1
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Owens DDG, Maitland MER, Khalili Yazdi A, Song X, Reber V, Schwalm MP, Machado RAC, Bauer N, Wang X, Szewczyk MM, Dong C, Dong A, Loppnau P, Calabrese MF, Dowling MS, Lee J, Montgomery JI, O'Connell TN, Subramanyam C, Wang F, Adamson EC, Schapira M, Gstaiger M, Knapp S, Vedadi M, Min J, Lajoie GA, Barsyte-Lovejoy D, Owen DR, Schild-Poulter C, Arrowsmith CH. A chemical probe to modulate human GID4 Pro/N-degron interactions. Nat Chem Biol 2024; 20:1164-1175. [PMID: 38773330 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-024-01618-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
The C-terminal to LisH (CTLH) complex is a ubiquitin ligase complex that recognizes substrates with Pro/N-degrons via its substrate receptor Glucose-Induced Degradation 4 (GID4), but its function and substrates in humans remain unclear. Here, we report PFI-7, a potent, selective and cell-active chemical probe that antagonizes Pro/N-degron binding to human GID4. Use of PFI-7 in proximity-dependent biotinylation and quantitative proteomics enabled the identification of GID4 interactors and GID4-regulated proteins. GID4 interactors are enriched for nucleolar proteins, including the Pro/N-degron-containing RNA helicases DDX21 and DDX50. We also identified a distinct subset of proteins whose cellular levels are regulated by GID4 including HMGCS1, a Pro/N-degron-containing metabolic enzyme. These data reveal human GID4 Pro/N-degron targets regulated through a combination of degradative and nondegradative functions. Going forward, PFI-7 will be a valuable research tool for investigating CTLH complex biology and facilitating development of targeted protein degradation strategies that highjack CTLH E3 ligase activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic D G Owens
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Matthew E R Maitland
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
- Don Rix Protein Identification Facility, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Xiaosheng Song
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Viviane Reber
- Institute of Molecular Systems Biology at ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin P Schwalm
- Institut für Pharmazeutische Chemie, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Biozentrum, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Buchmann Institute for Life Sciences, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Raquel A C Machado
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nicolas Bauer
- Institut für Pharmazeutische Chemie, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Biozentrum, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Buchmann Institute for Life Sciences, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Xu Wang
- Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Cheng Dong
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aiping Dong
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter Loppnau
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Jisun Lee
- Development and Medical, Pfizer Worldwide Research, Groton, CT, USA
| | | | | | | | - Feng Wang
- Development and Medical, Pfizer Worldwide Research, Groton, CT, USA
| | - Ella C Adamson
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Matthieu Schapira
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Matthias Gstaiger
- Institute of Molecular Systems Biology at ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Knapp
- Institut für Pharmazeutische Chemie, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Biozentrum, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Buchmann Institute for Life Sciences, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Masoud Vedadi
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jinrong Min
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Gilles A Lajoie
- Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
- Don Rix Protein Identification Facility, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dalia Barsyte-Lovejoy
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dafydd R Owen
- Development and Medical, Pfizer Worldwide Research, Groton, CT, USA
| | - Caroline Schild-Poulter
- Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cheryl H Arrowsmith
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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2
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Consalvo CD, Aderounmu AM, Donelick HM, Aruscavage PJ, Eckert DM, Shen PS, Bass BL. Caenorhabditis elegans Dicer acts with the RIG-I-like helicase DRH-1 and RDE-4 to cleave dsRNA. eLife 2024; 13:RP93979. [PMID: 38747717 PMCID: PMC11095941 DOI: 10.7554/elife.93979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Invertebrates use the endoribonuclease Dicer to cleave viral dsRNA during antiviral defense, while vertebrates use RIG-I-like Receptors (RLRs), which bind viral dsRNA to trigger an interferon response. While some invertebrate Dicers act alone during antiviral defense, Caenorhabditis elegans Dicer acts in a complex with a dsRNA binding protein called RDE-4, and an RLR ortholog called DRH-1. We used biochemical and structural techniques to provide mechanistic insight into how these proteins function together. We found RDE-4 is important for ATP-independent and ATP-dependent cleavage reactions, while helicase domains of both DCR-1 and DRH-1 contribute to ATP-dependent cleavage. DRH-1 plays the dominant role in ATP hydrolysis, and like mammalian RLRs, has an N-terminal domain that functions in autoinhibition. A cryo-EM structure indicates DRH-1 interacts with DCR-1's helicase domain, suggesting this interaction relieves autoinhibition. Our study unravels the mechanistic basis of the collaboration between two helicases from typically distinct innate immune defense pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia D Consalvo
- Department of Biochemistry, University of UtahSalt Lake CityUnited States
| | | | - Helen M Donelick
- Department of Biochemistry, University of UtahSalt Lake CityUnited States
| | | | - Debra M Eckert
- Department of Biochemistry, University of UtahSalt Lake CityUnited States
| | - Peter S Shen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of UtahSalt Lake CityUnited States
| | - Brenda L Bass
- Department of Biochemistry, University of UtahSalt Lake CityUnited States
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3
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Tadesse K, Benhamou RI. Targeting MicroRNAs with Small Molecules. Noncoding RNA 2024; 10:17. [PMID: 38525736 PMCID: PMC10961812 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna10020017] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRs) have been implicated in numerous diseases, presenting an attractive target for the development of novel therapeutics. The various regulatory roles of miRs in cellular processes underscore the need for precise strategies. Recent advances in RNA research offer hope by enabling the identification of small molecules capable of selectively targeting specific disease-associated miRs. This understanding paves the way for developing small molecules that can modulate the activity of disease-associated miRs. Herein, we discuss the progress made in the field of drug discovery processes, transforming the landscape of miR-targeted therapeutics by small molecules. By leveraging various approaches, researchers can systematically identify compounds to modulate miR function, providing a more potent intervention either by inhibiting or degrading miRs. The implementation of these multidisciplinary approaches bears the potential to revolutionize treatments for diverse diseases, signifying a significant stride towards the targeting of miRs by precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Raphael I. Benhamou
- The Institute for Drug Research of the School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
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4
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Consalvo CD, Aderounmu AM, Donelick HM, Aruscavage PJ, Eckert DM, Shen PS, Bass BL. C. elegans Dicer acts with the RIG-I-like helicase DRH-1 and RDE-4 to cleave dsRNA. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.09.21.558868. [PMID: 37790392 PMCID: PMC10542151 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.21.558868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Invertebrates use the endoribonuclease Dicer to cleave viral dsRNA during antiviral defense, while vertebrates use RIG-I-like Receptors (RLRs), which bind viral dsRNA to trigger an interferon response. While some invertebrate Dicers act alone during antiviral defense, C. elegans Dicer acts in a complex with a dsRNA binding protein called RDE-4, and an RLR ortholog called DRH-1. We used biochemical and structural techniques to provide mechanistic insight into how these proteins function together. We found RDE-4 is important for ATP-independent and ATP-dependent cleavage reactions, while helicase domains of both DCR-1 and DRH-1 contribute to ATP-dependent cleavage. DRH-1 plays the dominant role in ATP hydrolysis, and like mammalian RLRs, has an N-terminal domain that functions in autoinhibition. A cryo-EM structure indicates DRH-1 interacts with DCR-1's helicase domain, suggesting this interaction relieves autoinhibition. Our study unravels the mechanistic basis of the collaboration between two helicases from typically distinct innate immune defense pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adedeji M. Aderounmu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Helen M. Donelick
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
- These authors contributed equally
| | - P. Joe Aruscavage
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
| | - Debra M. Eckert
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
| | - Peter S. Shen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
| | - Brenda L. Bass
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
- Lead Contact
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5
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Structural Modifications of siRNA Improve Its Performance In Vivo. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24020956. [PMID: 36674473 PMCID: PMC9862127 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24020956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of small interfering RNA (siRNA) in the clinic gives a wide range of possibilities for the treatment of previously incurable diseases. However, the main limitation for biomedical applications is their delivery to target cells and organs. Currently, delivery of siRNA to liver cells is a solved problem due to the bioconjugation of siRNA with N-acetylgalactosamine; other organs remain challenging for siRNA delivery to them. Despite the important role of the ligand in the composition of the bioconjugate, the structure and molecular weight of siRNA also play an important role in the delivery of siRNA. The basic principle is that siRNAs with smaller molecular weights are more efficient at entering cells, whereas siRNAs with larger molecular weights have advantages at the organism level. Here we review the relationships between siRNA structure and its biodistribution and activity to find new strategies for improving siRNA performance.
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6
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Torrez RM, Ohi MD, Garner AL. Structural Insights into the Advances and Mechanistic Understanding of Human Dicer. Biochemistry 2023; 62:1-16. [PMID: 36534787 PMCID: PMC11467861 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.2c00570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The RNase III endoribonuclease Dicer was discovered to be associated with cleavage of double-stranded RNA in 2001. Since then, many advances in our understanding of Dicer function have revealed that the enzyme plays a major role not only in microRNA biology but also in multiple RNA interference-related pathways. Yet, there is still much to be learned regarding Dicer structure-function in relation to how Dicer and Dicer-like enzymes initiate their cleavage reaction and release the desired RNA product. This Perspective describes the latest advances in Dicer structural studies, expands on what we have learned from this data, and outlines key gaps in knowledge that remain to be addressed. More specifically, we focus on human Dicer and highlight the intermediate processing steps where there is a lack of structural data to understand how the enzyme traverses from pre-cleavage to cleavage-competent states. Understanding these details is necessary to model Dicer's function as well as develop more specific microRNA-targeted therapeutics for the treatment of human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M. Torrez
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States; Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Melanie D. Ohi
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Amanda L. Garner
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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7
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Jouravleva K, Golovenko D, Demo G, Dutcher RC, Hall TMT, Zamore PD, Korostelev AA. Structural basis of microRNA biogenesis by Dicer-1 and its partner protein Loqs-PB. Mol Cell 2022; 82:4049-4063.e6. [PMID: 36182693 PMCID: PMC9637774 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2022.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
In animals and plants, Dicer enzymes collaborate with double-stranded RNA-binding domain (dsRBD) proteins to convert precursor-microRNAs (pre-miRNAs) into miRNA duplexes. We report six cryo-EM structures of Drosophila Dicer-1 that show how Dicer-1 and its partner Loqs‑PB cooperate (1) before binding pre-miRNA, (2) after binding and in a catalytically competent state, (3) after nicking one arm of the pre-miRNA, and (4) following complete dicing and initial product release. Our reconstructions suggest that pre-miRNA binds a rare, open conformation of the Dicer‑1⋅Loqs‑PB heterodimer. The Dicer-1 dsRBD and three Loqs‑PB dsRBDs form a tight belt around the pre-miRNA, distorting the RNA helix to place the scissile phosphodiester bonds in the RNase III active sites. Pre-miRNA cleavage shifts the dsRBDs and partially closes Dicer-1, which may promote product release. Our data suggest a model for how the Dicer‑1⋅Loqs‑PB complex affects a complete cycle of pre-miRNA recognition, stepwise endonuclease cleavage, and product release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Jouravleva
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Dmitrij Golovenko
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Gabriel Demo
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno 62500, Czech Republic
| | - Robert C Dutcher
- Epigenetics and Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 111 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Traci M Tanaka Hall
- Epigenetics and Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 111 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
| | - Phillip D Zamore
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
| | - Andrei A Korostelev
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
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8
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Su S, Wang J, Deng T, Yuan X, He J, Liu N, Li X, Huang Y, Wang HW, Ma J. Structural insights into dsRNA processing by Drosophila Dicer-2-Loqs-PD. Nature 2022; 607:399-406. [PMID: 35768513 PMCID: PMC9279154 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-04911-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are the key components for RNA interference (RNAi), a conserved RNA-silencing mechanism in many eukaryotes1,2. In Drosophila, an RNase III enzyme Dicer-2 (Dcr-2), aided by its cofactor Loquacious-PD (Loqs-PD), has an important role in generating 21 bp siRNA duplexes from long double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs)3,4. ATP hydrolysis by the helicase domain of Dcr-2 is critical to the successful processing of a long dsRNA into consecutive siRNA duplexes5,6. Here we report the cryo-electron microscopy structures of Dcr-2-Loqs-PD in the apo state and in multiple states in which it is processing a 50 bp dsRNA substrate. The structures elucidated interactions between Dcr-2 and Loqs-PD, and substantial conformational changes of Dcr-2 during a dsRNA-processing cycle. The N-terminal helicase and domain of unknown function 283 (DUF283) domains undergo conformational changes after initial dsRNA binding, forming an ATP-binding pocket and a 5'-phosphate-binding pocket. The overall conformation of Dcr-2-Loqs-PD is relatively rigid during translocating along the dsRNA in the presence of ATP, whereas the interactions between the DUF283 and RIIIDb domains prevent non-specific cleavage during translocation by blocking the access of dsRNA to the RNase active centre. Additional ATP-dependent conformational changes are required to form an active dicing state and precisely cleave the dsRNA into a 21 bp siRNA duplex as confirmed by the structure in the post-dicing state. Collectively, this study revealed the molecular mechanism for the full cycle of ATP-dependent dsRNA processing by Dcr-2-Loqs-PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shichen Su
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Beijing Frontier Research Center of Biological Structures, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Ting Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xun Yuan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Biliary Tract Disease Research, Shanghai Research Center of Biliary Tract Disease, Department of General Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinqiu He
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Nan Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Beijing Frontier Research Center of Biological Structures, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaomin Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Beijing Frontier Research Center of Biological Structures, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Biliary Tract Disease Research, Shanghai Research Center of Biliary Tract Disease, Department of General Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong-Wei Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Beijing Frontier Research Center of Biological Structures, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
| | - Jinbiao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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9
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The Effect of Dicer Knockout on RNA Interference Using Various Dicer Substrate Small Interfering RNA (DsiRNA) Structures. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13030436. [PMID: 35327991 PMCID: PMC8952432 DOI: 10.3390/genes13030436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are artificial molecules used to silence genes of interest through the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway, mediated by the endoribonuclease Dicer. Dicer-substrate small interfering RNAs (DsiRNAs) are an alternative to conventional 21-mer siRNAs, with an increased effectiveness of up to 100-fold compared to traditional 21-mer designs. DsiRNAs have a novel asymmetric design that allows them to be processed by Dicer into the desired conventional siRNAs. DsiRNAs are a useful tool for sequence-specific gene silencing, but the molecular mechanism underlying their increased efficacy is not precisely understood. In this study, to gain a deeper understanding of Dicer function in DsiRNAs, we designed nicked DsiRNAs with and without tetra-loops to target a specific mRNA sequence, established a Dicer knockout in the HCT116 cell line, and analyzed the efficacy of various DsiRNAs on RNAi-mediated gene silencing activity. The gene silencing activity of all DsiRNAs was reduced in Dicer knockout cells. We demonstrated that tetra-looped DsiRNAs exhibited increased efficacy for gene silencing, which was mediated by Dicer protein. Thus, this study improves our understanding of Dicer function, a key component of RNAi silencing, which will inform RNAi research and applications.
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10
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Gestuveo RJ, Parry R, Dickson LB, Lequime S, Sreenu VB, Arnold MJ, Khromykh AA, Schnettler E, Lambrechts L, Varjak M, Kohl A. Mutational analysis of Aedes aegypti Dicer 2 provides insights into the biogenesis of antiviral exogenous small interfering RNAs. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010202. [PMID: 34990484 PMCID: PMC8769306 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The exogenous small interfering RNA (exo-siRNA) pathway is a key antiviral mechanism in the Aedes aegypti mosquito, a widely distributed vector of human-pathogenic arboviruses. This pathway is induced by virus-derived double-stranded RNAs (dsRNA) that are cleaved by the ribonuclease Dicer 2 (Dcr2) into predominantly 21 nucleotide (nt) virus-derived small interfering RNAs (vsiRNAs). These vsiRNAs are used by the effector protein Argonaute 2 within the RNA-induced silencing complex to cleave target viral RNA. Dcr2 contains several domains crucial for its activities, including helicase and RNase III domains. In Drosophila melanogaster Dcr2, the helicase domain has been associated with binding to dsRNA with blunt-ended termini and a processive siRNA production mechanism, while the platform-PAZ domains bind dsRNA with 3’ overhangs and subsequent distributive siRNA production. Here we analyzed the contributions of the helicase and RNase III domains in Ae. aegypti Dcr2 to antiviral activity and to the exo-siRNA pathway. Conserved amino acids in the helicase and RNase III domains were identified to investigate Dcr2 antiviral activity in an Ae. aegypti-derived Dcr2 knockout cell line by reporter assays and infection with mosquito-borne Semliki Forest virus (Togaviridae, Alphavirus). Functionally relevant amino acids were found to be conserved in haplotype Dcr2 sequences from field-derived Ae. aegypti across different continents. The helicase and RNase III domains were critical for silencing activity and 21 nt vsiRNA production, with RNase III domain activity alone determined to be insufficient for antiviral activity. Analysis of 21 nt vsiRNA sequences (produced by functional Dcr2) to assess the distribution and phasing along the viral genome revealed diverse yet highly consistent vsiRNA pools, with predominantly short or long sequence overlaps including 19 nt overlaps (the latter representing most likely true Dcr2 cleavage products). Combined with the importance of the Dcr2 helicase domain, this suggests that the majority of 21 nt vsiRNAs originate by processive cleavage. This study sheds new light on Ae. aegypti Dcr2 functions and properties in this important arbovirus vector species. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that transmit human-pathogenic viruses rely on the exogenous small interfering RNA (exo-siRNA) pathway as part of antiviral responses. This pathway is triggered by virus-derived double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) produced during viral replication that is then cleaved by Dicer 2 (Dcr2) into virus-derived small interfering RNAs (vsiRNAs). These vsiRNAs target viral RNA, leading to suppression of viral replication. The importance of Dcr2 in this pathway has been intensely studied in the Drosophila melanogaster model but is largely lacking in mosquitoes. Here, we have identified conserved and functionally relevant amino acids in the helicase and RNase III domains of Ae. aegypti Dcr2 that are important in its silencing activity and antiviral responses against Semliki Forest virus (SFV). Small RNA sequencing of SFV-infected mosquito cells with functional or mutated Dcr2 gave new insights into the nature and origin of vsiRNAs. The findings of this study, together with the different molecular tools we have previously developed to investigate the exo-siRNA pathway of mosquito cells, have started to uncover important properties of Dcr2 that could be valuable in understanding mosquito-arbovirus interactions and potentially in developing or assisting vector control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rommel J. Gestuveo
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, Miagao, Iloilo, Philippines
- * E-mail: (R.J.G.); (M.V.); (A.K.)
| | - Rhys Parry
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia
| | - Laura B. Dickson
- Insect-Virus Interactions Unit, Institut Pasteur, UMR2000, CNRS, Paris, France
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Institute for Human Infection and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Sebastian Lequime
- Insect-Virus Interactions Unit, Institut Pasteur, UMR2000, CNRS, Paris, France
- Cluster of Microbial Ecology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Matthew J. Arnold
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander A. Khromykh
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Global Virus Network Centre of Excellence, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Esther Schnettler
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg, Germany
- Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, University Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Louis Lambrechts
- Insect-Virus Interactions Unit, Institut Pasteur, UMR2000, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Margus Varjak
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
- * E-mail: (R.J.G.); (M.V.); (A.K.)
| | - Alain Kohl
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (R.J.G.); (M.V.); (A.K.)
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Schneider J, Imler JL. Sensing and signalling viral infection in drosophila. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 117:103985. [PMID: 33358662 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2020.103985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The fruitfly Drosophila melanogaster is a valuable model to unravel mechanisms of innate immunity, in particular in the context of viral infections. RNA interference, and more specifically the small interfering RNA pathway, is a major component of antiviral immunity in drosophila. In addition, the contribution of inducible transcriptional responses to the control of viruses in drosophila and other invertebrates is increasingly recognized. In particular, the recent discovery of a STING-IKKβ-Relish signalling cassette in drosophila has confirmed that NF-κB transcription factors play an important role in the control of viral infections, in addition to bacterial and fungal infections. Here, we review recent developments in the field, which begin to shed light on the mechanisms involved in sensing of viral infections and in signalling leading to production of antiviral effectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette Schneider
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UPR9022, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Strasbourg, France
| | - Jean-Luc Imler
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UPR9022, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Strasbourg, France; Sino-French Hoffmann Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China.
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12
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Genetic Insight into the Domain Structure and Functions of Dicer-Type Ribonucleases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020616. [PMID: 33435485 PMCID: PMC7827160 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ribonuclease Dicer belongs to the family of RNase III endoribonucleases, the enzymes that specifically hydrolyze phosphodiester bonds found in double-stranded regions of RNAs. Dicer enzymes are mostly known for their essential role in the biogenesis of small regulatory RNAs. A typical Dicer-type RNase consists of a helicase domain, a domain of unknown function (DUF283), a PAZ (Piwi-Argonaute-Zwille) domain, two RNase III domains, and a double-stranded RNA binding domain; however, the domain composition of Dicers varies among species. Dicer and its homologues developed only in eukaryotes; nevertheless, the two enzymatic domains of Dicer, helicase and RNase III, display high sequence similarity to their prokaryotic orthologs. Evolutionary studies indicate that a combination of the helicase and RNase III domains in a single protein is a eukaryotic signature and is supposed to be one of the critical events that triggered the consolidation of the eukaryotic RNA interference. In this review, we provide the genetic insight into the domain organization and structure of Dicer proteins found in vertebrate and invertebrate animals, plants and fungi. We also discuss, in the context of the individual domains, domain deletion variants and partner proteins, a variety of Dicers’ functions not only related to small RNA biogenesis pathways.
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Wang Y, Li G, Deng M, Liu X, Huang W, Zhang Y, Liu M, Chen Y. The multifaceted functions of RNA helicases in the adaptive cellular response to hypoxia: From mechanisms to therapeutics. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 221:107783. [PMID: 33307143 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hypoxia is a hallmark of cancer. Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), a master player for sensing and adapting to hypoxia, profoundly influences genome instability, tumor progression and metastasis, metabolic reprogramming, and resistance to chemotherapies and radiotherapies. High levels and activity of HIF result in poor clinical outcomes in cancer patients. Thus, HIFs provide ideal therapeutic targets for cancers. However, HIF biology is sophisticated, and currently available HIF inhibitors have limited clinical utility owing to their low efficacy or side effects. RNA helicases, which are master players in cellular RNA metabolism, are usually highly expressed in tumors to meet the increased oncoprotein biosynthesis demand. Intriguingly, recent findings provide convincing evidence that RNA helicases are crucial for the adaptive cellular response to hypoxia via a mutual regulation with HIFs. More importantly, some RNA helicase inhibitors may suppress HIF signaling by blocking the translation of HIF-responsive genes. Therefore, RNA helicase inhibitors may work synergistically with HIF inhibitors in cancer to improve treatment efficacy. In this review, we discuss current knowledge of how cells sense and adapt to hypoxia through HIFs. However, our primary focus is on the multiple functions of RNA helicases in the adaptive response to hypoxia. We also highlight how these hypoxia-related RNA helicases can be exploited for anti-cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijie Wang
- Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Guangqiang Li
- Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, Guangdong 519000, China; Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
| | - Mingxia Deng
- Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, Guangdong 519000, China; Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
| | - Xiong Liu
- School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
| | - Weixiao Huang
- School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
| | - Yao Zhang
- School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
| | - Min Liu
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, Guangdong 519000, China; Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China; School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China.
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14
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Donelick HM, Talide L, Bellet M, Aruscavage PJ, Lauret E, Aguiar ERGR, Marques JT, Meignin C, Bass BL. In vitro studies provide insight into effects of Dicer-2 helicase mutations in Drosophila melanogaster. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2020; 26:1847-1861. [PMID: 32843367 PMCID: PMC7668257 DOI: 10.1261/rna.077289.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
In vitro, Drosophila melanogaster Dicer-2 (Dcr-2) uses its helicase domain to initiate processing of dsRNA with blunt (BLT) termini, and its Platform•PAZ domain to initiate processing of dsRNA with 3' overhangs (ovrs). To understand the relationship of these in vitro observations to roles of Dcr-2 in vivo, we compared in vitro effects of two helicase mutations to their impact on production of endogenous and viral siRNAs in flies. Consistent with the importance of the helicase domain in processing BLT dsRNA, both point mutations eliminated processing of BLT, but not 3'ovr, dsRNA in vitro. However, the mutations had different effects in vivo. A point mutation in the Walker A motif of the Hel1 subdomain, G31R, largely eliminated production of siRNAs in vivo, while F225G, located in the Hel2 subdomain, showed reduced levels of endogenous siRNAs, but did not significantly affect virus-derived siRNAs. In vitro assays monitoring dsRNA cleavage, dsRNA binding, ATP hydrolysis, and binding of the accessory factor Loquacious-PD provided insight into the different effects of the mutations on processing of different sources of dsRNA in flies. Our in vitro studies suggest effects of the mutations in vivo relate to their effects on ATPase activity, dsRNA binding, and interactions with Loquacious-PD. Our studies emphasize the importance of future studies to characterize dsRNA termini as they exist in Drosophila and other animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen M Donelick
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
| | - Loïc Talide
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UPR9022, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, 67084 Strasbourg, France
| | - Matthieu Bellet
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UPR9022, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, 67084 Strasbourg, France
| | - P Joseph Aruscavage
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
| | - Emilie Lauret
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UPR9022, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, 67084 Strasbourg, France
| | - Eric R G R Aguiar
- Centro de Biotecnologia e Genética, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus 45662-900, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Joao T Marques
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UPR9022, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, 67084 Strasbourg, France
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, CEP 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Carine Meignin
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UPR9022, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, 67084 Strasbourg, France
| | - Brenda L Bass
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
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