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Geisberg JV, Moqtaderi Z, Struhl K. Chromatin regulates alternative polyadenylation via the RNA polymerase II elongation rate. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2405827121. [PMID: 38748572 PMCID: PMC11127049 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2405827121] [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: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The RNA polymerase II (Pol II) elongation rate influences poly(A) site selection, with slow and fast Pol II derivatives causing upstream and downstream shifts, respectively, in poly(A) site utilization. In yeast, depletion of either of the histone chaperones FACT or Spt6 causes an upstream shift of poly(A) site use that strongly resembles the poly(A) profiles of slow Pol II mutant strains. Like slow Pol II mutant strains, FACT- and Spt6-depleted cells exhibit Pol II processivity defects, indicating that both Spt6 and FACT stimulate the Pol II elongation rate. Poly(A) profiles of some genes show atypical downstream shifts; this subset of genes overlaps well for FACT- or Spt6-depleted strains but is different from the atypical genes in Pol II speed mutant strains. In contrast, depletion of histone H3 or H4 causes a downstream shift of poly(A) sites for most genes, indicating that nucleosomes inhibit the Pol II elongation rate in vivo. Thus, chromatin-based control of the Pol II elongation rate is a potential mechanism, distinct from direct effects on the cleavage/polyadenylation machinery, to regulate alternative polyadenylation in response to genetic or environmental changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph V. Geisberg
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02115
| | - Zarmik Moqtaderi
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02115
| | - Kevin Struhl
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02115
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2
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Struhl K. How is polyadenylation restricted to 3'-untranslated regions? Yeast 2024; 41:186-191. [PMID: 38041485 PMCID: PMC11001523 DOI: 10.1002/yea.3915] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Polyadenylation occurs at numerous sites within 3'-untranslated regions (3'-UTRs) but rarely within coding regions. How does Pol II travel through long coding regions without generating poly(A) sites, yet then permits promiscuous polyadenylation once it reaches the 3'-UTR? The cleavage/polyadenylation (CpA) machinery preferentially associates with 3'-UTRs, but it is unknown how its recruitment is restricted to 3'-UTRs during Pol II elongation. Unlike coding regions, 3'-UTRs have long AT-rich stretches of DNA that may be important for restricting polyadenylation to 3'-UTRs. Recognition of the 3'-UTR could occur at the DNA (AT-rich), RNA (AU-rich), or RNA:DNA hybrid (rU:dA- and/or rA:dT-rich) level. Based on the nucleic acid critical for 3'-UTR recognition, there are three classes of models, not mutually exclusive, for how the CpA machinery is selectively recruited to 3'-UTRs, thereby restricting where polyadenylation occurs: (1) RNA-based models suggest that the CpA complex directly (or indirectly through one or more intermediary proteins) binds long AU-rich stretches that are exposed after Pol II passes through these regions. (2) DNA-based models suggest that the AT-rich sequence affects nucleosome depletion or the elongating Pol II machinery, resulting in dissociation of some elongation factors and subsequent recruitment of the CpA machinery. (3) RNA:DNA hybrid models suggest that preferential destabilization of the Pol II elongation complex at rU:dA- and/or rA:dT-rich duplexes bridging the nucleotide addition and RNA exit sites permits preferential association of the CpA machinery with 3'-UTRs. Experiments to provide evidence for one or more of these models are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Struhl
- Dept. Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
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3
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Shine M, Gordon J, Schärfen L, Zigackova D, Herzel L, Neugebauer KM. Co-transcriptional gene regulation in eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2024:10.1038/s41580-024-00706-2. [PMID: 38509203 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-024-00706-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Many steps of RNA processing occur during transcription by RNA polymerases. Co-transcriptional activities are deemed commonplace in prokaryotes, in which the lack of membrane barriers allows mixing of all gene expression steps, from transcription to translation. In the past decade, an extraordinary level of coordination between transcription and RNA processing has emerged in eukaryotes. In this Review, we discuss recent developments in our understanding of co-transcriptional gene regulation in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes, comparing methodologies and mechanisms, and highlight striking parallels in how RNA polymerases interact with the machineries that act on nascent RNA. The development of RNA sequencing and imaging techniques that detect transient transcription and RNA processing intermediates has facilitated discoveries of transcription coordination with splicing, 3'-end cleavage and dynamic RNA folding and revealed physical contacts between processing machineries and RNA polymerases. Such studies indicate that intron retention in a given nascent transcript can prevent 3'-end cleavage and cause transcriptional readthrough, which is a hallmark of eukaryotic cellular stress responses. We also discuss how coordination between nascent RNA biogenesis and transcription drives fundamental aspects of gene expression in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Shine
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jackson Gordon
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Leonard Schärfen
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Dagmar Zigackova
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Lydia Herzel
- Department of Biology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Karla M Neugebauer
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
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4
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Dunn LEM, Birkenheuer CH, Baines JD. A Revision of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Transcription: First, Repress; Then, Express. Microorganisms 2024; 12:262. [PMID: 38399666 PMCID: PMC10892140 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12020262] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The herpes virus genome bears more than 80 strong transcriptional promoters. Upon entry into the host cell nucleus, these genes are transcribed in an orderly manner, producing five immediate-early (IE) gene products, including ICP0, ICP4, and ICP22, while non-IE genes are mostly silent. The IE gene products are necessary for the transcription of temporal classes following sequentially as early, leaky late, and true late. A recent analysis using precision nuclear run-on followed by deep sequencing (PRO-seq) has revealed an important step preceding all HSV-1 transcription. Specifically, the immediate-early proteins ICP4 and ICP0 enter the cell with the incoming genome to help preclude the nascent antisense, intergenic, and sense transcription of all viral genes. VP16, which is also delivered into the nucleus upon entry, almost immediately reverses this repression on IE genes. The resulting de novo expression of ICP4 and ICP22 further repress antisense, intergenic, and early and late viral gene transcription through different mechanisms before the sequential de-repression of these gene classes later in infection. This early repression, termed transient immediate-early protein-mediated repression (TIEMR), precludes unproductive, antisense, intergenic, and late gene transcription early in infection to ensure the efficient and orderly progression of the viral cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E M Dunn
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| | - Claire H Birkenheuer
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| | - Joel D Baines
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
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5
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Ohtsuka H, Otsubo Y, Shimasaki T, Yamashita A, Aiba H. ecl family genes: Factors linking starvation and lifespan extension in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Mol Microbiol 2023; 120:645-657. [PMID: 37525511 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.15134] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
In the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, the duration of survival in the stationary phase, termed the chronological lifespan (CLS), is affected by various environmental factors and the corresponding gene activities. The ecl family genes were identified in the genomic region encoding non-coding RNA as positive regulators of CLS in S. pombe, and subsequently shown to encode relatively short proteins. Several studies revealed that ecl family genes respond to various nutritional starvation conditions via different mechanisms, and they are additionally involved in stress resistance, autophagy, sexual differentiation, and cell cycle control. Recent studies reported that Ecl family proteins strongly suppress target of rapamycin complex 1, which is a conserved eukaryotic nutrient-sensing kinase complex that also regulates longevity in a variety of organisms. In this review, we introduce the regulatory mechanisms of Ecl family proteins and discuss their emerging findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hokuto Ohtsuka
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Department of Basic Medicinal Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yoko Otsubo
- Interdisciplinary Research Unit, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Japan
| | - Takafumi Shimasaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Department of Basic Medicinal Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Akira Yamashita
- Interdisciplinary Research Unit, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Aiba
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Department of Basic Medicinal Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
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6
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Saadh MJ, Arellano MTC, Saini RS, Amin AH, Sharma N, Arias-Gonzáles JL, Alsandook T, Cotrina-Aliaga JC, Akhavan-Sigari R. Molecular mechanisms of long non-coding RNAs in differentiation of T Helper17 cells. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 123:110728. [PMID: 37572506 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
T helper (Th) 17 cells are one of the most important T cell subsets in a number of autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases. During infections, Th17 cells appear to play an important role in the clearance of extracellular pathogens. Th17 cells, on the other hand, are engaged in inflammation and have been linked to the pathophysiology of a number of autoimmune illnesses and human inflammatory disorders. A diverse group of RNA molecules known as lncRNAs serve critical functions in gene expression regulation. They may interact with a wide range of molecules, including DNA, RNA, and proteins, and have a complex structure. LncRNAs, which have restricted or no protein-coding activity, are implicated in a number of illnesses due to their regulatory impact on a variety of biological processes such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation. Several lncRNAs have been associated with Th7 cell development in the context of immune cell differentiation. In this article, we cover new studies on the involvement of lncRNAs in Th17 cell differentiation in a variety of disorders, including auto-immune diseases, malignancies, asthma, heart disease, and infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed J Saadh
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Middle East University, Amman 11831, Jordan; Applied Science Research Center. Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan.
| | | | | | - Ali H Amin
- Deanship of Scientific Research, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Nidhi Sharma
- Department of Computer Engineering & Application, GLA University, Mathura, India.
| | | | - Tahani Alsandook
- Dentistry Department, Al-Turath University College, Baghdad, Iraq.
| | | | - Reza Akhavan-Sigari
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Tuebingen, Germany; Department of Health Care Management and Clinical Research, Collegium Humanum Warsaw Management University Warsaw, Poland.
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7
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Al-Hawary SIS, Kashikova K, Ioffe EM, Izbasarova A, Hjazi A, Tayyib NA, Alsalamy A, Hussien BM, Hameed M, Abdalkareem MJ. Pathological role of LncRNAs in immune-related disease via regulation of T regulatory cells. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 249:154709. [PMID: 37586216 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Human regulatory T cells (Tregs) are essential in pathogenesis of several diseases such as autoimmune diseases and cancers, and their imbalances may be promoting factor in these disorders. The development of the proinflammatory T cell subset TH17 and its balance with the generation of regulatory T cells (Treg) is linked to autoimmune disease and cancers. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have recently emerged as powerful regulatory molecules in a variety of diseases and can regulate the expression of significant genes at multiple levels through epigenetic regulation and by modulating transcription, post-transcriptional processes, translation, and protein modification. They may interact with a wide range of molecules, including DNA, RNA, and proteins, and have a complex structural makeup. LncRNAs are implicated in a range of illnesses due to their regulatory impact on a variety of biological processes such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation. In this regard, a prominent example is lncRNA NEAT1 which several studies have performed to determine its role in the differentiation of immune cells. Many other lncRNAs have been linked to Treg cell differentiation in the context of immune cell differentiation. In this study, we review recent research on the various roles of lncRNAs in differentiation of Treg cell and regulation of the Th17/Treg balance in autoimmune diseases and tumors in which T regs play an important role.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Khadisha Kashikova
- Caspian University, International School of Medicine, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Elena M Ioffe
- Department of Military Clinical Hospital, Ministry of Defence, Almaty, Kazakhstan.
| | | | - Ahmed Hjazi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nahla A Tayyib
- Faculty of Nursing, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Alsalamy
- College of technical engineering, Imam Ja'afar Al-Sadiq University, Al-Muthanna 66002, Iraq
| | - Beneen M Hussien
- Medical Laboratory Technology Department, College of Medical Technology, The Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq
| | - Mohamood Hameed
- Medical Technical College, Al-Farahidi University, Baghdad, Iraq
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8
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Cao J, Kuyumcu-Martinez MN. Alternative polyadenylation regulation in cardiac development and cardiovascular disease. Cardiovasc Res 2023; 119:1324-1335. [PMID: 36657944 PMCID: PMC10262186 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvad014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Cleavage and polyadenylation of pre-mRNAs is a necessary step for gene expression and function. Majority of human genes exhibit multiple polyadenylation sites, which can be alternatively used to generate different mRNA isoforms from a single gene. Alternative polyadenylation (APA) of pre-mRNAs is important for the proteome and transcriptome landscape. APA is tightly regulated during development and contributes to tissue-specific gene regulation. Mis-regulation of APA is linked to a wide range of pathological conditions. APA-mediated gene regulation in the heart is emerging as a new area of research. Here, we will discuss the impact of APA on gene regulation during heart development and in cardiovascular diseases. First, we will briefly review how APA impacts gene regulation and discuss molecular mechanisms that control APA. Then, we will address APA regulation during heart development and its dysregulation in cardiovascular diseases. Finally, we will discuss pre-mRNA targeting strategies to correct aberrant APA patterns of essential genes for the treatment or prevention of cardiovascular diseases. The RNA field is blooming due to advancements in RNA-based technologies. RNA-based vaccines and therapies are becoming the new line of effective and safe approaches for the treatment and prevention of human diseases. Overall, this review will be influential for understanding gene regulation at the RNA level via APA in the heart and will help design RNA-based tools for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Cao
- Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100124, PR China
| | - Muge N Kuyumcu-Martinez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77573, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Institute for Translational Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77573, USA
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9
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Sanchez AM, Garg A, Schwer B, Shuman S. Duf89 abets lncRNA control of fission yeast phosphate homeostasis via its antagonism of precocious lncRNA transcription termination. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 29:808-825. [PMID: 36882296 PMCID: PMC10187668 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079595.123] [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: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Fission yeast phosphate homeostasis gene pho1 is actively repressed during growth in phosphate-rich medium by transcription in cis of a long noncoding (lnc) RNA from the 5' flanking prt(nc-pho1) gene. Pho1 expression is: (i) derepressed by genetic maneuvers that favor precocious lncRNA 3'-processing and termination, in response to DSR and PAS signals in prt; and (ii) hyperrepressed in genetic backgrounds that dampen 3'-processing/termination efficiency. Governors of 3'-processing/termination include the RNA polymerase CTD code, the CPF (cleavage and polyadenylation factor) complex, termination factors Seb1 and Rhn1, and the inositol pyrophosphate signaling molecule 1,5-IP8 Here, we present genetic and biochemical evidence that fission yeast Duf89, a metal-dependent phosphatase/pyrophosphatase, is an antagonist of precocious 3'-processing/termination. We show that derepression of pho1 in duf89Δ cells correlates with squelching the production of full-length prt lncRNA and is erased or attenuated by: (i) DSR/PAS mutations in prt; (ii) loss-of-function mutations in components of the 3'-processing and termination machinery; (iii) elimination of the CTD Thr4-PO4 mark; (iv) interdicting CTD prolyl isomerization by Pin1; (v) inactivating the Asp1 kinase that synthesizes IP8; and (vi) loss of the putative IP8 sensor Spx1. The findings that duf89Δ is synthetically lethal with pho1-derepressive mutations CTD-S7A and aps1Δ-and that this lethality is rescued by CTD-T4A, CPF/Rhn1/Pin1 mutations, and spx1Δ-implicate Duf89 more broadly as a collaborator in cotranscriptional regulation of essential fission yeast genes. The duf89-D252A mutation, which abolishes Duf89 phosphohydrolase activity, phenocopied duf89 +, signifying that duf89Δ phenotypes are a consequence of Duf89 protein absence, not absence of Duf89 catalysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Sanchez
- Molecular Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, New York 10065, USA
- Gerstner Sloan Kettering Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Angad Garg
- Molecular Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Beate Schwer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Stewart Shuman
- Molecular Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, New York 10065, USA
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10
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Duval M, Yague-Sanz C, Turowski TW, Petfalski E, Tollervey D, Bachand F. The conserved RNA-binding protein Seb1 promotes cotranscriptional ribosomal RNA processing by controlling RNA polymerase I progression. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3013. [PMID: 37230993 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38826-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcription by RNA polymerase I (RNAPI) represents most of the transcriptional activity in eukaryotic cells and is associated with the production of mature ribosomal RNA (rRNA). As several rRNA maturation steps are coupled to RNAPI transcription, the rate of RNAPI elongation directly influences processing of nascent pre-rRNA, and changes in RNAPI transcription rate can result in alternative rRNA processing pathways in response to growth conditions and stress. However, factors and mechanisms that control RNAPI progression by influencing transcription elongation rate remain poorly understood. We show here that the conserved fission yeast RNA-binding protein Seb1 associates with the RNAPI transcription machinery and promotes RNAPI pausing states along the rDNA. The overall faster progression of RNAPI at the rDNA in Seb1-deficient cells impaired cotranscriptional pre-rRNA processing and the production of mature rRNAs. Given that Seb1 also influences pre-mRNA processing by modulating RNAPII progression, our findings unveil Seb1 as a pause-promoting factor for RNA polymerases I and II to control cotranscriptional RNA processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Duval
- RNA group, Department of Biochemistry & Functional Genomics, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Carlo Yague-Sanz
- RNA group, Department of Biochemistry & Functional Genomics, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
- URPHYM-GEMO, The University of Namur, 5000, Namur, Belgium
| | - Tomasz W Turowski
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - David Tollervey
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - François Bachand
- RNA group, Department of Biochemistry & Functional Genomics, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
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11
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Ohtsuka H, Sakata H, Kitazaki Y, Tada M, Shimasaki T, Otsubo Y, Maekawa Y, Kobayashi M, Imada K, Yamashita A, Aiba H. The ecl family gene ecl3+ is induced by phosphate starvation and contributes to sexual differentiation in fission yeast. J Cell Sci 2023; 136:287015. [PMID: 36779416 PMCID: PMC10038150 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.260759] [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: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/14/2023] Open
Abstract
In Schizosaccharomyces pombe, ecl family genes are induced by several signals, such as starvation of various nutrients, including sulfur, amino acids and Mg2+, and environmental stress, including heat or oxidative stress. These genes mediate appropriate cellular responses and contribute to the maintenance of cell viability and induction of sexual differentiation. Although this yeast has three ecl family genes with overlapping functions, any environmental conditions that induce ecl3+ remain unidentified. We demonstrate that ecl3+ is induced by phosphate starvation, similar to its chromosomally neighboring genes, pho1+ and pho84+, which respectively encode an extracellular acid phosphatase and an inorganic phosphate transporter. ecl3+ expression was induced by the transcription factor Pho7 and affected by the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)-activating kinase Csk1. Phosphate starvation induced G1 arrest and sexual differentiation via ecl family genes. Biochemical analyses suggested that this G1 arrest was mediated by the stabilization of the CDK inhibitor Rum1, which was dependent on ecl family genes. This study shows that ecl family genes are required for appropriate responses to phosphate starvation and provides novel insights into the diversity and similarity of starvation responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hokuto Ohtsuka
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
| | - Hiroki Sakata
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
| | - Yuto Kitazaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
| | - Masanobu Tada
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
| | - Takafumi Shimasaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
| | - Yoko Otsubo
- Interdisciplinary Research Unit, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Aichi 444-858, Japan
- National Institute for Fusion Science, Toki, Gifu 509-5292, Japan
- Center for Novel Science Initiatives, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
| | - Yasukichi Maekawa
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
| | - Mikuto Kobayashi
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
| | - Kazuki Imada
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, National Institute of Technology (KOSEN), Suzuka College, Suzuka 510-0294, Japan
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Osaka City University, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka 558-8585, Japan
| | - Akira Yamashita
- Interdisciplinary Research Unit, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Aichi 444-858, Japan
- Center for Low-temperature Plasma Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8603, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Aiba
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
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12
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Ohtsuka H, Imada K, Shimasaki T, Aiba H. Sporulation: A response to starvation in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Microbiologyopen 2022; 11:e1303. [PMID: 35765188 PMCID: PMC9214231 DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.1303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe employs two main strategies to adapt to the environment and survive when starved for nutrients. The strategies employ sporulation via sexual differentiation and extension of the chronological lifespan. When a cell is exposed to nutrient starvation in the presence of a cell of the opposite sex, the cells undergo fusion through conjugation and sporulation through meiosis. S. pombe spores are highly resistant to diverse stresses and may survive for a very long time. In this minireview, among the various sexual differentiation processes induced by starvation, we focused on and summarized the findings of the molecular mechanisms of spore formation in fission yeast. Furthermore, comparative measurements of the chronological lifespan of stationary phase cells and G0 cells and the survival period of spore cells revealed that the spore cells survived for a long period, indicating the presence of an effective mechanism for survival. Currently, many molecules involved in sporulation and their functions are being discovered; however, our understanding of these is not complete. Further understanding of spores may not only deepen our comprehension of sexual differentiation but may also provide hints for sustaining life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hokuto Ohtsuka
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Department of Basic Medicinal Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kazuki Imada
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, National Institute of Technology (KOSEN), Suzuka College, Suzuka, Japan.,Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Osaka City University, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takafumi Shimasaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Department of Basic Medicinal Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Aiba
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Department of Basic Medicinal Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Japan
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13
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Brooks AN, Hughes AL, Clauder-Münster S, Mitchell LA, Boeke JD, Steinmetz LM. Transcriptional neighborhoods regulate transcript isoform lengths and expression levels. Science 2022; 375:1000-1005. [PMID: 35239377 DOI: 10.1126/science.abg0162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Sequence features of genes and their flanking regulatory regions are determinants of RNA transcript isoform expression and have been used as context-independent plug-and-play modules in synthetic biology. However, genetic context-including the adjacent transcriptional environment-also influences transcript isoform expression levels and boundaries. We used synthetic yeast strains with stochastically repositioned genes to systematically disentangle the effects of sequence and context. Profiling 120 million full-length transcript molecules across 612 genomic perturbations, we observed sequence-independent alterations to gene expression levels and transcript isoform boundaries that were influenced by neighboring transcription. We identified features of transcriptional context that could predict these alterations and used these features to engineer a synthetic circuit where transcript length was controlled by neighboring transcription. This demonstrates how positional context can be leveraged in synthetic genome engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron N Brooks
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Genome Biology Unit, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Amanda L Hughes
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Genome Biology Unit, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sandra Clauder-Münster
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Genome Biology Unit, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Leslie A Mitchell
- Institute for Systems Genetics and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Jef D Boeke
- Institute for Systems Genetics and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA
| | - Lars M Steinmetz
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Genome Biology Unit, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany.,Stanford Genome Technology Center, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA.,Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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14
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Faber MW, Vo TV. Long RNA-Mediated Chromatin Regulation in Fission Yeast and Mammals. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:968. [PMID: 35055152 PMCID: PMC8778201 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
As part of a complex network of genome control, long regulatory RNAs exert significant influences on chromatin dynamics. Understanding how this occurs could illuminate new avenues for disease treatment and lead to new hypotheses that would advance gene regulatory research. Recent studies using the model fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe (S. pombe) and powerful parallel sequencing technologies have provided many insights in this area. This review will give an overview of key findings in S. pombe that relate long RNAs to multiple levels of chromatin regulation: histone modifications, gene neighborhood regulation in cis and higher-order chromosomal ordering. Moreover, we discuss parallels recently found in mammals to help bridge the knowledge gap between the study systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tommy V. Vo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
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15
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Rodriguez-Lopez M, Anver S, Cotobal C, Kamrad S, Malecki M, Correia-Melo C, Hoti M, Townsend S, Marguerat S, Pong SK, Wu MY, Montemayor L, Howell M, Ralser M, Bähler J. Functional profiling of long intergenic non-coding RNAs in fission yeast. eLife 2022; 11:e76000. [PMID: 34984977 PMCID: PMC8730722 DOI: 10.7554/elife.76000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotic genomes express numerous long intergenic non-coding RNAs (lincRNAs) that do not overlap any coding genes. Some lincRNAs function in various aspects of gene regulation, but it is not clear in general to what extent lincRNAs contribute to the information flow from genotype to phenotype. To explore this question, we systematically analysed cellular roles of lincRNAs in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Using seamless CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing, we deleted 141 lincRNA genes to broadly phenotype these mutants, together with 238 diverse coding-gene mutants for functional context. We applied high-throughput colony-based assays to determine mutant growth and viability in benign conditions and in response to 145 different nutrient, drug, and stress conditions. These analyses uncovered phenotypes for 47.5% of the lincRNAs and 96% of the protein-coding genes. For 110 lincRNA mutants, we also performed high-throughput microscopy and flow cytometry assays, linking 37% of these lincRNAs with cell-size and/or cell-cycle control. With all assays combined, we detected phenotypes for 84 (59.6%) of all lincRNA deletion mutants tested. For complementary functional inference, we analysed colony growth of strains ectopically overexpressing 113 lincRNA genes under 47 different conditions. Of these overexpression strains, 102 (90.3%) showed altered growth under certain conditions. Clustering analyses provided further functional clues and relationships for some of the lincRNAs. These rich phenomics datasets associate lincRNA mutants with hundreds of phenotypes, indicating that most of the lincRNAs analysed exert cellular functions in specific environmental or physiological contexts. This study provides groundwork to further dissect the roles of these lincRNAs in the relevant conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rodriguez-Lopez
- University College London, Institute of Healthy Ageing and Department of Genetics, Evolution & EnvironmentLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Shajahan Anver
- University College London, Institute of Healthy Ageing and Department of Genetics, Evolution & EnvironmentLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Cristina Cotobal
- University College London, Institute of Healthy Ageing and Department of Genetics, Evolution & EnvironmentLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Stephan Kamrad
- University College London, Institute of Healthy Ageing and Department of Genetics, Evolution & EnvironmentLondonUnited Kingdom
- The Francis Crick Institute, Molecular Biology of Metabolism LaboratoryLondonUnited Kingdom
- Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of BiochemistryBerlinGermany
| | - Michal Malecki
- University College London, Institute of Healthy Ageing and Department of Genetics, Evolution & EnvironmentLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Clara Correia-Melo
- The Francis Crick Institute, Molecular Biology of Metabolism LaboratoryLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Mimoza Hoti
- University College London, Institute of Healthy Ageing and Department of Genetics, Evolution & EnvironmentLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - StJohn Townsend
- University College London, Institute of Healthy Ageing and Department of Genetics, Evolution & EnvironmentLondonUnited Kingdom
- The Francis Crick Institute, Molecular Biology of Metabolism LaboratoryLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Samuel Marguerat
- University College London, Institute of Healthy Ageing and Department of Genetics, Evolution & EnvironmentLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Sheng Kai Pong
- University College London, Institute of Healthy Ageing and Department of Genetics, Evolution & EnvironmentLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Mary Y Wu
- The Francis Crick Institute, High Throughput ScreeningLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Luis Montemayor
- University College London, Institute of Healthy Ageing and Department of Genetics, Evolution & EnvironmentLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Michael Howell
- The Francis Crick Institute, High Throughput ScreeningLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Markus Ralser
- The Francis Crick Institute, Molecular Biology of Metabolism LaboratoryLondonUnited Kingdom
- Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of BiochemistryBerlinGermany
| | - Jürg Bähler
- University College London, Institute of Healthy Ageing and Department of Genetics, Evolution & EnvironmentLondonUnited Kingdom
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16
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Garg A, Shuman S, Schwer B. Genetic screen for suppression of transcriptional interference reveals fission yeast 14-3-3 protein Rad24 as an antagonist of precocious Pol2 transcription termination. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 50:803-819. [PMID: 34967420 PMCID: PMC8789043 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab1263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Expression of fission yeast Pho1 acid phosphatase is repressed under phosphate-replete conditions by transcription of an upstream prt lncRNA that interferes with the pho1 mRNA promoter. lncRNA control of pho1 mRNA synthesis is influenced by inositol pyrophosphate (IPP) kinase Asp1, deletion of which results in pho1 hyper-repression. A forward genetic screen for ADS (Asp1 Deletion Suppressor) mutations identified the 14–3–3 protein Rad24 as a governor of phosphate homeostasis. Production of full-length interfering prt lncRNA was squelched in rad24Δ cells, concomitant with increased production of pho1 mRNA and increased Pho1 activity, while shorter precociously terminated non-interfering prt transcripts persisted. Epistasis analysis showed that pho1 de-repression by rad24Δ depends on: (i) 3′-processing and transcription termination factors CPF, Pin1, and Rhn1; and (ii) Threonine-4 of the Pol2 CTD. Combining rad24Δ with the IPP pyrophosphatase-dead asp1-H397A allele caused a severe synthetic growth defect that was ameliorated by loss-of-function mutations in CPF, Pin1, and Rhn1, and by CTD phospho-site mutations T4A and Y1F. Rad24 function in repressing pho1 was effaced by mutation of its phosphate-binding pocket. Our findings instate a new role for a 14–3–3 protein as an antagonist of precocious RNA 3′-processing/termination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angad Garg
- Molecular Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Stewart Shuman
- Molecular Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Beate Schwer
- Dept. of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
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17
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De S, Edwards DM, Dwivedi V, Wang J, Varsally W, Dixon HL, Singh AK, Owuamalam PO, Wright MT, Summers RP, Hossain MN, Price EM, Wojewodzic MW, Falciani F, Hodges NJ, Saponaro M, Tanaka K, Azzalin CM, Baumann P, Hebenstreit D, Brogna S. Genome-wide chromosomal association of Upf1 is linked to Pol II transcription in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 50:350-367. [PMID: 34928380 PMCID: PMC8754637 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab1249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the RNA helicase Upf1 has hitherto been examined mostly in relation to its cytoplasmic role in nonsense mediated mRNA decay (NMD), here we report high-throughput ChIP data indicating genome-wide association of Upf1 with active genes in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. This association is RNase sensitive, correlates with Pol II transcription and mRNA expression levels. Changes in Pol II occupancy were detected in a Upf1 deficient (upf1Δ) strain, prevalently at genes showing a high Upf1 relative to Pol II association in wild-type. Additionally, an increased Ser2 Pol II signal was detected at all highly transcribed genes examined by ChIP-qPCR. Furthermore, upf1Δ cells are hypersensitive to the transcription elongation inhibitor 6-azauracil. A significant proportion of the genes associated with Upf1 in wild-type conditions are also mis-regulated in upf1Δ. These data envisage that by operating on the nascent transcript, Upf1 might influence Pol II phosphorylation and transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandip De
- School of Biosciences and Birmingham Centre of Genome Biology (BCGB), University of Birmingham, UK.,Division of Cellular and Gene Therapies, Tumor Vaccines and Biotechnology Branch, Center for Biologics and Evaluation Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - David M Edwards
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Vibha Dwivedi
- School of Biosciences and Birmingham Centre of Genome Biology (BCGB), University of Birmingham, UK
| | - Jianming Wang
- School of Biosciences and Birmingham Centre of Genome Biology (BCGB), University of Birmingham, UK
| | - Wazeer Varsally
- School of Biosciences and Birmingham Centre of Genome Biology (BCGB), University of Birmingham, UK
| | - Hannah L Dixon
- School of Biosciences and Birmingham Centre of Genome Biology (BCGB), University of Birmingham, UK
| | - Anand K Singh
- School of Biosciences and Birmingham Centre of Genome Biology (BCGB), University of Birmingham, UK.,Interdisciplinary School of Life Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Precious O Owuamalam
- School of Biosciences and Birmingham Centre of Genome Biology (BCGB), University of Birmingham, UK
| | - Matthew T Wright
- School of Biosciences and Birmingham Centre of Genome Biology (BCGB), University of Birmingham, UK
| | - Reece P Summers
- School of Biosciences and Birmingham Centre of Genome Biology (BCGB), University of Birmingham, UK
| | - Md Nazmul Hossain
- School of Biosciences and Birmingham Centre of Genome Biology (BCGB), University of Birmingham, UK.,Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh
| | - Emily M Price
- School of Biosciences and Birmingham Centre of Genome Biology (BCGB), University of Birmingham, UK
| | - Marcin W Wojewodzic
- School of Biosciences and Birmingham Centre of Genome Biology (BCGB), University of Birmingham, UK.,Department of Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway & Department of Research, Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway & Environmental Genomics, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Francesco Falciani
- School of Biosciences and Birmingham Centre of Genome Biology (BCGB), University of Birmingham, UK
| | - Nikolas J Hodges
- School of Biosciences and Birmingham Centre of Genome Biology (BCGB), University of Birmingham, UK
| | - Marco Saponaro
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, UK
| | - Kayoko Tanaka
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, UK
| | - Claus M Azzalin
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes (iMM), Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | | | - Saverio Brogna
- School of Biosciences and Birmingham Centre of Genome Biology (BCGB), University of Birmingham, UK
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18
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Naro C, Bielli P, Sette C. Oncogenic dysregulation of pre-mRNA processing by protein kinases: challenges and therapeutic opportunities. FEBS J 2021; 288:6250-6272. [PMID: 34092037 PMCID: PMC8596628 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Alternative splicing and polyadenylation represent two major steps in pre-mRNA-processing, which ensure proper gene expression and diversification of human transcriptomes. Deregulation of these processes contributes to oncogenic programmes involved in the onset, progression and evolution of human cancers, which often result in the acquisition of resistance to existing therapies. On the other hand, cancer cells frequently increase their transcriptional rate and develop a transcriptional addiction, which imposes a high stress on the pre-mRNA-processing machinery and establishes a therapeutically exploitable vulnerability. A prominent role in fine-tuning pre-mRNA-processing mechanisms is played by three main families of protein kinases: serine arginine protein kinase (SRPK), CDC-like kinase (CLK) and cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK). These kinases phosphorylate the RNA polymerase, splicing factors and regulatory proteins involved in cleavage and polyadenylation of the nascent transcripts. The activity of SRPKs, CLKs and CDKs can be altered in cancer cells, and their inhibition was shown to exert anticancer effects. In this review, we describe key findings that have been reported on these topics and discuss challenges and opportunities of developing therapeutic approaches targeting splicing factor kinases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Naro
- Department of NeuroscienceSection of Human AnatomyCatholic University of the Sacred HeartRomeItaly
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. GemelliIRCCSRomeItaly
| | - Pamela Bielli
- Department of Biomedicine and PreventionUniversity of Rome Tor VergataItaly
- Fondazione Santa LuciaIRCCSRomeItaly
| | - Claudio Sette
- Department of NeuroscienceSection of Human AnatomyCatholic University of the Sacred HeartRomeItaly
- Fondazione Santa LuciaIRCCSRomeItaly
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19
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Seeking a Role for Translational Control by Alternative Polyadenylation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9091885. [PMID: 34576779 PMCID: PMC8464734 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9091885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternative polyadenylation (APA) represents an important mechanism for regulating isoform-specific translation efficiency, stability, and localisation. Though some progress has been made in understanding its consequences in metazoans, the role of APA in the model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae remains a relative mystery because, despite abundant studies on the translational state of mRNA, none differentiate mRNA isoforms’ alternative 3′-end. This review discusses the implications of alternative polyadenylation in S. cerevisiae using other organisms to draw inferences. Given the foundational role that research in this yeast has played in the discovery of the mechanisms of cleavage and polyadenylation and in the drivers of APA, it is surprising that such an inference is required. However, because advances in ribosome profiling are insensitive to APA, how it impacts translation is still unclear. To bridge the gap between widespread observed APA and the discovery of any functional consequence, we also provide a review of the experimental techniques used to uncover the functional importance of 3′ UTR isoforms on translation.
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20
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Genetic screen for suppression of transcriptional interference identifies a gain-of-function mutation in Pol2 termination factor Seb1. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2108105118. [PMID: 34389684 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2108105118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The system of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA)-mediated transcriptional interference that represses fission yeast phosphate homoeostasis gene pho1 provides a sensitive readout of genetic influences on cotranscriptional 3'-processing and termination and a tool for discovery of regulators of this phase of the Pol2 transcription cycle. Here, we conducted a genetic screen for relief of transcriptional interference that unveiled a mechanism by which Pol2 termination is enhanced via a gain-of-function mutation, G476S, in the RNA-binding domain of an essential termination factor, Seb1. The genetic and physical evidence for gain-of-function is compelling: 1) seb1-G476S de-represses pho1 and tgp1, both of which are subject to lncRNA-mediated transcriptional interference; 2) seb1-G476S elicits precocious lncRNA transcription termination in response to lncRNA 5'-proximal poly(A) signals; 3) seb1-G476S derepression of pho1 is effaced by loss-of-function mutations in cleavage and polyadenylation factor (CPF) subunits and termination factor Rhn1; 4) synthetic lethality of seb1-G476S with pho1 derepressive mutants rpb1-CTD-S7A and aps1∆ is rescued by CPF/Rhn1 loss-of-function alleles; and 5) seb1-G476S elicits an upstream shift in poly(A) site preference in several messenger RNA genes. A crystal structure of the Seb1-G476S RNA-binding domain indicates potential for gain of contacts from Ser476 to RNA nucleobases. To our knowledge, this is a unique instance of a gain-of-function phenotype in a eukaryal transcription termination protein.
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21
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Yague-Sanz C, Duval M, Larochelle M, Bachand F. Co-transcriptional RNA cleavage by Drosha homolog Pac1 triggers transcription termination in fission yeast. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:8610-8624. [PMID: 34352089 PMCID: PMC8421224 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription termination of protein-coding genes in eukaryotic cells usually relies on a tight coordination between the cleavage and polyadenylation of the pre-mRNA, and 5′-3′ degradation of the downstream nascent transcript. Here we investigated the contribution of the essential fission yeast endonuclease Pac1, a homolog of human Drosha that cleaves hairpin RNA structures, in triggering polyadenylation-independent transcription termination. Using ChIP-sequencing in Pac1-deficient cells, we found that Pac1 triggers transcription termination at snRNA and snoRNA genes as well as at specific protein-coding genes. Notably, we found that Pac1-dependent premature termination occurred at two genes encoding conserved transmembrane transporters whose expression were strongly repressed by Pac1. Analysis by genome editing indicated that a stem-loop structure in the nascent transcript directs Pac1-mediated cleavage and that the regions upstream and downstream of the Pac1 cleavage site in the targeted mRNAs were stabilized by mutation of nuclear 3′-5′ and 5′-3′ exonucleases, respectively. Our findings unveil a premature transcription termination pathway that uncouples co-transcriptional RNA cleavage from polyadenylation, triggering rapid nuclear RNA degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Yague-Sanz
- RNA Group, Department of Biochemistry & Functional Genomics, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1E 4K8, Québec, Canada
| | - Maxime Duval
- RNA Group, Department of Biochemistry & Functional Genomics, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1E 4K8, Québec, Canada
| | - Marc Larochelle
- RNA Group, Department of Biochemistry & Functional Genomics, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1E 4K8, Québec, Canada
| | - François Bachand
- RNA Group, Department of Biochemistry & Functional Genomics, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1E 4K8, Québec, Canada
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22
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Muniz L, Nicolas E, Trouche D. RNA polymerase II speed: a key player in controlling and adapting transcriptome composition. EMBO J 2021; 40:e105740. [PMID: 34254686 PMCID: PMC8327950 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2020105740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA polymerase II (RNA Pol II) speed or elongation rate, i.e., the number of nucleotides synthesized per unit of time, is a major determinant of transcriptome composition. It controls co‐transcriptional processes such as splicing, polyadenylation, and transcription termination, thus regulating the production of alternative splice variants, circular RNAs, alternatively polyadenylated transcripts, or read‐through transcripts. RNA Pol II speed itself is regulated in response to intra‐ and extra‐cellular stimuli and can in turn affect the transcriptome composition in response to these stimuli. Evidence points to a potentially important role of transcriptome composition modification through RNA Pol II speed regulation for adaptation of cells to a changing environment, thus pointing to a function of RNA Pol II speed regulation in cellular physiology. Analyzing RNA Pol II speed dynamics may therefore be central to fully understand the regulation of physiological processes, such as the development of multicellular organisms. Recent findings also raise the possibility that RNA Pol II speed deregulation can be detrimental and participate in disease progression. Here, we review initial and current approaches to measure RNA Pol II speed, as well as providing an overview of the factors controlling speed and the co‐transcriptional processes which are affected. Finally, we discuss the role of RNA Pol II speed regulation in cell physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Muniz
- MCD, Centre de Biologie Integrative (CBI), CNRS, UPS, University of Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Estelle Nicolas
- MCD, Centre de Biologie Integrative (CBI), CNRS, UPS, University of Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Didier Trouche
- MCD, Centre de Biologie Integrative (CBI), CNRS, UPS, University of Toulouse, Toulouse, France
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23
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Cossa G, Parua PK, Eilers M, Fisher RP. Protein phosphatases in the RNAPII transcription cycle: erasers, sculptors, gatekeepers, and potential drug targets. Genes Dev 2021; 35:658-676. [PMID: 33888562 PMCID: PMC8091971 DOI: 10.1101/gad.348315.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
In this review, Cossa et al. discuss the current knowledge and outstanding questions about phosphatases in the context of the RNAPII transcription cycle. The transcription cycle of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) is governed at multiple points by opposing actions of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and protein phosphatases, in a process with similarities to the cell division cycle. While important roles of the kinases have been established, phosphatases have emerged more slowly as key players in transcription, and large gaps remain in understanding of their precise functions and targets. Much of the earlier work focused on the roles and regulation of sui generis and often atypical phosphatases—FCP1, Rtr1/RPAP2, and SSU72—with seemingly dedicated functions in RNAPII transcription. Decisive roles in the transcription cycle have now been uncovered for members of the major phosphoprotein phosphatase (PPP) family, including PP1, PP2A, and PP4—abundant enzymes with pleiotropic roles in cellular signaling pathways. These phosphatases appear to act principally at the transitions between transcription cycle phases, ensuring fine control of elongation and termination. Much is still unknown, however, about the division of labor among the PPP family members, and their possible regulation by or of the transcriptional kinases. CDKs active in transcription have recently drawn attention as potential therapeutic targets in cancer and other diseases, raising the prospect that the phosphatases might also present opportunities for new drug development. Here we review the current knowledge and outstanding questions about phosphatases in the context of the RNAPII transcription cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Cossa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Pabitra K Parua
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, USA
| | - Martin Eilers
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Robert P Fisher
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, USA
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24
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Lyons LC, Chatterjee S, Vanrobaeys Y, Gaine ME, Abel T. Translational changes induced by acute sleep deprivation uncovered by TRAP-Seq. Mol Brain 2020; 13:165. [PMID: 33272296 PMCID: PMC7713217 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-020-00702-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sleep deprivation is a global health problem adversely affecting health as well as causing decrements in learning and performance. Sleep deprivation induces significant changes in gene transcription in many brain regions, with the hippocampus particularly susceptible to acute sleep deprivation. However, less is known about the impacts of sleep deprivation on post-transcriptional gene regulation. To identify the effects of sleep deprivation on the translatome, we took advantage of the RiboTag mouse line to express HA-labeled Rpl22 in CaMKIIα neurons to selectively isolate and sequence mRNA transcripts associated with ribosomes in excitatory neurons. We found 198 differentially expressed genes in the ribosome-associated mRNA subset after sleep deprivation. In comparison with previously published data on gene expression in the hippocampus after sleep deprivation, we found that the subset of genes affected by sleep deprivation was considerably different in the translatome compared with the transcriptome, with only 49 genes regulated similarly. Interestingly, we found 478 genes differentially regulated by sleep deprivation in the transcriptome that were not significantly regulated in the translatome of excitatory neurons. Conversely, there were 149 genes differentially regulated by sleep deprivation in the translatome but not in the whole transcriptome. Pathway analysis revealed differences in the biological functions of genes exclusively regulated in the transcriptome or translatome, with protein deacetylase activity and small GTPase binding regulated in the transcriptome and unfolded protein binding, kinase inhibitor activity, neurotransmitter receptors and circadian rhythms regulated in the translatome. These results indicate that sleep deprivation induces significant changes affecting the pool of actively translated mRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa C Lyons
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA.
| | - Snehajyoti Chatterjee
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Yann Vanrobaeys
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Marie E Gaine
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics (PSET), College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Ted Abel
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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Shuman S. Transcriptional interference at tandem lncRNA and protein-coding genes: an emerging theme in regulation of cellular nutrient homeostasis. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:8243-8254. [PMID: 32720681 PMCID: PMC7470944 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Tandem transcription interference occurs when the act of transcription from an upstream promoter suppresses utilization of a co-oriented downstream promoter. Because eukaryal genomes are liberally interspersed with transcription units specifying long non-coding (lnc) RNAs, there are many opportunities for lncRNA synthesis to negatively affect a neighboring protein-coding gene. Here, I review two eukaryal systems in which lncRNA interference with mRNA expression underlies a regulated biological response to nutrient availability. Budding yeast SER3 is repressed under serine-replete conditions by transcription of an upstream SRG1 lncRNA that traverses the SER3 promoter and elicits occlusive nucleosome rearrangements. SER3 is de-repressed by serine withdrawal, which leads to shut-off of SRG1 synthesis. The fission yeast phosphate homeostasis (PHO) regulon comprises three phosphate acquisition genes – pho1, pho84, and tgp1 – that are repressed under phosphate-replete conditions by 5′ flanking lncRNAs prt, prt2, and nc-tgp1, respectively. lncRNA transcription across the PHO mRNA promoters displaces activating transcription factor Pho7. PHO mRNAs are transcribed during phosphate starvation when lncRNA synthesis abates. The PHO regulon is de-repressed in phosphate-replete cells by genetic manipulations that favor ‘precocious’ lncRNA 3′-processing/termination upstream of the mRNA promoters. PHO lncRNA termination is governed by the Pol2 CTD code and is subject to metabolite control by inositol pyrophosphates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stewart Shuman
- Molecular Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
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