1
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Estell C, West S. ZC3H4/Restrictor Exerts a Stranglehold on Pervasive Transcription. J Mol Biol 2024:168707. [PMID: 39002716 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2024.168707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 07/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
The regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) underpins all cellular processes and is perturbed in thousands of diseases. In humans, RNAPII transcribes ∼20000 protein-coding genes and engages in apparently futile non-coding transcription at thousands of other sites. Despite being so ubiquitous, this transcription is usually attenuated soon after initiation and the resulting products are immediately degraded by the nuclear exosome. We and others have recently described a new complex, "Restrictor", which appears to control such unproductive transcription. Underpinned by the RNA binding protein, ZC3H4, Restrictor curtails unproductive/pervasive transcription genome-wide. Here, we discuss these recent discoveries and speculate on some of the many unknowns regarding Restrictor function and mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Estell
- The Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK.
| | - Steven West
- The Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK.
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2
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Hyder U, Challa A, Thornton M, Nandu T, Kraus WL, D'Orso I. KAP1 negatively regulates RNA polymerase II elongation kinetics to activate signal-induced transcription. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5859. [PMID: 38997286 PMCID: PMC11245487 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49905-7] [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: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Signal-induced transcriptional programs regulate critical biological processes through the precise spatiotemporal activation of Immediate Early Genes (IEGs); however, the mechanisms of transcription induction remain poorly understood. By combining an acute depletion system with several genomics approaches to interrogate synchronized, temporal transcription, we reveal that KAP1/TRIM28 is a first responder that fulfills the temporal and heightened transcriptional demand of IEGs. Acute KAP1 loss triggers an increase in RNA polymerase II elongation kinetics during early stimulation time points. This elongation defect derails the normal progression through the transcriptional cycle during late stimulation time points, ultimately leading to decreased recruitment of the transcription apparatus for re-initiation thereby dampening IEGs transcriptional output. Collectively, KAP1 plays a counterintuitive role by negatively regulating transcription elongation to support full activation across multiple transcription cycles of genes critical for cell physiology and organismal functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usman Hyder
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Ashwini Challa
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Micah Thornton
- Laboratory of Signaling and Gene Regulation, Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Tulip Nandu
- Laboratory of Signaling and Gene Regulation, Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - W Lee Kraus
- Laboratory of Signaling and Gene Regulation, Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Iván D'Orso
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
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3
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Hyder U, Challa A, Thornton M, Nandu T, Kraus WL, D’Orso I. KAP1 negatively regulates RNA polymerase II elongation kinetics to activate signal-induced transcription. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.05.592422. [PMID: 38746145 PMCID: PMC11092767 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.05.592422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Signal-induced transcriptional programs regulate critical biological processes through the precise spatiotemporal activation of Immediate Early Genes (IEGs); however, the mechanisms of transcription induction remain poorly understood. By combining an acute depletion system with high resolution genomics approaches to interrogate synchronized, temporal transcription, we reveal that KAP1/TRIM28 is a first responder that fulfills the temporal and heightened transcriptional demand of IEGs. Unexpectedly, acute KAP1 loss triggers an increase in RNA polymerase II elongation kinetics during early stimulation time points. This elongation defect derails the normal progression through the transcriptional cycle during late stimulation time points, ultimately leading to decreased recruitment of the transcription apparatus for re-initiation thereby dampening IEGs transcriptional output. Collectively, KAP1 plays a counterintuitive role by negatively regulating transcription elongation to support full activation across multiple transcription cycles of genes critical for cell physiology and organismal functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usman Hyder
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Ashwini Challa
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Micah Thornton
- Laboratory of Signaling and Gene Regulation, Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Tulip Nandu
- Laboratory of Signaling and Gene Regulation, Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - W. Lee Kraus
- Laboratory of Signaling and Gene Regulation, Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Iván D’Orso
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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4
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Hao JD, Liu QL, Liu MX, Yang X, Wang LM, Su SY, Xiao W, Zhang MQ, Zhang YC, Zhang L, Chen YS, Yang YG, Ren J. DDX21 mediates co-transcriptional RNA m 6A modification to promote transcription termination and genome stability. Mol Cell 2024; 84:1711-1726.e11. [PMID: 38569554 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2024.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a crucial RNA modification that regulates diverse biological processes in human cells, but its co-transcriptional deposition and functions remain poorly understood. Here, we identified the RNA helicase DDX21 with a previously unrecognized role in directing m6A modification on nascent RNA for co-transcriptional regulation. DDX21 interacts with METTL3 for co-recruitment to chromatin through its recognition of R-loops, which can be formed co-transcriptionally as nascent transcripts hybridize onto the template DNA strand. Moreover, DDX21's helicase activity is needed for METTL3-mediated m6A deposition onto nascent RNA following recruitment. At transcription termination regions, this nexus of actions promotes XRN2-mediated termination of RNAPII transcription. Disruption of any of these steps, including the loss of DDX21, METTL3, or their enzymatic activities, leads to defective termination that can induce DNA damage. Therefore, we propose that the R-loop-DDX21-METTL3 nexus forges the missing link for co-transcriptional modification of m6A, coordinating transcription termination and genome stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Dong Hao
- Key Laboratory of RNA Science and Engineering, CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qian-Lan Liu
- Key Laboratory of RNA Science and Engineering, CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Meng-Xia Liu
- Key Laboratory of RNA Science and Engineering, CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Xing Yang
- Key Laboratory of RNA Science and Engineering, CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Liu-Ming Wang
- Key Laboratory of RNA Science and Engineering, CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Si-Yi Su
- Key Laboratory of RNA Science and Engineering, CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wen Xiao
- Key Laboratory of RNA Science and Engineering, CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Meng-Qi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of RNA Science and Engineering, CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yi-Chang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of RNA Science and Engineering, CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of RNA Science and Engineering, CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Yu-Sheng Chen
- Key Laboratory of RNA Science and Engineering, CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yun-Gui Yang
- Key Laboratory of RNA Science and Engineering, CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Jie Ren
- Key Laboratory of RNA Science and Engineering, CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China; School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
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5
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Mérida-Cerro JA, Maraver-Cárdenas P, Rondón AG, Aguilera A. Rat1 promotes premature transcription termination at R-loops. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:3623-3635. [PMID: 38281203 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Certain DNA sequences can adopt a non-B form in the genome that interfere with DNA-templated processes, including transcription. Among the sequences that are intrinsically difficult to transcribe are those that tend to form R-loops, three-stranded nucleic acid structures formed by a DNA-RNA hybrid and the displaced ssDNA. Here we compared the transcription of an endogenous gene with and without an R-loop-forming sequence inserted. We show that, in agreement with previous in vivo and in vitro analyses, transcription elongation is delayed by R-loops in yeast. Importantly, we demonstrate that the Rat1 transcription terminator factor facilitates transcription throughout such structures by inducing premature termination of arrested RNAPIIs. We propose that RNase H degrades the RNA moiety of the hybrid, providing an entry site for Rat1. Thus, we have uncovered an unanticipated function of Rat1 as a transcription restoring factor opening up the possibility that it may also promote transcription through other genomic DNA structures intrinsically difficult to transcribe. If R-loop-mediated transcriptional stress is not relieved by Rat1, it will cause genomic instability, probably through the increase of transcription-replication conflicts, a deleterious situation that could lead to cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Antonio Mérida-Cerro
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa-CABIMER, Universidad de Sevilla, CSIC, 41092 Seville, Spain; Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012 Seville, Spain
| | - Pablo Maraver-Cárdenas
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa-CABIMER, Universidad de Sevilla, CSIC, 41092 Seville, Spain; Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012 Seville, Spain
| | - Ana G Rondón
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa-CABIMER, Universidad de Sevilla, CSIC, 41092 Seville, Spain; Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012 Seville, Spain
| | - Andrés Aguilera
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa-CABIMER, Universidad de Sevilla, CSIC, 41092 Seville, Spain; Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012 Seville, Spain
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6
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Song E, Han S, Hohng S, Kang C. Compatibility of termination mechanisms in bacterial transcription with inference on eukaryotic models. Biochem Soc Trans 2024; 52:887-897. [PMID: 38533838 DOI: 10.1042/bst20231229] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Transcription termination has evolved to proceed through diverse mechanisms. For several classes of terminators, multiple models have been debatably proposed. Recent single-molecule studies on bacterial terminators have resolved several long-standing controversies. First, termination mode or outcome is twofold rather than single. RNA is released alone before DNA or together with DNA from RNA polymerase (RNAP), i.e. with RNA release for termination, RNAP retains on or dissociates off DNA, respectively. The concomitant release, described in textbooks, results in one-step decomposition of transcription complexes, and this 'decomposing termination' prevails at ρ factor-dependent terminators. Contrastingly, the sequential release was recently discovered abundantly from RNA hairpin-dependent intrinsic terminations. RNA-only release allows RNAP to diffuse on DNA in both directions and recycle for reinitiation. This 'recycling termination' enables one-dimensional reinitiation, which would be more expeditious than three-dimensional reinitiation by RNAP dissociated at decomposing termination. Second, while both recycling and decomposing terminations occur at a hairpin-dependent terminator, four termination mechanisms compatibly operate at a ρ-dependent terminator with ρ in alternative modes and even intrinsically without ρ. RNA-bound catch-up ρ mediates recycling termination first and decomposing termination later, while RNAP-prebound stand-by ρ invokes only decomposing termination slowly. Without ρ, decomposing termination occurs slightly and sluggishly. These four mechanisms operate on distinct timescales, providing orderly fail-safes. The stand-by mechanism is benefited by terminational pause prolongation and modulated by accompanying riboswitches more greatly than the catch-up mechanisms. Conclusively, any mechanism alone is insufficient to perfect termination, and multiple mechanisms operate compatibly to achieve maximum possible efficiency under separate controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunho Song
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, and Institute of Applied Physics, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Han
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, and Institute of Applied Physics, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungchul Hohng
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, and Institute of Applied Physics, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Changwon Kang
- Department of Biological Sciences, and KAIST Stem Cell Center, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
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7
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Zeng Y, Zhang HW, Wu XX, Zhang Y. Structural basis of exoribonuclease-mediated mRNA transcription termination. Nature 2024; 628:887-893. [PMID: 38538796 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07240-3] [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: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Efficient termination is required for robust gene transcription. Eukaryotic organisms use a conserved exoribonuclease-mediated mechanism to terminate the mRNA transcription by RNA polymerase II (Pol II)1-5. Here we report two cryogenic electron microscopy structures of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Pol II pre-termination transcription complexes bound to the 5'-to-3' exoribonuclease Rat1 and its partner Rai1. Our structures show that Rat1 displaces the elongation factor Spt5 to dock at the Pol II stalk domain. Rat1 shields the RNA exit channel of Pol II, guides the nascent RNA towards its active centre and stacks three nucleotides at the 5' terminus of the nascent RNA. The structures further show that Rat1 rotates towards Pol II as it shortens RNA. Our results provide the structural mechanism for the Rat1-mediated termination of mRNA transcription by Pol II in yeast and the exoribonuclease-mediated termination of mRNA transcription in other eukaryotes.
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MESH Headings
- Cryoelectron Microscopy
- Exoribonucleases/chemistry
- Exoribonucleases/metabolism
- Exoribonucleases/ultrastructure
- Models, Molecular
- Protein Binding
- RNA Polymerase II/chemistry
- RNA Polymerase II/metabolism
- RNA Polymerase II/ultrastructure
- RNA, Messenger/biosynthesis
- RNA, Messenger/chemistry
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/ultrastructure
- RNA-Binding Proteins/chemistry
- RNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism
- RNA-Binding Proteins/ultrastructure
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae/chemistry
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae/genetics
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae/metabolism
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae/ultrastructure
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins/chemistry
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins/metabolism
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins/ultrastructure
- Transcription Termination, Genetic
- Transcriptional Elongation Factors/chemistry
- Transcriptional Elongation Factors/metabolism
- Transcriptional Elongation Factors/ultrastructure
- Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone/chemistry
- Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone/metabolism
- Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone/ultrastructure
- Protein Domains
- RNA, Fungal/biosynthesis
- RNA, Fungal/chemistry
- RNA, Fungal/genetics
- RNA, Fungal/ultrastructure
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, National Key Laboratory of Plant Design, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hong-Wei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, National Key Laboratory of Plant Design, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Xian Wu
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, National Key Laboratory of Plant Design, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, National Key Laboratory of Plant Design, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
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8
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Alahmari AA, Chaubey AH, Jonnakuti VS, Tisdale AA, Schwarz CD, Cornwell AC, Maraszek KE, Paterson EJ, Kim M, Venkat S, Gomez EC, Wang J, Gurova KV, Yalamanchili HK, Feigin ME. CPSF3 inhibition blocks pancreatic cancer cell proliferation through disruption of core histone mRNA processing. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2024; 30:281-297. [PMID: 38191171 PMCID: PMC10870380 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079931.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a lethal disease with limited effective treatment options, potentiating the importance of uncovering novel drug targets. Here, we target cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor 3 (CPSF3), the 3' endonuclease that catalyzes mRNA cleavage during polyadenylation and histone mRNA processing. We find that CPSF3 is highly expressed in PDAC and is associated with poor prognosis. CPSF3 knockdown blocks PDAC cell proliferation and colony formation in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. Chemical inhibition of CPSF3 by the small molecule JTE-607 also attenuates PDAC cell proliferation and colony formation, while it has no effect on cell proliferation of nontransformed immortalized control pancreatic cells. Mechanistically, JTE-607 induces transcriptional readthrough in replication-dependent histones, reduces core histone expression, destabilizes chromatin structure, and arrests cells in the S-phase of the cell cycle. Therefore, CPSF3 represents a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulrahman A Alahmari
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York 14203, USA
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aditi H Chaubey
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York 14203, USA
| | - Venkata S Jonnakuti
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
- Program in Quantitative and Computational Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Arwen A Tisdale
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York 14203, USA
| | - Carla D Schwarz
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York 14203, USA
| | - Abigail C Cornwell
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York 14203, USA
| | - Kathryn E Maraszek
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York 14203, USA
| | - Emily J Paterson
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York 14203, USA
| | - Minsuh Kim
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York 14203, USA
| | - Swati Venkat
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York 14203, USA
| | - Eduardo Cortes Gomez
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York 14203, USA
| | - Jianmin Wang
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York 14203, USA
| | - Katerina V Gurova
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York 14203, USA
| | - Hari Krishna Yalamanchili
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Michael E Feigin
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York 14203, USA
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9
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Archuleta SR, Goodrich JA, Kugel JF. Mechanisms and Functions of the RNA Polymerase II General Transcription Machinery during the Transcription Cycle. Biomolecules 2024; 14:176. [PMID: 38397413 PMCID: PMC10886972 DOI: 10.3390/biom14020176] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Central to the development and survival of all organisms is the regulation of gene expression, which begins with the process of transcription catalyzed by RNA polymerases. During transcription of protein-coding genes, the general transcription factors (GTFs) work alongside RNA polymerase II (Pol II) to assemble the preinitiation complex at the transcription start site, open the promoter DNA, initiate synthesis of the nascent messenger RNA, transition to productive elongation, and ultimately terminate transcription. Through these different stages of transcription, Pol II is dynamically phosphorylated at the C-terminal tail of its largest subunit, serving as a control mechanism for Pol II elongation and a signaling/binding platform for co-transcriptional factors. The large number of core protein factors participating in the fundamental steps of transcription add dense layers of regulation that contribute to the complexity of temporal and spatial control of gene expression within any given cell type. The Pol II transcription system is highly conserved across different levels of eukaryotes; however, most of the information here will focus on the human Pol II system. This review walks through various stages of transcription, from preinitiation complex assembly to termination, highlighting the functions and mechanisms of the core machinery that participates in each stage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - James A. Goodrich
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, 596 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309, USA;
| | - Jennifer F. Kugel
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, 596 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309, USA;
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10
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Viera T, Abfalterer Q, Neal A, Trujillo R, Patidar PL. Molecular Basis of XRN2-Deficient Cancer Cell Sensitivity to Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibition. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:595. [PMID: 38339346 PMCID: PMC10854503 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030595] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
R-loops (RNA-DNA hybrids with displaced single-stranded DNA) have emerged as a potent source of DNA damage and genomic instability. The termination of defective RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) is one of the major sources of R-loop formation. 5'-3'-exoribonuclease 2 (XRN2) promotes genome-wide efficient RNAPII termination, and XRN2-deficient cells exhibit increased DNA damage emanating from elevated R-loops. Recently, we showed that DNA damage instigated by XRN2 depletion in human fibroblast cells resulted in enhanced poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) activity. Additionally, we established a synthetic lethal relationship between XRN2 and PARP1. However, the underlying cellular stress response promoting this synthetic lethality remains elusive. Here, we delineate the molecular consequences leading to the synthetic lethality of XRN2-deficient cancer cells induced by PARP inhibition. We found that XRN2-deficient lung and breast cancer cells display sensitivity to two clinically relevant PARP inhibitors, Rucaparib and Olaparib. At a mechanistic level, PARP inhibition combined with XRN2 deficiency exacerbates R-loop and DNA double-strand break formation in cancer cells. Consistent with our previous findings using several different siRNAs, we also show that XRN2 deficiency in cancer cells hyperactivates PARP1. Furthermore, we observed enhanced replication stress in XRN2-deficient cancer cells treated with PARP inhibitors. Finally, the enhanced stress response instigated by compromised PARP1 catalytic function in XRN2-deficient cells activates caspase-3 to initiate cell death. Collectively, these findings provide mechanistic insights into the sensitivity of XRN2-deficient cancer cells to PARP inhibition and strengthen the underlying translational implications for targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Praveen L. Patidar
- Department of Chemistry, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro, NM 87801, USA
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11
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Rios F, Uriostegui-Arcos M, Zurita M. Transcriptional Stress Induces the Generation of DoGs in Cancer Cells. Noncoding RNA 2024; 10:5. [PMID: 38250805 PMCID: PMC10801504 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna10010005] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
A characteristic of the cellular response to stress is the production of RNAs generated from a readthrough transcription of genes, called downstream-of-gene-(DoG)-containing transcripts. Additionally, transcription inhibitor drugs are candidates for fighting cancer. In this work, we report the results of a bioinformatic analysis showing that one of the responses to transcription inhibition is the generation of DoGs in cancer cells. Although some genes that form DoGs were shared between the two cancer lines, there did not appear to be a functional correlation between them. However, our findings show that DoGs are generated as part of the cellular response to transcription inhibition like other types of cellular stress, suggesting that they may be part of the defense against transcriptional stress.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mario Zurita
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca Morelos 62250, Mexico (M.U.-A.)
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12
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Russo M, Piccolo V, Polizzese D, Prosperini E, Borriero C, Polletti S, Bedin F, Marenda M, Michieletto D, Mandana GM, Rodighiero S, Cuomo A, Natoli G. Restrictor synergizes with Symplekin and PNUTS to terminate extragenic transcription. Genes Dev 2023; 37:1017-1040. [PMID: 38092518 PMCID: PMC10760643 DOI: 10.1101/gad.351057.123] [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: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Transcription termination pathways mitigate the detrimental consequences of unscheduled promiscuous initiation occurring at hundreds of thousands of genomic cis-regulatory elements. The Restrictor complex, composed of the Pol II-interacting protein WDR82 and the RNA-binding protein ZC3H4, suppresses processive transcription at thousands of extragenic sites in mammalian genomes. Restrictor-driven termination does not involve nascent RNA cleavage, and its interplay with other termination machineries is unclear. Here we show that efficient termination at Restrictor-controlled extragenic transcription units involves the recruitment of the protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) regulatory subunit PNUTS, a negative regulator of the SPT5 elongation factor, and Symplekin, a protein associated with RNA cleavage complexes but also involved in cleavage-independent and phosphatase-dependent termination of noncoding RNAs in yeast. PNUTS and Symplekin act synergistically with, but independently from, Restrictor to dampen processive extragenic transcription. Moreover, the presence of limiting nuclear levels of Symplekin imposes a competition for its recruitment among multiple transcription termination machineries, resulting in mutual regulatory interactions. Hence, by synergizing with Restrictor, Symplekin and PNUTS enable efficient termination of processive, long-range extragenic transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Russo
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan I-20139, Italy
| | - Viviana Piccolo
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan I-20139, Italy
| | - Danilo Polizzese
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan I-20139, Italy
| | - Elena Prosperini
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan I-20139, Italy
| | - Carolina Borriero
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan I-20139, Italy
| | - Sara Polletti
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan I-20139, Italy
| | - Fabio Bedin
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan I-20139, Italy
| | - Mattia Marenda
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan I-20139, Italy
| | - Davide Michieletto
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FD, United Kingdom
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, United Kingdom
| | - Gaurav Madappa Mandana
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan I-20139, Italy
| | - Simona Rodighiero
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan I-20139, Italy
| | - Alessandro Cuomo
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan I-20139, Italy
| | - Gioacchino Natoli
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan I-20139, Italy;
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13
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Fujiwara R, Zhai SN, Liang D, Shah AP, Tracey M, Ma XK, Fields CJ, Mendoza-Figueroa MS, Meline MC, Tatomer DC, Yang L, Wilusz JE. IntS6 and the Integrator phosphatase module tune the efficiency of select premature transcription termination events. Mol Cell 2023; 83:4445-4460.e7. [PMID: 37995689 PMCID: PMC10841813 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.10.035] [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: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
The metazoan-specific Integrator complex catalyzes 3' end processing of small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs) and premature termination that attenuates the transcription of many protein-coding genes. Integrator has RNA endonuclease and protein phosphatase activities, but it remains unclear if both are required for complex function. Here, we show IntS6 (Integrator subunit 6) over-expression blocks Integrator function at a subset of Drosophila protein-coding genes, although having no effect on snRNAs or attenuation of other loci. Over-expressed IntS6 titrates protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) subunits, thereby only affecting gene loci where phosphatase activity is necessary for Integrator function. IntS6 functions analogous to a PP2A regulatory B subunit as over-expression of canonical B subunits, which do not bind Integrator, is also sufficient to inhibit Integrator activity. These results show that the phosphatase module is critical at only a subset of Integrator-regulated genes and point to PP2A recruitment as a tunable step that modulates transcription termination efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rina Fujiwara
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Therapeutic Innovation Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Si-Nan Zhai
- Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; Center for Molecular Medicine, Children's Hospital, Fudan University and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Dongming Liang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Aayushi P Shah
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Therapeutic Innovation Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Matthew Tracey
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Xu-Kai Ma
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Children's Hospital, Fudan University and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Christopher J Fields
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Therapeutic Innovation Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - María Saraí Mendoza-Figueroa
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Michele C Meline
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Deirdre C Tatomer
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Li Yang
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Children's Hospital, Fudan University and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jeremy E Wilusz
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Therapeutic Innovation Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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14
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Zanin O, Eastham M, Winczura K, Ashe M, Martinez-Nunez RT, Hebenstreit D, Grzechnik P. Ceg1 depletion reveals mechanisms governing degradation of non-capped RNAs in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1112. [PMID: 37919390 PMCID: PMC10622555 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05495-6] [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: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Most functional eukaryotic mRNAs contain a 5' 7-methylguanosine (m7G) cap. Although capping is essential for many biological processes including mRNA processing, export and translation, the fate of uncapped transcripts has not been studied extensively. Here, we employed fast nuclear depletion of the capping enzymes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae to uncover the turnover of the transcripts that failed to be capped. We show that although the degradation of cap-deficient mRNA is dominant, the levels of hundreds of non-capped mRNAs increase upon depletion of the capping enzymes. Overall, the abundance of non-capped mRNAs is inversely correlated to the expression levels, altogether resembling the effects observed in cells lacking the cytoplasmic 5'-3' exonuclease Xrn1 and indicating differential degradation fates of non-capped mRNAs. The inactivation of the nuclear 5'-3' exonuclease Rat1 does not rescue the non-capped mRNA levels indicating that Rat1 is not involved in their degradation and consequently, the lack of the capping does not affect the distribution of RNA Polymerase II on the chromatin. Our data indicate that the cap presence is essential to initiate the Xrn1-dependent degradation of mRNAs underpinning the role of 5' cap in the Xrn1-dependent buffering of the cellular mRNA levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onofrio Zanin
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
- School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences, King's College London, Guy's Campus, London, SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Matthew Eastham
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Function, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Kinga Winczura
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Function, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Mark Ashe
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Function, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Rocio T Martinez-Nunez
- School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences, King's College London, Guy's Campus, London, SE1 9RT, UK
| | | | - Pawel Grzechnik
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Function, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK.
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15
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Ntini E, Budach S, Vang Ørom UA, Marsico A. Genome-wide measurement of RNA dissociation from chromatin classifies transcripts by their dynamics and reveals rapid dissociation of enhancer lncRNAs. Cell Syst 2023; 14:906-922.e6. [PMID: 37857083 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2023.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in gene expression regulation in cis. Although enriched in the cell chromatin fraction, to what degree this defines their regulatory potential remains unclear. Furthermore, the factors underlying lncRNA chromatin tethering, as well as the molecular basis of efficient lncRNA chromatin dissociation and its impact on enhancer activity and target gene expression, remain to be resolved. Here, we developed chrTT-seq, which combines the pulse-chase metabolic labeling of nascent RNA with chromatin fractionation and transient transcriptome sequencing to follow nascent RNA transcripts from their transcription on chromatin to release and allows the quantification of dissociation dynamics. By incorporating genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenetic metrics, as well as RNA-binding protein propensities, in machine learning models, we identify features that define transcript groups of different chromatin dissociation dynamics. Notably, lncRNAs transcribed from enhancers display reduced chromatin retention, suggesting that, in addition to splicing, their chromatin dissociation may shape enhancer activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenia Ntini
- Max-Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, 14195 Berlin, Germany; Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany; Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, IMBB-FORTH, 70013 Heraklio, Greece.
| | - Stefan Budach
- Max-Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, 14195 Berlin, Germany; Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulf A Vang Ørom
- Aarhus University, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Annalisa Marsico
- Max-Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, 14195 Berlin, Germany; Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany; Computational Health Center, Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany.
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16
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Papadopoulos D, Uhl L, Ha SA, Eilers M. Beyond gene expression: how MYC relieves transcription stress. Trends Cancer 2023; 9:805-816. [PMID: 37422352 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2023.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
MYC oncoproteins are key drivers of tumorigenesis. As transcription factors, MYC proteins regulate transcription by all three nuclear polymerases and gene expression. Accumulating evidence shows that MYC proteins are also crucial for enhancing the stress resilience of transcription. MYC proteins relieve torsional stress caused by active transcription, prevent collisions between the transcription and replication machineries, resolve R-loops, and repair DNA damage by participating in a range of protein complexes and forming multimeric structures at sites of genomic instability. We review the key complexes and multimerization properties of MYC proteins that allow them to mitigate transcription-associated DNA damage, and propose that the oncogenic functions of MYC extend beyond the modulation of gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Papadopoulos
- Theodor Boveri Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany; Mildred Scheel Early Career Center, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Leonie Uhl
- Theodor Boveri Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Anh Ha
- Theodor Boveri Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Martin Eilers
- Theodor Boveri Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany.
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17
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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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18
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Han Z, Moore GA, Mitter R, Lopez Martinez D, Wan L, Dirac Svejstrup AB, Rueda DS, Svejstrup JQ. DNA-directed termination of RNA polymerase II transcription. Mol Cell 2023; 83:3253-3267.e7. [PMID: 37683646 PMCID: PMC7615648 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) transcription involves initiation from a promoter, transcriptional elongation through the gene, and termination in the terminator region. In bacteria, terminators often contain specific DNA elements provoking polymerase dissociation, but RNAPII transcription termination is thought to be driven entirely by protein co-factors. We used biochemical reconstitution, single-molecule studies, and genome-wide analysis in yeast to study RNAPII termination. Transcription into natural terminators by pure RNAPII results in spontaneous termination at specific sequences containing T-tracts. Single-molecule analysis indicates that termination involves pausing without backtracking. The "torpedo" Rat1-Rai1 exonuclease (XRN2 in humans) greatly stimulates spontaneous termination but is ineffectual on other paused RNAPIIs. By contrast, elongation factor Spt4-Spt5 (DSIF) suppresses termination. Genome-wide analysis further indicates that termination occurs by transcript cleavage at the poly(A) site exposing a new 5' RNA-end that allows Rat1-Rai1 loading, which then catches up with destabilized RNAPII at specific termination sites to end transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong Han
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark; Mechanisms of Transcription Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - George A Moore
- Single Molecule Imaging group, MRC-London Institute of Medical Sciences, and Section of Virology, Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Richard Mitter
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - David Lopez Martinez
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark; Mechanisms of Transcription Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Li Wan
- Mechanisms of Transcription Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - A Barbara Dirac Svejstrup
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark; Mechanisms of Transcription Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - David S Rueda
- Single Molecule Imaging group, MRC-London Institute of Medical Sciences, and Section of Virology, Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Jesper Q Svejstrup
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark; Mechanisms of Transcription Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK.
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19
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Zhou S, Zhao F, Zhu D, Zhang Q, Dai Z, Wu Z. Coupling of co-transcriptional splicing and 3' end Pol II pausing during termination in Arabidopsis. Genome Biol 2023; 24:206. [PMID: 37697420 PMCID: PMC10496290 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-023-03050-4] [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: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Arabidopsis, RNA Polymerase II (Pol II) often pauses within a few hundred base pairs downstream of the polyadenylation site, reflecting efficient transcriptional termination, but how such pausing is regulated remains largely elusive. RESULT Here, we analyze Pol II dynamics at 3' ends by combining comprehensive experiments with mathematical modelling. We generate high-resolution serine 2 phosphorylated (Ser2P) Pol II positioning data specifically enriched at 3' ends and define a 3' end pause index (3'PI). The position but not the extent of the 3' end pause correlates with the termination window size. The 3'PI is not decreased but even mildly increased in the termination deficient mutant xrn3, indicating 3' end pause is a regulatory step early during the termination and before XRN3-mediated RNA decay that releases Pol II. Unexpectedly, 3'PI is closely associated with gene exon numbers and co-transcriptional splicing efficiency. Multiple exons genes often display stronger 3' end pauses and more efficient on-chromatin splicing than genes with fewer exons. Chemical inhibition of splicing strongly reduces the 3'PI and disrupts its correlation with exon numbers but does not globally impact 3' end readthrough levels. These results are further confirmed by fitting Pol II positioning data with a mathematical model, which enables the estimation of parameters that define Pol II dynamics. CONCLUSION Our work highlights that the number of exons via co-transcriptional splicing is a major determinant of Pol II pausing levels at the 3' end of genes in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sixian Zhou
- Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Design for Plant Cell Factory of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Plant and Food Science, Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Fengli Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Design for Plant Cell Factory of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Plant and Food Science, Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Danling Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Design for Plant Cell Factory of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Plant and Food Science, Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Qiqi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Design for Plant Cell Factory of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Plant and Food Science, Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Ziwei Dai
- Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Zhe Wu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Design for Plant Cell Factory of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Plant and Food Science, Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
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20
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Reiss M, Keegan J, Aldrich A, Lyons SM, Flynn RL. The exoribonuclease XRN2 mediates degradation of the long non-coding telomeric RNA TERRA. FEBS Lett 2023; 597:1818-1836. [PMID: 37191774 PMCID: PMC10524182 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The telomeric repeat-containing RNA, TERRA, associates with both telomeric DNA and telomeric proteins, often forming RNA:DNA hybrids (R-loops). TERRA is most abundant in cancer cells utilizing the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) pathway for telomere maintenance, suggesting that persistent TERRA R-loops may contribute to activation of the ALT mechanism. Therefore, we sought to identify the enzyme(s) that regulate TERRA metabolism in mammalian cells. Here, we identify that the 5'-3' exoribonuclease XRN2 regulates the stability of TERRA RNA. Moreover, while stabilization of TERRA alone was insufficient to drive ALT, depletion of XRN2 in ALT-positive cells led to a significant increase in TERRA R-loops and exacerbated ALT activity. Together, our findings highlight XRN2 as a key determinant of TERRA metabolism and telomere stability in cancer cells that rely on the ALT pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Reiss
- Departments of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, and Medicine, Cancer Center, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Joshua Keegan
- Departments of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, and Medicine, Cancer Center, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Anne Aldrich
- Departments of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Shawn M. Lyons
- Departments of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Rachel Litman Flynn
- Departments of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, and Medicine, Cancer Center, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
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21
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Feng Q, Lin Z, Deng Y, Ran Y, Yu R, Xiang AP, Ye C, Yao C. The U1 antisense morpholino oligonucleotide (AMO) disrupts U1 snRNP structure to promote intronic PCPA modification of pre-mRNAs. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:104854. [PMID: 37224962 PMCID: PMC10404622 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104854] [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: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Functional depletion of the U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) with a 25 nt U1 AMO (antisense morpholino oligonucleotide) may lead to intronic premature cleavage and polyadenylation of thousands of genes, a phenomenon known as U1 snRNP telescripting; however, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. In this study, we demonstrated that U1 AMO could disrupt U1 snRNP structure both in vitro and in vivo, thereby affecting the U1 snRNP-RNAP polymerase II interaction. By performing chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing for phosphorylation of Ser2 and Ser5 of the C-terminal domain of RPB1, the largest subunit of RNAP polymerase II, we showed that transcription elongation was disturbed upon U1 AMO treatment, with a particular high phosphorylation of Ser2 signal at intronic cryptic polyadenylation sites (PASs). In addition, we showed that core 3'processing factors CPSF/CstF are involved in the processing of intronic cryptic PAS. Their recruitment accumulated toward cryptic PASs upon U1 AMO treatment, as indicated by chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing and individual-nucleotide resolution CrossLinking and ImmunoPrecipitation sequencing analysis. Conclusively, our data suggest that disruption of U1 snRNP structure mediated by U1 AMO provides a key for understanding the U1 telescripting mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiumin Feng
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zejin Lin
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yanhui Deng
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yi Ran
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Rui Yu
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Andy Peng Xiang
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Congting Ye
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
| | - Chengguo Yao
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Advanced Medical Technology Center, The first Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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22
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Estell C, Davidson L, Eaton JD, Kimura H, Gold VAM, West S. A restrictor complex of ZC3H4, WDR82, and ARS2 integrates with PNUTS to control unproductive transcription. Mol Cell 2023:S1097-2765(23)00385-4. [PMID: 37329883 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The transcriptional termination of unstable non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) is poorly understood compared to coding transcripts. We recently identified ZC3H4-WDR82 ("restrictor") as restricting human ncRNA transcription, but how it does this is unknown. Here, we show that ZC3H4 additionally associates with ARS2 and the nuclear exosome targeting complex. The domains of ZC3H4 that contact ARS2 and WDR82 are required for ncRNA restriction, suggesting their presence in a functional complex. Consistently, ZC3H4, WDR82, and ARS2 co-transcriptionally control an overlapping population of ncRNAs. ZC3H4 is proximal to the negative elongation factor, PNUTS, which we show enables restrictor function and is required to terminate the transcription of all major RNA polymerase II transcript classes. In contrast to short ncRNAs, longer protein-coding transcription is supported by U1 snRNA, which shields transcripts from restrictor and PNUTS at hundreds of genes. These data provide important insights into the mechanism and control of transcription by restrictor and PNUTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Estell
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter, EX4 4QD, United Kingdom
| | - Lee Davidson
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter, EX4 4QD, United Kingdom
| | - Joshua D Eaton
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter, EX4 4QD, United Kingdom
| | - Hiroshi Kimura
- Cell Biology Centre, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 226-8503, Japan
| | - Vicki A M Gold
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter, EX4 4QD, United Kingdom
| | - Steven West
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter, EX4 4QD, United Kingdom.
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23
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Rouvière JO, Salerno-Kochan A, Lykke-Andersen S, Garland W, Dou Y, Rathore O, Molska EŠ, Wu G, Schmid M, Bugai A, Jakobsen L, Žumer K, Cramer P, Andersen JS, Conti E, Jensen TH. ARS2 instructs early transcription termination-coupled RNA decay by recruiting ZC3H4 to nascent transcripts. Mol Cell 2023:S1097-2765(23)00384-2. [PMID: 37329882 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The RNA-binding ARS2 protein is centrally involved in both early RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) transcription termination and transcript decay. Despite its essential nature, the mechanisms by which ARS2 enacts these functions have remained unclear. Here, we show that a conserved basic domain of ARS2 binds a corresponding acidic-rich, short linear motif (SLiM) in the transcription restriction factor ZC3H4. This interaction recruits ZC3H4 to chromatin to elicit RNAPII termination, independent of other early termination pathways defined by the cleavage and polyadenylation (CPA) and Integrator (INT) complexes. We find that ZC3H4, in turn, forms a direct connection to the nuclear exosome targeting (NEXT) complex, hereby facilitating rapid degradation of the nascent RNA. Hence, ARS2 instructs the coupled transcription termination and degradation of the transcript onto which it is bound. This contrasts with ARS2 function at CPA-instructed termination sites where the protein exclusively partakes in RNA suppression via post-transcriptional decay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérôme O Rouvière
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Universitetsbyen 81, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Anna Salerno-Kochan
- Department of Structural Cell Biology, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Munich, Germany
| | - Søren Lykke-Andersen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Universitetsbyen 81, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - William Garland
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Universitetsbyen 81, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Yuhui Dou
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Universitetsbyen 81, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Om Rathore
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Universitetsbyen 81, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ewa Šmidová Molska
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Universitetsbyen 81, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Guifen Wu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Universitetsbyen 81, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Manfred Schmid
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Universitetsbyen 81, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Andrii Bugai
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Universitetsbyen 81, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lis Jakobsen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense M, Denmark
| | - Kristina Žumer
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Patrick Cramer
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jens S Andersen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense M, Denmark
| | - Elena Conti
- Department of Structural Cell Biology, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Munich, Germany
| | - Torben Heick Jensen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Universitetsbyen 81, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
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24
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de Felippes FF, Waterhouse PM. Plant terminators: the unsung heroes of gene expression. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2023; 74:2239-2250. [PMID: 36477559 PMCID: PMC10082929 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erac467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
To be properly expressed, genes need to be accompanied by a terminator, a region downstream of the coding sequence that contains the information necessary for the maturation of the mRNA 3' end. The main event in this process is the addition of a poly(A) tail at the 3' end of the new transcript, a critical step in mRNA biology that has important consequences for the expression of genes. Here, we review the mechanism leading to cleavage and polyadenylation of newly transcribed mRNAs and how this process can affect the final levels of gene expression. We give special attention to an aspect often overlooked, the effect that different terminators can have on the expression of genes. We also discuss some exciting findings connecting the choice of terminator to the biogenesis of small RNAs, which are a central part of one of the most important mechanisms of regulation of gene expression in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter M Waterhouse
- Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy, Institute for Future Environments, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Plant Success in Nature & Agriculture, QUT, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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25
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Suzuki H, Furugori K, Abe R, Ogawa S, Ito S, Akiyama T, Horiuchi K, Takahashi H. MED26-containing Mediator may orchestrate multiple transcription processes through organization of nuclear bodies. Bioessays 2023; 45:e2200178. [PMID: 36852638 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202200178] [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: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Mediator is a coregulatory complex that plays essential roles in multiple processes of transcription regulation. One of the human Mediator subunits, MED26, has a role in recruitment of the super elongation complex (SEC) to polyadenylated genes and little elongation complex (LEC) to non-polyadenylated genes, including small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs) and replication-dependent histone (RDH) genes. MED26-containing Mediator plays a role in 3' Pol II pausing at the proximal region of transcript end sites in RDH genes through recruitment of Cajal bodies (CBs) to histone locus bodies (HLBs). This finding suggests that Mediator is involved in the association of CBs with HLBs to facilitate 3' Pol II pausing and subsequent 3'-end processing by supplying 3'-end processing factors from CBs. Thus, we argue the possibility that Mediator is involved in the organization of nuclear bodies to orchestrate multiple processes of gene transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidefumi Suzuki
- Department of Molecular Biology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medical Science, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kazuki Furugori
- Department of Molecular Biology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medical Science, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Ryota Abe
- Department of Molecular Biology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medical Science, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Shintaro Ogawa
- Department of Molecular Biology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medical Science, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Sayaka Ito
- Department of Molecular Biology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medical Science, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Tomohiko Akiyama
- Department of Molecular Biology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medical Science, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Keiko Horiuchi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medical Science, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Hidehisa Takahashi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medical Science, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
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26
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The regulatory function of lncRNA and constructed network in epilepsy. Neurol Sci 2023; 44:1543-1554. [PMID: 36781564 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-06648-5] [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: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epilepsy is a neurological disease characterized by neural network dysfunction. Although most reports indicate that the pathological process of epilepsy is related to inflammation, synaptic plasticity, cell apoptosis, and ion channel dysfunction, the underlying molecular mechanisms of epilepsy are not fully understood. METHODS This review summarizes the latest literature on the roles and characteristics of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the pathogenesis of epilepsy. RESULTS lncRNAs are a class of long transcripts without protein-coding functions that perform important regulatory functions in various biological processes. lncRNAs are involved in the regulation of the pathological process of epilepsy and are abnormally expressed in both patients and animal models. This review provides an overview of research progress in epilepsy, the multifunctional features of lncRNAs, the lncRNA expression pattern related to epileptogenesis and status epilepticus, and the potential mechanisms for the two interactions contributing to epileptogenesis and progression. CONCLUSION lncRNAs can serve as new diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for epilepsy in the future.
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27
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Wagner EJ, Tong L, Adelman K. Integrator is a global promoter-proximal termination complex. Mol Cell 2023; 83:416-427. [PMID: 36634676 PMCID: PMC10866050 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2022.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Integrator is a metazoan-specific protein complex capable of inducing termination at all RNAPII-transcribed loci. Integrator recognizes paused, promoter-proximal RNAPII and drives premature termination using dual enzymatic activities: an endonuclease that cleaves nascent RNA and a protein phosphatase that removes stimulatory phosphorylation associated with RNAPII pause release and productive elongation. Recent breakthroughs in structural biology have revealed the overall architecture of Integrator and provided insights into how multiple Integrator modules are coordinated to elicit termination effectively. Furthermore, functional genomics and biochemical studies have unraveled how Integrator-mediated termination impacts protein-coding and noncoding loci. Here, we review the current knowledge about the assembly and activity of Integrator and describe the role of Integrator in gene regulation, highlighting the importance of this complex for human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric J Wagner
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
| | - Liang Tong
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA.
| | - Karen Adelman
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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28
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Knowing when to stop: Transcription termination on protein-coding genes by eukaryotic RNAPII. Mol Cell 2023; 83:404-415. [PMID: 36634677 PMCID: PMC7614299 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2022.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Gene expression is controlled in a dynamic and regulated manner to allow for the consistent and steady expression of some proteins as well as the rapidly changing production of other proteins. Transcription initiation has been a major focus of study because it is highly regulated. However, termination of transcription also plays an important role in controlling gene expression. Transcription termination on protein-coding genes is intimately linked with 3' end cleavage and polyadenylation of transcripts, and it generally results in the production of a mature mRNA that is exported from the nucleus. Termination on many non-coding genes can also result in the production of a mature transcript. Termination is dynamically regulated-premature termination and transcription readthrough occur in response to a number of cellular signals, and these can have varied consequences on gene expression. Here, we review eukaryotic transcription termination by RNA polymerase II (RNAPII), focusing on protein-coding genes.
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29
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Hao Y, Cai T, Liu C, Zhang X, Fu XD. Sequential Polyadenylation to Enable Alternative mRNA 3' End Formation. Mol Cells 2023; 46:57-64. [PMID: 36697238 PMCID: PMC9880608 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2023.2176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In eukaryotic cells, a key RNA processing step to generate mature mRNA is the coupled reaction for cleavage and polyadenylation (CPA) at the 3' end of individual transcripts. Many transcripts are alternatively polyadenylated (APA) to produce mRNAs with different 3' ends that may either alter protein coding sequence (CDS-APA) or create different lengths of 3'UTR (tandem-APA). As the CPA reaction is intimately associated with transcriptional termination, it has been widely assumed that APA is regulated cotranscriptionally. Isoforms terminated at different regions may have distinct RNA stability under different conditions, thus altering the ratio of APA isoforms. Such differential impacts on different isoforms have been considered as post-transcriptional APA, but strictly speaking, this can only be considered "apparent" APA, as the choice is not made during the CPA reaction. Interestingly, a recent study reveals sequential APA as a new mechanism for post-transcriptional APA. This minireview will focus on this new mechanism to provide insights into various documented regulatory paradigms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajing Hao
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Institute of Genomic Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Ting Cai
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Institute of Genomic Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Institute of Genomic Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Institute of Genomic Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Xiang-Dong Fu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Institute of Genomic Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Present address: Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, China
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30
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Slight Variations in the Sequence Downstream of the Polyadenylation Signal Significantly Increase Transgene Expression in HEK293T and CHO Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415485. [PMID: 36555130 PMCID: PMC9779314 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415485] [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: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Compared to transcription initiation, much less is known about transcription termination. In particular, large-scale mutagenesis studies have, so far, primarily concentrated on promoter and enhancer, but not terminator sequences. Here, we used a massively parallel reporter assay (MPRA) to systematically analyze the influence of short (8 bp) sequence variants (mutations) located downstream of the polyadenylation signal (PAS) on the steady-state mRNA level of the upstream gene, employing an eGFP reporter and human HEK293T cells as a model system. In total, we evaluated 227,755 mutations located at different overlapping positions within +17..+56 bp downstream of the PAS for their ability to regulate the reporter gene expression. We found that the positions +17..+44 bp downstream of the PAS are more essential for gene upregulation than those located more distal to the PAS, and that the mutation sequences ensuring high levels of eGFP mRNA expression are extremely T-rich. Next, we validated the positive effect of a couple of mutations identified in the MPRA screening on the eGFP and luciferase protein expression. The most promising mutation increased the expression of the reporter proteins 13-fold and sevenfold on average in HEK293T and CHO cells, respectively. Overall, these findings might be useful for further improving the efficiency of production of therapeutic products, e.g., recombinant antibodies.
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31
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The PNUTS-PP1 complex acts as an intrinsic barrier to herpesvirus KSHV gene expression and replication. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7447. [PMID: 36460671 PMCID: PMC9718767 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35268-4] [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: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Control of RNA Polymerase II (pol II) elongation is a critical component of gene expression in mammalian cells. The PNUTS-PP1 complex controls elongation rates, slowing pol II after polyadenylation sites to promote termination. The Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) co-opts pol II to express its genes, but little is known about its regulation of pol II elongation. We identified PNUTS as a suppressor of a KSHV reporter gene in a genome-wide CRISPR screen. PNUTS depletion enhances global KSHV gene expression and overall viral replication. Mechanistically, PNUTS requires PP1 interaction, binds viral RNAs downstream of polyadenylation sites, and restricts transcription readthrough of viral genes. Surprisingly, PNUTS also represses productive elongation at the 5´ ends of the KSHV reporter and the KSHV T1.4 RNA. From these data, we conclude that PNUTS' activity constitutes an intrinsic barrier to KSHV replication likely by suppressing pol II elongation at promoter-proximal regions.
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32
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Stein CB, Field AR, Mimoso CA, Zhao C, Huang KL, Wagner EJ, Adelman K. Integrator endonuclease drives promoter-proximal termination at all RNA polymerase II-transcribed loci. Mol Cell 2022; 82:4232-4245.e11. [PMID: 36309014 PMCID: PMC9680917 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2022.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) pausing in early elongation is critical for gene regulation. Paused RNAPII can be released into productive elongation by the kinase P-TEFb or targeted for premature termination by the Integrator complex. Integrator comprises endonuclease and phosphatase activities, driving termination by cleavage of nascent RNA and removal of stimulatory phosphorylation. We generated a degron system for rapid Integrator endonuclease (INTS11) depletion to probe the direct consequences of Integrator-mediated RNA cleavage. Degradation of INTS11 elicits nearly universal increases in active early elongation complexes. However, these RNAPII complexes fail to achieve optimal elongation rates and exhibit persistent Integrator phosphatase activity. Thus, only short transcripts are significantly upregulated following INTS11 loss, including transcription factors, signaling regulators, and non-coding RNAs. We propose a uniform molecular function for INTS11 across all RNAPII-transcribed loci, with differential effects on particular genes, pathways, or RNA biotypes reflective of transcript lengths rather than specificity of Integrator activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad B Stein
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Andrew R Field
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Ludwig Center at Harvard, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Claudia A Mimoso
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - ChenCheng Zhao
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kai-Lieh Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Eric J Wagner
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Karen Adelman
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Ludwig Center at Harvard, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
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33
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Marker-free co-selection for successive rounds of prime editing in human cells. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5909. [PMID: 36207338 PMCID: PMC9546848 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33669-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Prime editing enables the introduction of precise point mutations, small insertions, or short deletions without requiring donor DNA templates. However, efficiency remains a key challenge in a broad range of human cell types. In this work, we design a robust co-selection strategy through coediting of the ubiquitous and essential sodium/potassium pump (Na+/K+ ATPase). We readily engineer highly modified pools of cells and clones with homozygous modifications for functional studies with minimal pegRNA optimization. This process reveals that nicking the non-edited strand stimulates multiallelic editing but often generates tandem duplications and large deletions at the target site, an outcome dictated by the relative orientation of the protospacer adjacent motifs. Our approach streamlines the production of cell lines with multiple genetic modifications to create cellular models for biological research and lays the foundation for the development of cell-type specific co-selection strategies. Prime editing enables the introduction of precise point mutations, small insertions, or short deletions without requiring donor DNA templates. Here the authors develop a co-selection strategy to facilitate prime editing in human cells and provide design principles to prevent the formation of undesired editing byproducts at the target site.
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34
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Cortazar MA, Erickson B, Fong N, Pradhan SJ, Ntini E, Bentley DL. Xrn2 substrate mapping identifies torpedo loading sites and extensive premature termination of RNA pol II transcription. Genes Dev 2022; 36:1062-1078. [PMID: 36396340 PMCID: PMC9744234 DOI: 10.1101/gad.350004.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The exonuclease torpedo Xrn2 loads onto nascent RNA 5'-PO4 ends and chases down pol II to promote termination downstream from polyA sites. We report that Xrn2 is recruited to preinitiation complexes and "travels" to 3' ends of genes. Mapping of 5'-PO4 ends in nascent RNA identified Xrn2 loading sites stabilized by an active site mutant, Xrn2(D235A). Xrn2 loading sites are approximately two to 20 bases downstream from where CPSF73 cleaves at polyA sites and histone 3' ends. We propose that processing of all mRNA 3' ends comprises cleavage and limited 5'-3' trimming by CPSF73, followed by handoff to Xrn2. A similar handoff occurs at tRNA 3' ends, where cotranscriptional RNase Z cleavage generates novel Xrn2 substrates. Exonuclease-dead Xrn2 increased transcription in 3' flanking regions by inhibiting polyA site-dependent termination. Surprisingly, the mutant Xrn2 also rescued transcription in promoter-proximal regions to the same extent as in 3' flanking regions. eNET-seq revealed Xrn2-mediated degradation of sense and antisense nascent RNA within a few bases of the TSS, where 5'-PO4 ends may be generated by decapping or endonucleolytic cleavage. These results suggest that a major fraction of pol II complexes terminates prematurely close to the start site under normal conditions by an Xrn2-mediated torpedo mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A. Cortazar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, RNA Bioscience Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
| | - Benjamin Erickson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, RNA Bioscience Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
| | - Nova Fong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, RNA Bioscience Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
| | - Sarala J. Pradhan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, RNA Bioscience Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
| | - Evgenia Ntini
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology–Hellas (FORTH), Heraklion GR-70013, Greece
| | - David L. Bentley
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, RNA Bioscience Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
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35
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Abstract
Transcription elongation by RNA polymerase II (Pol II) has emerged as a regulatory hub in gene expression. A key control point occurs during early transcription elongation when Pol II pauses in the promoter-proximal region at the majority of genes in mammalian cells and at a large set of genes in Drosophila. An increasing number of trans-acting factors have been linked to promoter-proximal pausing. Some factors help to establish the pause, whereas others are required for the release of Pol II into productive elongation. A dysfunction of this elongation control point leads to aberrant gene expression and can contribute to disease development. The BET bromodomain protein BRD4 has been implicated in elongation control. However, only recently direct BRD4-specific functions in Pol II transcription elongation have been uncovered. This mainly became possible with technological advances that allow selective and rapid ablation of BRD4 in cells along with the availability of approaches that capture the immediate consequences on nascent transcription. This review sheds light on the experimental breakthroughs that led to the emerging view of BRD4 as a general regulator of transcription elongation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Altendorfer
- Otto-Warburg-Laboratory, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Yelizaveta Mochalova
- Otto-Warburg-Laboratory, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Mayer
- Otto-Warburg-Laboratory, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
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36
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Tellier M, Zaborowska J, Neve J, Nojima T, Hester S, Fournier M, Furger A, Murphy S. CDK9 and PP2A regulate RNA polymerase II transcription termination and coupled RNA maturation. EMBO Rep 2022; 23:e54520. [PMID: 35980303 PMCID: PMC9535751 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202154520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
CDK9 is a kinase critical for the productive transcription of protein-coding genes by RNA polymerase II (pol II). As part of P-TEFb, CDK9 phosphorylates the carboxyl-terminal domain (CTD) of pol II and elongation factors, which allows pol II to elongate past the early elongation checkpoint (EEC) encountered soon after initiation. We show that, in addition to halting pol II at the EEC, loss of CDK9 activity causes premature termination of transcription across the last exon, loss of polyadenylation factors from chromatin, and loss of polyadenylation of nascent transcripts. Inhibition of the phosphatase PP2A abrogates the premature termination and loss of polyadenylation caused by CDK9 inhibition, indicating that this kinase/phosphatase pair regulates transcription elongation and RNA processing at the end of protein-coding genes. We also confirm the splicing factor SF3B1 as a target of CDK9 and show that SF3B1 in complex with polyadenylation factors is lost from chromatin after CDK9 inhibition. These results emphasize the important roles that CDK9 plays in coupling transcription elongation and termination to RNA maturation downstream of the EEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Tellier
- Sir William Dunn School of PathologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | | | - Jonathan Neve
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Takayuki Nojima
- Medical Institute of BioregulationKyushu UniversityFukuokaJapan
| | - Svenja Hester
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | | | - Andre Furger
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Shona Murphy
- Sir William Dunn School of PathologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
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37
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Santana JF, Collins GS, Parida M, Luse DS, Price D. Differential dependencies of human RNA polymerase II promoters on TBP, TAF1, TFIIB and XPB. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:9127-9148. [PMID: 35947745 PMCID: PMC9458433 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of rapid acute depletion of components of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) general transcription factors (GTFs) that are thought to be critical for formation of preinitiation complexes (PICs) and initiation in vitro were quantified in HAP1 cells using precision nuclear run-on sequencing (PRO-Seq). The average dependencies for each factor across >70 000 promoters varied widely even though levels of depletions were similar. Some of the effects could be attributed to the presence or absence of core promoter elements such as the upstream TBP-specificity motif or downstream G-rich sequences, but some dependencies anti-correlated with such sequences. While depletion of TBP had a large effect on most Pol III promoters only a small fraction of Pol II promoters were similarly affected. TFIIB depletion had the largest general effect on Pol II and also correlated with apparent termination defects downstream of genes. Our results demonstrate that promoter activity is combinatorially influenced by recruitment of TFIID and sequence-specific transcription factors. They also suggest that interaction of the preinitiation complex (PIC) with nucleosomes can affect activity and that recruitment of TFIID containing TBP only plays a positive role at a subset of promoters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan F Santana
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Geoffrey S Collins
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Mrutyunjaya Parida
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Donal S Luse
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
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38
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Tang P, Zhou Y. Alternative polyadenylation regulation: insights from sequential polyadenylation. Transcription 2022; 13:89-95. [PMID: 36004392 PMCID: PMC9715272 DOI: 10.1080/21541264.2022.2114776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The processing of the proximal and distal poly(A) sites in alternative polyadenylation (APA) has long been thought to independently occur on pre-mRNAs during transcription. However, a recent study by our groups demonstrated that the proximal sites for many genes could be activated sequentially following the distal ones, suggesting a multi-cleavage-same-transcript mode beyond the canonical one-cleavage-per-transcript view. Here, we review the established mechanisms for APA regulation and then discuss the additional insights into APA regulation from the perspective of sequential polyadenylation, resulting in a unified leverage model for understanding the mechanisms of regulated APA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, RNA Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Yu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, RNA Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, P. R. China
- TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, P. R. China
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39
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Song A, Chen FX. The pleiotropic roles of SPT5 in transcription. Transcription 2022; 13:53-69. [PMID: 35876486 PMCID: PMC9467590 DOI: 10.1080/21541264.2022.2103366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Initially discovered by genetic screens in budding yeast, SPT5 and its partner SPT4 form a stable complex known as DSIF in metazoa, which plays pleiotropic roles in multiple steps of transcription. SPT5 is the most conserved transcription elongation factor, being found in all three domains of life; however, its structure has evolved to include new domains and associated posttranslational modifications. These gained features have expanded transcriptional functions of SPT5, likely to meet the demand for increasingly complex regulation of transcription in higher organisms. This review discusses the pleiotropic roles of SPT5 in transcription, including RNA polymerase II (Pol II) stabilization, enhancer activation, Pol II pausing and its release, elongation, and termination, with a focus on the most recent progress of SPT5 functions in regulating metazoan transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aixia Song
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, Province 200032, China
| | - Fei Xavier Chen
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, Province 200032, China
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40
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Rodríguez-Molina JB, O'Reilly FJ, Fagarasan H, Sheekey E, Maslen S, Skehel JM, Rappsilber J, Passmore LA. Mpe1 senses the binding of pre-mRNA and controls 3' end processing by CPF. Mol Cell 2022; 82:2490-2504.e12. [PMID: 35584695 PMCID: PMC9380774 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2022.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Most eukaryotic messenger RNAs (mRNAs) are processed at their 3' end by the cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor (CPF/CPSF). CPF mediates the endonucleolytic cleavage of the pre-mRNA and addition of a polyadenosine (poly(A)) tail, which together define the 3' end of the mature transcript. The activation of CPF is highly regulated to maintain the fidelity of RNA processing. Here, using cryo-EM of yeast CPF, we show that the Mpe1 subunit directly contacts the polyadenylation signal sequence in nascent pre-mRNA. The region of Mpe1 that contacts RNA also promotes the activation of CPF endonuclease activity and controls polyadenylation. The Cft2 subunit of CPF antagonizes the RNA-stabilized configuration of Mpe1. In vivo, the depletion or mutation of Mpe1 leads to widespread defects in transcription termination by RNA polymerase II, resulting in transcription interference on neighboring genes. Together, our data suggest that Mpe1 plays a major role in accurate 3' end processing, activating CPF, and ensuring timely transcription termination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francis J O'Reilly
- Technische Universität Berlin, Chair of Bioanalytics, 10623 Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - Sarah Maslen
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK
| | - J Mark Skehel
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Juri Rappsilber
- Technische Universität Berlin, Chair of Bioanalytics, 10623 Berlin, Germany; Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
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41
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Shirai M, Nara T, Takahashi H, Takayama K, Chen Y, Hirose Y, Fujii M, Awazu A, Shimoda N, Kikuchi Y. Identification of aberrant transcription termination at specific gene loci with DNA hypomethylated transcription termination sites caused by DNA methyltransferase deficiency. Gene 2022; 97:139-152. [PMID: 35718462 DOI: 10.1266/ggs.21-00092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
CpG methylation of genomic DNA is a well-known repressive epigenetic marker in eukaryotic transcription, and DNA methylation of promoter regions is correlated with gene silencing. In contrast to the promoter regions, the function of DNA methylation during transcription termination remains to be elucidated. A recent study revealed that mouse DNA methyltransferase 3a (Dnmt3a) mainly functions in de novo methylation in the promoter and gene body regions, including transcription termination sites (TTSs), during development. To investigate the relationship between DNA methylation overlapping the TTSs and transcription termination, we performed bioinformatics analysis using six pre-existing Dnmt-/- mouse cell datasets: four types of neurons (three Dnmt3a-/- and one Dnmt1-/- mutants) and two types of embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) (Dnmt3a-/- and Dnmt3b-/- mutants). Combined analyses using methylome and transcriptome data revealed that read counts downstream of hypomethylated TTSs were increased in three types of neurons (two Dnmt3a-/- and one Dnmt1-/- mutants). Among these, an increase in chimeric transcripts downstream of the TTSs was observed in Dnmt3a-/- mature olfactory sensory neurons and Dnmt3a-/- agouti-related peptide (protein)-producing neurons, thereby indicating that read-through occurs in hypomethylated TTSs at specific gene loci in these two mutants. Conversely, in Dnmt3a-/- MEFs, we detected reductions in read counts downstream of hypomethylated TTSs. These results indicate that the hypomethylation of TTSs can both positively and negatively regulate transcription termination, dependent on Dnmt and cell types. This study is the first to identify the aberrant termination of transcription at specific gene loci with DNA hypomethylated TTSs attributable to Dnmt deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaki Shirai
- Department of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima
| | - Takuya Nara
- Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima
| | - Haruko Takahashi
- Department of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima.,Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima
| | - Kazuya Takayama
- Department of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima
| | - Yuan Chen
- Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima
| | - Yudai Hirose
- Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima
| | - Masashi Fujii
- Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima
| | - Akinori Awazu
- Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima
| | - Nobuyoshi Shimoda
- Laboratory of Molecular Analysis, Core Facilities, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology
| | - Yutaka Kikuchi
- Department of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima.,Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima
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42
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Suzuki H, Abe R, Shimada M, Hirose T, Hirose H, Noguchi K, Ike Y, Yasui N, Furugori K, Yamaguchi Y, Toyoda A, Suzuki Y, Yamamoto T, Saitoh N, Sato S, Tomomori-Sato C, Conaway RC, Conaway JW, Takahashi H. The 3' Pol II pausing at replication-dependent histone genes is regulated by Mediator through Cajal bodies' association with histone locus bodies. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2905. [PMID: 35614107 PMCID: PMC9133132 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30632-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-polyadenylated mRNAs of replication-dependent histones (RDHs) are synthesized by RNA polymerase II (Pol II) at histone locus bodies (HLBs). HLBs frequently associate with Cajal bodies (CBs), in which 3'-end processing factors for RDH genes are enriched; however, this association's role in transcription termination of RDH genes remains unclear. Here, we show that Pol II pauses immediately upstream of transcript end sites of RDH genes and Mediator plays a role in this Pol II pausing through CBs' association with HLBs. Disruption of the Mediator docking site for Little elongation complex (LEC)-Cap binding complex (CBC)-Negative elongation factor (NELF), components of CBs, interferes with CBs' association with HLBs and 3' Pol II pausing, resulting in increased aberrant unprocessed RDH gene transcripts. Our findings suggest Mediator's involvement in CBs' association with HLBs to facilitate 3' Pol II pausing and subsequent 3'-end processing of RDH genes by supplying 3'-end processing factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidefumi Suzuki
- Department of Molecular Biology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medical Science, 3-9 Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Ryota Abe
- Department of Molecular Biology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medical Science, 3-9 Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Miho Shimada
- Department of Molecular Biology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medical Science, 3-9 Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Tomonori Hirose
- Department of Molecular Biology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medical Science, 3-9 Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Hiroko Hirose
- Department of Molecular Biology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medical Science, 3-9 Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Keisuke Noguchi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medical Science, 3-9 Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Yoko Ike
- Department of Molecular Biology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medical Science, 3-9 Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Nanami Yasui
- Department of Molecular Biology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medical Science, 3-9 Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Kazuki Furugori
- Department of Molecular Biology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medical Science, 3-9 Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Yuki Yamaguchi
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 226-8501, Japan
| | - Atsushi Toyoda
- Comparative Genomics Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, 1111 Yata, Mishima, Shizuoka, 411-8540, Japan
| | - Yutaka Suzuki
- Laboratory of Systems Genomics, Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-8562, Japan
| | - Tatsuro Yamamoto
- Division of Cancer Biology, The Cancer Institute of JFCR, 3-8-31 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan
| | - Noriko Saitoh
- Division of Cancer Biology, The Cancer Institute of JFCR, 3-8-31 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan
| | - Shigeo Sato
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000E 50th Street, Kansas City, MO, 64110, USA
| | - Chieri Tomomori-Sato
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000E 50th Street, Kansas City, MO, 64110, USA
| | - Ronald C Conaway
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000E 50th Street, Kansas City, MO, 64110, USA.,Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, MO, 66160, USA
| | - Joan W Conaway
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000E 50th Street, Kansas City, MO, 64110, USA.,Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, MO, 66160, USA
| | - Hidehisa Takahashi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medical Science, 3-9 Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 236-0004, Japan.
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43
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Kwon B, Fansler MM, Patel ND, Lee J, Ma W, Mayr C. Enhancers regulate 3' end processing activity to control expression of alternative 3'UTR isoforms. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2709. [PMID: 35581194 PMCID: PMC9114392 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30525-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Multi-UTR genes are widely transcribed and express their alternative 3'UTR isoforms in a cell type-specific manner. As transcriptional enhancers regulate mRNA expression, we investigated if they also regulate 3'UTR isoform expression. Endogenous enhancer deletion of the multi-UTR gene PTEN did not impair transcript production but prevented 3'UTR isoform switching which was recapitulated by silencing of an enhancer-bound transcription factor. In reporter assays, enhancers increase transcript production when paired with single-UTR gene promoters. However, when combined with multi-UTR gene promoters, they change 3'UTR isoform expression by increasing 3' end processing activity of polyadenylation sites. Processing activity of polyadenylation sites is affected by transcription factors, including NF-κB and MYC, transcription elongation factors, chromatin remodelers, and histone acetyltransferases. As endogenous cell type-specific enhancers are associated with genes that increase their short 3'UTRs in a cell type-specific manner, our data suggest that transcriptional enhancers integrate cellular signals to regulate cell type-and condition-specific 3'UTR isoform expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Buki Kwon
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Mervin M Fansler
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Tri-Institutional Training Program in Computational Biology and Medicine, Weill Cornell Graduate College, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Neil D Patel
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Jihye Lee
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Weirui Ma
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Christine Mayr
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
- Tri-Institutional Training Program in Computational Biology and Medicine, Weill Cornell Graduate College, New York, NY, 10021, USA.
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44
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Rosa-Mercado NA, Steitz JA. Who let the DoGs out? - biogenesis of stress-induced readthrough transcripts. Trends Biochem Sci 2022; 47:206-217. [PMID: 34489151 PMCID: PMC8840951 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2021.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Readthrough transcription caused by inefficient 3'-end cleavage of nascent mRNAs has emerged as a hallmark of the mammalian cellular stress response and results in the production of long noncoding RNAs known as downstream-of-gene (DoG)-containing transcripts. DoGs arise from around 10% of human protein-coding genes and are retained in the nucleus. They are produced minutes after cell exposure to stress and can be detected hours after stress removal. However, their biogenesis and the role(s) that DoGs or their production play in the cellular stress response are incompletely understood. We discuss findings that implicate host and viral proteins in the mechanisms underlying DoG production, as well as the transcriptional landscapes that accompany DoG induction under different stress conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolle A Rosa-Mercado
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Joan A Steitz
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
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45
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Schmidt M, Kluge F, Sandmeir F, Kühn U, Schäfer P, Tüting C, Ihling C, Conti E, Wahle E. Reconstitution of 3' end processing of mammalian pre-mRNA reveals a central role of RBBP6. Genes Dev 2022; 36:195-209. [PMID: 35177537 PMCID: PMC8887130 DOI: 10.1101/gad.349217.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Here, Schmidt et al. reconstituted the endonucleolytic cleavage of an extended precursor followed by the addition of a poly(A) tail reaction from overproduced and purified proteins, and provide a minimal list of 14 polypeptides that are essential and two that are stimulatory for RNA processing. The 3′ ends of almost all eukaryotic mRNAs are generated in an essential two-step processing reaction: endonucleolytic cleavage of an extended precursor followed by the addition of a poly(A) tail. By reconstituting the reaction from overproduced and purified proteins, we provide a minimal list of 14 polypeptides that are essential and two that are stimulatory for RNA processing. In a reaction depending on the polyadenylation signal AAUAAA, the reconstituted system cleaves pre-mRNA at a single preferred site corresponding to the one used in vivo. Among the proteins, cleavage factor I stimulates cleavage but is not essential, consistent with its prominent role in alternative polyadenylation. RBBP6 is required, with structural data showing it to contact and presumably activate the endonuclease CPSF73 through its DWNN domain. The C-terminal domain of RNA polymerase II is dispensable. ATP, but not its hydrolysis, supports RNA cleavage by binding to the hClp1 subunit of cleavage factor II with submicromolar affinity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Schmidt
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Charles Tanford Protein Center, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06099 Halle, Germany
| | - Florian Kluge
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Charles Tanford Protein Center, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06099 Halle, Germany
| | - Felix Sandmeir
- Department of Structural Cell Biology, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Uwe Kühn
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Charles Tanford Protein Center, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06099 Halle, Germany
| | - Peter Schäfer
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Charles Tanford Protein Center, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06099 Halle, Germany
| | - Christian Tüting
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Charles Tanford Protein Center, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06099 Halle, Germany
| | - Christian Ihling
- Institute of Pharmacy, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06099 Halle, Germany
| | - Elena Conti
- Department of Structural Cell Biology, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Elmar Wahle
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Charles Tanford Protein Center, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06099 Halle, Germany
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46
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Control of non-productive RNA polymerase II transcription via its early termination in metazoans. Biochem Soc Trans 2022; 50:283-295. [PMID: 35166324 DOI: 10.1042/bst20201140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Transcription establishes the universal first step of gene expression where RNA is produced by a DNA-dependent RNA polymerase. The most versatile of eukaryotic RNA polymerases, RNA polymerase II (Pol II), transcribes a broad range of DNA including protein-coding and a variety of non-coding transcription units. Although Pol II can be configured as a durable enzyme capable of transcribing hundreds of kilobases, there is reliable evidence of widespread abortive Pol II transcription termination shortly after initiation, which is often followed by rapid degradation of the associated RNA. The molecular details underlying this phenomenon are still vague but likely reflect the action of quality control mechanisms on the early Pol II complex. Here, we summarize current knowledge of how and when such promoter-proximal quality control is asserted on metazoan Pol II.
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47
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Heat shock induces premature transcript termination and reconfigures the human transcriptome. Mol Cell 2022; 82:1573-1588.e10. [PMID: 35114099 PMCID: PMC9098121 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2022.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The heat shock (HS) response involves rapid induction of HS genes, whereas transcriptional repression is established more slowly at most other genes. Previous data suggested that such repression results from inhibition of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) pause release, but here, we show that HS strongly affects other phases of the transcription cycle. Intriguingly, while elongation rates increase upon HS, processivity markedly decreases, so that RNAPII frequently fails to reach the end of genes. Indeed, HS results in widespread premature transcript termination at cryptic, intronic polyadenylation (IPA) sites near gene 5'-ends, likely via inhibition of U1 telescripting. This results in dramatic reconfiguration of the human transcriptome with production of new, previously unannotated, short mRNAs that accumulate in the nucleus. Together, these results shed new light on the basic transcription mechanisms induced by growth at elevated temperature and show that a genome-wide shift toward usage of IPA sites can occur under physiological conditions.
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48
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Nojima T, Proudfoot NJ. Mechanisms of lncRNA biogenesis as revealed by nascent transcriptomics. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2022; 23:389-406. [DOI: 10.1038/s41580-021-00447-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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49
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Alternative polyadenylation by sequential activation of distal and proximal PolyA sites. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2022; 29:21-31. [PMID: 35013598 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-021-00709-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Analogous to alternative splicing, alternative polyadenylation (APA) has long been thought to occur independently at proximal and distal polyA sites. Using fractionation-seq, we unexpectedly identified several hundred APA genes in human cells whose distal polyA isoforms are retained in chromatin/nuclear matrix and whose proximal polyA isoforms are released into the cytoplasm. Global metabolic PAS-seq and Nanopore long-read RNA-sequencing provide further evidence that the strong distal polyA sites are processed first and the resulting transcripts are subsequently anchored in chromatin/nuclear matrix to serve as precursors for further processing at proximal polyA sites. Inserting an autocleavable ribozyme between the proximal and distal polyA sites, coupled with a Cleave-seq approach that we describe here, confirms that the distal polyA isoform is indeed the precursor to the proximal polyA isoform. Therefore, unlike alternative splicing, APA sites are recognized independently, and in many cases, in a sequential manner. This provides a versatile strategy to regulate gene expression in mammalian cells.
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50
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Mo W, Liu B, Zhang H, Jin X, Lu D, Yu Y, Liu Y, Jia J, Long Y, Deng X, Cao X, Guo H, Zhai J. Landscape of transcription termination in Arabidopsis revealed by single-molecule nascent RNA sequencing. Genome Biol 2021; 22:322. [PMID: 34823554 PMCID: PMC8613925 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-021-02543-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The dynamic process of transcription termination produces transient RNA intermediates that are difficult to distinguish from each other via short-read sequencing methods. RESULTS Here, we use single-molecule nascent RNA sequencing to characterize the various forms of transient RNAs during termination at genome-wide scale in wildtype Arabidopsis and in atxrn3, fpa, and met1 mutants. Our data reveal a wide range of termination windows among genes, ranging from ~ 50 nt to over 1000 nt. We also observe efficient termination before downstream tRNA genes, suggesting that chromatin structure around the promoter region of tRNA genes may block pol II elongation. 5' Cleaved readthrough transcription in atxrn3 with delayed termination can run into downstream genes to produce normally spliced and polyadenylated mRNAs in the absence of their own transcription initiation. Consistent with previous reports, we also observe long chimeric transcripts with cryptic splicing in fpa mutant; but loss of CG DNA methylation has no obvious impact on termination in the met1 mutant. CONCLUSIONS Our method is applicable to establish a comprehensive termination landscape in a broad range of species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weipeng Mo
- Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Institute of Plant and Food Science, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Design for Plant Cell Factory of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Institute of Plant and Food Science, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Design for Plant Cell Factory of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Institute of Plant and Food Science, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Design for Plant Cell Factory of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Xianhao Jin
- Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Institute of Plant and Food Science, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Design for Plant Cell Factory of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Dongdong Lu
- Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Institute of Plant and Food Science, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Design for Plant Cell Factory of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yiming Yu
- Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Institute of Plant and Food Science, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Design for Plant Cell Factory of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yuelin Liu
- Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Institute of Plant and Food Science, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Design for Plant Cell Factory of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Jinbu Jia
- Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Institute of Plant and Food Science, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Design for Plant Cell Factory of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yanping Long
- Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Institute of Plant and Food Science, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Design for Plant Cell Factory of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Xian Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics and National Center for Plant Gene Research (Beijing), Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Xiaofeng Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics and National Center for Plant Gene Research (Beijing), Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Hongwei Guo
- Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Institute of Plant and Food Science, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Design for Plant Cell Factory of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Jixian Zhai
- Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- Institute of Plant and Food Science, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Design for Plant Cell Factory of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
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