intramural Sequencing Center, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Hirotaka Iwaki
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Center for Alzheimer's and Related Dementias, National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD, USA
- DataTecnica LLC, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Bradford Casey
- The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, New York, New York, USA
| | - Mina Ryten
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
- Uk Dementia Research Institute at the University of Cambridge and Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Cornelis Blauwendraat
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Center for Alzheimer's and Related Dementias, National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Andrew B Singleton
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Center for Alzheimer's and Related Dementias, National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kimberley J Billingsley
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD, USA.
- Center for Alzheimer's and Related Dementias, National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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4
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Scholefield M, Church SJ, Xu J, Cooper GJS. Metallomic analysis of brain tissues distinguishes between cases of dementia with Lewy bodies, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease dementia. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1412356. [PMID: 38988772 PMCID: PMC11233441 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1412356] [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: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) can be difficult to distinguish from Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD) at different stages of its progression due to some overlaps in the clinical and neuropathological presentation of these conditions compared with DLB. Metallomic changes have already been observed in the AD and PDD brain-including widespread decreases in Cu levels and more localised alterations in Na, K, Mn, Fe, Zn, and Se. This study aimed to determine whether these metallomic changes appear in the DLB brain, and how the metallomic profile of the DLB brain appears in comparison to the AD and PDD brain. Methods Brain tissues from ten regions of 20 DLB cases and 19 controls were obtained. The concentrations of Na, Mg, K, Ca, Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu, and Se were determined using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Case-control differences were evaluated using Mann-Whitney U tests. Results were compared with those previously obtained from AD and PDD brain tissue, and principal component analysis (PCA) plots were created to determine whether cerebral metallomic profiles could distinguish DLB from AD or PDD metallomic profiles. Results Na was increased and Cu decreased in four and five DLB brain regions, respectively. More localised alterations in Mn, Ca, Fe, and Se were also identified. Despite similarities in Cu changes between all three diseases, PCA plots showed that DLB cases could be readily distinguished from AD cases using data from the middle temporal gyrus, primary visual cortex, and cingulate gyrus, whereas DLB and PDD cases could be clearly separated using data from the primary visual cortex alone. Conclusion Despite shared alterations in Cu levels, the post-mortem DLB brain shows very few other similarities with the metallomic profile of the AD or PDD brain. These findings suggest that while Cu deficiencies appear common to all three conditions, metal alterations otherwise differ between DLB and PDD/AD. These findings can contribute to our understanding of the underlying pathogenesis of these three diseases; if these changes can be observed in the living human brain, they may also contribute to the differential diagnosis of DLB from AD and/or PDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Scholefield
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Stephanie J Church
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Jingshu Xu
- Faculty of Science, School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Garth J S Cooper
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Science, School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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5
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Ashraf D, Khan MR, Dawson TM, Dawson VL. Protein Translation in the Pathogenesis of Parkinson's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2393. [PMID: 38397070 PMCID: PMC10888601 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042393] [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: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, research into Parkinson's disease and similar neurodegenerative disorders has increasingly suggested that these conditions are synonymous with failures in proteostasis. However, the spotlight of this research has remained firmly focused on the tail end of proteostasis, primarily aggregation, misfolding, and degradation, with protein translation being comparatively overlooked. Now, there is an increasing body of evidence supporting a potential role for translation in the pathogenesis of PD, and its dysregulation is already established in other similar neurodegenerative conditions. In this paper, we consider how altered protein translation fits into the broader picture of PD pathogenesis, working hand in hand to compound the stress placed on neurons, until this becomes irrecoverable. We will also consider molecular players of interest, recent evidence that suggests that aggregates may directly influence translation in PD progression, and the implications for the role of protein translation in our development of clinically useful diagnostics and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniyal Ashraf
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (D.A.); (M.R.K.)
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Box 111, Cambridge CB2 0SP, UK
| | - Mohammed Repon Khan
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (D.A.); (M.R.K.)
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Diana Helis Henry Medical Research Foundation, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
| | - Ted M. Dawson
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (D.A.); (M.R.K.)
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Diana Helis Henry Medical Research Foundation, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Valina L. Dawson
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (D.A.); (M.R.K.)
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Diana Helis Henry Medical Research Foundation, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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6
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Turcotte MA, Bolduc F, Vannutelli A, Mitteaux J, Monchaud D, Perreault JP. Development of a highly optimized procedure for the discovery of RNA G-quadruplexes by combining several strategies. Biochimie 2023; 214:24-32. [PMID: 37479077 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.07.014] [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: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
RNA G-quadruplexes (rG4s) are non-canonical secondary structures that are formed by the self-association of guanine quartets and that are stabilized by monovalent cations (e.g. potassium). rG4s are key elements in several post-transcriptional regulation mechanisms, including both messenger RNA (mRNA) and microRNA processing, mRNA transport and translation, to name but a few examples. Over the past few years, multiple high-throughput approaches have been developed in order to identify rG4s, including bioinformatic prediction, in vitro assays and affinity capture experiments coupled to RNA sequencing. Each individual approach had its limits, and thus yielded only a fraction of the potential rG4 that are further confirmed (i.e., there is a significant level of false positive). This report aims to benefit from the strengths of several existing approaches to identify rG4s with a high potential of being folded in cells. Briefly, rG4s were pulled-down from cell lysates using the biotinylated biomimetic G4 ligand BioTASQ and the sequences thus isolated were then identified by RNA sequencing. Then, a novel bioinformatic pipeline that included DESeq2 to identify rG4 enriched transcripts, MACS2 to identify rG4 peaks, rG4-seq to increase rG4 formation probability and G4RNA Screener to detect putative rG4s was performed. This workflow uncovers new rG4 candidates whose rG4-folding was then confirmed in vitro using an array of established biophysical methods. Clearly, this workflow led to the identification of novel rG4s in a highly specific and reliable manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc-Antoine Turcotte
- Department of Biochemistry and Functional Genomics, Pavillon de Recherche Appliquée sur le Cancer, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - François Bolduc
- Department of Biochemistry and Functional Genomics, Pavillon de Recherche Appliquée sur le Cancer, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - Anaïs Vannutelli
- Department of Biochemistry and Functional Genomics, Pavillon de Recherche Appliquée sur le Cancer, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - Jérémie Mitteaux
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne, CNRS, UMR 6302, Dijon, 21078, France
| | - David Monchaud
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne, CNRS, UMR 6302, Dijon, 21078, France
| | - Jean-Pierre Perreault
- Department of Biochemistry and Functional Genomics, Pavillon de Recherche Appliquée sur le Cancer, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, J1E 4K8, Canada.
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Kattan FG, Koukouraki P, Anagnostopoulos AK, Tsangaris GT, Doxakis E. RNA binding protein AUF1/HNRNPD regulates nuclear export, stability and translation of SNCA transcripts. Open Biol 2023; 13:230158. [PMID: 37989221 PMCID: PMC10688287 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.230158] [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: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Alpha-synuclein (SNCA) accumulation plays a central role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. Determining and interfering with the mechanisms that control SNCA expression is one approach to limiting disease progression. Currently, most of our understanding of SNCA regulation is protein-based. Post-transcriptional mechanisms directly regulating SNCA mRNA expression via its 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) were investigated here. Mass spectrometry of proteins pulled down from murine brain lysates using a biotinylated SNCA 3'UTR revealed multiple RNA-binding proteins, of which HNRNPD/AUF1 was chosen for further analysis. AUF1 bound both proximal and distal regions of the SNCA 3'UTR, but not the 5'UTR or CDS. In the nucleus, AUF1 attenuated SNCA pre-mRNA maturation and was indispensable for the export of SNCA transcripts. AUF1 destabilized SNCA transcripts in the cytosol, primarily those with shorter 3'UTRs, independently of microRNAs by recruiting the CNOT1-CNOT7 deadenylase complex to trim the polyA tail. Furthermore, AUF1 inhibited SNCA mRNA binding to ribosomes. These data identify AUF1 as a multi-tasking protein regulating maturation, nucleocytoplasmic shuttling, stability and translation of SNCA transcripts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fedon-Giasin Kattan
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens (BRFAA), Soranou Efesiou 4, Athens 11527, Greece
- Department of Biological Applications and Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Pelagia Koukouraki
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens (BRFAA), Soranou Efesiou 4, Athens 11527, Greece
| | - Athanasios K. Anagnostopoulos
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens (BRFAA), Soranou Efesiou 4, Athens 11527, Greece
| | - George T. Tsangaris
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens (BRFAA), Soranou Efesiou 4, Athens 11527, Greece
| | - Epaminondas Doxakis
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens (BRFAA), Soranou Efesiou 4, Athens 11527, Greece
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8
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Vijay Kumar MJ, Morales R, Tsvetkov AS. G-quadruplexes and associated proteins in aging and Alzheimer's disease. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2023; 4:1164057. [PMID: 37323535 PMCID: PMC10267416 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2023.1164057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Aging is a prominent risk factor for many neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Alzheimer's disease is characterized by progressive cognitive decline, memory loss, and neuropsychiatric and behavioral symptoms, accounting for most of the reported dementia cases. This disease is now becoming a major challenge and burden on modern society, especially with the aging population. Over the last few decades, a significant understanding of the pathophysiology of AD has been gained by studying amyloid deposition, hyperphosphorylated tau, synaptic dysfunction, oxidative stress, calcium dysregulation, and neuroinflammation. This review focuses on the role of non-canonical secondary structures of DNA/RNA G-quadruplexes (G4s, G4-DNA, and G4-RNA), G4-binding proteins (G4BPs), and helicases, and their roles in aging and AD. Being critically important for cellular function, G4s are involved in the regulation of DNA and RNA processes, such as replication, transcription, translation, RNA localization, and degradation. Recent studies have also highlighted G4-DNA's roles in inducing DNA double-strand breaks that cause genomic instability and G4-RNA's participation in regulating stress granule formation. This review emphasizes the significance of G4s in aging processes and how their homeostatic imbalance may contribute to the pathophysiology of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. J. Vijay Kumar
- The Department of Neurology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Rodrigo Morales
- The Department of Neurology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
- Centro Integrativo de Biologia y Quimica Aplicada (CIBQA), Universidad Bernardo O’Higgins, Santiago, Chile
| | - Andrey S. Tsvetkov
- The Department of Neurology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
- The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, United States
- UTHealth Consortium on Aging, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, United States
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9
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Bougea A, Stefanis L. microRNA and circRNA in Parkinson's Disease and atypical parkinsonian syndromes. Adv Clin Chem 2023; 115:83-133. [PMID: 37673523 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acc.2023.03.002] [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] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) are atypical parkinsonian syndromes (APS) with various clinical phenotypes and considerable clinical overlap with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (iPD). This disease heterogeneity makes ante-mortem diagnosis extremely challenging with up to 24% of patients misdiagnosed. Because diagnosis is predominantly clinical, there is great interest in identifying biomarkers for early diagnosis and differentiation of the different types of parkinsonism. Compared to protein biomarkers, microRNAs (miRNAs) and circularRNAs (circRNAs) are stable tissue-specific molecules that can be accurately measured by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). This chapter critically reviews miRNAs and circRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutics to differentiate atypical parkinsonian disorders and their role in disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Bougea
- 1st Department of Neurology, Medical School, Aeginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
| | - Leonidas Stefanis
- 1st Department of Neurology, Medical School, Aeginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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10
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Wu S, Jiang L, Lei L, Fu C, Huang J, Hu Y, Dong Y, Chen J, Zeng Q. Crosstalk between G-quadruplex and ROS. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:37. [PMID: 36653351 PMCID: PMC9849334 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05562-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can lead to single nucleic acid base damage, DNA strand breakage, inter- and intra-strand cross-linking of nucleic acids, and protein-DNA cross-linking involved in the pathogenesis of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and aging. G-quadruplex (G4) is a stacked nucleic acid structure that is ubiquitous across regulatory regions of multiple genes. Abnormal formation and destruction of G4s due to multiple factors, including cations, helicases, transcription factors (TFs), G4-binding proteins, and epigenetic modifications, affect gene replication, transcription, translation, and epigenetic regulation. Due to the lower redox potential of G-rich sequences and unique structural characteristics, G4s are highly susceptible to oxidative damage. Additionally, the formation, stability, and biological regulatory role of G4s are affected by ROS. G4s are involved in regulating gene transcription, translation, and telomere length maintenance, and are therefore key players in age-related degeneration. Furthermore, G4s also mediate the antioxidant process by forming stress granules and activating Nrf2, which is suggestive of their involvement in developing ROS-related diseases. In this review, we have summarized the crosstalk between ROS and G4s, and the possible regulatory mechanisms through which G4s play roles in aging and age-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songjiang Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Ling Jiang
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Li Lei
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Chuhan Fu
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Jinhua Huang
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Yibo Hu
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Yumeng Dong
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, PR China.
| | - Qinghai Zeng
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, PR China.
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11
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Giri B, Seamon M, Banerjee A, Chauhan S, Purohit S, Morgan J, Baban B, Wakade C. Emerging urinary alpha-synuclein and miRNA biomarkers in Parkinson's disease. Metab Brain Dis 2022; 37:1687-1696. [PMID: 33881722 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-021-00735-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases after Alzheimer's disease (AD), afflicting adults above the age of sixty irrespective of gender, race, ethnicity, and social status. PD is characterized by motor dysfunctions, displaying resting tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural imbalance. Non-motor symptoms, including rapid eye movement (REM) behavior disorder, constipation, and loss of sense of smell, typically occur many years before the appearance of the PD motor symptoms that lead to a diagnosis. The loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, which leads to the motor symptoms seen in PD, is associated with the deposition of aggregated, misfolded α-Synuclein (α-Syn, SNCA) proteins forming Lewy Bodies. Additionally, dysregulation of miRNA (a short form of mRNA) may contribute to the developing pathophysiology in PD and other diseases such as cancer. Overexpression of α-Syn and miRNA in human samples has been found in PD, AD, and dementia. Therefore, evaluating these molecules in urine, present either in the free form or in association with extracellular vesicles of biological fluids, may lead to early biomarkers for clinical diagnosis. Collection of urine is non-invasive and thus beneficial, particularly in geriatric populations, for biomarker analysis. Considering the expression and function of α-Syn and miRNA, we predict that they can be used as early biomarkers in the diagnosis and prognosis of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Banabihari Giri
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Allied Health Sciences, Augusta University, 987 St. Sebastian Way, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.
- Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA.
- Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA.
| | - Marissa Seamon
- Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA
- Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Aditi Banerjee
- Brain Peds Division, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Sneha Chauhan
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Allied Health Sciences, Augusta University, 987 St. Sebastian Way, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Sharad Purohit
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Allied Health Sciences, Augusta University, 987 St. Sebastian Way, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
- Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA
- Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - John Morgan
- Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA
- Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence, Department of Neurology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Babak Baban
- Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Center for Excellence in Research, Scholarship and Innovation (CERSI), Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Chandramohan Wakade
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Allied Health Sciences, Augusta University, 987 St. Sebastian Way, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
- Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA
- Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
- Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence, Department of Neurology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
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12
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Georgakopoulos-Soares I, Parada GE, Hemberg M. Secondary structures in RNA synthesis, splicing and translation. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:2871-2884. [PMID: 35765654 PMCID: PMC9198270 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.05.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Even though the functional role of mRNA molecules is primarily decided by the nucleotide sequence, several properties are determined by secondary structure conformations. Examples of secondary structures include long range interactions, hairpins, R-loops and G-quadruplexes and they are formed through interactions of non-adjacent nucleotides. Here, we discuss advances in our understanding of how secondary structures can impact RNA synthesis, splicing, translation and mRNA half-life. During RNA synthesis, secondary structures determine RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) speed, thereby influencing splicing. Splicing is also determined by RNA binding proteins and their binding rates are modulated by secondary structures. For the initiation of translation, secondary structures can control the choice of translation start site. Here, we highlight the mechanisms by which secondary structures modulate these processes, discuss advances in technologies to detect and study them systematically, and consider the roles of RNA secondary structures in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilias Georgakopoulos-Soares
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Guillermo E. Parada
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5A 1A8, Canada
| | - Martin Hemberg
- Evergrande Center for Immunologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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13
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Ghafouri-Fard S, Abak A, Baniahmad A, Hussen BM, Taheri M, Jamali E, Dinger ME. Interaction between non-coding RNAs, mRNAs and G-quadruplexes. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:171. [PMID: 35488342 PMCID: PMC9052686 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02601-2] [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: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes are secondary helical configurations established between guanine-rich nucleic acids. The structure is seen in the promoter regions of numerous genes under certain situations. Predicted G-quadruplex-forming sequences are distributed across the genome in a non-random way. These structures are formed in telomeric regions of the human genome and oncogenic promoter G-rich regions. Identification of mechanisms of regulation of stability of G-quadruplexes has practical significance for understanding the molecular basis of genetic diseases such as cancer. A number of non-coding RNAs such as H19, XIST, FLJ39051 (GSEC), BC200 (BCYRN1), TERRA, pre-miRNA-1229, pre-miRNA-149 and miR-1587 have been found to contain G-quadraplex-forming regions or affect configuration of these structures in target genes. In the current review, we outline the recent research on the interaction between G-quadruplexes and non-coding RNAs, other RNA transcripts and DNA molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soudeh Ghafouri-Fard
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atefe Abak
- Phytochemistry Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aria Baniahmad
- Institute of Human Genetics, Jena University Hospital, 07740, Jena, Germany
| | - Bashdar Mahmud Hussen
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.,Center of Research and Strategic Studies, Lebanese French University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Mohammad Taheri
- Institute of Human Genetics, Jena University Hospital, 07740, Jena, Germany.
| | - Elena Jamali
- Skull Base Research Center, Loghman Hakin Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Marcel E Dinger
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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14
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Hoque ME, Mahendran T, Basu S. Reversal of G-Quadruplexes' Role in Translation Control When Present in the Context of an IRES. Biomolecules 2022; 12:314. [PMID: 35204814 PMCID: PMC8869680 DOI: 10.3390/biom12020314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (GQs) are secondary nucleic acid structures that play regulatory roles in various cellular processes. G-quadruplex-forming sequences present within the 5' UTR of mRNAs can function not only as repressors of translation but also as elements required for optimum function. Based upon previous reports, the majority of the 5' UTR GQ structures inhibit translation, presumably by blocking the ribosome scanning process that is essential for detection of the initiation codon. However, there are certain mRNAs containing GQs that have been identified as positive regulators of translation, as they are needed for translation initiation. While most cellular mRNAs utilize the 5' cap structure to undergo cap-dependent translation initiation, many rely on cap-independent translation under certain conditions in which the cap-dependent initiation mechanism is not viable or slowed down, for example, during development, under stress and in many diseases. Cap-independent translation mainly occurs via Internal Ribosomal Entry Sites (IRESs) that are located in the 5' UTR of mRNAs and are equipped with structural features that can recruit the ribosome or other factors to initiate translation without the need for a 5' cap. In this review, we will focus only on the role of RNA GQs present in the 5' UTR of mRNAs, where they play a critical role in translation initiation, and discuss the potential mechanism of this phenomenon, which is yet to be fully delineated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Soumitra Basu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA; (M.E.H.); (T.M.)
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15
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Beals N, Farhath MM, Kharel P, Croos B, Mahendran T, Johnson J, Basu S. Rationally designed DNA therapeutics can modulate human TH expression by controlling specific GQ formation in its promoter. Mol Ther 2022; 30:831-844. [PMID: 33992806 PMCID: PMC8822133 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) catalyzes the rate-limiting step in the catecholamine (CA) biosynthesis pathway, making TH a molecular target for controlling CA production, specifically dopamine. Dysregulation of dopamine is correlated with neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), among others. Previously, we showed that a 49-nucleotide guanine (G)-rich sequence within the human TH promoter adopts two different sets of G-quadruplex (GQ) structures (5'GQ and 3'GQ), where the 5'GQ uses G-stretches I, II, IV, and VI in TH49, which enhances TH transcription, while the 3'GQ utilizes G-stretches II, IV, VI, and VII, which represses transcription. Herein, we demonstrated targeted switching of these GQs to their active state using rationally designed DNA GQ Clips (5'GQ and 3'GQ Clips) to modulate endogenous TH gene expression and dopamine production. As a translational approach, we synthesized a targeted nanoparticle delivery system to effectively deliver the 5'GQ Clip in vivo. We believe this strategy could potentially be an improved approach for controlling dopamine production in a multitude of neurological disorders, including PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Beals
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Mohamed M. Farhath
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA,Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences, South Eastern University of Sri Lanka, Oluvil, Sri Lanka
| | - Prakash Kharel
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA,Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Brintha Croos
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Thulasi Mahendran
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - John Johnson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Soumitra Basu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA,Corresponding author: Soumitra Basu, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA.
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16
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Insights into the multifaceted role of circular RNAs: implications for Parkinson's disease pathogenesis and diagnosis. NPJ Parkinsons Dis 2022; 8:7. [PMID: 35013342 PMCID: PMC8748951 DOI: 10.1038/s41531-021-00265-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex, age-related, neurodegenerative disease whose etiology, pathology, and clinical manifestations remain incompletely understood. As a result, care focuses primarily on symptoms relief. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a large class of mostly noncoding RNAs that accumulate with aging in the brain and are increasingly shown to regulate all aspects of neuronal and glial development and function. They are generated by the spliceosome through the backsplicing of linear RNA. Although their biological role remains largely unknown, they have been shown to regulate transcription and splicing, act as decoys for microRNAs and RNA binding proteins, used as templates for translation, and serve as scaffolding platforms for signaling components. Considering that they are stable, diverse, and detectable in easily accessible biofluids, they are deemed promising biomarkers for diagnosing diseases. CircRNAs are differentially expressed in the brain of patients with PD, and growing evidence suggests that they regulate PD pathogenetic processes. Here, the biogenesis, expression, degradation, and detection of circRNAs, as well as their proposed functions, are reviewed. Thereafter, research linking circRNAs to PD-related processes, including aging, alpha-synuclein dysregulation, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress is highlighted, followed by recent evidence for their use as prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers for PD.
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17
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Xu J, Huang H, Zhou X. G-Quadruplexes in Neurobiology and Virology: Functional Roles and Potential Therapeutic Approaches. JACS AU 2021; 1:2146-2161. [PMID: 34977886 PMCID: PMC8715485 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.1c00451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
A G-quadruplex (G4) is a four-stranded nucleic acid secondary structure maintained by Hoogsteen hydrogen bonds established between four guanines. Experimental studies and bioinformatics predictions support the hypothesis that these structures are involved in different cellular functions associated with both DNA and RNA processes. An increasing number of diseases have been shown to be associated with abnormal G4 regulation. Here, we describe the existence of G4 and then discuss G4-related pathogenic mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases and the viral life cycle. Furthermore, we focus on the role of G4s in the design of antiviral therapy and neuropharmacology, including G4 ligands, G4-based aptamers, G4-related proteins, and CRISPR-based sequence editing, along with a discussion of limitations and insights into the prospects of this unusual nucleic acid secondary structure in therapeutics. Finally, we highlight progress and challenges in this field and the potential G4-related research fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinglei Xu
- The
Institute of Advanced Studies, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers-Ministry
of Education, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Haiyan Huang
- Key
Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers-Ministry of Education, College of
Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan
University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Xiang Zhou
- The
Institute of Advanced Studies, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers-Ministry
of Education, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
- Key
Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers-Ministry of Education, College of
Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan
University, Wuhan 430072, China
- Email to X.Z.:
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18
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Frydas A, Wauters E, van der Zee J, Van Broeckhoven C. Uncovering the impact of noncoding variants in neurodegenerative brain diseases. Trends Genet 2021; 38:258-272. [PMID: 34535299 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2021.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative brain diseases (NBDs) are characterized by cognitive decline and movement impairments caused by neuronal loss in different brain regions. A large fraction of the genetic heritability of NBDs is not explained by the current known mutations. Genome-wide association studies identified novel disease-risk loci, adding to the genetic basis of NBDs. Many of the associated variants reside in noncoding regions with distinct molecular functions. Genetic variation in these regions can alter functions and contribute to disease pathogenesis. Here, we discuss noncoding variants associated with NBDs. Methods for better functional interpretation of noncoding variation will expand our knowledge of the genetic architecture of NBDs and broaden the routes for therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandros Frydas
- Neurodegenerative Brain Diseases, Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Eline Wauters
- Neurodegenerative Brain Diseases, Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Julie van der Zee
- Neurodegenerative Brain Diseases, Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Christine Van Broeckhoven
- Neurodegenerative Brain Diseases, Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
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19
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Wang E, Thombre R, Shah Y, Latanich R, Wang J. G-Quadruplexes as pathogenic drivers in neurodegenerative disorders. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:4816-4830. [PMID: 33784396 PMCID: PMC8136783 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s), higher-order DNA and RNA secondary structures featuring guanine-rich nucleic acid sequences with various conformations, are widely distributed in the human genome. These structural motifs are known to participate in basic cellular processes, including transcription, splicing, and translation, and their functions related to health and disease are becoming increasingly recognized. In this review, we summarize the landscape of G4s involved in major neurodegenerative disorders, describing the genes that contain G4-forming sequences and proteins that have high affinity for G4-containing elements. The functions of G4s are diverse, with potentially protective or deleterious effects in the pathogenic cascades of various neurological diseases. While the studies of the functions of G4s in vivo, including those involved in pathophysiology, are still in their early stages, we will nevertheless discuss the evidence pointing to their biological relevance. A better understanding of this unique structural element in the biological context is important for unveiling its potential roles in the pathogenesis of diseases such as neurodegeneration and for designing new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernest Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore MD, 21205, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Ravi Thombre
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore MD, 21205, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Yajas Shah
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore MD, 21205, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Rachel Latanich
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Jiou Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore MD, 21205, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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20
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Cave JW, Willis DE. G-quadruplex regulation of neural gene expression. FEBS J 2021; 289:3284-3303. [PMID: 33905176 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes are four-stranded helical nucleic acid structures characterized by stacked tetrads of guanosine bases. These structures are widespread throughout mammalian genomic DNA and RNA transcriptomes, and prevalent across all tissues. The role of G-quadruplexes in cancer is well-established, but there has been a growing exploration of these structures in the development and homeostasis of normal tissue. In this review, we focus on the roles of G-quadruplexes in directing gene expression in the nervous system, including the regulation of gene transcription, mRNA processing, and trafficking, as well as protein translation. The role of G-quadruplexes and their molecular interactions in the pathology of neurological diseases is also examined. Outside of cancer, there has been only limited exploration of G-quadruplexes as potential intervention targets to treat disease or injury. We discuss studies that have used small-molecule ligands to manipulate G-quadruplex stability in order to treat disease or direct neural stem/progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation into therapeutically relevant cell types. Understanding the many roles that G-quadruplexes have in the nervous system not only provides critical insight into fundamental molecular mechanisms that control neurological function, but also provides opportunities to identify novel therapeutic targets to treat injury and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- John W Cave
- InVitro Cell Research LLC, Englewood, NJ, USA
| | - Dianna E Willis
- Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, NY, USA.,Feil Family Brain & Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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21
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Turcotte MA, Garant JM, Cossette-Roberge H, Perreault JP. Guanine Nucleotide-Binding Protein-Like 1 (GNL1) binds RNA G-quadruplex structures in genes associated with Parkinson's disease. RNA Biol 2020; 18:1339-1353. [PMID: 33305682 PMCID: PMC8354592 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2020.1847866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
RNAs are highly regulated at the post-transcriptional level in neurodegenerative diseases and just a few mutations can significantly affect the fate of neuronal cells. To date, the impact of G-quadruplex (G4) regulation in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease (PD) has not been analysed. In this study, in silico potential G4s located in deregulated genes related to the nervous system were initially identified and were found to be significantly enriched. Several G4 sequences found in the 5ʹ untranslated regions (5ʹUTR) of mRNAs associated with Parkinson’s disease were demonstrated to in fact fold in vitro by biochemical assays. Subcloning of the full-length 5ʹUTRs of these candidates upstream of a luciferase reporter system led to the demonstration that the G4s of both Parkin RBR E3 Ubiquitin Protein Ligase (PRKN) and Vacuolar Protein Sorting-Associated Protein 35 (VPS35) significantly repressed the translation of both genes in SH-SY5Y cells. Subsequently, a strategy of using label-free RNA affinity purification assays with either of these two G4 sequences as bait isolated the Guanine Nucleotide-Binding Protein-Like 1 (GNL1). The latter was shown to have a higher affinity for the G4 sequences than for their mutated version. This study sheds light on new RNA G-quadruplexes located in genes dysregulated in Parkinson disease and a new G4-binding protein, GNL1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc-Antoine Turcotte
- Department of Biochemistry, Pavillon de Recherche Appliquée Sur le Cancer, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Jean-Michel Garant
- Department of Biochemistry, Pavillon de Recherche Appliquée Sur le Cancer, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Hélène Cossette-Roberge
- Department of Biochemistry, Pavillon de Recherche Appliquée Sur le Cancer, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Jean-Pierre Perreault
- Department of Biochemistry, Pavillon de Recherche Appliquée Sur le Cancer, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
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22
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Péladeau C, Jasmin BJ. Targeting IRES-dependent translation as a novel approach for treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy. RNA Biol 2020; 18:1238-1251. [PMID: 33164678 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2020.1847894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Internal-ribosomal entry sites (IRES) are translational elements that allow the initiation machinery to start protein synthesis via internal initiation. IRESs promote tissue-specific translation in stress conditions when conventional cap-dependent translation is inhibited. Since many IRES-containing mRNAs are relevant to diseases, this cellular mechanism is emerging as an attractive therapeutic target for pharmacological and genetic modulations. Indeed, there has been growing interest over the past years in determining the therapeutic potential of IRESs for several disease conditions such as cancer, neurodegeneration and neuromuscular diseases including Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). IRESs relevant for DMD have been identified in several transcripts whose protein product results in functional improvements in dystrophic muscles. Together, these converging lines of evidence indicate that activation of IRES-mediated translation of relevant transcripts in DMD muscle represents a novel and appropriate therapeutic strategy for DMD that warrants further investigation, particularly to identify agents that can modulate their activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Péladeau
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, and the Eric Poulin Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bernard J Jasmin
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, and the Eric Poulin Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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23
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Cahill CM, Aleyadeh R, Gao J, Wang C, Rogers JT. Alpha-Synuclein in Alcohol Use Disorder, Connections with Parkinson's Disease and Potential Therapeutic Role of 5' Untranslated Region-Directed Small Molecules. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E1465. [PMID: 33096655 PMCID: PMC7589448 DOI: 10.3390/biom10101465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) is a 140-amino acid (aa) protein encoded by the Synuclein alpha SNCA gene. It is the synaptic protein associated with Parkinson's disease (PD) and is the most highly expressed protein in the Lewy bodies associated with PD and other alpha synucleopathies, including Lewy body dementia (LBD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA). Iron deposits are present in the core of Lewy bodies, and there are reports suggesting that divalent metal ions including Cu2+ and Fe2+ enhance the aggregation of α-Syn. Differential expression of α-Syn is associated with alcohol use disorder (AUD), and specific genetic variants contribute to the risk for alcoholism, including alcohol craving. Spliced variants of α-Syn, leading to the expression of several shorter forms which are more prone to aggregation, are associated with both PD and AUD, and common transcript variants may be able to predict at-risk populations for some movement disorders or subtypes of PD, including secondary Parkinsonism. Both PD and AUD are associated with liver and brain iron dyshomeostasis. Research over the past decade has shown that α-Syn has iron import functions with an ability to oxidize the Fe3+ form of iron to Fe2+ to facilitate its entry into cells. Our prior research has identified an iron-responsive element (IRE) in the 5' untranslated region (5'UTR) of α-Syn mRNA, and we have used the α-Syn 5'UTR to screen for small molecules that modulate its expression in the H4 neuronal cell line. These screens have led us to identify several interesting small molecules capable of both decreasing and increasing α-Syn expression and that may have the potential, together with the recently described mesenchymal stem cell therapies, to normalize α-Syn expression in different regions of the alcoholic and PD brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine M. Cahill
- Neurochemistry Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA;
| | | | - Jin Gao
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Qingdao 266011, China;
| | - Changning Wang
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA;
| | - Jack T. Rogers
- Neurochemistry Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA;
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24
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Lyons SM, Kharel P, Akiyama Y, Ojha S, Dave D, Tsvetkov V, Merrick W, Ivanov P, Anderson P. eIF4G has intrinsic G-quadruplex binding activity that is required for tiRNA function. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:6223-6233. [PMID: 32374873 PMCID: PMC7293036 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As cells encounter adverse environmental conditions, such as hypoxia, oxidative stress or nutrient deprivation, they trigger stress response pathways to protect themselves until transient stresses have passed. Inhibition of translation is a key component of such cellular stress responses and mounting evidence has revealed the importance of a class of tRNA-derived small RNAs called tiRNAs in this process. The most potent of these small RNAs are those with the capability of assembling into tetrameric G-quadruplex (G4) structures. However, the mechanism by which these small RNAs inhibit translation has yet to be elucidated. Here we show that eIF4G, the major scaffolding protein in the translation initiation complex, directly binds G4s and this activity is required for tiRNA-mediated translation repression. Targeting of eIF4G results in an impairment of 40S ribosome scanning on mRNAs leading to the formation of eIF2α-independent stress granules. Our data reveals the mechanism by which tiRNAs inhibit translation and demonstrates novel activity for eIF4G in the regulation of translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawn M Lyons
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.,The Genome Science Institute, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Prakash Kharel
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yasutoshi Akiyama
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Laboratory of Oncology, Pharmacy Practice and Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sendai, Japan
| | - Sandeep Ojha
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.,The Genome Science Institute, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dhwani Dave
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vladimir Tsvetkov
- Computational Oncology Group, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University , Moscow, Russia.,Federal Research and Clinical Center forPhysical-Chemical Medicine, Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia.,A. V. Topchiev Institute of Petrochemical Synthesis, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - William Merrick
- Department of Biochemistry, Case Western ReserveUniversity, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Pavel Ivanov
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Paul Anderson
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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25
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Das P, Verma SP. Dual role of G-quadruplex in translocation renal cell carcinoma: Exploring plausible Cancer therapeutic innovation. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2020; 1864:129719. [PMID: 32882363 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2020.129719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) is the ninth leading cause of death among kidney cancer. Xp11.2 translocation harboring TFE3 fusion proteins, act as an oncogene in translocation cancers that constitute the hallmark of translocation renal cell carcinoma (tRCC). G-quadruplex (G4), an alternative nucleic acid structure is an emerging and promising factor in cancer. The presence of G4 within the genome plays a pioneering role in cancer as it contributes to genomic aberration as well as inhibition in cell proliferation. SCOPE OF REVIEW Here we discuss the link between G4 and tRCC. We compile the available information of G-quadruplex & propose their dual role in tRCC, suggesting both stabilization and destabilization of G-quadruplex could be considered targets for tRCC. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS Our in Silico analysis of TFE3 and their three fusions partner's PRCC, SFPQ, and ASPSCR1 discloses a few putative G4 forming sequences (PQS) in their corresponding fusion gene or fusion transcript. Stabilization of G4 structure within fusion gene/transcript can be of great use towards potential therapeutics targeting fusion protein derived oncogenesis, as G4 is a serious menace for DNA polymerization, transcription & translation. G-quadruplex at intron-2 of the TFE3 has been reported to mediate its translocation also. Both stabilization and destabilization of the G4 structure would be a promising approach in the suppression of cancerous cell proliferation. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Pioneering studies discovered the relevance of G4 in cancer therapy and explore our approaches towards therapeutic innovation against oncogenic fusion protein and tRCC. Selectively targeting G4 in oncogenic fusion transcript will emerge as potential druggable structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parimal Das
- Centre for Genetic Disorders, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India.
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26
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Varshney D, Spiegel J, Zyner K, Tannahill D, Balasubramanian S. The regulation and functions of DNA and RNA G-quadruplexes. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2020; 21:459-474. [PMID: 32313204 PMCID: PMC7115845 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-020-0236-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 619] [Impact Index Per Article: 154.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
DNA and RNA can adopt various secondary structures. Four-stranded G-quadruplex (G4) structures form through self-recognition of guanines into stacked tetrads, and considerable biophysical and structural evidence exists for G4 formation in vitro. Computational studies and sequencing methods have revealed the prevalence of G4 sequence motifs at gene regulatory regions in various genomes, including in humans. Experiments using chemical, molecular and cell biology methods have demonstrated that G4s exist in chromatin DNA and in RNA, and have linked G4 formation with key biological processes ranging from transcription and translation to genome instability and cancer. In this Review, we first discuss the identification of G4s and evidence for their formation in cells using chemical biology, imaging and genomic technologies. We then discuss possible functions of DNA G4s and their interacting proteins, particularly in transcription, telomere biology and genome instability. Roles of RNA G4s in RNA biology, especially in translation, are also discussed. Furthermore, we consider the emerging relationships of G4s with chromatin and with RNA modifications. Finally, we discuss the connection between G4 formation and synthetic lethality in cancer cells, and recent progress towards considering G4s as therapeutic targets in human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhaval Varshney
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jochen Spiegel
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Cambridge, UK
| | - Katherine Zyner
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Cambridge, UK
| | - David Tannahill
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Cambridge, UK
| | - Shankar Balasubramanian
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Cambridge, UK.
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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27
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Translation Regulation by eIF2α Phosphorylation and mTORC1 Signaling Pathways in Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21155301. [PMID: 32722591 PMCID: PMC7432514 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are medical conditions that, by definition, are non-infectious and non-transmissible among people. Much of current NCDs are generally due to genetic, behavioral, and metabolic risk factors that often include excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, obesity, and untreated elevated blood pressure, and share many common signal transduction pathways. Alterations in cell and physiological signaling and transcriptional control pathways have been well studied in several human NCDs, but these same pathways also regulate expression and function of the protein synthetic machinery and mRNA translation which have been less well investigated. Alterations in expression of specific translation factors, and disruption of canonical mRNA translational regulation, both contribute to the pathology of many NCDs. The two most common pathological alterations that contribute to NCDs discussed in this review will be the regulation of eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2) by the integrated stress response (ISR) and the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathways. Both pathways integrally connect mRNA translation activity to external and internal physiological stimuli. Here, we review the role of ISR control of eIF2 activity and mTORC1 control of cap-mediated mRNA translation in some common NCDs, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, diabetes mellitus, liver cirrhosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cardiac diseases. Our goal is to provide insights that further the understanding as to the important role of translational regulation in the pathogenesis of these diseases.
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28
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Kim Y, Stahl MC, Huang X, Connor JR. H63D variant of the homeostatic iron regulator (HFE) gene alters α-synuclein expression, aggregation, and toxicity. J Neurochem 2020; 155:177-190. [PMID: 32574378 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Pathological features of Parkinson's disease include the formation of Lewy bodies containing α-synuclein and the accumulation of iron in the substantia nigra. Previous studies have suggested that iron accumulation contributes to the Parkinson's disease pathology through reactive oxygen species production and accelerated α-synuclein aggregation. This study examines the effects of commonly occurring H63D variant of the homeostatic iron regulatory (HFE) gene on α-synuclein pathology in cell culture and animal models. H63D HFE expression in SH-SY5Y cells lowered endogenous α-synuclein levels and significantly decreased pre-formed fibril-induced α-synuclein aggregation. H63D HFE cells were also protected from pre-formed fibril-induced apoptosis. Autophagic flux, a major pathway for α-synuclein clearance, was increased in H63D HFE cells. Expression of REDD1 was elevated and rapamycin treatment was unable to further induce autophagy, indicating mTORC1 inhibition as the main mechanism of autophagy induction. Moreover, siRNA knockdown of REDD1 in H63D HFE cells decreased autophagic flux and increased the sensitivity to PFF-mediated toxicity. While iron chelator (deferiprone) treatment rescued WT HFE cells from pre-formed fibril toxicity, it exacerbated or was unable to rescue H63D HFE cells. In the in vivo pre-formed fibril intracranial injection model, H67D Hfe (mouse homolog of the human H63D HFE variant) C57BL/6J × 129 mice showed less α-synuclein aggregation and less decline in motor function compared to WT Hfe. Collectively, this study suggests that H63D HFE variant modifies α-synuclein pathology through the induction of autophagy and has the potential to impact the pathogenesis and treatment response in Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunsung Kim
- Department of Neurology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Mark C Stahl
- Department of Neurology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.,Neurocrine Biosciences, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Xuemei Huang
- Department of Neurology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.,Translational Brain Research Center, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - James R Connor
- Department of Neurosurgery, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.,Translational Brain Research Center, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
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29
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Kim Y, Connor JR. The roles of iron and HFE genotype in neurological diseases. Mol Aspects Med 2020; 75:100867. [PMID: 32654761 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2020.100867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Iron accumulation is a recurring pathological phenomenon in many neurological diseases including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and others. Iron is essential for normal development and functions of the brain; however, excess redox-active iron can also lead to oxidative damage and cell death. Especially for terminally differentiated cells like neurons, regulation of reactive oxygen species is critical for cell viability. As a result, cellular iron level is tightly regulated. Although iron accumulation related to neurological diseases has been well documented, the pathoetiological contributions of the homeostatic iron regulator (HFE), which controls cellular iron uptake, is less understood. Furthermore, a common HFE variant, H63D HFE, has been identified as a modifier of multiple neurological diseases. This review will discuss the roles of iron and HFE in the brain as well as their impact on various disease processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunsung Kim
- Penn State College of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - James R Connor
- Penn State College of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Hershey, PA, USA.
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30
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Paschou M, Maier L, Papazafiri P, Selescu T, Dedos SG, Babes A, Doxakis E. Neuronal microRNAs modulate TREK two-pore domain K + channel expression and current density. RNA Biol 2020; 17:651-662. [PMID: 31994436 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2020.1722450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The TREK family of leak potassium channels has been found to play critical roles in nociception, sensitivity to general anaesthetics, neuroprotection, and memory. The three members of the family, TREK1, TREK2 and TRAAK establish the resting potential and modify the duration, frequency and amplitude of action potentials. Despite their apparent importance, the repertoire of regulatory interactions utilized by cells to control their expression is poorly understood. Herein, the contribution of miRNAs in the regulation of their post-transcriptional gene expression has been examined. Using different assays, miR-124 and to a lesser extent miR-128 and miR-183 were found to reduce TREK1 and TREK2 levels through specific binding to their 3'UTRs. In contrast, miR-9 which was predicted to bind to TRAAK 3'UTR, did not alter its expression. Expression of miR-124, miR-128 and miR-183 was found to mirror that of Trek1 and Trek2 mRNAs during brain development. Moreover, application of proinflammatory mediators in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons revealed an inverse correlation between miR-124 and Trek1 and Trek2 mRNA expression. Voltage clamp recordings of TREK2-mediated currents showed that miR-124 reduced the sensitivity of TREK2-expressing cells to non-aversive warmth stimulation. Overall, these findings reveal a significant regulatory mechanism by which TREK1 and TREK2 expression and hence activity are controlled in neurons and uncover new druggable targets for analgesia and neuroprotection.Abbreviations: microRNA: miRNA; UTR: untranslated region; K2p channels: two-pore domain K+channels; DRG: dorsal root ganglion; CNS: central nervous system; FBS: fetal bovine serum; TuD: Tough Decoy; TREK: tandem P-domain weak inward rectifying K+ (TWIK)-related K+ channel 1; TRAAK: TWIK-related arachidonic acid K+.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Paschou
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Larisa Maier
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Panagiota Papazafiri
- Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Tudor Selescu
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Skarlatos G Dedos
- Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Alexandru Babes
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Epaminondas Doxakis
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
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31
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Kharel P, Balaratnam S, Beals N, Basu S. The role of RNA G-quadruplexes in human diseases and therapeutic strategies. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2019; 11:e1568. [PMID: 31514263 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (GQs) are four-stranded secondary structures formed by G-rich nucleic acid sequence(s). DNA GQs are present abundantly in the genome and affect a wide range of processes associated with DNA. Recent studies show that RNA GQs are present in different transcripts, including coding and noncoding areas of mRNA, telomeric RNA as well as in other premature and mature noncoding RNAs. When present at specific locations within the RNAs, GQs play important roles in key biological functions, including the regulation of gene expression and telomere homeostasis. RNA GQs regulate pre-mRNA processing, such as splicing and polyadenylation. Evidently, among other processes, RNA GQs also control mRNA translation, miRNA and piRNA biogenesis, and RNA localization. The regulatory mechanisms controlled by RNA GQs mainly involve binding to RNA binding protein that modulate GQ conformation or serve as an entity in recruiting additional protein regulators to act as a block element to the processing machinery. Here we provide an overview of the ever-increasing number of discoveries revealing the role of RNA GQs in biology and their relevance in human diseases and therapeutics. This article is categorized under: RNA Structure and Dynamics > Influence of RNA Structure in Biological Systems RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakash Kharel
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio.,Division of Rheumatology, Immunology, and Allergy, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sumirtha Balaratnam
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio.,Chemical Biology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Nathan Beals
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Soumitra Basu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
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32
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Chen B, Wen X, Jiang H, Wang J, Song N, Xie J. Interactions between iron and α-synuclein pathology in Parkinson's disease. Free Radic Biol Med 2019; 141:253-260. [PMID: 31233777 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2019.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Both iron deposition and α-synuclein aggregation are neuropathological hallmarks of Parkinson's disease (PD). We aimed to summarize the extensive interactions between these two factors. The direct structural links between iron and α-synuclein suggest that structural reorganization provokes α-synuclein conformational change. Iron post-transcriptionally regulates α-synuclein synthesis in the presence of iron-responsive element. Increased oxidative/nitrative stress induced by iron is believed to be involved in the post-translational modulation of α-synuclein. Iron modulates proteolytic pathways and therefore participates in the regulation of α-synuclein levels. Meanwhile, the recycling of iron through ferritin degradation suggests a link from the aspects of the degradation signaling pathway. Finally, α-synuclein might regulate iron metabolism through its ferrireductase activity. A prominent role of α-synuclein in iron homeostasis is involved in the uptake of transferrin-Fe. These findings suggest that intracellular iron and α-synuclein are closely related to each other, contributing to the vulnerability of dopaminergic neurons or even to a vicious cycle of toxicity in the pathology of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingbing Chen
- Department of Physiology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China; Institute of Brain Science and Disease, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Xiaoming Wen
- Department of Physiology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China; Institute of Brain Science and Disease, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Physiology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China; Institute of Brain Science and Disease, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Physiology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China; Institute of Brain Science and Disease, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Ning Song
- Department of Physiology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China; Institute of Brain Science and Disease, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China.
| | - Junxia Xie
- Department of Physiology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China; Institute of Brain Science and Disease, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China.
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33
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Al-Zeer MA, Dutkiewicz M, von Hacht A, Kreuzmann D, Röhrs V, Kurreck J. Alternatively spliced variants of the 5'-UTR of the ARPC2 mRNA regulate translation by an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) harboring a guanine-quadruplex motif. RNA Biol 2019; 16:1622-1632. [PMID: 31387452 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2019.1652524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The 5'-UTR of the actin-related protein 2/3 complex subunit 2 (ARPC2) mRNA exists in two variants. Using a bicistronic reporter construct, the present study demonstrates that the longer variant of the 5'-UTR harbours an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) which is lacking in the shorter one. Multiple control assays confirmed that only this variant promotes cap-independent translation. Furthermore, it includes a guanine-rich region that is capable of forming a guanine-quadruplex (G-quadruplex) structure which was found to contribute to the IRES activity. To investigate the cellular function of the IRES element, we determined the expression level of ARPC2 at various cell densities. At high cell density, the relative ARPC2 protein level increases, supporting the presumed function of IRES elements in driving the expression of certain genes under stressful conditions that compromise cap-dependent translation. Based on chemical probing experiments and computer-based predictions, we propose a structural model of the IRES element, which includes the G-quadruplex motif exposed from the central stem-loop element. Taken together, our study describes the functional relevance of two alternative 5'-UTR splice variants of the ARPC2 mRNA, one of which contains an IRES element with a G-quadruplex as a central motif, promoting translation under stressful cellular conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munir A Al-Zeer
- Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin , Berlin , Germany
| | - Mariola Dutkiewicz
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences , Poznan , Poland
| | | | - Denise Kreuzmann
- Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin , Berlin , Germany
| | - Viola Röhrs
- Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin , Berlin , Germany
| | - Jens Kurreck
- Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin , Berlin , Germany
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Relevance of the iron-responsive element (IRE) pseudotriloop structure for IRP1/2 binding and validation of IRE-like structures using the yeast three-hybrid system. Gene 2019; 710:399-405. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2019.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Kuo YM, Nwankwo EI, Nussbaum RL, Rogers J, Maccecchini ML. Translational inhibition of α-synuclein by Posiphen normalizes distal colon motility in transgenic Parkinson mice. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASE 2019; 8:1-15. [PMID: 30906671 PMCID: PMC6420700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/01/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease with motor as well as non-motor symptoms, including gastrointestinal dysfunction. In humans, these precede the motor symptoms by decades. Previously developed and characterized transgenic mice expressing the mutant human α-synuclein gene (SNCA) (either A53T or A30P), but not the endogenous mouse Snca, serve as models for familial PD. These animals demonstrate both robust abnormalities in enteric nervous system (ENS) function as well as synuclein-immunoreactive aggregates in ENS ganglia by 3 months of age, recapitulating early gastrointestinal abnormalities seen before the gait impairment characteristics of human and murine PD. Posiphen is a translational inhibitor of α-synuclein that targets the 5' untranslated region (UTR) of SNCA mRNA and could be a potential drug for the treatment of PD. However, its efficacy in ameliorating symptoms of PD has not yet been evaluated. Here, we used these transgenic mouse models to investigate the efficacy of Posiphen in reversing the gastrointestinal dysfunction. We show that Posiphen normalizes the colonic motility of both transgenic mouse models, although it did not affect the Whole Gut Transit Time (WGTT). Pharmacokinetics studies revealed that Posiphen is more abundant in the brain than in blood, in agreement with its lipophilicity, and the main metabolite is N8-NorPosiphen, a molecule with similar properties as Posiphen. The brain Posiphen levels necessary to effect optimal function were calculated and compared with efficacious brain levels from previous studies, showing that a 2-3 mM concentration of Posiphen and metabolites is sufficient for functional efficacy. Finally, 10 mg/kg Posiphen reduced α-synuclein levels in the gut of hSNCAA53T mice treated for twenty-one weeks, while 50 and 65 mg/kg Posiphen reduced α-synuclein levels in the brain of hSNCAA53T mice treated for twenty-one days. In conclusion, this is the first study showing the preclinical efficacy of Posiphen in normalizing the colonic motility in mouse models of gastrointestinal dysfunction in early PD. This result is in agreement with the ability of Posiphen to reach the nervous system, and its mechanism of action, the translational inhibition of α-synuclein expression. These significant findings support further development of Posiphen as a drug for the treatment of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yien-Ming Kuo
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California San FranciscoSan Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Ejike Innocent Nwankwo
- Neurochemistry Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry-Neuroscience, Massachusetts General Hospital (East), Harvard Medical SchoolCNY2, Building 149, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Robert L Nussbaum
- Invitae Corporation1400 16th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
- Department of Medicine, University of California San FranciscoSan Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California San FranciscoSan Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Jack Rogers
- Neurochemistry Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry-Neuroscience, Massachusetts General Hospital (East), Harvard Medical SchoolCNY2, Building 149, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
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Abstract
The key molecular events that provoke Parkinson's disease (PD) are not fully understood. Iron deposit was found in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) of PD patients and animal models, where dopaminergic neurons degeneration occurred selectively. The mechanisms involved in disturbed iron metabolism remain unknown, however, considerable evidence indicates that iron transporters dysregulation, activation of L-type voltage-gated calcium channel (LTCC) and ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels, as well as N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors (NMDARs) contribute to this process. There is emerging evidence on the structural links and functional modulations between iron and α-synuclein, and the key player in PD which aggregates in Lewy bodies. Iron is believed to modulate α-synuclein synthesis, post-translational modification, and aggregation. Furthermore, glia, especially activated astroglia and microglia, are involved in iron deposit in PD. Glial contributions were largely dependent on the factors they released, e.g., neurotrophic factors, pro-inflammatory factors, lactoferrin, and those undetermined. Therefore, iron chelation using iron chelators, the extracts from many natural foods with iron chelating properties, may be an effective therapy for prevention and treatment of the disease.
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Fay MM, Lyons SM, Ivanov P. RNA G-Quadruplexes in Biology: Principles and Molecular Mechanisms. J Mol Biol 2017; 429:2127-2147. [PMID: 28554731 PMCID: PMC5603239 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2017.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 271] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2017] [Revised: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are extremely stable DNA or RNA secondary structures formed by sequences rich in guanine. These structures are implicated in many essential cellular processes, and the number of biological functions attributed to them continues to grow. While DNA G4s are well understood on structural and, to some extent, functional levels, RNA G4s and their functions have received less attention. The presence of bona fide RNA G4s in cells has long been a matter of debate. The development of G4-specific antibodies and ligands hinted on their presence in vivo, but recent advances in RNA sequencing coupled with chemical footprinting suggested the opposite. In this review, we will critically discuss the biology of RNA G4s focusing on the molecular mechanisms underlying their proposed functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta M Fay
- Division of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Shawn M Lyons
- Division of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Pavel Ivanov
- Division of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
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Woo HH, Lee SC, Gibson SJ, Chambers SK. Expression of the cytoplasmic nucleolin for post-transcriptional regulation of macrophage colony-stimulating factor mRNA in ovarian and breast cancer cells. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2017; 1860:337-348. [PMID: 28131007 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2017.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2016] [Revised: 01/08/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The formation of the mRNP complex is a critical component of translational regulation and mRNA decay. Both the 5' and 3'UTRs of CSF-1 mRNA are involved in post-transcriptional regulation. In CSF-1 mRNA, a small hairpin loop structure is predicted to form at the extreme 5' end (2-21nt) of the 5'UTR. Nucleolin binds the hairpin loop structure in the 5'UTR of CSF-1 mRNA and enhances translation, while removal of this hairpin loop nucleolin binding element dramatically represses translation. Thus in CSF-1 mRNA, the hairpin loop nucleolin binding element is critical for translational regulation. In addition, nucleolin interacts with the 3'UTR of CSF-1 mRNA and facilitates the miRISC formation which results in poly (A) tail shortening. The overexpression of nucleolin increases the association of CSF-1 mRNA containing short poly (A)n≤26, with polyribosomes. Nucleolin both forms an mRNP complex with the eIF4G and CSF-1 mRNA, and is co-localized with the eIF4G in the cytoplasm further supporting nucleolin's role in translational regulation. The distinct foci formation of nucleolin in the cytoplasm of ovarian and breast cancer cells implicates the translational promoting role of nucleolin in these cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho-Hyung Woo
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA.
| | - Sang C Lee
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
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