1
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Yin H, Yu Y, Shen Y. Identification of novel variants in BRF1 gene from patient with developmental delay, hearing abnormality, and nervous system anomalies. Int J Dev Neurosci 2024. [PMID: 39005000 DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Cerebellofaciodental syndrome characterized with dysmorphic features, intellectual disability, and brain anomalies. Now its clinical spectrum expanded more manifestations including bilateral sensorineural hearing impairment and inner ear malformation. Here, we report a 14-month-old boy with global developmental delay and hearing disorder. Whole exome sequencing (WES) revealed the compound heterozygous variants [NM_001519.4: c.652 T > G (p.W218G); c.915 + 1G > T] in the BRF1 gene which inherited from his parents, respectively. The MRI results showed hypoplastic cerebellar vermis, enlarged cisterna magna, and prominent fourth ventricle, the rehabilitation therapy failed to improve the symptoms for our patient. Our finding expands the genetic spectrum of BRF1 variants, which indicates patients with the developmental delay caused by BRF1 variants require other treatments instead of rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Yin
- Department of Rehabilitation, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yonglin Yu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yingying Shen
- Affiliated Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou Normal University, Zhejiang, China
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2
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van Breugel ME, Gerber A, van Leeuwen F. The choreography of chromatin in RNA polymerase III regulation. Biochem Soc Trans 2024; 52:1173-1189. [PMID: 38666598 DOI: 10.1042/bst20230770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Regulation of eukaryotic gene expression involves a dynamic interplay between the core transcriptional machinery, transcription factors, and chromatin organization and modification. While this applies to transcription by all RNA polymerase complexes, RNA polymerase III (RNAPIII) seems to be atypical with respect to its mechanisms of regulation. One distinctive feature of most RNAPIII transcribed genes is that they are devoid of nucleosomes, which relates to the high levels of transcription. Moreover, most of the regulatory sequences are not outside but within the transcribed open chromatin regions. Yet, several lines of evidence suggest that chromatin factors affect RNAPIII dynamics and activity and that gene sequence alone does not explain the observed regulation of RNAPIII. Here we discuss the role of chromatin modification and organization of RNAPIII transcribed genes and how they interact with the core transcriptional RNAPIII machinery and regulatory DNA elements in and around the transcribed genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elize van Breugel
- Division of Gene Regulation, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam 1066 CX, The Netherlands
| | - Alan Gerber
- Department of Neurosurgery, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1081HV, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology, Amsterdam 1081HV, The Netherlands
| | - Fred van Leeuwen
- Division of Gene Regulation, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam 1066 CX, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, The Netherlands
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3
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Lv X, Zhang R, Li S, Jin X. tRNA Modifications and Dysregulation: Implications for Brain Diseases. Brain Sci 2024; 14:633. [PMID: 39061374 PMCID: PMC11274612 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14070633] [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: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) are well-known for their essential function in protein synthesis. Recent research has revealed a diverse range of chemical modifications that tRNAs undergo, which are crucial for various cellular processes. These modifications are necessary for the precise and efficient translation of proteins and also play important roles in gene expression regulation and cellular stress response. This review examines the role of tRNA modifications and dysregulation in the pathophysiology of various brain diseases, including epilepsy, stroke, neurodevelopmental disorders, brain tumors, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. Through a comprehensive analysis of existing research, our study aims to elucidate the intricate relationship between tRNA dysregulation and brain diseases. This underscores the critical need for ongoing exploration in this field and provides valuable insights that could facilitate the development of innovative diagnostic tools and therapeutic approaches, ultimately improving outcomes for individuals grappling with complex neurological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Lv
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (X.L.); (S.L.)
| | - Ruorui Zhang
- Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA;
| | - Shanshan Li
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (X.L.); (S.L.)
| | - Xin Jin
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (X.L.); (S.L.)
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4
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Khan MA, Herring G, Zhu JY, Oliva M, Fourie E, Johnston B, Zhang Z, Potter J, Pineda L, Pflueger J, Swain T, Pflueger C, Lloyd JPB, Secco D, Small I, Kidd BN, Lister R. CRISPRi-based circuits to control gene expression in plants. Nat Biotechnol 2024:10.1038/s41587-024-02236-w. [PMID: 38769424 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-024-02236-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
The construction of synthetic gene circuits in plants has been limited by a lack of orthogonal and modular parts. Here, we implement a CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) interference (CRISPRi)-based reversible gene circuit platform in plants. We create a toolkit of engineered repressible promoters of different strengths and construct NOT and NOR gates in Arabidopsis thaliana protoplasts. We determine the optimal processing system to express single guide RNAs from RNA Pol II promoters to introduce NOR gate programmability for interfacing with host regulatory sequences. The performance of a NOR gate in stably transformed Arabidopsis plants demonstrates the system's programmability and reversibility in a complex multicellular organism. Furthermore, cross-species activity of CRISPRi-based logic gates is shown in Physcomitrium patens, Triticum aestivum and Brassica napus protoplasts. Layering multiple NOR gates together creates OR, NIMPLY and AND logic functions, highlighting the modularity of our system. Our CRISPRi circuits are orthogonal, compact, reversible, programmable and modular and provide a platform for sophisticated spatiotemporal control of gene expression in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Adil Khan
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Gabrielle Herring
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jia Yuan Zhu
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Marina Oliva
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Elliott Fourie
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Benjamin Johnston
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Zhining Zhang
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jarred Potter
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Luke Pineda
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jahnvi Pflueger
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Tessa Swain
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Christian Pflueger
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - James P B Lloyd
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - David Secco
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Ian Small
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Brendan N Kidd
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
- CSIRO Synthetic Biology Future Science Platform, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Ryan Lister
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
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5
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Taube M, Lisiak N, Totoń E, Rubiś B. Human Vault RNAs: Exploring Their Potential Role in Cellular Metabolism. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4072. [PMID: 38612882 PMCID: PMC11012908 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074072] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs have been described as crucial regulators of gene expression and guards of cellular homeostasis. Some recent papers focused on vault RNAs, one of the classes of non-coding RNA, and their role in cell proliferation, tumorigenesis, apoptosis, cancer response to therapy, and autophagy, which makes them potential therapy targets in oncology. In the human genome, four vault RNA paralogues can be distinguished. They are associated with vault complexes, considered the largest ribonucleoprotein complexes. The protein part of these complexes consists of a major vault protein (MVP) and two minor vault proteins (vPARP and TEP1). The name of the complex, as well as vault RNA, comes from the hollow barrel-shaped structure that resembles a vault. Their sequence and structure are highly evolutionarily conserved and show many similarities in comparison with different species, but vault RNAs have various roles. Vaults were discovered in 1986, and their functions remained unclear for many years. Although not much is known about their contribution to cell metabolism, it has become clear that vault RNAs are involved in various processes and pathways associated with cancer progression and modulating cell functioning in normal and pathological stages. In this review, we discuss known functions of human vault RNAs in the context of cellular metabolism, emphasizing processes related to cancer and cancer therapy efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Błażej Rubiś
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 3, 60-806 Poznan, Poland; (M.T.); (N.L.); (E.T.)
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6
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Akiyama Y, Ivanov P. Oxidative Stress, Transfer RNA Metabolism, and Protein Synthesis. Antioxid Redox Signal 2024; 40:715-735. [PMID: 37767630 PMCID: PMC11001508 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2022.0206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Significance: Oxidative stress refers to excessive intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to an imbalance between ROS production and the antioxidant defense system. Under oxidative stress conditions, cells trigger various stress response pathways to protect themselves, among which repression of messenger RNA (mRNA) translation is one of the key hallmarks promoting cell survival. This regulation process minimizes cellular energy consumption, enabling cells to survive in adverse conditions and to promote recovery from stress-induced damage. Recent Advances: Recent studies suggest that transfer RNAs (tRNAs) play important roles in regulating translation as a part of stress response under adverse conditions. In particular, research relying on high-throughput techniques such as next-generation sequencing and mass spectrometry approaches has given us detailed information on mechanisms such as individual tRNA dynamics and crosstalk among post-transcriptional modifications. Critical Issues: Oxidative stress leads to dynamic tRNA changes, including their localization, cleavage, and alteration of expression profiles and modification patterns. Growing evidence suggests that these changes not only are tightly regulated by stress response mechanisms, but also can directly fine-tune the translation efficiency, which contributes to cell- or tissue-specific response to oxidative stress. Future Directions: In this review, we describe recent advances in the understanding of the dynamic changes of tRNAs caused by oxidative stress. We also highlight the emerging roles of tRNAs in translation regulation under the condition of oxidative stress. In addition, we discuss future perspectives in this research field. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 40, 715-735.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasutoshi Akiyama
- Laboratory of Oncology, Pharmacy Practice and Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sendai, Japan
| | - Pavel Ivanov
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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7
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Zacarías-Fluck MF, Soucek L, Whitfield JR. MYC: there is more to it than cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1342872. [PMID: 38510176 PMCID: PMC10952043 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1342872] [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: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
MYC is a pleiotropic transcription factor involved in multiple cellular processes. While its mechanism of action and targets are not completely elucidated, it has a fundamental role in cellular proliferation, differentiation, metabolism, ribogenesis, and bone and vascular development. Over 4 decades of research and some 10,000 publications linking it to tumorigenesis (by searching PubMed for "MYC oncogene") have led to MYC becoming a most-wanted target for the treatment of cancer, where many of MYC's physiological functions become co-opted for tumour initiation and maintenance. In this context, an abundance of reviews describes strategies for potentially targeting MYC in the oncology field. However, its multiple roles in different aspects of cellular biology suggest that it may also play a role in many additional diseases, and other publications are indeed linking MYC to pathologies beyond cancer. Here, we review these physiological functions and the current literature linking MYC to non-oncological diseases. The intense efforts towards developing MYC inhibitors as a cancer therapy will potentially have huge implications for the treatment of other diseases. In addition, with a complementary approach, we discuss some diseases and conditions where MYC appears to play a protective role and hence its increased expression or activation could be therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariano F. Zacarías-Fluck
- Models of Cancer Therapies Laboratory, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Soucek
- Models of Cancer Therapies Laboratory, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
- Peptomyc S.L., Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jonathan R. Whitfield
- Models of Cancer Therapies Laboratory, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
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8
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Jacobs RQ, Schneider DA. Transcription elongation mechanisms of RNA polymerases I, II, and III and their therapeutic implications. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:105737. [PMID: 38336292 PMCID: PMC10907179 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.105737] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Transcription is a tightly regulated, complex, and essential cellular process in all living organisms. Transcription is comprised of three steps, transcription initiation, elongation, and termination. The distinct transcription initiation and termination mechanisms of eukaryotic RNA polymerases I, II, and III (Pols I, II, and III) have long been appreciated. Recent methodological advances have empowered high-resolution investigations of the Pols' transcription elongation mechanisms. Here, we review the kinetic similarities and differences in the individual steps of Pol I-, II-, and III-catalyzed transcription elongation, including NTP binding, bond formation, pyrophosphate release, and translocation. This review serves as an important summation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) Pol I, II, and III kinetic investigations which reveal that transcription elongation by the Pols is governed by distinct mechanisms. Further, these studies illustrate how basic, biochemical investigations of the Pols can empower the development of chemotherapeutic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Q Jacobs
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - David A Schneider
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.
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9
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Mattijssen S, Kerkhofs K, Stephen J, Yang A, Han CG, Tadafumi Y, Iben JR, Mishra S, Sakhawala RM, Ranjan A, Gowda M, Gahl WA, Gu S, Malicdan MC, Maraia RJ. A POLR3B-variant reveals a Pol III transcriptome response dependent on La protein/SSB. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.05.577363. [PMID: 38410490 PMCID: PMC10896340 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.05.577363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
RNA polymerase III (Pol III, POLR3) synthesizes tRNAs and other small non-coding RNAs. Human POLR3 pathogenic variants cause a range of developmental disorders, recapitulated in part by mouse models, yet some aspects of POLR3 deficiency have not been explored. We characterized a human POLR3B:c.1625A>G;p.(Asn542Ser) disease variant that was found to cause mis-splicing of POLR3B. Genome-edited POLR3B1625A>G HEK293 cells acquired the mis-splicing with decreases in multiple POLR3 subunits and TFIIIB, although display auto-upregulation of the Pol III termination-reinitiation subunit POLR3E. La protein was increased relative to its abundant pre-tRNA ligands which bind via their U(n)U-3'-termini. Assays for cellular transcription revealed greater deficiencies for tRNA genes bearing terminators comprised of 4Ts than of ≥5Ts. La-knockdown decreased Pol III ncRNA expression unlinked to RNA stability. Consistent with these effects, small-RNAseq showed that POLR3B1625A>G and patient fibroblasts express more tRNA fragments (tRFs) derived from pre-tRNA 3'-trailers (tRF-1) than from mature-tRFs, and higher levels of multiple miRNAs, relative to control cells. The data indicate that decreased levels of Pol III transcripts can lead to functional excess of La protein which reshapes small ncRNA profiles revealing new depth in the Pol III system. Finally, patient cell RNA analysis uncovered a strategy for tRF-1/tRF-3 as POLR3-deficiency biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandy Mattijssen
- Section on Molecular and Cell Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Kyra Kerkhofs
- Section on Molecular and Cell Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Joshi Stephen
- Section of Human Biochemical Genetics, Medical Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Acong Yang
- RNA Biology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, 21702 USA
| | - Chen G. Han
- Section of Human Biochemical Genetics, Medical Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yokoyama Tadafumi
- Section of Human Biochemical Genetics, Medical Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - James R. Iben
- Molecular Genetics Core, NICHD, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Saurabh Mishra
- Section on Molecular and Cell Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Rima M. Sakhawala
- Section on Molecular and Cell Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Amitabh Ranjan
- Section on Molecular and Cell Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Mamatha Gowda
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Jawaharlal Institute of Post-Graduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
| | - William A. Gahl
- Section of Human Biochemical Genetics, Medical Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- NIH Undiagnosed Diseases Program, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Shuo Gu
- RNA Biology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, 21702 USA
| | - May C. Malicdan
- Section of Human Biochemical Genetics, Medical Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- NIH Undiagnosed Diseases Program, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Richard J. Maraia
- Section on Molecular and Cell Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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10
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Luna-Arias JP, Castro-Muñozledo F. Participation of the TBP-associated factors (TAFs) in cell differentiation. J Cell Physiol 2024; 239:e31167. [PMID: 38126142 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The understanding of the mechanisms that regulate gene expression to establish differentiation programs and determine cell lineages, is one of the major challenges in Developmental Biology. Besides the participation of tissue-specific transcription factors and epigenetic processes, the role of general transcription factors has been ignored. Only in recent years, there have been scarce studies that address this issue. Here, we review the studies on the biological activity of some TATA-box binding protein (TBP)-associated factors (TAFs) during the proliferation of stem/progenitor cells and their involvement in cell differentiation. Particularly, the accumulated evidence suggests that TAF4, TAF4b, TAF7L, TAF8, TAF9, and TAF10, among others, participate in nervous system development, adipogenesis, myogenesis, and epidermal differentiation; while TAF1, TAF7, TAF15 may be involved in the regulation of stem cell proliferative abilities and cell cycle progression. On the other hand, evidence suggests that TBP variants such as TBPL1 and TBPL2 might be regulating some developmental processes such as germ cell maturation and differentiation, myogenesis, or ventral specification during development. Our analysis shows that it is necessary to study in greater depth the biological function of these factors and its participation in the assembly of specific transcription complexes that contribute to the differential gene expression that gives rise to the great diversity of cell types existing in an organism. The understanding of TAFs' regulation might lead to the development of new therapies for patients which suffer from mutations, alterations, and dysregulation of these essential elements of the transcriptional machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Pedro Luna-Arias
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, México City, Mexico
| | - Federico Castro-Muñozledo
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, México City, Mexico
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11
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Arimbasseri AG, Shukla A, Pradhan AK, Bhargava P. Increased histone acetylation is the signature of repressed state on the genes transcribed by RNA polymerase III. Gene 2024; 893:147958. [PMID: 37923095 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147958] [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: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Several covalent modifications are found associated with the transcriptionally active chromatin regions constituted by the genes transcribed by RNA polymerase (pol) II. Pol III-transcribed genes code for the small, stable RNA species, which participate in many cellular processes, essential for survival. Pol III transcription is repressed under most of the stress conditions by its negative regulator Maf1. We found that most of the histone acetylations increase with starvation-induced repression on several genes transcribed by the yeast pol III. On one of these genes, SNR6 (coding for the U6snRNA), a strongly positioned nucleosome in the gene upstream region plays regulatory role under repression. On this nucleosome, the changes in H3K9 and H3K14 acetylations show different dynamics. During repression, acetylation levels on H3K9 show steady increase whereas H3K14 acetylation increases with a peak at 40 min after which levels reduce. Both the levels settle by 2 hr to a level higher than the active state, which revert to normal levels with nutrient repletion. The increase in H3 acetylations is seen in the mutants reported to show reduced SNR6 transcription but not in the maf1Δ cells. This increase on a regulatory nucleosome may be part of the signaling mechanisms, which prepare cells for the stress-related quick repression as well as reactivation. The contrasting association of the histone acetylations with pol II and pol III transcription may be an important consideration to make in research studies focused on drug developments targeting histone modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ashutosh Shukla
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research), Uppal Road, Tarnaka, Hyderabad 500007, India
| | - Ashis Kumar Pradhan
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research), Uppal Road, Tarnaka, Hyderabad 500007, India
| | - Purnima Bhargava
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research), Uppal Road, Tarnaka, Hyderabad 500007, India.
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12
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Sizer RE, Butterfield SP, Hancocks LA, Gato De Sousa L, White RJ. Selective Occupation by E2F and RB of Loci Expressed by RNA Polymerase III. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:481. [PMID: 38339234 PMCID: PMC10854548 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030481] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
In all cases tested, TFIIIB is responsible for recruiting pol III to its genetic templates. In mammalian cells, RB binds TFIIIB and prevents its interactions with both promoter DNA and pol III, thereby suppressing transcription. As TFIIIB is not recruited to its target genes when bound by RB, the mechanism predicts that pol III-dependent templates will not be occupied by RB; this contrasts with the situation at most genes controlled by RB, where it can be tethered by promoter-bound sequence-specific DNA-binding factors such as E2F. Contrary to this prediction, however, ChIP-seq data reveal the presence of RB in multiple cell types and the related protein p130 at many loci that rely on pol III for their expression, including RMRP, RN7SL, and a variety of tRNA genes. The sets of genes targeted varies according to cell type and growth state. In such cases, recruitment of RB and p130 can be explained by binding of E2F1, E2F4 and/or E2F5. Genes transcribed by pol III had not previously been identified as common targets of E2F family members. The data provide evidence that E2F may allow for the selective regulation of specific non-coding RNAs by RB, in addition to its influence on overall pol III output through its interaction with TFIIIB.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Robert J. White
- Department of Biology, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK; (R.E.S.)
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13
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Zhang J. Recognition of the tRNA structure: Everything everywhere but not all at once. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:36-52. [PMID: 38159570 PMCID: PMC10843564 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2023.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
tRNAs are among the most abundant and essential biomolecules in cells. These spontaneously folding, extensively structured yet conformationally flexible anionic polymers literally bridge the worlds of RNAs and proteins, and serve as Rosetta stones that decipher and interpret the genetic code. Their ubiquitous presence, functional irreplaceability, and privileged access to cellular compartments and ribosomes render them prime targets for both endogenous regulation and exogenous manipulation. There is essentially no part of the tRNA that is not touched by another interaction partner, either as programmed or imposed by an external adversary. Recent progresses in genetic, biochemical, and structural analyses of the tRNA interactome produced a wealth of new knowledge into their interaction networks, regulatory functions, and molecular interfaces. In this review, I describe and illustrate the general principles of tRNA recognition by proteins and other RNAs, and discuss the underlying molecular mechanisms that deliver affinity, specificity, and functional competency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinwei Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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14
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Gao L, Behrens A, Rodschinka G, Forcelloni S, Wani S, Strasser K, Nedialkova DD. Selective gene expression maintains human tRNA anticodon pools during differentiation. Nat Cell Biol 2024; 26:100-112. [PMID: 38191669 PMCID: PMC10791582 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-023-01317-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Transfer RNAs are essential for translating genetic information into proteins. The human genome contains hundreds of predicted tRNA genes, many in multiple copies. How their expression is regulated to control tRNA repertoires is unknown. Here we combined quantitative tRNA profiling and chromatin immunoprecipitation with sequencing to measure tRNA expression following the differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells into neuronal and cardiac cells. We find that tRNA transcript levels vary substantially, whereas tRNA anticodon pools, which govern decoding rates, are more stable among cell types. Mechanistically, RNA polymerase III transcribes a wide range of tRNA genes in human induced pluripotent stem cells but on differentiation becomes constrained to a subset we define as housekeeping tRNAs. This shift is mediated by decreased mTORC1 signalling, which activates the RNA polymerase III repressor MAF1. Our data explain how tRNA anticodon pools are buffered to maintain decoding speed across cell types and reveal that mTORC1 drives selective tRNA expression during differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lexi Gao
- Mechanisms of Protein Biogenesis, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Andrew Behrens
- Mechanisms of Protein Biogenesis, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Geraldine Rodschinka
- Mechanisms of Protein Biogenesis, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Sergio Forcelloni
- Mechanisms of Protein Biogenesis, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Sascha Wani
- Mechanisms of Protein Biogenesis, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Katrin Strasser
- Mechanisms of Protein Biogenesis, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Danny D Nedialkova
- Mechanisms of Protein Biogenesis, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany.
- Department of Bioscience, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany.
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15
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Hollingsworth EW, Liu TA, Jacinto SH, Chen CX, Alcantara JA, Kvon EZ. Rapid and Quantitative Functional Interrogation of Human Enhancer Variant Activity in Live Mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.10.570890. [PMID: 38105996 PMCID: PMC10723448 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.10.570890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Functional analysis of non-coding variants associated with human congenital disorders remains challenging due to the lack of efficient in vivo models. Here we introduce dual-enSERT, a robust Cas9-based two-color fluorescent reporter system which enables rapid, quantitative comparison of enhancer allele activities in live mice of any genetic background. We use this new technology to examine and measure the gain- and loss-of-function effects of enhancer variants linked to limb polydactyly, autism, and craniofacial malformation. By combining dual-enSERT with single-cell transcriptomics, we characterize variant enhancer alleles at cellular resolution, thereby implicating candidate molecular pathways in pathogenic enhancer misregulation. We further show that independent, polydactyly-linked enhancer variants lead to ectopic expression in the same cell populations, indicating shared genetic mechanisms underlying non-coding variant pathogenesis. Finally, we streamline dual-enSERT for analysis in F0 animals by placing both reporters on the same transgene separated by a synthetic insulator. Dual-enSERT allows researchers to go from identifying candidate enhancer variants to analysis of comparative enhancer activity in live embryos in under two weeks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan W. Hollingsworth
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Taryn A. Liu
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Sandra H. Jacinto
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Cindy X. Chen
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Joshua A. Alcantara
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Evgeny Z. Kvon
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
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16
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Song JJ, Chobrutskiy A, Chobrutskiy BI, Cios KJ, Huda TI, Eakins RA, Diaz MJ, Blanck G. Chemical Complementarity of Tumor Resident, Adaptive Immune Receptor CDR3s and Previously Defined Hepatitis C Virus Epitopes Correlates with Improved Outcomes in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Viral Immunol 2023; 36:669-677. [PMID: 38052065 DOI: 10.1089/vim.2023.0078] [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: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
To better understand how adaptive immune receptors (IRs) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) microenvironments are related to disease outcomes, we employed a chemical complementarity scoring algorithm to quantify electrostatic complementarity between HCC tumor TRB or IGH complementarity-determining region 3 (CDR3) amino acid (AA) sequences and previously characterized hepatitis C virus (HCV) epitopes. High electrostatic complementarity between HCC-resident CDR3s and 12 HCV epitopes was associated with greater survival probabilities, as indicated by two distinct HCC IR CDR3 datasets. Two of the HCV epitopes, HCV*71871 (TRB) and HCV*13458 (IGH), were also determined to represent significantly larger electrostatic CDR3-HCV epitope complementarity in HCV-positive HCC cases, compared with HCV-negative HCC cases, with the CDR3s representing yet a third, independent HCC dataset. Overall, the results indicated the utility of CDR3 AA sequences as biomarkers for HCC patient stratification and as potential guides for the development of therapeutic reagents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna J Song
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Andrea Chobrutskiy
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Science University Hospital, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Boris I Chobrutskiy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University Hospital, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Konrad J Cios
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Taha I Huda
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Rachel A Eakins
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Michael J Diaz
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - George Blanck
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida, USA
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17
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Frishberg A, Milman N, Alpert A, Spitzer H, Asani B, Schiefelbein JB, Bakin E, Regev-Berman K, Priglinger SG, Schultze JL, Theis FJ, Shen-Orr SS. Reconstructing disease dynamics for mechanistic insights and clinical benefit. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6840. [PMID: 37891175 PMCID: PMC10611752 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42354-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Diseases change over time, both phenotypically and in their underlying molecular processes. Though understanding disease progression dynamics is critical for diagnostics and treatment, capturing these dynamics is difficult due to their complexity and the high heterogeneity in disease development between individuals. We present TimeAx, an algorithm which builds a comparative framework for capturing disease dynamics using high-dimensional, short time-series data. We demonstrate the utility of TimeAx by studying disease progression dynamics for multiple diseases and data types. Notably, for urothelial bladder cancer tumorigenesis, we identify a stromal pro-invasion point on the disease progression axis, characterized by massive immune cell infiltration to the tumor microenvironment and increased mortality. Moreover, the continuous TimeAx model differentiates between early and late tumors within the same tumor subtype, uncovering molecular transitions and potential targetable pathways. Overall, we present a powerful approach for studying disease progression dynamics-providing improved molecular interpretability and clinical benefits for patient stratification and outcome prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Frishberg
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Center Munich, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
- Systems Medicine, Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
- CytoReason, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Neta Milman
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ayelet Alpert
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Hannah Spitzer
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Center Munich, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research (ISD), LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Ben Asani
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Joachim L Schultze
- Systems Medicine, Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
- Genomics and Immunoregulation, Life & Medical Sciences (LIMES) Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE). PRECISE Platform for Genomics and Epigenomics at DZNE and University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Fabian J Theis
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Center Munich, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
- Department of Mathematics, Technical University of Munich, 85748, Garching, Germany
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, 85354, Freising, Germany
| | - Shai S Shen-Orr
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
- CytoReason, Tel-Aviv, Israel.
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18
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Cabarcas-Petroski S, Olshefsky G, Schramm L. MAF1 is a predictive biomarker in HER2 positive breast cancer. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291549. [PMID: 37801436 PMCID: PMC10558074 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA polymerase III transcription is pivotal in regulating cellular growth and frequently deregulated in various cancers. MAF1 negatively regulates RNA polymerase III transcription. Currently, it is unclear if MAF1 is universally deregulated in human cancers. Recently, MAF1 expression has been demonstrated to be altered in colorectal and liver carcinomas and Luminal B breast cancers. In this study, we analyzed clinical breast cancer datasets to determine if MAF1 alterations correlate with clinical outcomes in HER2-positive breast cancer. Using various bioinformatics tools, we screened breast cancer datasets for alterations in MAF1 expression. We report that MAF1 is amplified in 39% of all breast cancer sub-types, and the observed amplification co-occurs with MYC. MAF1 amplification correlated with increased methylation of the MAF1 promoter and MAF1 protein expression is significantly decreased in luminal, HER2-positive, and TNBC breast cancer subtypes. MAF1 protein expression is also significantly reduced in stage 2 and 3 breast cancer compared to normal and significantly decreased in all breast cancer patients, regardless of race and age. In SKBR3 and BT474 breast cancer cell lines treated with anti-HER2 therapies, MAF1 mRNA expression is significantly increased. In HER2-positive breast cancer patients, MAF1 expression significantly increases and correlates with five years of relapse-free survival in response to trastuzumab treatment, suggesting MAF1 is a predictive biomarker in breast cancer. These data suggest a role for MAF1 alterations in HER2-positive breast cancer. More extensive studies are warranted to determine if MAF1 serves as a predictive and prognostic biomarker in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Laura Schramm
- Department of Biology, St. John’s University, Queens, NY, United States of America
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19
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AlDaif BA, Mercer AA, Fleming SB. The parapoxvirus Orf virus inhibits dsDNA-mediated type I IFN expression via STING-dependent and STING-independent signalling pathways. J Gen Virol 2023; 104. [PMID: 37882657 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001912] [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: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Type I interferons (IFNs) are critical in the host defence against viruses. They induce hundreds of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) many of which have an antiviral role. Poxviruses induce IFNs via their pathogen-associated molecular patterns, in particular, their genomic DNA. In a majority of cell types, dsDNA is detected by a range of cytoplasmic DNA sensors that mediate type I IFN expression via stimulator of interferon genes (STING). Orf virus (ORFV) induces cutaneous pustular skin lesions and is the type species of the Parapoxvirus genus within the Poxviridae family. The aim of this study was to investigate whether ORFV modulates dsDNA-induced type I IFN expression via STING-dependent signalling pathways in human dermal fibroblasts (hNDF) and THP-1 cells. We showed that ORFV infection of these cell types treated with poly(dA:dT) resulted in strong inhibition of expression of IFN-β. In hNDFs, we showed using siRNA knock-down that STING was essential for type I IFN induction. IFN-β expression was further reduced when both STING and RIG-I were knocked down. In addition, HEK293 cells that do not express STING or Toll-like receptors also produce IFN-β following stimulation with poly(dA:dT). The 5' triphosphate dsRNA produced by RNA polymerase III specifically results in the induction of type I IFNs through the RIG-I receptor. We showed that ORFV infection resulted in strong inhibition of IFN-β expression in HEK293 cells stimulated with poly(dA:dT). Overall, this study shows that ORFV potently counteracts the STING-dependent and STING-independent IFN response by antagonizing dsDNA-activated IFN signalling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basheer A AlDaif
- Virus Research Unit, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Andrew A Mercer
- Virus Research Unit, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Stephen B Fleming
- Virus Research Unit, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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20
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Yang DL, Huang K, Deng D, Zeng Y, Wang Z, Zhang Y. DNA-dependent RNA polymerases in plants. THE PLANT CELL 2023; 35:3641-3661. [PMID: 37453082 PMCID: PMC10533338 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koad195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
DNA-dependent RNA polymerases (Pols) transfer the genetic information stored in genomic DNA to RNA in all organisms. In eukaryotes, the typical products of nuclear Pol I, Pol II, and Pol III are ribosomal RNAs, mRNAs, and transfer RNAs, respectively. Intriguingly, plants possess two additional Pols, Pol IV and Pol V, which produce small RNAs and long noncoding RNAs, respectively, mainly for silencing transposable elements. The five plant Pols share some subunits, but their distinct functions stem from unique subunits that interact with specific regulatory factors in their transcription cycles. Here, we summarize recent advances in our understanding of plant nucleus-localized Pols, including their evolution, function, structures, and transcription cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Lei Yang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Kun Huang
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Deyin Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, School of Forestry and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Lin’an, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Yuan Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhenxing Wang
- College of Horticulture, National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
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21
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Borodulina OR, Ustyantsev IG, Kramerov DA. SINEs as Potential Expression Cassettes: Impact of Deletions and Insertions on Polyadenylation and Lifetime of B2 and Ves SINE Transcripts Generated by RNA Polymerase III. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14600. [PMID: 37834047 PMCID: PMC10572872 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914600] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Short Interspersed Elements (SINEs) are common in the genomes of most multicellular organisms. They are transcribed by RNA polymerase III from an internal promoter comprising boxes A and B. As transcripts of certain SINEs from mammalian genomes can be polyadenylated, such transcripts should contain the AATAAA sequence as well as those called β- and τ-signals. One of the goals of this work was to evaluate how autonomous and independent other SINE parts are β- and τ-signals. Extended regions outside of β- and τ-signals were deleted from SINEs B2 and Ves and the derived constructs were used to transfect HeLa cells in order to evaluate the relative levels of their transcripts as well as their polyadenylation efficiency. If the deleted regions affected boxes A and B, the 5'-flanking region of the U6 RNA gene with the external promoter was inserted upstream. Such substitution of the internal promoter in B2 completely restored its transcription. Almost all tested deletions/substitutions did not reduce the polyadenylation capacity of the transcripts, indicating a weak dependence of the function of β- and τ-signals on the neighboring sequences. A similar analysis of B2 and Ves constructs containing a 55-bp foreign sequence inserted between β- and τ-signals showed an equal polyadenylation efficiency of their transcripts compared to those of constructs without the insertion. The acquired poly(A)-tails significantly increased the lifetime and thus the cellular level of such transcripts. The data obtained highlight the potential of B2 and Ves SINEs as cassettes for the expression of relatively short sequences for various applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dmitri A. Kramerov
- Laboratory of Eukaryotic Genome Evolution, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 32 Vavilov St., Moscow 119991, Russia; (O.R.B.); (I.G.U.)
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22
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Sachs P, Bergmaier P, Treutwein K, Mermoud JE. The Conserved Chromatin Remodeler SMARCAD1 Interacts with TFIIIC and Architectural Proteins in Human and Mouse. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1793. [PMID: 37761933 PMCID: PMC10530723 DOI: 10.3390/genes14091793] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In vertebrates, SMARCAD1 participates in transcriptional regulation, heterochromatin maintenance, DNA repair, and replication. The molecular basis underlying its involvement in these processes is not well understood. We identified the RNA polymerase III general transcription factor TFIIIC as an interaction partner of native SMARCAD1 in mouse and human models using endogenous co-immunoprecipitations. TFIIIC has dual functionality, acting as a general transcription factor and as a genome organizer separating chromatin domains. We found that its partnership with SMARCAD1 is conserved across different mammalian cell types, from somatic to pluripotent cells. Using purified proteins, we confirmed that their interaction is direct. A gene expression analysis suggested that SMARCAD1 is dispensable for TFIIIC function as an RNA polymerase III transcription factor in mouse ESCs. The distribution of TFIIIC and SMARCAD1 in the ESC genome is distinct, and unlike in yeast, SMARCAD1 is not enriched at active tRNA genes. Further analysis of SMARCAD1-binding partners in pluripotent and differentiated mammalian cells reveals that SMARCAD1 associates with several factors that have key regulatory roles in chromatin organization, such as cohesin, laminB, and DDX5. Together, our work suggests for the first time that the SMARCAD1 enzyme participates in genome organization in mammalian nuclei through interactions with architectural proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parysatis Sachs
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Tumor Research, Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
- CMC Development, R&D, Sanofi, 65926 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Philipp Bergmaier
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Tumor Research, Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
- Global Development Operations, R&D, Merck Healthcare, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Katrin Treutwein
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Tumor Research, Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Jacqueline E. Mermoud
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Tumor Research, Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
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23
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Zhou S, Van Bortle K. The Pol III transcriptome: Basic features, recurrent patterns, and emerging roles in cancer. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2023; 14:e1782. [PMID: 36754845 PMCID: PMC10498592 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
The RNA polymerase III (Pol III) transcriptome is universally comprised of short, highly structured noncoding RNA (ncRNA). Through RNA-protein interactions, the Pol III transcriptome actuates functional activities ranging from nuclear gene regulation (7SK), splicing (U6, U6atac), and RNA maturation and stability (RMRP, RPPH1, Y RNA), to cytoplasmic protein targeting (7SL) and translation (tRNA, 5S rRNA). In higher eukaryotes, the Pol III transcriptome has expanded to include additional, recently evolved ncRNA species that effectively broaden the footprint of Pol III transcription to additional cellular activities. Newly evolved ncRNAs function as riboregulators of autophagy (vault), immune signaling cascades (nc886), and translation (Alu, BC200, snaR). Notably, upregulation of Pol III transcription is frequently observed in cancer, and multiple ncRNA species are linked to both cancer progression and poor survival outcomes among cancer patients. In this review, we outline the basic features and functions of the Pol III transcriptome, and the evidence for dysregulation and dysfunction for each ncRNA in cancer. When taken together, recurrent patterns emerge, ranging from shared functional motifs that include molecular scaffolding and protein sequestration, overlapping protein interactions, and immunostimulatory activities, to the biogenesis of analogous small RNA fragments and noncanonical miRNAs, augmenting the function of the Pol III transcriptome and further broadening its role in cancer. This article is categorized under: RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease RNA Processing > Processing of Small RNAs RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein-RNA Interactions: Functional Implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sihang Zhou
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Kevin Van Bortle
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
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24
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Chen Q, Guo Y, Zhang J, Zheng N, Wang J, Liu Y, Lu J, Zhen S, Du X, Li L, Fu J, Wang G, Gu R, Wang J, Liu Y. RNA polymerase common subunit ZmRPABC5b is transcriptionally activated by Opaque2 and essential for endosperm development in maize. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:7832-7850. [PMID: 37403778 PMCID: PMC10450181 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Maize (Zea mays) kernel size is an important factor determining grain yield; although numerous genes regulate kernel development, the roles of RNA polymerases in this process are largely unclear. Here, we characterized the defective kernel 701 (dek701) mutant that displays delayed endosperm development but normal vegetative growth and flowering transition, compared to its wild type. We cloned Dek701, which encoded ZmRPABC5b, a common subunit to RNA polymerases I, II and III. Loss-of-function mutation of Dek701 impaired the function of all three RNA polymerases and altered the transcription of genes related to RNA biosynthesis, phytohormone response and starch accumulation. Consistent with this observation, loss-of-function mutation of Dek701 affected cell proliferation and phytohormone homeostasis in maize endosperm. Dek701 was transcriptionally regulated in the endosperm by the transcription factor Opaque2 through binding to the GCN4 motif within the Dek701 promoter, which was subjected to strong artificial selection during maize domestication. Further investigation revealed that DEK701 interacts with the other common RNA polymerase subunit ZmRPABC2. The results of this study provide substantial insight into the Opaque2-ZmRPABC5b transcriptional regulatory network as a central hub for regulating endosperm development in maize.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quanquan Chen
- Beijing Innovation Center for Crop Seed Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding; Center for Seed Science and Technology, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yingmei Guo
- Beijing Innovation Center for Crop Seed Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding; Center for Seed Science and Technology, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Beijing Innovation Center for Crop Seed Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding; Center for Seed Science and Technology, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Nannan Zheng
- Beijing Innovation Center for Crop Seed Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding; Center for Seed Science and Technology, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Beijing Innovation Center for Crop Seed Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding; Center for Seed Science and Technology, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Jiawen Lu
- Beijing Innovation Center for Crop Seed Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding; Center for Seed Science and Technology, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Sihan Zhen
- Beijing Innovation Center for Crop Seed Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding; Center for Seed Science and Technology, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xuemei Du
- Beijing Innovation Center for Crop Seed Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding; Center for Seed Science and Technology, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Li Li
- Beijing Innovation Center for Crop Seed Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding; Center for Seed Science and Technology, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Junjie Fu
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Guoying Wang
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Riliang Gu
- Beijing Innovation Center for Crop Seed Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding; Center for Seed Science and Technology, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jianhua Wang
- Beijing Innovation Center for Crop Seed Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding; Center for Seed Science and Technology, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yunjun Liu
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
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25
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Song JJ, Chobrutskiy A, Chobrutskiy BI, Cios KJ, Huda TI, Eakins RA, Diaz MJ, Blanck G. TRB CDR3 chemical complementarity with HBV epitopes correlates with increased hepatocellular carcinoma, disease-free survival. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e29043. [PMID: 37621059 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29043] [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: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
The liver is a site of immune privilege, compared with the bladder and skin, for example. To study this attenuation of the immune response in the cancer setting, we compared quantities and features of adaptive immune receptor (IR) recombination reads obtained from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and six other cancers. Of these cancers, HCC had the lowest numbers of IR recombination reads and was the only cancer with a greater number immunoglobulin rather than T-cell receptor recombination reads. To better understand the role of adaptive IRs obtained from the tumor microenvironment in shaping the outcome of HCC cases, we quantified the chemical complementarity between HCC tumor TRB and IGH complementarity determining region-3 (CDR3) amino acid (AA) sequences, and known hepatitis B virus (HBV) epitopes. High chemical complementarity between HCC-resident CDR3s and three HBV epitopes correlated with increased survival probabilities, for two sources of CDR3s representing different CDR3 recovery algorithms. These results suggest the potential of CDR3 AA sequences as biomarkers for HCC patient stratification and as guides for future development of therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna J Song
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Andrea Chobrutskiy
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Science University Hospital, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Boris I Chobrutskiy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University Hospital, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Konrad J Cios
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Taha I Huda
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Rachel A Eakins
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Michael J Diaz
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - George Blanck
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida, USA
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26
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Butterfield SP, Sizer RE, Rand E, White RJ. Selection of tRNA Genes in Human Breast Tumours Varies Substantially between Individuals. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3576. [PMID: 37509247 PMCID: PMC10377016 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormally elevated expression of tRNA is a common feature of breast tumours. Rather than a uniform increase in all tRNAs, some are deregulated more strongly than others. Elevation of particular tRNAs has been associated with poor prognosis for patients, and experimental models have demonstrated the ability of some tRNAs to promote proliferation or metastasis. Each tRNA isoacceptor is encoded redundantly by multiple genes, which are commonly dispersed across several chromosomes. An unanswered question is whether the consistently high expression of a tRNA in a cancer type reflects the consistent activation of the same members of a gene family, or whether different family members are activated from one patient to the next. To address this question, we interrogated ChIP-seq data to determine which tRNA genes were active in individual breast tumours. This revealed that distinct sets of tRNA genes become activated in individual cancers, whereas there is much less variation in the expression patterns of families. Several pathways have been described that are likely to contribute to increases in tRNA gene transcription in breast tumours, but none of these can adequately explain the observed variation in the choice of genes between tumours. Current models may therefore lack at least one level of regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rebecca E Sizer
- Department of Biology, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Emma Rand
- Department of Biology, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Robert J White
- Department of Biology, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
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27
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Shekhar AC, Wu WJ, Chen HT. Mutational and biophysical analyses reveal a TFIIIC binding region in the TFIIF-related Rpc53 subunit of RNA polymerase III. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:104859. [PMID: 37230389 PMCID: PMC10404625 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104859] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The TFIIF-like Rpc53/Rpc37 heterodimer of RNA polymerase (pol) III is involved in various stages of transcription. The C-terminal region of Rpc53 dimerizes with Rpc37 to anchor on the lobe domain of the pol III cleft. However, structural and functional features of the Rpc53 N-terminal region had not been characterized previously. Here, we conducted site-directed alanine replacement mutagenesis on the Rpc53 N-terminus, generating yeast strains that exhibited a cold-sensitive growth defect and severely compromised pol III transcriptional activity. Circular dichroism and NMR spectroscopy revealed a highly disordered 57-amino acid polypeptide in the Rpc53 N-terminus. This polypeptide is a versatile protein-binding module displaying nanomolar-level binding affinities for Rpc37 and the Tfc4 subunit of the transcription initiation factor TFIIIC. Accordingly, we denote this Rpc53 N-terminus polypeptide as the TFIIIC-binding region or CBR. Alanine replacements in the CBR significantly reduced its binding affinity for Tfc4, highlighting its functional importance to cell growth and transcription in vitro. Our study reveals the functional basis for Rpc53's CBR in assembly of the pol III transcription initiation complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arvind Chandra Shekhar
- Molecular and Cell Biology, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.; Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Wen-Jin Wu
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Hung-Ta Chen
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C..
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28
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Naesens L, Haerynck F, Gack MU. The RNA polymerase III-RIG-I axis in antiviral immunity and inflammation. Trends Immunol 2023; 44:435-449. [PMID: 37149405 PMCID: PMC10461603 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2023.04.002] [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: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acid sensors survey subcellular compartments for atypical or mislocalized RNA or DNA, ultimately triggering innate immune responses. Retinoic acid-inducible gene-I (RIG-I) is part of the family of cytoplasmic RNA receptors that can detect viruses. A growing literature demonstrates that mammalian RNA polymerase III (Pol III) transcribes certain viral or cellular DNA sequences into immunostimulatory RIG-I ligands, which elicits antiviral or inflammatory responses. Dysregulation of the Pol III-RIG-I sensing axis can lead to human diseases including severe viral infection outcomes, autoimmunity, and tumor progression. Here, we summarize the newly emerging role of viral and host-derived Pol III transcripts in immunity and also highlight recent advances in understanding how mammalian cells prevent unwanted immune activation by these RNAs to maintain homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie Naesens
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Primary Immunodeficiency Research Lab, Center for Primary Immunodeficiency, Jeffrey Modell Diagnosis and Research Center, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Filomeen Haerynck
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Primary Immunodeficiency Research Lab, Center for Primary Immunodeficiency, Jeffrey Modell Diagnosis and Research Center, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Michaela U Gack
- Florida Research and Innovation Center, Cleveland Clinic, Port St. Lucie, FL, USA.
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29
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Shekhar AC, Sun YE, Khoo SK, Lin YC, Malau E, Chang WH, Chen HT. Site-directed biochemical analyses reveal that the switchable C-terminus of Rpc31 contributes to RNA polymerase III transcription initiation. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:4223-4236. [PMID: 36484109 PMCID: PMC10201443 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac1163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Rpc31 is a subunit in the TFIIE-related Rpc82/34/31 heterotrimeric subcomplex of Saccharomyces cerevisiae RNA polymerase III (pol III). Structural analyses of pol III have indicated that the N-terminal region of Rpc31 anchors on Rpc82 and further interacts with the polymerase core and stalk subcomplex. However, structural and functional information for the C-terminal region of Rpc31 is sparse. We conducted a mutational analysis on Rpc31, which uncovered a functional peptide adjacent to the highly conserved Asp-Glu-rich acidic C-terminus. This C-terminal peptide region, termed 'pre-acidic', is important for optimal cell growth, tRNA synthesis, and stable association of Rpc31 in the pre-initiation complex (PIC). Our site-directed photo-cross-linking to map protein interactions within the PIC reveal that this pre-acidic region specifically targets Rpc34 during transcription initiation, but also interacts with the DNA entry surface in free pol III. Thus, we have uncovered a switchable Rpc31 C-terminal region that functions in an initiation-specific protein interaction for pol III transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yuan-En Sun
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Seok-Kooi Khoo
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yu-Chun Lin
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | | | - Wei-Hau Chang
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Hung-Ta Chen
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
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30
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Lee YS, Lee YS. nc886, an RNA Polymerase III-Transcribed Noncoding RNA Whose Expression Is Dynamic and Regulated by Intriguing Mechanisms. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108533. [PMID: 37239877 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
nc886 is a medium-sized non-coding RNA that is transcribed by RNA polymerase III (Pol III) and plays diverse roles in tumorigenesis, innate immunity, and other cellular processes. Although Pol III-transcribed ncRNAs were previously thought to be expressed constitutively, this concept is evolving, and nc886 is the most notable example. The transcription of nc886 in a cell, as well as in human individuals, is controlled by multiple mechanisms, including its promoter CpG DNA methylation and transcription factor activity. Additionally, the RNA instability of nc886 contributes to its highly variable steady-state expression levels in a given situation. This comprehensive review discusses nc886's variable expression in physiological and pathological conditions and critically examines the regulatory factors that determine its expression levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeon-Su Lee
- Rare Cancer Branch, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang 10408, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Sun Lee
- Department of Cancer Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, National Cancer Center, Goyang 10408, Republic of Korea
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31
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Yan F, Xiao X, Long C, Tang L, Wang C, Zhang M, Zhang J, Lin H, Huang H, Zhang Y, Li S. Molecular Characterization of U6 Promoters from Orange-Spotted Grouper (Epinephelus coioides) and Its Application in DNA Vector-Based RNAi Technology. MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023:10.1007/s10126-023-10212-9. [PMID: 37154998 DOI: 10.1007/s10126-023-10212-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The U6 promoter, a typical RNA polymerase III promoter, is widely used to transcribe small RNAs in vector-based siRNA systems. The RNAi efficiency is mainly dependent on the transcriptional activity of the U6 promoter. However, studies have found that U6 promoters isolated from some fishes do not work well in distantly related species. To isolate a U6 promoter with high transcriptional efficiency from fish, in this study, we cloned five U6 promoters in orange-spotted grouper, of which only the grouper U6-1 (GU6-1) promoter contains the OCT element in the distant region. Functional studies revealed that the GU6-1 promoter has high transcriptional ability, which could efficiently transcribe shRNA and result in target gene knockdown in vitro and in vivo. Subsequently, the deletion or mutation of the OCT motif resulted in a significant decrease in promoter transcriptional activity, demonstrating that the OCT element plays an important role in enhancing the grouper U6 promoter transcription. Moreover, the transcriptional activity of the GU6-1 promoter showed little species specificity. It not only works in the grouper but also possesses high transcriptional activity in the zebrafish. Knockdown of the mstn gene in zebrafish and grouper through shRNA driven by the GU6-1 promoter could promote fish growth, suggesting that the GU6-1 promoter can be used as a potential molecular tool in aquaculture practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengying Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and School of Life Sciences, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Healthy Breeding of Important Economic Fish, Sun Yat-Sen University, Xin Gang Xi Road, Haizhu District, 510275, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xinxun Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and School of Life Sciences, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Healthy Breeding of Important Economic Fish, Sun Yat-Sen University, Xin Gang Xi Road, Haizhu District, 510275, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Chen Long
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and School of Life Sciences, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Healthy Breeding of Important Economic Fish, Sun Yat-Sen University, Xin Gang Xi Road, Haizhu District, 510275, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Lin Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and School of Life Sciences, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Healthy Breeding of Important Economic Fish, Sun Yat-Sen University, Xin Gang Xi Road, Haizhu District, 510275, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Chongwei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and School of Life Sciences, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Healthy Breeding of Important Economic Fish, Sun Yat-Sen University, Xin Gang Xi Road, Haizhu District, 510275, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Mingqing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and School of Life Sciences, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Healthy Breeding of Important Economic Fish, Sun Yat-Sen University, Xin Gang Xi Road, Haizhu District, 510275, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and School of Life Sciences, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Healthy Breeding of Important Economic Fish, Sun Yat-Sen University, Xin Gang Xi Road, Haizhu District, 510275, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Haoran Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and School of Life Sciences, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Healthy Breeding of Important Economic Fish, Sun Yat-Sen University, Xin Gang Xi Road, Haizhu District, 510275, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, 266373, Qingdao, China
| | - Hai Huang
- Key Laboratory of Utilization and Conservation for Tropical Marine Bioresources of Ministry of Education, Hainan Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Tropical Marine Fishery Resources, Yazhou Bay Innovation Institute, Hainan Tropical Ocean University, 572022, Sanya, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and School of Life Sciences, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Healthy Breeding of Important Economic Fish, Sun Yat-Sen University, Xin Gang Xi Road, Haizhu District, 510275, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, 266373, Qingdao, China.
| | - Shuisheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and School of Life Sciences, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Healthy Breeding of Important Economic Fish, Sun Yat-Sen University, Xin Gang Xi Road, Haizhu District, 510275, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
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32
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Stasenko DV, Tatosyan KA, Borodulina OR, Kramerov DA. Nucleotide Context Can Modulate Promoter Strength in Genes Transcribed by RNA Polymerase III. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14040802. [PMID: 37107560 PMCID: PMC10137851 DOI: 10.3390/genes14040802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The small nuclear RNAs 4.5SH and 4.5SI were characterized only in mouse-like rodents; their genes originate from 7SL RNA and tRNA, respectively. Similar to many genes transcribed by RNA polymerase III (pol III), the genes of 4.5SH and 4.5SI RNAs include boxes A and B, forming an intergenic pol III-directed promoter. In addition, their 5′-flanking sequences have TATA-like boxes at position −31/−24, also required for efficient transcription. The patterns of the three boxes notably differ in the 4.5SH and 4.5SI RNA genes. The A, B, and TATA-like boxes were replaced in the 4.5SH RNA gene with the corresponding boxes in the 4.5SI RNA gene to evaluate their effect on the transcription of transfected constructs in HeLa cells. Simultaneous replacement of all three boxes decreased the transcription level by 40%, which indicates decreased promoter activity in a foreign gene. We developed a new approach to compare the promoter strength based on the competition of two co-transfected gene constructs when the proportion between the constructs modulates their relative activity. This method demonstrated that the promoter activity of 4.5SI is 12 times that of 4.5SH. Unexpectedly, the replacement of all three boxes of the weak 4.5SH promoter with those of the strong 4.5SI gene significantly reduced, rather than enhanced, the promoter activity. Thus, the strength of a pol III-directed promoter can depend on the nucleotide environment of the gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danil V Stasenko
- Laboratory of Eukaryotic Genome Evolution, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Karina A Tatosyan
- Laboratory of Eukaryotic Genome Evolution, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga R Borodulina
- Laboratory of Eukaryotic Genome Evolution, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitri A Kramerov
- Laboratory of Eukaryotic Genome Evolution, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
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33
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Cabarcas-Petroski S, Olshefsky G, Schramm L. BDP1 as a biomarker in serous ovarian cancer. Cancer Med 2023; 12:6401-6418. [PMID: 36305848 PMCID: PMC10028122 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5388] [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: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND TFIIIB, an RNA polymerase III specific transcription factor has been found to be deregulated in human cancers with much of the research focused on the TBP, BRF1, and BRF2 subunits. To date, the TFIIIB specific subunit BDP1 has not been investigated in ovarian cancer but has previously been shown to be deregulated in neuroblastoma, breast cancer, and Non-Hodgkins lymphoma. RESULTS Using in silico analysis of clinically derived platforms, we report a decreased BDP1 expression as a result of deletion in serous ovarian cancer and a correlation with higher and advanced ovarian stages. Further analysis in the context of TP53 mutations, a major contributor to ovarian tumorigenesis, suggests that high BDP1 expression is unfavorable for overall survival and high BDP1 expression occurs in stages 2, 3 and 4 serous ovarian cancer. Additionally, high BDP1 expression is disadvantageous and unfavorable for progression-free survival. Lastly, BDP1 expression significantly decreased in patients treated with first-line chemotherapy, platin and taxane, at twelve-month relapse-free survival. CONCLUSIONS Taken together with a ROC analysis, the data suggest BDP1 could be of clinical relevance as a predictive biomarker in serous ovarian cancer. Lastly, this study further demonstrates that both the over- and under expression of BDP1 warrants further investigation and suggests BDP1 may exhibit dual function in the context of tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Laura Schramm
- Biology Department, St. John's University, Queens, New York, USA
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34
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Watt KE, Macintosh J, Bernard G, Trainor PA. RNA Polymerases I and III in development and disease. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2023; 136:49-63. [PMID: 35422389 PMCID: PMC9550887 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Ribosomes are macromolecular machines that are globally required for the translation of all proteins in all cells. Ribosome biogenesis, which is essential for cell growth, proliferation and survival, commences with transcription of a variety of RNAs by RNA Polymerases I and III. RNA Polymerase I (Pol I) transcribes ribosomal RNA (rRNA), while RNA Polymerase III (Pol III) transcribes 5S ribosomal RNA and transfer RNAs (tRNA) in addition to a wide variety of small non-coding RNAs. Interestingly, despite their global importance, disruptions in Pol I and Pol III function result in tissue-specific developmental disorders, with craniofacial anomalies and leukodystrophy/neurodegenerative disease being among the most prevalent. Furthermore, pathogenic variants in genes encoding subunits shared between Pol I and Pol III give rise to distinct syndromes depending on whether Pol I or Pol III function is disrupted. In this review, we discuss the global roles of Pol I and III transcription, the consequences of disruptions in Pol I and III transcription, disorders arising from pathogenic variants in Pol I and Pol III subunits, and mechanisms underpinning their tissue-specific phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin En Watt
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Julia Macintosh
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Child Health and Human Development Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Geneviève Bernard
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Child Health and Human Development Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada; Departments of Pediatrics and Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Specialized Medicine, Division of Medical Genetics, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - Paul A Trainor
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, USA; Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.
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Kor SD, Chowdhury N, Keot AK, Yogendra K, Chikkaputtaiah C, Sudhakar Reddy P. RNA Pol III promoters-key players in precisely targeted plant genome editing. Front Genet 2023; 13:989199. [PMID: 36685866 PMCID: PMC9845283 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.989199] [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: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The clustered regularly interspaced short palindrome repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein Cas) system is a powerful and highly precise gene-editing tool in basic and applied research for crop improvement programs. CRISPR/Cas tool is being extensively used in plants to improve crop yield, quality, and nutritional value and make them tolerant to environmental stresses. CRISPR/Cas system consists of a Cas protein with DNA endonuclease activity and one CRISPR RNA transcript that is processed to form one or several short guide RNAs that direct Cas9 to the target DNA sequence. The expression levels of Cas proteins and gRNAs significantly influence the editing efficiency of CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome editing. This review focuses on insights into RNA Pol III promoters and their types that govern the expression levels of sgRNA in the CRISPR/Cas system. We discussed Pol III promoters structural and functional characteristics and their comparison with Pol II promoters. Further, the use of synthetic promoters to increase the targeting efficiency and overcome the structural, functional, and expressional limitations of RNA Pol III promoters has been discussed. Our review reports various studies that illustrate the use of endogenous U6/U3 promoters for improving editing efficiency in plants and the applicative approach of species-specific RNA pol III promoters for genome editing in model crops like Arabidopsis and tobacco, cereals, legumes, oilseed, and horticultural crops. We further highlight the significance of optimizing these species-specific promoters' systematic identification and validation for crop improvement and biotic and abiotic stress tolerance through CRISPR/Cas mediated genome editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakshi Dharmendra Kor
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Naimisha Chowdhury
- Biological Sciences and Technology Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology (CSIR-NEIST), Jorhat, Assam, India
| | - Ajay Kumar Keot
- Biological Sciences and Technology Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology (CSIR-NEIST), Jorhat, Assam, India,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Kalenahalli Yogendra
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Channakeshavaiah Chikkaputtaiah
- Biological Sciences and Technology Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology (CSIR-NEIST), Jorhat, Assam, India,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Palakolanu Sudhakar Reddy
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Hyderabad, Telangana, India,*Correspondence: Palakolanu Sudhakar Reddy, ,
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Oliynyk RT, Church GM. Efficient modification and preparation of circular DNA for expression in cell culture. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1393. [PMID: 36543890 PMCID: PMC9772414 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04363-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA plasmids are an essential tool for delivery and expression of RNAs and proteins in cell culture experiments. The preparation of plasmids typically involves a laborious process of bacterial cloning, validation, and purification. While the expression plasmids can be designed and ordered from the contract manufacturers, the cost may be prohibitive when a large number of plasmids is required. We have developed an efficient fully synthetic method and protocol that enables the production of circularized DNA containing expression elements ready for transfection in as little as 3 hours, thereby eliminating the bacterial cloning steps. The protocol describes how to take a linear double-stranded DNA fragment and efficiently circularize and purify this DNA fragment with minimal hands-on time. As proof of the principle, we applied Circular Vector expressing engineered prime editing guide RNA (epegRNA) in cell culture, and demonstrated matching and even exceeding performance of this method as compared to guides expressed by plasmids. The method's speed of preparation, low cost, and ease of use will make it a useful tool in applications requiring the expression of short RNAs and proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Teo Oliynyk
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA ,grid.9654.e0000 0004 0372 3343Department of Computer Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - George M. Church
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA ,grid.38142.3c000000041936754XWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA USA
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The POLR3G Subunit of Human RNA Polymerase III Regulates Tumorigenesis and Metastasis in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235732. [PMID: 36497214 PMCID: PMC9735567 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235732] [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: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA polymerase (Pol) III transcribes short untranslated RNAs that contribute to the regulation of gene expression. Two isoforms of human Pol III have been described that differ by the presence of the POLR3G/RPC32α or POLR3GL/RPC32β subunits. POLR3G was found to be expressed in embryonic stem cells and at least a subset of transformed cells, whereas POLR3GL shows a ubiquitous expression pattern. Here, we demonstrate that POLR3G is specifically overexpressed in clinical samples of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) but not in other molecular subtypes of breast cancer. POLR3G KO in the MDA-MB231 TNBC cell line dramatically reduces anchorage-independent growth and invasive capabilities in vitro. In addition, the POLR3G KO impairs tumor growth and metastasis formation of orthotopic xenografts in mice. Moreover, KO of POLR3G induces expression of the pioneer transcription factor FOXA1 and androgen receptor. In contrast, the POLR3G KO neither alters proliferation nor the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition marker genes. These data demonstrate that POLR3G expression is required for TNBC tumor growth, invasiveness and dissemination and that its deletion affects triple-negative breast cancer-specific gene expression.
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Jacobs RQ, Carter ZI, Lucius AL, Schneider DA. Uncovering the mechanisms of transcription elongation by eukaryotic RNA polymerases I, II, and III. iScience 2022; 25:105306. [PMID: 36304104 PMCID: PMC9593817 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotes express three nuclear RNA polymerases (Pols I, II, and III) that are essential for cell survival. Despite extensive investigation of the three Pols, significant knowledge gaps regarding their biochemical properties remain because each Pol has been evaluated independently under disparate experimental conditions and methodologies. To advance our understanding of the Pols, we employed identical in vitro transcription assays for direct comparison of their elongation rates, elongation complex (EC) stabilities, and fidelities. Pol I is the fastest, most likely to misincorporate, forms the least stable EC, and is most sensitive to alterations in reaction buffers. Pol II is the slowest of the Pols, forms the most stable EC, and negligibly misincorporated an incorrect nucleotide. The enzymatic properties of Pol III were intermediate between Pols I and II in all assays examined. These results reveal unique enzymatic characteristics of the Pols that provide new insights into their evolutionary divergence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Q. Jacobs
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Zachariah I. Carter
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Aaron L. Lucius
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - David A. Schneider
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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Sun J, Li X, Hou X, Cao S, Cao W, Zhang Y, Song J, Wang M, Wang H, Yan X, Li Z, Roeder RG, Wang W. Structural basis of human SNAPc recognizing proximal sequence element of snRNA promoter. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6871. [PMID: 36369505 PMCID: PMC9652321 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34639-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In eukaryotes, small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs) function in many fundamental cellular events such as precursor messenger RNA splicing, gene expression regulation, and ribosomal RNA processing. The snRNA activating protein complex (SNAPc) exclusively recognizes the proximal sequence element (PSE) at snRNA promoters and recruits RNA polymerase II or III to initiate transcription. In view that homozygous gene-knockout of SNAPc core subunits causes mouse embryonic lethality, functions of SNAPc are almost housekeeping. But so far, the structural insight into how SNAPc assembles and regulates snRNA transcription initiation remains unclear. Here we present the cryo-electron microscopy structure of the essential part of human SNAPc in complex with human U6-1 PSE at an overall resolution of 3.49 Å. This structure reveals the three-dimensional features of three conserved subunits (N-terminal domain of SNAP190, SNAP50, and SNAP43) and explains how they are assembled into a stable mini-SNAPc in PSE-binding state with a "wrap-around" mode. We identify three important motifs of SNAP50 that are involved in both major groove and minor groove recognition of PSE, in coordination with the Myb domain of SNAP190. Our findings further elaborate human PSE sequence conservation and compatibility for SNAPc recognition, providing a clear framework of snRNA transcription initiation, especially the U6 system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfeng Sun
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Advanced Medical Research Institute, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 China ,grid.134907.80000 0001 2166 1519Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, 10065 USA
| | - Xue Li
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Advanced Medical Research Institute, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 China
| | - Xuben Hou
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 China
| | - Sujian Cao
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Advanced Medical Research Institute, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 China
| | - Wenjin Cao
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Advanced Medical Research Institute, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 China
| | - Ye Zhang
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Advanced Medical Research Institute, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 China
| | - Jinyang Song
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Advanced Medical Research Institute, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 China
| | - Manfu Wang
- grid.512077.6Wuxi Biortus Biosciences Co. Ltd., Jiangyin, 214437 China
| | - Hao Wang
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Advanced Medical Research Institute, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 China
| | - Xiaodong Yan
- grid.512077.6Wuxi Biortus Biosciences Co. Ltd., Jiangyin, 214437 China
| | - Zengpeng Li
- grid.453137.70000 0004 0406 0561Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, 361005 China
| | - Robert G. Roeder
- grid.134907.80000 0001 2166 1519Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, 10065 USA
| | - Wei Wang
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Advanced Medical Research Institute, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Interventional Medicine Department, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250033 China
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40
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Monzon V, Paysan-Lafosse T, Wood V, Bateman A. Reciprocal best structure hits: using AlphaFold models to discover distant homologues. BIOINFORMATICS ADVANCES 2022; 2:vbac072. [PMID: 36408459 PMCID: PMC9666668 DOI: 10.1093/bioadv/vbac072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Motivation The conventional methods to detect homologous protein pairs use the comparison of protein sequences. But the sequences of two homologous proteins may diverge significantly and consequently may be undetectable by standard approaches. The release of the AlphaFold 2.0 software enables the prediction of highly accurate protein structures and opens many opportunities to advance our understanding of protein functions, including the detection of homologous protein structure pairs. Results In this proof-of-concept work, we search for the closest homologous protein pairs using the structure models of five model organisms from the AlphaFold database. We compare the results with homologous protein pairs detected by their sequence similarity and show that the structural matching approach finds a similar set of results. In addition, we detect potential novel homologs solely with the structural matching approach, which can help to understand the function of uncharacterized proteins and make previously overlooked connections between well-characterized proteins. We also observe limitations of our implementation of the structure-based approach, particularly when handling highly disordered proteins or short protein structures. Our work shows that high accuracy protein structure models can be used to discover homologous protein pairs, and we expose areas for improvement of this structural matching approach. Availability and Implementation Information to the discovered homologous protein pairs can be found at the following URL: https://doi.org/10.17863/CAM.87873. The code can be accessed here: https://github.com/VivianMonzon/Reciprocal_Best_Structure_Hits. Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics Advances online.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Monzon
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton CB21 4HH, UK
| | - Typhaine Paysan-Lafosse
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton CB21 4HH, UK
| | - Valerie Wood
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1GA, UK
| | - Alex Bateman
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton CB21 4HH, UK
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41
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Cai G, Lin Z, Shi S. Development and expansion of the CRISPR/Cas9 toolboxes for powerful genome engineering in yeast. Enzyme Microb Technol 2022; 159:110056. [PMID: 35561628 DOI: 10.1016/j.enzmictec.2022.110056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Yeasts represent a group of the microorganisms most frequently seen in biotechnology. Recently, the class 2 type II CRISPR system (CRISPR/Cas9) has become the principal toolbox for genome editing. By efficiently implementing genetic manipulations such as gene integration/knockout, base editor, and transcription regulation, the development of biotechnological applications in yeasts has been extensively promoted. The genome-level tools based on CRISPR/Cas9, used for screening and identifying functional genes/gene clusters, are also advancing. In general, CRISPR/Cas9-assisted editing tools have gradually become standardized and function as host-orthogonal genetic systems, which results in time-saving for strain engineering and biotechnological application processes. In this review, we summarize the key points of the basic elements in the CRISPR/Cas9 system, including Cas9 variants, guide RNA, donors, and effectors. With a focus on yeast, we have also introduced the development of various CRISPR/Cas9 systems and discussed their future possibilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang Cai
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, PR China
| | - Zhenquan Lin
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, PR China
| | - Shuobo Shi
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, PR China.
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42
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Hayashi S, Matsui M, Ikeda A, Yoshihisa T. Six identical tRNATrpCCA genes express a similar amount of mature tRNATrpCCA but unequally contribute to yeast cell growth. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2022; 86:1398-1404. [PMID: 35948278 DOI: 10.1093/bbb/zbac134] [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: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Saccharomyces cerevisiae has six synonymous tRNATrpCCA genes encoding the identical sequence, including their intronic region. They are supposed to express tRNATrpCCA in the same quality and quantity. Here, we generated single to quintuple deletion strains with all the possible combinations of the synonymous tRNATrpCCA genes to analyze whether those individual genes equally contribute cell viability and tRNA production. The quintuple deletion strains that only harbor tW(CCA)J, tW(CCA)M, or tW(CCA)P were viable but almost lethal while the other quintuple deletions showed moderately impaired growth. Theses growth differences were not obvious among the quadruple deletion strains, which expressed almost one third of mature tRNATrpCCA in the wild type. Therefore, no dosage compensation operates for tRNATrpCCA amount, and growth variations among the quintuple deletion strains may not simply reflect differences in tRNATrpCCA shortage. Yeast may retain the redundancy of tRNATrpCCA genes for a noncanonical function(s) beyond supply of the tRNA to translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachiko Hayashi
- Graduate School of Science, University of Hyogo, Ako-gun, Japan
| | | | | | - Tohru Yoshihisa
- Graduate School of Science, University of Hyogo, Ako-gun, Japan.,Faculty of Science, University of Hyogo
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43
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Zaheri B, Morse D. An overview of transcription in dinoflagellates. Gene 2022; 829:146505. [PMID: 35447242 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146505] [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: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Dinoflagellates are a vital diverse family of unicellular algae widespread in various aquatic environments. Typically large genomes and permanently condensed chromosomes without histones make these organisms unique among eukaryotes in terms of chromatin structure and gene expression. Genomic and transcriptomic sequencing projects have provided new insight into the genetic foundation of dinoflagellate behaviors. Genes in tandem arrays, trans-splicing of mRNAs and lower levels of transcriptional regulation compared to other eukaryotes all contribute to the differences seen. Here we present a general overview of transcription in dinoflagellates based on previously described work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahareh Zaheri
- Institut de Recherche en Biologie Végétale, Département de Sciences Biologiques, 4101 Sherbrooke est, Université de Montréal, Montréal H1X 2B2, Canada
| | - David Morse
- Institut de Recherche en Biologie Végétale, Département de Sciences Biologiques, 4101 Sherbrooke est, Université de Montréal, Montréal H1X 2B2, Canada.
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44
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Firsov SY, Kosherova KA, Mukha DV. Identification and functional characterization of the German cockroach, Blattella germanica, short interspersed nuclear elements. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266699. [PMID: 35696390 PMCID: PMC9191728 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, experimental data has accumulated indicating that short interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs) can play a significant functional role in the regulation of gene expression in the host genome. In addition, molecular markers based on SINE insertion polymorphisms have been developed and are widely used for genetic differentiation of populations of eukaryotic organisms. Using routine bioinformatics analysis and publicly available genomic DNA and small RNA-seq data, we first described nine SINEs in the genome of the German cockroach, Blattella germanica. All described SINEs have tRNA promoters, and the start of their transcription begins 11 bp upstream of an “A” box of these promoters. The number of copies of the described SINEs in the B. germanica genome ranges from several copies to more than a thousand copies in a SINE-specific manner. Some of the described SINEs and their degenerate copies can be localized both in the introns of genes and loci known as piRNA clusters. piRNAs originating from piRNA clusters are shown to be mapped to seven of the nine types of SINEs described, including copies of SINEs localized in gene introns. We speculate that SINEs, localized in the introns of certain genes, may regulate the level of expression of these genes by a PIWI-related molecular mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergei Yu. Firsov
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Karina A. Kosherova
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry V. Mukha
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- * E-mail:
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45
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Van Bortle K, Marciano DP, Liu Q, Chou T, Lipchik AM, Gollapudi S, Geller BS, Monte E, Kamakaka RT, Snyder MP. A cancer-associated RNA polymerase III identity drives robust transcription and expression of snaR-A noncoding RNA. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3007. [PMID: 35637192 PMCID: PMC9151912 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30323-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA polymerase III (Pol III) includes two alternate isoforms, defined by mutually exclusive incorporation of subunit POLR3G (RPC7α) or POLR3GL (RPC7β), in mammals. The contributions of POLR3G and POLR3GL to transcription potential has remained poorly defined. Here, we discover that loss of subunit POLR3G is accompanied by a restricted repertoire of genes transcribed by Pol III. Particularly sensitive is snaR-A, a small noncoding RNA implicated in cancer proliferation and metastasis. Analysis of Pol III isoform biases and downstream chromatin features identifies loss of POLR3G and snaR-A during differentiation, and conversely, re-establishment of POLR3G gene expression and SNAR-A gene features in cancer contexts. Our results support a model in which Pol III identity functions as an important transcriptional regulatory mechanism. Upregulation of POLR3G, which is driven by MYC, identifies a subgroup of patients with unfavorable survival outcomes in specific cancers, further implicating the POLR3G-enhanced transcription repertoire as a potential disease factor. RNA polymerase III changes its subunit composition during mammalian development. Here the authors report that loss of subunit POLR3G, which re-emerges in cancer, promotes expression of small NF90-associated RNA (snaR-A), a noncoding RNA implicated in cell proliferation and metastasis.
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46
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Sizer RE, Chahid N, Butterfield SP, Donze D, Bryant NJ, White RJ. TFIIIC-based chromatin insulators through eukaryotic evolution. Gene X 2022; 835:146533. [PMID: 35623477 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146533] [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: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotic chromosomes are divided into domains with distinct structural and functional properties, such as differing levels of chromatin compaction and gene transcription. Domains of relatively compact chromatin and minimal transcription are termed heterochromatic, whereas euchromatin is more open and actively transcribed. Insulators separate these domains and maintain their distinct features. Disruption of insulators can cause diseases such as cancer. Many insulators contain tRNA genes (tDNAs), examples of which have been shown to block the spread of activating or silencing activities. This characteristic of specific tDNAs is conserved through evolution, such that human tDNAs can serve as barriers to the spread of silencing in fission yeast. Here we demonstrate that tDNAs from the methylotrophic fungus Pichia pastoris can function effectively as insulators in distantly-related budding yeast. Key to the function of tDNAs as insulators is TFIIIC, a transcription factor that is also required for their expression. TFIIIC binds additional loci besides tDNAs, some of which have insulator activity. Although the mechanistic basis of TFIIIC-based insulation has been studied extensively in yeast, it is largely uncharacterized in metazoa. Utilising publicly-available genome-wide ChIP-seq data, we consider the extent to which mechanisms conserved from yeast to man may suffice to allow efficient insulation by TFIIIC in the more challenging chromatin environments of metazoa and suggest features that may have been acquired during evolution to cope with new challenges. We demonstrate the widespread presence at human tDNAs of USF1, a transcription factor with well-established barrier activity in vertebrates. We predict that tDNA-based insulators in higher organisms have evolved through incorporation of modules, such as binding sites for factors like USF1 and CTCF that are absent from yeasts, thereby strengthening function and providing opportunities for regulation between cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca E Sizer
- Department of Biology, The University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Nisreen Chahid
- Department of Biology, The University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | | | - David Donze
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Nia J Bryant
- Department of Biology, The University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Robert J White
- Department of Biology, The University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK.
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47
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Wang Q, Daiß JL, Xu Y, Engel C. Snapshots of RNA polymerase III in action - A mini review. Gene 2022; 821:146282. [PMID: 35149153 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
RNA polymerase (Pol) III is responsible for the transcription of tRNAs, 5S rRNA, U6 snRNA, and other non-coding RNAs. Transcription factors such as TFIIIA, -B, -C, SNAPc, and Maf1 are required for promoter recognition, promoter opening, and Pol III activity regulation. Recent developments in cryo-electron microscopy and advanced purification approaches for endogenous multi-subunit complexes accelerated structural studies resulting in detailed structural insights which allowed an in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying Pol III transcription. Here, we summarize structural data on Pol III and its regulating factors providing a three-dimensional framework to guide further analysis of RNA polymerase III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianmin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, Shanghai, China; Present address: Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Julia L Daiß
- Regensburg Center for Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Youwei Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
| | - Christoph Engel
- Regensburg Center for Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, 93053, Regensburg, Germany.
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48
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Malcolm JR, Leese NK, Lamond-Warner PI, Brackenbury WJ, White RJ. Widespread association of ERα with RMRP and tRNA genes in MCF-7 cells and breast cancers. Gene X 2022; 821:146280. [PMID: 35143945 PMCID: PMC8942118 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogen receptor (ER) interacts with hundreds of tRNA genes (tDNAs) in MCF-7 cells. Hundreds of tDNAs are also targeted in primary breast tumours and metastases. Canonical estrogen response element is not found near top tDNA targets of ER. ER also targets non-coding breast cancer driver gene RMRP. ER also targets RN7SL1 gene that promotes breast cancer progression.
tRNA gene transcription by RNA polymerase III (Pol III) is a tightly regulated process, but dysregulated Pol III transcription is widely observed in cancers. Approximately 75% of all breast cancers are positive for expression of Estrogen Receptor alpha (ERα), which acts as a key driver of disease. MCF-7 cells rapidly upregulate tRNA gene transcription in response to estrogen and ChIP-PCR demonstrated ERα enrichment at tRNALeu and 5S rRNA genes in this breast cancer cell line. While these data implicate the ERα as a Pol III transcriptional regulator, how widespread this regulation is across the 631 tRNA genes has yet to be revealed. Through analyses of ERα ChIP-seq datasets, we show that ERα interacts with hundreds of tRNA genes, not only in MCF-7 cells, but also in primary human breast tumours and distant metastases. The extent of ERα association with tRNA genes varies between breast cancer cell lines and does not correlate with levels of ERα binding to its canonical target gene GREB1. Amongst other Pol III-transcribed genes, ERα is consistently enriched at the long non-coding RNA gene RMRP, a positive regulator of cell cycle progression that is subject to focal amplification in tumours. Another Pol III template targeted by ERα is the RN7SL1 gene, which is strongly implicated in breast cancer pathology by inducing inflammatory responses in tumours. Our data indicate that Pol III-transcribed non-coding genes should be added to the list of ERα targets in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodie R Malcolm
- Department of Biology, The University of York, Heslington Road, YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
| | - Natasha K Leese
- Department of Biology, The University of York, Heslington Road, YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
| | | | - William J Brackenbury
- Department of Biology, The University of York, Heslington Road, YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
| | - Robert J White
- Department of Biology, The University of York, Heslington Road, YO10 5DD, United Kingdom.
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49
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Lee YS. Are We Studying Non-Coding RNAs Correctly? Lessons from nc886. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084251. [PMID: 35457068 PMCID: PMC9027504 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as microRNAs or long ncRNAs, have brought about a new paradigm in the regulation of gene expression. Sequencing technologies have detected transcripts with tremendous sensitivity and throughput and revealed that the majority of them lack protein-coding potential. Myriad articles have investigated numerous ncRNAs and many of them claim that ncRNAs play gene-regulatory roles. However, it is questionable whether all these articles draw conclusions through cautious gain- and loss-of function experiments whose design was reasonably based on an ncRNA's correct identity and features. In this review, these issues are discussed with a regulatory ncRNA, nc886, as an example case to represent cautions and guidelines when studying ncRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Sun Lee
- Department of Cancer Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, National Cancer Center, Goyang 10408, Korea
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50
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Ender A, Grafl N, Kolberg T, Findeiß S, Stadler PF, Mörl M. Synthetic riboswitches for the analysis of tRNA processing by eukaryotic RNase P enzymes. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2022; 28:551-567. [PMID: 35022261 PMCID: PMC8925977 DOI: 10.1261/rna.078814.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Removal of the 5'-leader region is an essential step in the maturation of tRNA molecules in all domains of life. This reaction is catalyzed by various RNase P activities, ranging from ribonucleoproteins with ribozyme activity to protein-only forms. In Escherichia coli, the efficiency of RNase P-mediated cleavage can be controlled by computationally designed riboswitch elements in a ligand-dependent way, where the 5'-leader sequence of a tRNA precursor is either sequestered in a hairpin structure or presented as a single-stranded region accessible for maturation. In the presented work, the regulatory potential of such artificial constructs is tested on different forms of eukaryotic RNase P enzymes-two protein-only RNase P enzymes (PRORP1 and PRORP2) from Arabidopsis thaliana and the ribonucleoprotein of Homo sapiens The PRORP enzymes were analyzed in vitro as well as in vivo in a bacterial RNase P complementation system. We also tested in HEK293T cells whether the riboswitches remain functional with human nuclear RNase P. While the regulatory principle of the synthetic riboswitches applies for all tested RNase P enzymes, the results also show differences in the substrate requirements of the individual enzyme versions. Hence, such designed RNase P riboswitches represent a novel tool to investigate the impact of the structural composition of the 5'-leader on substrate recognition by different types of RNase P enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Ender
- Institute for Biochemistry, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Nadine Grafl
- Institute for Biochemistry, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tim Kolberg
- Institute for Biochemistry, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sven Findeiß
- Bioinformatics Group, Department of Computer Science and Interdisciplinary Center for Bioinformatics, Leipzig University, 04107 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Peter F Stadler
- Bioinformatics Group, Department of Computer Science and Interdisciplinary Center for Bioinformatics, Leipzig University, 04107 Leipzig, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Mathematics in the Science, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Institute for Theoretical Chemistry, University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
- Santa Fe Institute, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501, USA
| | - Mario Mörl
- Institute for Biochemistry, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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