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Hazan JM, Amador R, Ali-Nasser T, Lahav T, Shotan SR, Steinberg M, Cohen Z, Aran D, Meiri D, Assaraf YG, Guigó R, Bester AC. Integration of transcription regulation and functional genomic data reveals lncRNA SNHG6's role in hematopoietic differentiation and leukemia. J Biomed Sci 2024; 31:27. [PMID: 38419051 PMCID: PMC10900714 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-024-01015-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are pivotal players in cellular processes, and their unique cell-type specific expression patterns render them attractive biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Yet, the functional roles of most lncRNAs remain enigmatic. To address the need to identify new druggable lncRNAs, we developed a comprehensive approach integrating transcription factor binding data with other genetic features to generate a machine learning model, which we have called INFLAMeR (Identifying Novel Functional LncRNAs with Advanced Machine Learning Resources). METHODS INFLAMeR was trained on high-throughput CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) screens across seven cell lines, and the algorithm was based on 71 genetic features. To validate the predictions, we selected candidate lncRNAs in the human K562 leukemia cell line and determined the impact of their knockdown (KD) on cell proliferation and chemotherapeutic drug response. We further performed transcriptomic analysis for candidate genes. Based on these findings, we assessed the lncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 6 (SNHG6) for its role in myeloid differentiation. Finally, we established a mouse K562 leukemia xenograft model to determine whether SNHG6 KD attenuates tumor growth in vivo. RESULTS The INFLAMeR model successfully reconstituted CRISPRi screening data and predicted functional lncRNAs that were previously overlooked. Intensive cell-based and transcriptomic validation of nearly fifty genes in K562 revealed cell type-specific functionality for 85% of the predicted lncRNAs. In this respect, our cell-based and transcriptomic analyses predicted a role for SNHG6 in hematopoiesis and leukemia. Consistent with its predicted role in hematopoietic differentiation, SNHG6 transcription is regulated by hematopoiesis-associated transcription factors. SNHG6 KD reduced the proliferation of leukemia cells and sensitized them to differentiation. Treatment of K562 leukemic cells with hemin and PMA, respectively, demonstrated that SNHG6 inhibits red blood cell differentiation but strongly promotes megakaryocyte differentiation. Using a xenograft mouse model, we demonstrate that SNHG6 KD attenuated tumor growth in vivo. CONCLUSIONS Our approach not only improved the identification and characterization of functional lncRNAs through genomic approaches in a cell type-specific manner, but also identified new lncRNAs with roles in hematopoiesis and leukemia. Such approaches can be readily applied to identify novel targets for precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua M Hazan
- Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, 3200003, Haifa, Israel
| | - Raziel Amador
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Tahleel Ali-Nasser
- Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, 3200003, Haifa, Israel
| | - Tamar Lahav
- Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, 3200003, Haifa, Israel
| | - Stav Roni Shotan
- Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, 3200003, Haifa, Israel
| | - Miryam Steinberg
- Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, 3200003, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ziv Cohen
- Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, 3200003, Haifa, Israel
- The Taub Faculty of Computer Science, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, 3200003, Haifa, Israel
| | - Dvir Aran
- Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, 3200003, Haifa, Israel
- The Taub Faculty of Computer Science, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, 3200003, Haifa, Israel
| | - David Meiri
- Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, 3200003, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yehuda G Assaraf
- The Fred Wyszkowski Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, 3200003, Haifa, Israel
| | - Roderic Guigó
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Assaf C Bester
- Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, 3200003, Haifa, Israel.
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Zhou B, Yu G, Zhao M, Li Y, Li J, Xiang Y, Tong L, Chu X, Wang C, Song Y. The lncRNA LINC00339-encoded peptide promotes trophoblast adhesion to endometrial cells via MAPK and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:493-504. [PMID: 38049704 PMCID: PMC10894799 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02995-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometrial receptivity (ER), a pivotal event for successful embryo implantation, refers to the capacity of endometrium to allow the adhesion of the trophectoderm of the blastocyst to endometrial cells. In this paper, we set to elucidate whether the peptides encoded by lncRNAs could influence trophoblast cells' adhesion to endometrial cells. METHODS WGCNA construction and bioinformatics were used to find out the ER-related lncRNAs with coding potential. Protein analysis was done by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence (IF) microscopy. CCK-8 and Calcein-AM/PI double staining assays were employed to evaluate cell viability. The effect of the peptide on trophoblast spheroids' adhesion to endometrial cells was evaluated. The RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis was applied to identify downstream molecular processes. RESULTS lncRNA LINC00339 was found to be related to ER development and it had been predicted to have protein-coding potential. LINC00339 had high occupancy of ribosomes and was confirmed to encode a 49-aa peptide (named LINC00339-205-49aa). LINC00339-205-49aa could promote the attachment of JAR trophoblast spheroids to Ishikawa endometrial cells in vitro. LINC00339-205-49aa also upregulated the expression of E-cadherin in Ishikawa cells. Mechanistically, MAPK and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways were involved in the modulation of LINC00339-205-49aa, which were activated by LINC00339-205-49aa in Ishikawa cells. CONCLUSION These data demonstrate that a previously uncharacterized peptide encoded by lncRNA LINC00339 has the ability to enhance JAR trophoblast spheroids' adhesion to Ishikawa endometrial cells, highlighting a new opportunity for the development of drugs to improve ER.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zhou
- Medical Research Center, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450014, People's Republic of China
| | - Guo Yu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 2 Jingba Road, Zhengzhou, 450014, Henan, China
| | - Mingqi Zhao
- Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 2 Jingba Road, Zhengzhou, 450014, Henan, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 2 Jingba Road, Zhengzhou, 450014, Henan, China
| | - Yungai Xiang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 2 Jingba Road, Zhengzhou, 450014, Henan, China
| | - Lili Tong
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 2 Jingba Road, Zhengzhou, 450014, Henan, China
| | - Xiying Chu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 2 Jingba Road, Zhengzhou, 450014, Henan, China
| | - Caiyi Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 2 Jingba Road, Zhengzhou, 450014, Henan, China
| | - Yuxia Song
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 2 Jingba Road, Zhengzhou, 450014, Henan, China.
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Zhang L, Tang M, Diao H, Xiong L, Yang X, Xing S. LncRNA-encoded peptides: unveiling their significance in cardiovascular physiology and pathology-current research insights. Cardiovasc Res 2023; 119:2165-2178. [PMID: 37517040 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvad112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), which are RNA transcripts exceeding 200 nucleotides were believed to lack any protein-coding capacity. But advancements in -omics technology have revealed that some lncRNAs have small open reading frames (sORFs) that can be translated by ribosomes to encode peptides, some of which have important biological functions. These encoded peptides subserve important biological functions by interacting with their targets to modulate transcriptional or signalling axes, thereby enhancing or suppressing cardiovascular disease (CVD) occurrence and progression. In this review, we summarize what is known about the research strategy of lncRNA-encoded peptides, mainly comprising predictive websites/tools and experimental methods that have been widely used for prediction, identification, and validation. More importantly, we have compiled a list of lncRNA- encoded peptides, with a focus on those that play significant roles in cardiovascular physiology and pathology, including ENSRNOT (RNO)-sORF6/RNO-sORF7/RNO-sORF8, dwarf open reading frame (DOWRF), myoregulin (NLN), etc. Additionally, we have outlined the functions and mechanisms of these peptides in cardiovascular physiology and pathology, such as cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, myocardial contraction, myocardial infarction, and vascular remodelling. Finally, an overview of the existing challenges and potential future developments in the realm of lncRNA-encoded peptides was provided, with consideration given to prospective avenues for further research. Given that many lncRNA-encoded peptides have not been functionally annotated yet, their application in CVD diagnosis and treatment still requires further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, 1617 Riyue Street, Qingyang District, Chengdu 611731, China
- Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200336, China
| | - Mi Tang
- Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, 1617 Riyue Street, Qingyang District, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Haoyang Diao
- Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, 1617 Riyue Street, Qingyang District, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Liling Xiong
- Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, 1617 Riyue Street, Qingyang District, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Xiao Yang
- Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, 1617 Riyue Street, Qingyang District, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Shasha Xing
- Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, 1617 Riyue Street, Qingyang District, Chengdu 611731, China
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Wang X, Zhang Z, Shi C, Wang Y, Zhou T, Lin A. Clinical prospects and research strategies of long non-coding RNA encoding micropeptides. Zhejiang Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban 2023; 52:397-405. [PMID: 37643974 PMCID: PMC10495248 DOI: 10.3724/zdxbyxb-2023-0128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) which are usually thought to have no protein coding ability, are widely involved in cell proliferation, signal transduction and other biological activities. However, recent studies have suggested that short open reading frames (sORFs) of some lncRNAs can encode small functional peptides (micropeptides). These micropeptides appear to play important roles in calcium homeostasis, embryonic development and tumorigenesis, suggesting their potential as therapeutic targets and diagnostic biomarkers. Currently, bioinformatic tools as well as experimental methods such as ribosome mapping and in vitro translation are applied to predict the coding potential of lncRNAs. Furthermore, mass spectrometry, specific antibodies and epitope tags are used for validating the expression of micropeptides. Here, we review the physiological and pathological functions of recently identified micropeptides as well as research strategies for predicting the coding potential of lncRNAs to facilitate the further research of lncRNA encoded micropeptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Zhen Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Chengyu Shi
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Ying Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Tianhua Zhou
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou 310058, China.
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Center for RNA Medicine, International Institutes of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Jinhua 322000, Zhejiang Province, China.
- Department of Cell Biology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Aifu Lin
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou 310058, China.
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Center for RNA Medicine, International Institutes of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Jinhua 322000, Zhejiang Province, China.
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