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Magaña-López G, Calzone L, Zinovyev A, Paulevé L. scBoolSeq: Linking scRNA-seq statistics and Boolean dynamics. PLoS Comput Biol 2024; 20:e1011620. [PMID: 38976751 PMCID: PMC11257695 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1011620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Boolean networks are largely employed to model the qualitative dynamics of cell fate processes by describing the change of binary activation states of genes and transcription factors with time. Being able to bridge such qualitative states with quantitative measurements of gene expression in cells, as scRNA-seq, is a cornerstone for data-driven model construction and validation. On one hand, scRNA-seq binarisation is a key step for inferring and validating Boolean models. On the other hand, the generation of synthetic scRNA-seq data from baseline Boolean models provides an important asset to benchmark inference methods. However, linking characteristics of scRNA-seq datasets, including dropout events, with Boolean states is a challenging task. We present scBoolSeq, a method for the bidirectional linking of scRNA-seq data and Boolean activation state of genes. Given a reference scRNA-seq dataset, scBoolSeq computes statistical criteria to classify the empirical gene pseudocount distributions as either unimodal, bimodal, or zero-inflated, and fit a probabilistic model of dropouts, with gene-dependent parameters. From these learnt distributions, scBoolSeq can perform both binarisation of scRNA-seq datasets, and generate synthetic scRNA-seq datasets from Boolean traces, as issued from Boolean networks, using biased sampling and dropout simulation. We present a case study demonstrating the application of scBoolSeq's binarisation scheme in data-driven model inference. Furthermore, we compare synthetic scRNA-seq data generated by scBoolSeq with BoolODE's, data for the same Boolean Network model. The comparison shows that our method better reproduces the statistics of real scRNA-seq datasets, such as the mean-variance and mean-dropout relationships while exhibiting clearly defined trajectories in two-dimensional projections of the data.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laurence Calzone
- Institut Curie, Université PSL, Paris, France
- INSERM, U900, Paris, France
- Mines ParisTech, Université PSL, Paris, France
| | | | - Loïc Paulevé
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, LaBRI, UMR 5800, Talence, France
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2
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Wu R, Kong L, Liu F. Regulation of biofilm gene expression by DNA replication in Bacillus subtilis. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18481. [PMID: 38899542 PMCID: PMC11187747 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacillus subtilis relies on biofilms for survival in harsh environments. Extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) is a crucial component of biofilms, yet the dynamics of EPS production in single cells remain elusive. To unveil the modulation of EPS synthesis, we built a minimal network model comprising the SinI-SinR-SlrR module, Spo0A, and EPS. Stochastic simulations revealed that antagonistic interplay between SinI and SinR enables EPS production in bursts. SlrR widens these bursts and increases their frequency by stabilizing SinR-SlrR complexes and depleting free SinR. DNA replication and chromosomal positioning of key genes dictate pulsatile changes in the slrR:sinR gene dosage ratio (gr) and Spo0A-P levels, each promoting EPS production in distinct phases of the cell cycle. As the cell cycle lengthens with nutrient stress, the duty cycle of gr pulsing decreases, whereas the amplitude of Spo0A-P pulses elevates. This coordinated response facilitates keeping a constant proportion of EPS-secreting cells within colonies across diverse nutrient conditions. Our results suggest that bacteria may 'encode' eps expression through strategic chromosomal organization. This work illuminates how stochastic protein interactions, gene copy number imbalance, and cell-cycle dynamics orchestrate EPS synthesis, offering a deeper understanding of biofilm formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renjie Wu
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Department of Physics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures and Institute for Brain SciencesNanjing UniversityNanjingP. R. China
| | - Ling‐Xing Kong
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Department of Physics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures and Institute for Brain SciencesNanjing UniversityNanjingP. R. China
| | - Feng Liu
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Department of Physics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures and Institute for Brain SciencesNanjing UniversityNanjingP. R. China
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3
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Moratti CF, Yang SNN, Scott C, Coleman NV. Development of a whole-cell biosensor for ethylene oxide and ethylene. Microb Biotechnol 2024; 17:e14511. [PMID: 38925606 PMCID: PMC11197473 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Ethylene and ethylene oxide are widely used in the chemical industry, and ethylene is also important for its role in fruit ripening. Better sensing systems would assist risk management of these chemicals. Here, we characterise the ethylene regulatory system in Mycobacterium strain NBB4 and use these genetic parts to create a biosensor. The regulatory genes etnR1 and etnR2 and cognate promoter Petn were combined with a fluorescent reporter gene (fuGFP) in a Mycobacterium shuttle vector to create plasmid pUS301-EtnR12P. Cultures of M. smegmatis mc2-155(pUS301-EtnR12P) gave a fluorescent signal in response to ethylene oxide with a detection limit of 0.2 μM (9 ppb). By combining the epoxide biosensor cells with another culture expressing the ethylene monooxygenase, the system was converted into an ethylene biosensor. The co-culture was capable of detecting ethylene emission from banana fruit. These are the first examples of whole-cell biosensors for epoxides or aliphatic alkenes. This work also resolves long-standing questions concerning the regulation of ethylene catabolism in bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia F. Moratti
- School of Life and Environmental SciencesUniversity of SydneyCamperdownNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Sui Nin Nicholas Yang
- School of Life and Environmental SciencesUniversity of SydneyCamperdownNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Colin Scott
- CSIRO Advanced Engineering Biology Future Science Platform, Black Mountain Research & Innovation ParkCanberraAustralian Capital TerritoryAustralia
| | - Nicholas V. Coleman
- School of Natural Sciences and ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic BiologyMacquarie UniversityNorth RydeNew South WalesAustralia
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4
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Hubert T, Madec M, Schalk IJ. Experimental and computational methods to highlight behavioural variations in TonB-dependent transporter expression in Pseudomonas aeruginosa versus siderophore concentration. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20015. [PMID: 37974013 PMCID: PMC10654771 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46585-z] [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: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Iron is a key nutrient for bacterial growth. The source can be either heme or siderophore-Fe complexes. Siderophores are small molecules synthesized by bacteria to scavenge iron from the bacterial environment. The pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa can express at least 15 different iron uptake pathways and all but one involve a TonB-dependent transporter (TBDT) for the uptake of iron across the outer membrane. Little is known about how bacteria modulate and adapt the expression of their different iron import pathways according to their environment. Here, we have developed fluorescent reporters between the promoter region of genes encoding a TBDT and the fluorescent reporter mCherry. With these constructs, we can follow the expression of TBDTs under different growth conditions. Mathematical modelling of the data obtained showed the transcription and expression of the gene encoding the TBDT PfeA to have a sigmoidal shape, whereas it was logarithmic for the TBDT gene foxA. Maximum transcription for pfeA was reached in the presence of 3 µM enterobactin, the siderophore recognized by PfeA, whereas the maximum was not reached for foxA with 100 µM nocardamine, the siderophore of FoxA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thibaut Hubert
- CNRS, UMR7242, ESBS, University of Strasbourg, Bld Sébastien Brant, 67412, Illkirch, Strasbourg, France
- ICube Laboratory, CNRS, UMR 7357, University of Strasbourg, Bld Sébastien Brant, 67412, Illkirch, Strasbourg, France
| | - Morgan Madec
- ICube Laboratory, CNRS, UMR 7357, University of Strasbourg, Bld Sébastien Brant, 67412, Illkirch, Strasbourg, France.
| | - Isabelle J Schalk
- CNRS, UMR7242, ESBS, University of Strasbourg, Bld Sébastien Brant, 67412, Illkirch, Strasbourg, France.
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5
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Chakraborty S, Singh P, Seshasayee ASN. Understanding the Genome-Wide Transcription Response To Various cAMP Levels in Bacteria Using Phenomenological Models. mSystems 2022; 7:e0090022. [PMID: 36409084 PMCID: PMC9765429 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00900-22] [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] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Attempts to understand gene regulation by global transcription factors have largely been limited to expression studies under binary conditions of presence and absence of the transcription factor. Studies addressing genome-wide transcriptional responses to changing transcription factor concentration at high resolution are lacking. Here, we create a data set containing the entire Escherichia coli transcriptome in Luria-Bertani (LB) broth as it responds to 10 different cAMP concentrations spanning the biological range. We use the Hill's model to accurately summarize individual gene responses into three intuitively understandable parameters, Emax, n, and k, reflecting the sensitivity, nonlinearity, and midpoint of the dynamic range. Our data show that most cAMP-regulated genes have an n of >2, with their k values centered around the wild-type concentration of cAMP. Additionally, cAMP receptor protein (CRP) affinity to a promoter is correlated with Emax but not k, hinting that a high-affinity CRP promoter need not ensure transcriptional activation at lower cAMP concentrations and instead affects the magnitude of the response. Finally, genes belonging to different functional classes are tuned to have different k, n, and Emax values. We demonstrate that phenomenological models are a better alternative for studying gene expression trends than classical clustering methods, with the phenomenological constants providing greater insights into how genes are tuned in a regulatory network. IMPORTANCE Different genes may follow different trends in response to various transcription factor concentrations. In this study, we ask two questions: (i) what are the trends that different genes follow in response to changing transcription factor concentrations and (ii) what methods can be used to extract information from the gene trends so obtained. We demonstrate a method to analyze transcription factor concentration-dependent genome-wide expression data using phenomenological models. Conventional clustering methods and principal-component analysis (PCA) can be used to summarize trends in data but have limited interpretability. The use of phenomenological models greatly enhances the interpretability and thus utility of conventional clustering. Transformation of dose-response data into phenomenological constants opens up avenues to ask and answer many different kinds of question. We show that the phenomenological constants obtained from the model fits can be used to generate insights about network topology and allows integration of other experimental data such as chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) to understand the system in greater detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shweta Chakraborty
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Aswin Sai Narain Seshasayee
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
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6
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Chakraborty P, Ghosh S. Emergent correlations in gene expression dynamics as footprints of resource competition. THE EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL. E, SOFT MATTER 2021; 44:131. [PMID: 34694511 DOI: 10.1140/epje/s10189-021-00122-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Genetic circuits need a cellular environment to operate in, which naturally couples the circuit function with the overall functionality of gene regulatory network. To execute their functions, all gene circuits draw resources in the form of RNA polymerases, ribosomes, and tRNAs. Recent experiments pointed out that the role of resource competition on synthetic circuit outputs could be immense. However, the effect of complexity of the circuit architecture on resource sharing dynamics is yet unexplored. In this paper, we employ mathematical modelling and in-silico experiments to identify the sources of resource trade-off and to quantify its impact on the function of a genetic circuit, keeping our focus on regulation of immediate downstream proteins, which are often used as protein read-outs. We show that estimating gene expression dynamics from readings of downstream protein data might be unreliable when the resource is limited and ribosome affinities are asymmetric. We focus on the impact of mRNA copy number and ribosome binding site (RBS) strength on the nonlinear isocline that emerges with two regimes, prominently separated by a tipping point, and study how correlation and competition dominate each other depending on various circuit parameters. Focusing further on genetic toggle circuit, we have identified major effects of resource competition in this model motif and quantified the observations. The observations are testable in wet-lab experiments, as all the parameters chosen are experimentally relevant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya Chakraborty
- Department of Physics, National Institute of Technology, Durgapur, 713209, India
| | - Sayantari Ghosh
- Department of Physics, National Institute of Technology, Durgapur, 713209, India.
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7
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Billiard S, Castric V, Llaurens V. The integrative biology of genetic dominance. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2021; 96:2925-2942. [PMID: 34382317 PMCID: PMC9292577 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Dominance is a basic property of inheritance systems describing the link between a diploid genotype at a single locus and the resulting phenotype. Models for the evolution of dominance have long been framed as an opposition between the irreconcilable views of Fisher in 1928 supporting the role of largely elusive dominance modifiers and Wright in 1929, who viewed dominance as an emerging property of the structure of enzymatic pathways. Recent theoretical and empirical advances however suggest that these opposing views can be reconciled, notably using models investigating the regulation of gene expression and developmental processes. In this more comprehensive framework, phenotypic dominance emerges from departures from linearity between any levels of integration in the genotype‐to‐phenotype map. Here, we review how these different models illuminate the emergence and evolution of dominance. We then detail recent empirical studies shedding new light on the diversity of molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying dominance and its evolution. By reconciling population genetics and functional biology, we hope our review will facilitate cross‐talk among research fields in the integrative study of dominance evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain Billiard
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8198 - Evo-Eco-Paleo, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Vincent Castric
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8198 - Evo-Eco-Paleo, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Violaine Llaurens
- Institut de Systématique, Evolution et Biodiversité, CNRS/MNHN/Sorbonne Université/EPHE, Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CP50, 57 rue Cuvier, 75005, Paris, France
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8
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Iwahara J, Kolomeisky AB. Discrete-state stochastic kinetic models for target DNA search by proteins: Theory and experimental applications. Biophys Chem 2021; 269:106521. [PMID: 33338872 PMCID: PMC7855466 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2020.106521] [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: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
To perform their functions, transcription factors and DNA-repair/modifying enzymes randomly search DNA in order to locate their specific targets on DNA. Discrete-state stochastic kinetic models have been developed to explain how the efficiency of the search process is influenced by the molecular properties of proteins and DNA as well as by other factors such as molecular crowding. These theoretical models not only offer explanations on the relation of microscopic processes to macroscopic behavior of proteins, but also facilitate the analysis and interpretation of experimental data. In this review article, we provide an overview on discrete-state stochastic kinetic models and explain how these models can be applied to experimental investigations using stopped-flow, single-molecule, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and other biophysical and biochemical methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junji Iwahara
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
| | - Anatoly B Kolomeisky
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Department of Physics and Astronomy and Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
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9
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Auer JMT, Stoddart JJ, Christodoulou I, Lima A, Skouloudaki K, Hall HN, Vukojević V, Papadopoulos DK. Of numbers and movement - understanding transcription factor pathogenesis by advanced microscopy. Dis Model Mech 2020; 13:dmm046516. [PMID: 33433399 PMCID: PMC7790199 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.046516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) are life-sustaining and, therefore, the subject of intensive research. By regulating gene expression, TFs control a plethora of developmental and physiological processes, and their abnormal function commonly leads to various developmental defects and diseases in humans. Normal TF function often depends on gene dosage, which can be altered by copy-number variation or loss-of-function mutations. This explains why TF haploinsufficiency (HI) can lead to disease. Since aberrant TF numbers frequently result in pathogenic abnormalities of gene expression, quantitative analyses of TFs are a priority in the field. In vitro single-molecule methodologies have significantly aided the identification of links between TF gene dosage and transcriptional outcomes. Additionally, advances in quantitative microscopy have contributed mechanistic insights into normal and aberrant TF function. However, to understand TF biology, TF-chromatin interactions must be characterised in vivo, in a tissue-specific manner and in the context of both normal and altered TF numbers. Here, we summarise the advanced microscopy methodologies most frequently used to link TF abundance to function and dissect the molecular mechanisms underlying TF HIs. Increased application of advanced single-molecule and super-resolution microscopy modalities will improve our understanding of how TF HIs drive disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia M T Auer
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 1XU, UK
| | - Jack J Stoddart
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 1XU, UK
| | | | - Ana Lima
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 1XU, UK
| | | | - Hildegard N Hall
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 1XU, UK
| | - Vladana Vukojević
- Center for Molecular Medicine (CMM), Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
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10
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Fendrik AJ, Romanelli L, Rotondo E. Stochastic cell renewal process and lengthening of cell cycle. Phys Biol 2019; 17:016004. [PMID: 31722323 DOI: 10.1088/1478-3975/ab576c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Evolution of the stem cell population responsible for homeostatic cell renewal processes is analyzed. We assume that this regime is the product of a delicate balance between symmetric divisions that, after each cell cycle, originates a new stem cell or its disappearance (through cell differentiation). This dynamics leads to a monoclonal population, that is for an initial homogeneous set of stem cells, fixation of each clone is equiprobable. In this work we show that if there is an altered stem cell with a longer cell cycle than the rest, the fixation of this altered clone is more likely. We also study the consequeces of the appearance of successive alterations with these characteristics and their fixations. This effect is purely due to inherent characteristics of the cell renewal dynamics and as time goes by it leads to a quiescence state for stem cells owing to the recurrent fixation of such altered cells. Therefore it would contribute to the aging process.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Fendrik
- Instituto de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de General Sarmiento-J.M.Gutierrez 1150, (1613) Los Polvorines, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas- Buenos Aires, Argentina
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11
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Johnson AF, Nguyen HT, Veitia RA. Causes and effects of haploinsufficiency. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2019; 94:1774-1785. [DOI: 10.1111/brv.12527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Adam F. Johnson
- Institute of Research and DevelopmentDuy Tan University Da Nang, 550000 Vietnam
| | - Ha T. Nguyen
- Institute of Research and DevelopmentDuy Tan University Da Nang, 550000 Vietnam
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12
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DNA Content, Cell Size, and Cell Senescence. Trends Biochem Sci 2019; 44:645-647. [PMID: 31160123 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2019.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Revised: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
A recent study assessed the impact of cell size on various cell properties. Oversized yeast cells display slow cell division, cytoplasmic dilution, and transcriptomic and proteomic alterations. It highlights commonalities between aging yeast and mammalian cells, suggesting the existence of a range of DNA content: cell volume ratio ensuring optimal function.
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13
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Veitia RA. Dosage effects in morphogenetic gradients of transcription factors: insights from a simple mathematical model. J Genet 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s12041-018-0920-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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14
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Iwahara J, Zandarashvili L, Kemme CA, Esadze A. NMR-based investigations into target DNA search processes of proteins. Methods 2018; 148:57-66. [PMID: 29753002 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2018.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 10/16/2022] Open
Abstract
To perform their function, transcription factors and DNA-repair/modifying enzymes must first locate their targets in the vast presence of nonspecific, but structurally similar sites on genomic DNA. Before reaching their targets, these proteins stochastically scan DNA and dynamically move from one site to another on DNA. Solution NMR spectroscopy provides unique atomic-level insights into the dynamic DNA-scanning processes, which are difficult to gain by any other experimental means. In this review, we provide an introductory overview on the NMR methods for the structural, dynamic, and kinetic investigations of target DNA search by proteins. We also discuss advantages and disadvantages of these NMR methods over other methods such as single-molecule techniques and biochemical approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junji Iwahara
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics, University of Texas Medical Branch, United States.
| | - Levani Zandarashvili
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Catherine A Kemme
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics, University of Texas Medical Branch, United States
| | - Alexandre Esadze
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, United States
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15
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Logic of two antagonizing intra-species quorum sensing systems in bacteria. Biosystems 2018; 165:88-98. [PMID: 29407383 DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2018.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Revised: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Bacteria release signaling molecules into the surrounding environment and sense them when present in their proximity. Using this strategy, a cell estimates the number of neighbors in its surrounding. Upon sensing a critical number of individuals, bacteria coordinate a number of cellular processes. This density-dependent control of gene expression and physiology is called quorum sensing (QS). Quorum sensing controls a wide variety of functions in bacteria, including those related to motility, growth, virulence etc. Quorum sensing has been widely observed in bacteria while the individuals of the same species or different species compete and cooperate each other. Interestingly, many species possess more than one QS system (intra-species) and these QS systems interact each other to perform quorum sensing. Thus, several logical arrangements can be possible based on the interaction among intra-species QS systems - parallel, series, antagonizing, and agonizing. In this work, we perform simulations to understand the logic of interaction between two antagonizing intra-species QS systems. In such an interaction, one QS system gets fully expressed and the other only gets partially expressed. This is found to be dictated by the interplay between autoinducer's diffusivity and antagonizing strength. In addition, we speculate an important role of the intracellular regulators (eg. LuxR) in maintaining the uniform response among the individual cells from the different localities. We also expect the interplay between the autoinducer's diffusivity and distribution of cells in fine tuning the collective response. Interestingly, in a localized niche with a heterogeneous cell distribution, the cells are expected to perform a global quorum sensing via fully expressed QS system and a local quorum sensing via partially expressed QS system.
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16
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Veitia RA, Caburet S, Birchler JA. Mechanisms of Mendelian dominance. Clin Genet 2017; 93:419-428. [PMID: 28755412 DOI: 10.1111/cge.13107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Revised: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Genetic dominance has long been considered as a qualitative reflection of interallelic interactions. Dominance arises from many multiple sources whose unifying theme is the existence of non-linear relationships between the genotypic and phenotypic values. One of the clearest examples are dominant negative mutations (DNMs) in which a defective subunit poisons a macromolecular complex. Dominance can also be due to the presence of a heterozygous null allele, as is the case of haploinsufficiency. Dominance can also be influenced by epistatic (interloci) interactions. For instance, a pre-existing genetic variant can make possible the expression of a pathogenic variant in a seemingly "dominant" fashion. Such interactions, which can make an individual more or less sensitive to a particular pathogenic variant, will also be discussed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Veitia
- Institut Jacques Monod, CNRS-UMR 7592, Paris Cedex 13, France.,Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France
| | - S Caburet
- Institut Jacques Monod, CNRS-UMR 7592, Paris Cedex 13, France.,Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France
| | - J A Birchler
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
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