1
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Li Y, Jin H, Li Q, Shi L, Mao Y, Zhao L. The role of RNA methylation in tumor immunity and its potential in immunotherapy. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:130. [PMID: 38902779 PMCID: PMC11188252 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02041-8] [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: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
RNA methylation, a prevalent post-transcriptional modification, has garnered considerable attention in research circles. It exerts regulatory control over diverse biological functions by modulating RNA splicing, translation, transport, and stability. Notably, studies have illuminated the substantial impact of RNA methylation on tumor immunity. The primary types of RNA methylation encompass N6-methyladenosine (m6A), 5-methylcytosine (m5C), N1-methyladenosine (m1A), and N7-methylguanosine (m7G), and 3-methylcytidine (m3C). Compelling evidence underscores the involvement of RNA methylation in regulating the tumor microenvironment (TME). By affecting RNA translation and stability through the "writers", "erasers" and "readers", RNA methylation exerts influence over the dysregulation of immune cells and immune factors. Consequently, RNA methylation plays a pivotal role in modulating tumor immunity and mediating various biological behaviors, encompassing proliferation, invasion, metastasis, etc. In this review, we discussed the mechanisms and functions of several RNA methylations, providing a comprehensive overview of their biological roles and underlying mechanisms within the tumor microenvironment and among immunocytes. By exploring how these RNA modifications mediate tumor immune evasion, we also examine their potential applications in immunotherapy. This review aims to provide novel insights and strategies for identifying novel targets in RNA methylation and advancing cancer immunotherapy efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Haoer Jin
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qingling Li
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Liangrong Shi
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yitao Mao
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Luqing Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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2
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Schultz SK, Kothe U. RNA modifying enzymes shape tRNA biogenesis and function. J Biol Chem 2024:107488. [PMID: 38908752 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) are the most highly modified cellular RNAs, both with respect to the proportion of nucleotides that are modified within the tRNA sequence and with respect to the extraordinary diversity in tRNA modification chemistry. However, the functions of many different tRNA modifications are only beginning to emerge. tRNAs have two general clusters of modifications. The first cluster is within the anticodon stem-loop including several modifications essential for protein translation. The second cluster of modifications is within the tRNA elbow, and roles for these modifications are less clear. In general, tRNA elbow modifications are typically not essential for cell growth, but nonetheless several tRNA elbow modifications have been highly conserved throughout all domains of life. In addition to forming modifications, many tRNA modifying enzymes have been demonstrated or hypothesized to additionally play an important role in folding tRNA acting as tRNA chaperones. In this review, we summarize the known functions of tRNA modifying enzymes throughout the lifecycle of a tRNA molecule, from transcription to degradation. Thereby, we describe how tRNA modification and folding by tRNA modifying enzymes enhance tRNA maturation, tRNA aminoacylation, and tRNA function during protein synthesis, ultimately impacting cellular phenotypes and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K Schultz
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Alberta RNA Research and Training Institute (ARRTI), Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Ute Kothe
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Alberta RNA Research and Training Institute (ARRTI), Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada.
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3
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Zhou X, Ling Y, Cui J, Wang X, Long N, Teng W, Liu J, Xiang X, Yang H, Chu L. Mitochondrial RNA modification-based signature to predict prognosis of lower grade glioma: a multi-omics exploration and verification study. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12602. [PMID: 38824202 PMCID: PMC11144219 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63592-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial RNA modification (MRM) plays a crucial role in regulating the expression of key mitochondrial genes and promoting tumor metastasis. Despite its significance, comprehensive studies on MRM in lower grade gliomas (LGGs) remain unknown. Single-cell RNA-seq data (GSE89567) was used to evaluate the distribution functional status, and correlation of MRM-related genes in different cell types of LGG microenvironment. We developed an MRM scoring system by selecting potential MRM-related genes using LASSO regression analysis and the Random Survival Forest algorithm, based on multiple bulk RNA-seq datasets from TCGA, CGGA, GSE16011, and E-MTAB-3892. Analysis was performed on prognostic and immunological features, signaling pathways, metabolism, somatic mutations and copy number variations (CNVs), treatment responses, and forecasting of potential small-molecule agents. A total of 35 MRM-related genes were selected from the literature. Differential expression analysis of 1120 normal brain tissues and 529 LGGs revealed that 22 and 10 genes were upregulated and downregulated, respectively. Most genes were associated with prognosis of LGG. METLL8, METLL2A, TRMT112, and METTL2B were extensively expressed in all cell types and different cell cycle of each cell type. Almost all cell types had clusters related to mitochondrial RNA processing, ribosome biogenesis, or oxidative phosphorylation. Cell-cell communication and Pearson correlation analyses indicated that MRM may promoting the development of microenvironment beneficial to malignant progression via modulating NCMA signaling pathway and ICP expression. A total of 11 and 9 MRM-related genes were observed by LASSO and the RSF algorithm, respectively, and finally 6 MRM-related genes were used to establish MRM scoring system (TRMT2B, TRMT11, METTL6, METTL8, TRMT6, and TRUB2). The six MRM-related genes were then validated by qPCR in glioma and normal tissues. MRM score can predict the malignant clinical characteristics, abundance of immune infiltration, gene variation, clinical outcome, the enrichment of signaling pathways and metabolism. In vitro experiments demonstrated that silencing METTL8 significantly curbs glioma cell proliferation and enhances apoptosis. Patients with a high MRM score showed a better response to immunotherapies and small-molecule agents such as arachidonyl trifluoromethyl ketone, MS.275, AH.6809, tacrolimus, and TTNPB. These novel insights into the biological impacts of MRM within the glioma microenvironment underscore its potential as a target for developing precise therapies, including immunotherapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingwang Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanguo Ling
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Junshuan Cui
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Niya Long
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Teng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Xiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Liangzhao Chu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, People's Republic of China.
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4
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Flemmich L, Bereiter R, Micura R. Chemical Synthesis of Modified RNA. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202403063. [PMID: 38529723 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202403063] [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: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Ribonucleic acids (RNAs) play a vital role in living organisms. Many of their cellular functions depend critically on chemical modification. Methods to modify RNA in a controlled manner-both in vitro and in vivo-are thus essential to evaluate and understand RNA biology at the molecular and mechanistic levels. The diversity of modifications, combined with the size and uniformity of RNA (made up of only 4 nucleotides) makes its site-specific modification a challenging task that needs to be addressed by complementary approaches. One such approach is solid-phase RNA synthesis. We discuss recent developments in this field, starting with new protection concepts in the ongoing effort to overcome current size limitations. We continue with selected modifications that have posed significant challenges for their incorporation into RNA. These include deazapurine bases required for atomic mutagenesis to elucidate mechanistic aspects of catalytic RNAs, and RNA containing xanthosine, N4-acetylcytidine, 5-hydroxymethylcytidine, 3-methylcytidine, 2'-OCF3, and 2'-N3 ribose modifications. We also discuss the all-chemical synthesis of 5'-capped mRNAs and the enzymatic ligation of chemically synthesized oligoribonucleotides to obtain long RNA with multiple distinct modifications, such as those needed for single-molecule FRET studies. Finally, we highlight promising developments in RNA-catalyzed RNA modification using cofactors that transfer bioorthogonal functionalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurin Flemmich
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences, University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Raphael Bereiter
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences, University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ronald Micura
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences, University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
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5
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Lin S, Kuang M. RNA modification-mediated mRNA translation regulation in liver cancer: mechanisms and clinical perspectives. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 21:267-281. [PMID: 38243019 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-023-00884-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Malignant liver cancer is characterized by rapid tumour progression and a high mortality rate, whereas the molecular mechanisms underlying liver cancer initiation and progression are still poorly understood. The dynamic and reversible RNA modifications have crucial functions in gene expression regulation by modulating RNA processing and mRNA translation. Emerging evidence has revealed that alterations in RNA modifications facilitate the selective translation of oncogenic transcripts and promote the diverse tumorigenic processes of liver cancer. In this Review, we first highlight the current progress on the functions and mechanisms underlying RNA modifications in the regulation of mRNA translation and then summarize the exciting discoveries on aberrant RNA modification-mediated mRNA translation in the regulation of tumour initiation, metastasis, metabolism, tumour microenvironment, and drug and radiotherapy resistance in liver cancer. Finally, we discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic potentials of targeting RNA modifications and mRNA translation for the clinical management of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuibin Lin
- Center for Translational Medicine, Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Ming Kuang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Center of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
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6
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Añazco-Guenkova AM, Miguel-López B, Monteagudo-García Ó, García-Vílchez R, Blanco S. The impact of tRNA modifications on translation in cancer: identifying novel therapeutic avenues. NAR Cancer 2024; 6:zcae012. [PMID: 38476632 PMCID: PMC10928989 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcae012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent advancements have illuminated the critical role of RNA modifications in post-transcriptional regulation, shaping the landscape of gene expression. This review explores how tRNA modifications emerge as critical players, fine-tuning functionalities that not only maintain the fidelity of protein synthesis but also dictate gene expression and translation profiles. Highlighting their dysregulation as a common denominator in various cancers, we systematically investigate the intersection of both cytosolic and mitochondrial tRNA modifications with cancer biology. These modifications impact key processes such as cell proliferation, tumorigenesis, migration, metastasis, bioenergetics and the modulation of the tumor immune microenvironment. The recurrence of altered tRNA modification patterns across different cancer types underscores their significance in cancer development, proposing them as potential biomarkers and as actionable targets to disrupt tumorigenic processes, offering new avenues for precision medicine in the battle against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Añazco-Guenkova
- Centro de Investigación del Cáncer and Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Borja Miguel-López
- Centro de Investigación del Cáncer and Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Óscar Monteagudo-García
- Centro de Investigación del Cáncer and Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Raquel García-Vílchez
- Centro de Investigación del Cáncer and Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Sandra Blanco
- Centro de Investigación del Cáncer and Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
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7
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Amalric A, Attina A, Bastide A, Buffard M, Mateus S, Planque C, Rivals E, Hirtz C, David A. Mass Spectrometry-Based Pipeline for Identifying RNA Modifications Involved in a Functional Process: Application to Cancer Cell Adaptation. Anal Chem 2024; 96:1825-1833. [PMID: 38275837 PMCID: PMC10851184 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c02635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Cancer onset and progression are known to be regulated by genetic and epigenetic events, including RNA modifications (a.k.a. epitranscriptomics). So far, more than 150 chemical modifications have been described in all RNA subtypes, including messenger, ribosomal, and transfer RNAs. RNA modifications and their regulators are known to be implicated in all steps of post-transcriptional regulation. The dysregulation of this complex yet delicate balance can contribute to disease evolution, particularly in the context of carcinogenesis, where cells are subjected to various stresses. We sought to discover RNA modifications involved in cancer cell adaptation to inhospitable environments, a peculiar feature of cancer stem cells (CSCs). We were particularly interested in the RNA marks that help the adaptation of cancer cells to suspension culture, which is often used as a surrogate to evaluate the tumorigenic potential. For this purpose, we designed an experimental pipeline consisting of four steps: (1) cell culture in different growth conditions to favor CSC survival; (2) simultaneous RNA subtype (mRNA, rRNA, tRNA) enrichment and RNA hydrolysis; (3) the multiplex analysis of nucleosides by LC-MS/MS followed by statistical/bioinformatic analysis; and (4) the functional validation of identified RNA marks. This study demonstrates that the RNA modification landscape evolves along with the cancer cell phenotype under growth constraints. Remarkably, we discovered a short epitranscriptomic signature, conserved across colorectal cancer cell lines and associated with enrichment in CSCs. Functional tests confirmed the importance of selected marks in the process of adaptation to suspension culture, confirming the validity of our approach and opening up interesting prospects in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amandine Amalric
- IGF,
INSERM, Université de Montpellier,
CNRS, 34090 Montpellier, France
- IRMB-PPC,
INM, CHU Montpellier, INSERM, Université
de Montpellier, CNRS, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Aurore Attina
- IRMB-PPC,
INM, CHU Montpellier, INSERM, Université
de Montpellier, CNRS, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Amandine Bastide
- IGF,
INSERM, Université de Montpellier,
CNRS, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Marion Buffard
- IGF,
INSERM, Université de Montpellier,
CNRS, 34090 Montpellier, France
- LIRMM, Université de Montpellier,
CNRS, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Stéphanie Mateus
- IGF,
INSERM, Université de Montpellier,
CNRS, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Chris Planque
- IGF,
INSERM, Université de Montpellier,
CNRS, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Eric Rivals
- LIRMM, Université de Montpellier,
CNRS, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Christophe Hirtz
- IRMB-PPC,
INM, CHU Montpellier, INSERM, Université
de Montpellier, CNRS, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Alexandre David
- IGF,
INSERM, Université de Montpellier,
CNRS, 34090 Montpellier, France
- IRMB-PPC,
INM, CHU Montpellier, INSERM, Université
de Montpellier, CNRS, 34090 Montpellier, France
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8
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Zhang F, Ignatova VV, Ming GL, Song H. Advances in brain epitranscriptomics research and translational opportunities. Mol Psychiatry 2024; 29:449-463. [PMID: 38123727 PMCID: PMC11116067 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02339-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Various chemical modifications of all RNA transcripts, or epitranscriptomics, have emerged as crucial regulators of RNA metabolism, attracting significant interest from both basic and clinical researchers due to their diverse functions in biological processes and immense clinical potential as highlighted by the recent profound success of RNA modifications in improving COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. Rapid accumulation of evidence underscores the critical involvement of various RNA modifications in governing normal neural development and brain functions as well as pathogenesis of brain disorders. Here we provide an overview of RNA modifications and recent advancements in epitranscriptomic studies utilizing animal models to elucidate important roles of RNA modifications in regulating mammalian neurogenesis, gliogenesis, synaptic formation, and brain function. Moreover, we emphasize the pivotal involvement of RNA modifications and their regulators in the pathogenesis of various human brain disorders, encompassing neurodevelopmental disorders, brain tumors, psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Furthermore, we discuss potential translational opportunities afforded by RNA modifications in combatting brain disorders, including their use as biomarkers, in the development of drugs or gene therapies targeting epitranscriptomic pathways, and in applications for mRNA-based vaccines and therapies. We also address current limitations and challenges hindering the widespread clinical application of epitranscriptomic research, along with the improvements necessary for future progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhang
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Valentina V Ignatova
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Guo-Li Ming
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Hongjun Song
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- The Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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9
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Dulic M, Godinic-Mikulcic V, Kekez M, Evic V, Rokov-Plavec J. Protein-Protein Interactions of Seryl-tRNA Synthetases with Emphasis on Human Counterparts and Their Connection to Health and Disease. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:124. [PMID: 38255739 PMCID: PMC10817482 DOI: 10.3390/life14010124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Seryl-tRNA synthetases (SerRSs), members of the aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase family, interact with diverse proteins, enabling SerRSs to enhance their role in the translation of the genetic message or to perform alternative functions in cellular processes beyond translation. Atypical archaeal SerRS interacts with arginyl-tRNA synthetase and proteins of the ribosomal P-stalk to optimize translation through tRNA channeling. The complex between yeast SerRS and peroxin Pex21p provides a connection between translation and peroxisome function. The partnership between Arabidopsis SerRS and BEN1 indicates a link between translation and brassinosteroid metabolism and may be relevant in plant stress response mechanisms. In Drosophila, the unusual heterodimeric mitochondrial SerRS coordinates mitochondrial translation and replication via interaction with LON protease. Evolutionarily conserved interactions of yeast and human SerRSs with m3C32 tRNA methyltransferases indicate coordination between tRNA modification and aminoacylation in the cytosol and mitochondria. Human cytosolic SerRS is a cellular hub protein connecting translation to vascular development, angiogenesis, lipogenesis, and telomere maintenance. When translocated to the nucleus, SerRS acts as a master negative regulator of VEGFA gene expression. SerRS alone or in complex with YY1 and SIRT2 competes with activating transcription factors NFκB1 and c-Myc, resulting in balanced VEGFA expression important for proper vascular development and angiogenesis. In hypoxia, SerRS phosphorylation diminishes its binding to the VEGFA promoter, while the lack of nutrients triggers SerRS glycosylation, reducing its nuclear localization. Additionally, SerRS binds telomeric DNA and cooperates with the shelterin protein POT1 to regulate telomere length and cellular senescence. As an antitumor and antiangiogenic factor, human cytosolic SerRS appears to be a promising drug target and therapeutic agent for treating cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and possibly obesity and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jasmina Rokov-Plavec
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (M.D.); (V.G.-M.); (M.K.); (V.E.)
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10
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Hehenberger E, Guo J, Wilken S, Hoadley K, Sudek L, Poirier C, Dannebaum R, Susko E, Worden AZ. Phosphate Limitation Responses in Marine Green Algae Are Linked to Reprogramming of the tRNA Epitranscriptome and Codon Usage Bias. Mol Biol Evol 2023; 40:msad251. [PMID: 37987557 PMCID: PMC10735309 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msad251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Marine algae are central to global carbon fixation, and their productivity is dictated largely by resource availability. Reduced nutrient availability is predicted for vast oceanic regions as an outcome of climate change; however, there is much to learn regarding response mechanisms of the tiny picoplankton that thrive in these environments, especially eukaryotic phytoplankton. Here, we investigate responses of the picoeukaryote Micromonas commoda, a green alga found throughout subtropical and tropical oceans. Under shifting phosphate availability scenarios, transcriptomic analyses revealed altered expression of transfer RNA modification enzymes and biased codon usage of transcripts more abundant during phosphate-limiting versus phosphate-replete conditions, consistent with the role of transfer RNA modifications in regulating codon recognition. To associate the observed shift in the expression of the transfer RNA modification enzyme complement with the transfer RNAs encoded by M. commoda, we also determined the transfer RNA repertoire of this alga revealing potential targets of the modification enzymes. Codon usage bias was particularly pronounced in transcripts encoding proteins with direct roles in managing phosphate limitation and photosystem-associated proteins that have ill-characterized putative functions in "light stress." The observed codon usage bias corresponds to a proposed stress response mechanism in which the interplay between stress-induced changes in transfer RNA modifications and skewed codon usage in certain essential response genes drives preferential translation of the encoded proteins. Collectively, we expose a potential underlying mechanism for achieving growth under enhanced nutrient limitation that extends beyond the catalog of up- or downregulated protein-encoding genes to the cell biological controls that underpin acclimation to changing environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Hehenberger
- Ocean EcoSystems Biology Unit, RD3, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research, 24148 Kiel, DE
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, 370 05 České Budějovice, CZ
| | - Jian Guo
- Ocean Sciences Department, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Susanne Wilken
- Ocean Sciences Department, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Kenneth Hoadley
- Ocean EcoSystems Biology Unit, RD3, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research, 24148 Kiel, DE
| | - Lisa Sudek
- Ocean Sciences Department, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Camille Poirier
- Ocean EcoSystems Biology Unit, RD3, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research, 24148 Kiel, DE
| | - Richard Dannebaum
- Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Edward Susko
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, CA
| | - Alexandra Z Worden
- Ocean EcoSystems Biology Unit, RD3, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research, 24148 Kiel, DE
- Ocean Sciences Department, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
- Josephine Bay Paul Center for Comparative Molecular Biology and Evolution, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, 24306 Plön, DE
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11
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Jia W, Yuan J, Li S, Cheng B. The role of dysregulated mRNA translation machinery in cancer pathogenesis and therapeutic value of ribosome-inactivating proteins. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:189018. [PMID: 37944831 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.189018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulated protein synthesis is a hallmark of tumors. mRNA translation reprogramming contributes to tumorigenesis, which is fueled by abnormalities in ribosome formation, tRNA abundance and modification, and translation factors. Not only malignant cells but also stromal cells within tumor microenvironment can undergo transformation toward tumorigenic phenotypes during translational reprogramming. Ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs) have garnered interests for their ability to selectively inhibit protein synthesis and suppress tumor growth. This review summarizes the role of dysregulated translation machinery in tumor development and explores the potential of RIPs in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wentao Jia
- Oncology Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China; Faculty of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200043, China
| | - Jiaying Yuan
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Shu Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Baoshan Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201900, China.
| | - Binbin Cheng
- Oncology Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China; Faculty of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200043, China.
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12
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Huang MH, Wang JT, Zhang JH, Mao XL, Peng GX, Lin X, Lv D, Yuan C, Lin H, Wang ED, Zhou XL. Mitochondrial RNA m 3C methyltransferase METTL8 relies on an isoform-specific N-terminal extension and modifies multiple heterogenous tRNAs. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2023; 68:2094-2105. [PMID: 37573249 DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2023.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Methyltransferase-like 8 (METTL8) encodes a mitochondria-localized METTL8-Iso1 and a nucleolus-distributed METTL8-Iso4 isoform, which differ only in their N-terminal extension (N-extension), by mRNA alternative splicing. METTL8-Iso1 generates 3-methylcytidine at position 32 (m3C32) of mitochondrial tRNAThr and tRNASer(UCN). Whether METTL8-Iso4 is an active m3C32 methyltransferase and the role of the N-extension in mitochondrial tRNA m3C32 formation remain unclear. Here, we revealed that METTL8-Iso4 was inactive in m3C32 generation due to the lack of N-extension, which contains several absolutely conserved modification-critical residues; the counterparts were likewise essential in cytoplasmic m3C32 biogenesis by methyltransferase-like 2A (METTL2A) or budding yeasts tRNA N3-methylcytidine methyltransferase (Trm140), in vitro and in vivo. Cross-compartment/species tRNA modification assays unexpectedly found that METTL8-Iso1 efficiently introduced m3C32 to several cytoplasmic or even bacterial tRNAs in vitro. m3C32 did not influence tRNAThrN6-threonylcarbamoyladenosine (t6A) modification or aminoacylation. In addition to its interaction with mitochondrial seryl-tRNA synthetase (SARS2), we further discovered an interaction between mitochondrial threonyl-tRNA synthetase (TARS2) and METTL8-Iso1. METTL8-Iso1 substantially stimulated the aminoacylation activities of SARS2 and TARS2 in vitro, suggesting a functional connection between mitochondrial tRNA modification and charging. Altogether, our results deepen the mechanistic insights into mitochondrial m3C32 biogenesis and provide a valuable route to prepare cytoplasmic/bacterial tRNAs with only a m3C32 moiety, aiding in future efforts to investigate its effects on tRNA structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Han Huang
- Key Laboratory of RNA Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Jin-Tao Wang
- Key Laboratory of RNA Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Jian-Hui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of RNA Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Xue-Ling Mao
- Key Laboratory of RNA Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Gui-Xin Peng
- Key Laboratory of RNA Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Xiuying Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Daizhu Lv
- Analysis and Testing Center, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, China
| | - Chen Yuan
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Huan Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - En-Duo Wang
- Key Laboratory of RNA Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China.
| | - Xiao-Long Zhou
- Key Laboratory of RNA Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China.
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13
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Peng YL, Dong YF, Guo LL, Li MY, Liao H, Li RS. Identification and validation of a m7G-related lncRNA signature for predicting the prognosis and therapy response in hepatocellular carcinoma. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289552. [PMID: 37535570 PMCID: PMC10399872 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND N7-methylguanosine (m7G) is one of the most common RNA posttranscriptional modifications; however, its potential role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unknown. We developed a prediction signature based on m7G-related long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) to predict HCC prognosis and provide a reference for immunotherapy and chemotherapy. METHODS RNA-seq data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and relevant clinical data were used. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were conducted to identify m7G-related lncRNAs with prognostic value to build a predictive signature. We evaluated the prognostic value and clinical relevance of this signature and explored the correlation between the predictive signature and the chemotherapy treatment response of HCC. Moreover, an in vitro study to validate the function of CASC19 was performed. RESULTS Six m7G-related lncRNAs were identified to create a signature. This signature was considered an independent risk factor for the prognosis of patients with HCC. TIDE analyses showed that the high-risk group might be more sensitive to immunotherapy. ssGSEA indicated that the predictive signature was strongly related to the immune activities of HCC. HCC in high-risk patients was more sensitive to the common chemotherapy drugs bleomycin, doxorubicin, gemcitabine, and lenalidomide. In vitro knockdown of CASC19 inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of HCC cells. CONCLUSION We established a 6 m7G-related lncRNA signature that may assist in predicting the prognosis and response to chemotherapy and immunotherapy of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue-Ling Peng
- Department of Nephrology, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital (Fifth Hospital of Shanxi Medical University), Taiyuan, China
| | - Ya-Fang Dong
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Li-Li Guo
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital (Fifth Hospital of Shanxi Medical University), Taiyuan, China
| | - Mu-Ye Li
- Department of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanxi Eye Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Hui Liao
- Drug Clinical Trial Institution, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital (Fifth Hospital of Shanxi Medical University), Taiyuan, China
| | - Rong-Shan Li
- Department of Nephrology, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital (Fifth Hospital of Shanxi Medical University), Taiyuan, China
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14
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Qi YN, Liu Z, Hong LL, Li P, Ling ZQ. Methyltransferase-like proteins in cancer biology and potential therapeutic targeting. J Hematol Oncol 2023; 16:89. [PMID: 37533128 PMCID: PMC10394802 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-023-01477-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA modification has recently become a significant process of gene regulation, and the methyltransferase-like (METTL) family of proteins plays a critical role in RNA modification, methylating various types of RNAs, including mRNA, tRNA, microRNA, rRNA, and mitochondrial RNAs. METTL proteins consist of a unique seven-beta-strand domain, which binds to the methyl donor SAM to catalyze methyl transfer. The most typical family member METTL3/METTL14 forms a methyltransferase complex involved in N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of RNA, regulating tumor proliferation, metastasis and invasion, immunotherapy resistance, and metabolic reprogramming of tumor cells. METTL1, METTL4, METTL5, and METTL16 have also been recently identified to have some regulatory ability in tumorigenesis, and the rest of the METTL family members rely on their methyltransferase activity for methylation of different nucleotides, proteins, and small molecules, which regulate translation and affect processes such as cell differentiation and development. Herein, we summarize the literature on METTLs in the last three years to elucidate their roles in human cancers and provide a theoretical basis for their future use as potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Nan Qi
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, P.R. China
| | - Zhu Liu
- Zhejiang Cancer Institute, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, No.1 Banshan East Rd., Gongshu District, Hangzhou, 310022, Zhejiang, P.R. China
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310018, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Lian-Lian Hong
- Zhejiang Cancer Institute, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, No.1 Banshan East Rd., Gongshu District, Hangzhou, 310022, Zhejiang, P.R. China
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310018, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Pei Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, P.R. China.
| | - Zhi-Qiang Ling
- Zhejiang Cancer Institute, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, No.1 Banshan East Rd., Gongshu District, Hangzhou, 310022, Zhejiang, P.R. China.
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310018, Zhejiang, P.R. China.
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15
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Liu S, He L, Bannister OB, Li J, Schnegelberger RD, Vanderpuye CM, Althouse AD, Schopfer FJ, Wahlang B, Cave MC, Monga SP, Zhang X, Arteel GE, Beier JI. Western diet unmasks transient low-level vinyl chloride-induced tumorigenesis; potential role of the (epi-)transcriptome. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2023; 468:116514. [PMID: 37061008 PMCID: PMC10164119 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2023.116514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Vinyl chloride (VC) monomer is a volatile organic compound commonly used in industry. At high exposure levels, VC causes liver cancer and toxicant-associated steatohepatitis. However, lower exposure levels (i.e., sub-regulatory exposure limits) that do not directly damage the liver, enhance injury caused by Western diet (WD). It is still unknown if the long-term impact of transient low-concentration VC enhances the risk of liver cancer development. This is especially a concern given that fatty liver disease is in and of itself a risk factor for the development of liver cancer. METHODS C57Bl/6 J mice were fed WD or control diet (CD) for 1 year. During the first 12 weeks of feeding only, mice were also exposed to VC via inhalation at sub-regulatory limit concentrations (<1 ppm) or air for 6 h/day, 5 days/week. RESULTS Feeding WD for 1 year caused significant hepatic injury, which was exacerbated by VC. Additionally, VC increased the number of tumors which ranged from moderately to poorly differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated VC-induced changes in metabolic but also ribosomal processes. Epitranscriptomic analysis showed a VC-induced shift of the modification pattern that has been associated with metabolic disease, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cancer. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that VC sensitizes the liver to other stressors (e.g., WD), resulting in enhanced tumorigenesis. These data raise concerns about potential interactions between VC exposure and WD. It also emphasizes that current safety restrictions may be insufficient to account for other factors that can influence hepatotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Liu
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, United States of America; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States of America.
| | - Liqing He
- Department of Chemistry, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40208, United States of America.
| | - Olivia B Bannister
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition University of Pittsburgh, United States of America.
| | - Jiang Li
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition University of Pittsburgh, United States of America.
| | - Regina D Schnegelberger
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, United States of America.
| | - Charis-Marie Vanderpuye
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition University of Pittsburgh, United States of America.
| | - Andrew D Althouse
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States of America.
| | - Francisco J Schopfer
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States of America; Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, United States of America.
| | - Banrida Wahlang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, United States of America; Superfund Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, United States of America; Hepatobiology and Toxicology Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, United States of America; Center for Integrative Environmental Health Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, United States of America; University of Louisville Alcohol Research Center, Louisville, KY 40202, United States of America.
| | - Matthew C Cave
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, United States of America; Superfund Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, United States of America; Hepatobiology and Toxicology Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, United States of America; Center for Integrative Environmental Health Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, United States of America; University of Louisville Alcohol Research Center, Louisville, KY 40202, United States of America; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, United States of America; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, United States of America; Liver Transplant Program at UofL Health-Jewish Hospital Trager Transplant Center, Louisville, KY 40202, United States of America; The Robley Rex Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Louisville, KY 40206, United States of America.
| | - Satdarshan P Monga
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, United States of America; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States of America; Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition University of Pittsburgh, United States of America.
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40208, United States of America; Hepatobiology and Toxicology Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, United States of America; Center for Integrative Environmental Health Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, United States of America; University of Louisville Alcohol Research Center, Louisville, KY 40202, United States of America.
| | - Gavin E Arteel
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States of America; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States of America.
| | - Juliane I Beier
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States of America; Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition University of Pittsburgh, United States of America; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States of America.
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16
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Zhang F, Yoon K, Zhang DY, Kim NS, Ming GL, Song H. Epitranscriptomic regulation of cortical neurogenesis via Mettl8-dependent mitochondrial tRNA m 3C modification. Cell Stem Cell 2023; 30:300-311.e11. [PMID: 36764294 PMCID: PMC10031801 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidence implicates the critical roles of various epitranscriptomic RNA modifications in different biological processes. Methyltransferase METTL8 installs 3-methylcytosine (m3C) modification of mitochondrial tRNAs in vitro; however, its role in intact biological systems is unknown. Here, we show that Mettl8 is localized in mitochondria and installs m3C specifically on mitochondrial tRNAThr/Ser(UCN) in mouse embryonic cortical neural stem cells. At molecular and cellular levels, Mettl8 deletion in cortical neural stem cells leads to reduced mitochondrial protein translation and attenuated respiration activity. At the functional level, conditional Mettl8 deletion in mice results in impaired embryonic cortical neural stem cell maintenance in vivo, which can be rescued by pharmacologically enhancing mitochondrial functions. Similarly, METTL8 promotes mitochondrial protein expression and neural stem cell maintenance in human forebrain cortical organoids. Together, our study reveals a conserved epitranscriptomic mechanism of Mettl8 and mitochondrial tRNA m3C modification in maintaining embryonic cortical neural stem cells in mice and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhang
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kijun Yoon
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Daniel Y Zhang
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Nam-Shik Kim
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Guo-Li Ming
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Hongjun Song
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; The Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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17
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The Repertoire of RNA Modifications Orchestrates a Plethora of Cellular Responses. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032387. [PMID: 36768716 PMCID: PMC9916637 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Although a plethora of DNA modifications have been extensively investigated in the last decade, recent breakthroughs in molecular biology, including high throughput sequencing techniques, have enabled the identification of post-transcriptional marks that decorate RNAs; hence, epitranscriptomics has arisen. This recent scientific field aims to decode the regulatory layer of the transcriptome and set the ground for the detection of modifications in ribose nucleotides. Until now, more than 170 RNA modifications have been reported in diverse types of RNA that contribute to various biological processes, such as RNA biogenesis, stability, and transcriptional and translational accuracy. However, dysfunctions in the RNA-modifying enzymes that regulate their dynamic level can lead to human diseases and cancer. The present review aims to highlight the epitranscriptomic landscape in human RNAs and match the catalytic proteins with the deposition or deletion of a specific mark. In the current review, the most abundant RNA modifications, such as N6-methyladenosine (m6A), N5-methylcytosine (m5C), pseudouridine (Ψ) and inosine (I), are thoroughly described, their functional and regulatory roles are discussed and their contributions to cellular homeostasis are stated. Ultimately, the involvement of the RNA modifications and their writers, erasers, and readers in human diseases and cancer is also discussed.
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18
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Abstract
The methyltransferase-like (METTL) family is a diverse group of methyltransferases that can methylate nucleotides, proteins, and small molecules. Despite this diverse array of substrates, they all share a characteristic seven-beta-strand catalytic domain, and recent evidence suggests many also share an important role in stem cell biology. The most well characterized family members METTL3 and METTL14 dimerize to form an N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methyltransferase with established roles in cancer progression. However, new mouse models indicate that METTL3/METTL14 are also important for embryonic stem cell (ESC) development and postnatal hematopoietic and neural stem cell self-renewal and differentiation. METTL1, METTL5, METTL6, METTL8, and METTL17 also have recently identified roles in ESC pluripotency and differentiation, while METTL11A/11B, METTL4, METTL7A, and METTL22 have been shown to play roles in neural, mesenchymal, bone, and hematopoietic stem cell development, respectively. Additionally, a variety of other METTL family members are translational regulators, a role that could place them as important players in the transition from stem cell quiescence to differentiation. Here we will summarize what is known about the role of METTL proteins in stem cell differentiation and highlight the connection between their growing importance in development and their established roles in oncogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- John G Tooley
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, 955 Main St., Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - James P Catlin
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, 955 Main St., Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Christine E Schaner Tooley
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, 955 Main St., Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA.
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19
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Zhou Y, Li X, Long G, Tao Y, Zhou L, Tang J. Identification and validation of a tyrosine metabolism-related prognostic prediction model and characterization of the tumor microenvironment infiltration in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:994259. [PMID: 36341373 PMCID: PMC9633179 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.994259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive and heterogeneous disease characterized by high morbidity and mortality. The liver is the vital organ that participates in tyrosine catabolism, and abnormal tyrosine metabolism could cause various diseases, including HCC. Besides, the tumor immune microenvironment is involved in carcinogenesis and can influence the patients' clinical outcomes. However, the potential role of tyrosine metabolism pattern and immune molecular signature is poorly understood in HCC. METHODS Gene expression, somatic mutations, copy number variation data, and clinicopathological information of HCC were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. GSE14520 from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases was used as a validation dataset. We performed unsupervised consensus clustering of tyrosine metabolism-related genes (TRGs) and classified patients into distinct molecular subtypes. We used ESTIMATE algorithms to evaluate the immune infiltration. We then applied LASSO Cox regression to establish the TRGs risk model and validated its predictive performance. RESULTS In this study, we first described the alterations of 42 TRGs in HCC cohorts and characterized the clinicopathological characteristics and tumor microenvironmental landscape of the two distinct subtypes. We then established a tyrosine metabolism-related scoring system and identified five TRGs, which were highly correlated with prognosis and representative of this gene set, namely METTL6, GSTZ1, ADH4, ADH1A, and LCMT1. Patients in the high-risk group had an inferior prognosis. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis also showed that the tyrosine metabolism-related signature was an independent prognostic indicator. Besides, receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis demonstrated the predictive accuracy of the TRGs signature that could reliably predict 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival in both TCGA and GEO cohorts. We also got consistent results by performing clone formation and invasion analysis, and immunohistochemical (IHC) assays. Moreover, we also discovered that the TRGs signature was significantly associated with the different immune landscapes and therapeutic drug sensitivity. CONCLUSION Our comprehensive analysis revealed the potential molecular signature and clinical utilities of TRGs in HCC. The model based on five TRGs can accurately predict the survival outcomes of HCC, improving our knowledge of TRGs in HCC and paving a new path for guiding risk stratification and treatment strategy development for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangying Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xuanxuan Li
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Guo Long
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Liver Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yongguang Tao
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis of the Ministry of Health, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Hunan Key Laboratory of Tumor Models and Individualized Medicine, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ledu Zhou
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Liver Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jianing Tang
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Liver Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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20
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Wang S, Li H, Liu J, Zhang Q, Xu W, Xiang J, Fang L, Xu P, Li Z. Integrative analysis of m3C associated genes reveals METTL2A as a potential oncogene in breast Cancer. J Transl Med 2022; 20:476. [PMID: 36266694 PMCID: PMC9583565 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03683-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA methylation modifications, especially m6A mRNA modification, are known to be extensively involved in tumor development. However, the relationship between N3-methylcytidine (m3C) related genes and tumorigenesis has rarely been studied. In this research, we found that m3C-related genes were expressed at different levels and affected patients’ prognosis across multiple cancer types from The Cancer Genome Atlas and multi-omics levels. Importantly, methyltransferase-like proteins 2A (METTL2A) had a high amplification frequency (~ 7%) in patients with breast invasive carcinoma (BRCA), and its overexpression was an independent predictor of poor overall survival. Enrichment analysis of associated genes revealed that METTL2A may activate DNA synthesis and cell proliferation pathways in BRCA cells. Through drug sensitivity analysis, Trifluridine, PD407824, and Taselisib were shown to be effective drugs for METTL2A-positive BRCA patients. Overall, our research conducts a holistic view of the expression level and prognostic signature of m3C-related genes with multiple malignancies. Importantly, METTL2A has been intensely explored as a potential oncogene in BRCA, to aid the development of potential drug agents for precision therapy in breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Huiting Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jiheng Liu
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, First Hospital of Changsha, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qianqian Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Xu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Juanjuan Xiang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Li Fang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ping Xu
- Departments of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Zheng Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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21
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Feng Q, Wang D, Xue T, Lin C, Gao Y, Sun L, Jin Y, Liu D. The role of RNA modification in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:984453. [PMID: 36120301 PMCID: PMC9479111 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.984453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly mortal type of primary liver cancer. Abnormal epigenetic modifications are present in HCC, and RNA modification is dynamic and reversible and is a key post-transcriptional regulator. With the in-depth study of post-transcriptional modifications, RNA modifications are aberrantly expressed in human cancers. Moreover, the regulators of RNA modifications can be used as potential targets for cancer therapy. In RNA modifications, N6-methyladenosine (m6A), N7-methylguanosine (m7G), and 5-methylcytosine (m5C) and their regulators have important regulatory roles in HCC progression and represent potential novel biomarkers for the confirmation of diagnosis and treatment of HCC. This review focuses on RNA modifications in HCC and the roles and mechanisms of m6A, m7G, m5C, N1-methyladenosine (m1A), N3-methylcytosine (m3C), and pseudouridine (ψ) on its development and maintenance. The potential therapeutic strategies of RNA modifications are elaborated for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Feng
- Laboratory Animal Center, College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Dongxu Wang
- Laboratory Animal Center, College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Tianyi Xue
- Laboratory Animal Center, College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Chao Lin
- School of Grain Science and Technology, Jilin Business and Technology College, Changchun, China
| | - Yongjian Gao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Colorectal and Anal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Liqun Sun
- Department of Pediatrics, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ye Jin
- School of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Dianfeng Liu
- Laboratory Animal Center, College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Dianfeng Liu,
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22
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Fischer TR, Meidner L, Schwickert M, Weber M, Zimmermann RA, Kersten C, Schirmeister T, Helm M. Chemical biology and medicinal chemistry of RNA methyltransferases. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:4216-4245. [PMID: 35412633 PMCID: PMC9071492 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA methyltransferases (MTases) are ubiquitous enzymes whose hitherto low profile in medicinal chemistry, contrasts with the surging interest in RNA methylation, the arguably most important aspect of the new field of epitranscriptomics. As MTases become validated as drug targets in all major fields of biomedicine, the development of small molecule compounds as tools and inhibitors is picking up considerable momentum, in academia as well as in biotech. Here we discuss the development of small molecules for two related aspects of chemical biology. Firstly, derivates of the ubiquitous cofactor S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM) are being developed as bioconjugation tools for targeted transfer of functional groups and labels to increasingly visible targets. Secondly, SAM-derived compounds are being investigated for their ability to act as inhibitors of RNA MTases. Drug development is moving from derivatives of cosubstrates towards higher generation compounds that may address allosteric sites in addition to the catalytic centre. Progress in assay development and screening techniques from medicinal chemistry have led to recent breakthroughs, e.g. in addressing human enzymes targeted for their role in cancer. Spurred by the current pandemic, new inhibitors against coronaviral MTases have emerged at a spectacular rate, including a repurposed drug which is now in clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim R Fischer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128Mainz, Germany
| | - Laurenz Meidner
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128Mainz, Germany
| | - Marvin Schwickert
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128Mainz, Germany
| | - Marlies Weber
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128Mainz, Germany
| | - Robert A Zimmermann
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128Mainz, Germany
| | - Christian Kersten
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128Mainz, Germany
| | - Tanja Schirmeister
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128Mainz, Germany
| | - Mark Helm
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128Mainz, Germany
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23
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Zhang W, Foo M, Eren AM, Pan T. tRNA modification dynamics from individual organisms to metaepitranscriptomics of microbiomes. Mol Cell 2022; 82:891-906. [PMID: 35032425 PMCID: PMC8897278 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2021.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
tRNA is the most extensively modified RNA in cells. On average, a bacterial tRNA contains 8 modifications per molecule and a eukaryotic tRNA contains 13 modifications per molecule. Recent studies reveal that tRNA modifications are highly dynamic and respond extensively to environmental conditions. Functions of tRNA modification dynamics include enhanced, on-demand decoding of specific codons in response genes and regulation of tRNA fragment biogenesis. This review summarizes recent advances in the studies of tRNA modification dynamics in biological processes, tRNA modification erasers, and human-associated bacteria. Furthermore, we use the term "metaepitranscriptomics" to describe the potential and approach of tRNA modification studies in natural biological communities such as microbiomes. tRNA is highly modified in cells, and tRNA modifications respond extensively to environmental conditions to enhance translation of specific genes and produce tRNA fragments on demand. We review recent advances in tRNA sequencing methods, tRNA modification dynamics in biological processes, and tRNA modification studies in natural communities such as the microbiomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Marcus Foo
- Committee on Microbiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - A. Murat Eren
- Committee on Microbiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA;,Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA;,Josephine Bay Paul Center for Comparative Molecular Biology and Evolution, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA, 02543, USA
| | - Tao Pan
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Committee on Microbiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
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24
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Lentini JM, Bargabos R, Chen C, Fu D. Methyltransferase METTL8 is required for 3-methylcytosine modification in human mitochondrial tRNAs. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101788. [PMID: 35247384 PMCID: PMC8980813 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
A subset of eukaryotic tRNAs is methylated in the anticodon loop, forming 3-methylcytosine (m3C) modifications. In mammals, the number of tRNAs containing m3C modifications has been expanded to include mitochondrial (mt) tRNA-Ser-UGA and mt-tRNA-Thr-UGU. However, whereas the enzymes catalyzing m3C formation in nuclear-encoded tRNAs have been identified, the proteins responsible for m3C modification in mt-tRNAs are unknown. Here, we show that m3C formation in human mt-tRNAs is dependent upon the Methyltransferase-Like 8 (METTL8) enzyme. We find that METTL8 is a mitochondria-associated protein that interacts with mitochondrial seryl-tRNA synthetase, as well as with mt-tRNAs containing m3C. We demonstrate that human cells deficient in METTL8 exhibit loss of m3C modification in mt-tRNAs, but not nuclear-encoded tRNAs. Consistent with the mitochondrial import of METTL8, the formation of m3C in METTL8-deficient cells could be rescued by re-expression of wildtype METTL8, but not by a METTL8 variant lacking the N-terminal mitochondrial localization signal. Notably, we found METTL8-deficiency in human cells causes alterations in the native migration pattern of mt-tRNA-Ser-UGA, suggesting a role for m3C in tRNA folding. Altogether, these findings demonstrate that METTL8 is required for m3C formation in mitochondrial tRNAs and uncover a potential function for m3C modification in mitochondrial tRNA structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna M Lentini
- Department of Biology, Center for RNA Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States of America
| | - Rachel Bargabos
- Department of Biology, Center for RNA Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States of America
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Biology, Center for RNA Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States of America
| | - Dragony Fu
- Department of Biology, Center for RNA Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States of America.
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25
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Bohnsack KE, Kleiber N, Lemus-Diaz N, Bohnsack MT. Roles and dynamics of 3-methylcytidine in cellular RNAs. Trends Biochem Sci 2022; 47:596-608. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2022.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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26
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Evke S, Lin Q, Melendez JA, Begley TJ. Epitranscriptomic Reprogramming Is Required to Prevent Stress and Damage from Acetaminophen. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13030421. [PMID: 35327975 PMCID: PMC8955276 DOI: 10.3390/genes13030421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epitranscriptomic marks, in the form of enzyme catalyzed RNA modifications, play important gene regulatory roles in response to environmental and physiological conditions. However, little is known with respect to how acute toxic doses of pharmaceuticals influence the epitranscriptome. Here we define how acetaminophen (APAP) induces epitranscriptomic reprogramming and how the writer Alkylation Repair Homolog 8 (Alkbh8) plays a key gene regulatory role in the response. Alkbh8 modifies tRNA selenocysteine (tRNASec) to translationally regulate the production of glutathione peroxidases (Gpx’s) and other selenoproteins, with Gpx enzymes known to play protective roles during APAP toxicity. We demonstrate that APAP increases toxicity and markers of damage, and decreases selenoprotein levels in Alkbh8 deficient mouse livers, when compared to wildtype. APAP also promotes large scale reprogramming of many RNA marks comprising the liver tRNA epitranscriptome including: 5-methoxycarbonylmethyluridine (mcm5U), isopentenyladenosine (i6A), pseudouridine (Ψ), and 1-methyladenosine (m1A) modifications linked to tRNASec and many other tRNA’s. Alkbh8 deficiency also leads to wide-spread epitranscriptomic dysregulation in response to APAP, demonstrating that a single writer defect can promote downstream changes to a large spectrum of RNA modifications. Our study highlights the importance of RNA modifications and translational responses to APAP, identifies writers as key modulators of stress responses in vivo and supports the idea that the epitranscriptome may play important roles in responses to pharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Evke
- Nanobioscience Constellation, College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Albany, NY 12203, USA; (S.E.); (J.A.M.)
- The RNA Institute, University at Albany, Albany, NY 12222, USA;
| | - Qishan Lin
- The RNA Institute, University at Albany, Albany, NY 12222, USA;
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, Albany, NY 12222, USA
- RNA Epitranscriptomics and Proteomics Resource, University at Albany, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Juan Andres Melendez
- Nanobioscience Constellation, College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Albany, NY 12203, USA; (S.E.); (J.A.M.)
- The RNA Institute, University at Albany, Albany, NY 12222, USA;
| | - Thomas John Begley
- The RNA Institute, University at Albany, Albany, NY 12222, USA;
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, Albany, NY 12222, USA
- RNA Epitranscriptomics and Proteomics Resource, University at Albany, Albany, NY 12222, USA
- Correspondence:
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27
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Synthesis of N4-acetylated 3-methylcytidine phosphoramidites for RNA solid-phase synthesis. MONATSHEFTE FUR CHEMIE 2022; 153:285-291. [PMID: 35400759 PMCID: PMC8948120 DOI: 10.1007/s00706-022-02896-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The growing interest in 3-methylcytidine (m3C) originates from the recent discoveries of m3C modified tRNAs in humans as well as its intensively debated occurrence in mRNA. Moreover, m3C formation can be catalyzed by RNA without the assistance of proteins as has been demonstrated for a naturally occurring riboswitch fold using the methylated form of its cognate ligand as cofactor. Additionally, new RNA sequencing methods have been developed to detect this modification in transcriptome-wide manner. For all these reasons, an increasing demand for synthetic m3C containing oligoribonucleotides is emerging. Their chemical synthesis relies on RNA solid-phase synthesis using phosphoramidite building blocks. Here, we describe a facile synthetic path towards N4-acetylated 2′-O-TBDMS- and 2′-O-TOM m3C phosphoramidites to provide an optimal toolbox for solid-phase synthesis of m3C containing RNA.
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28
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Kleiber N, Lemus-Diaz N, Stiller C, Heinrichs M, Mai MMQ, Hackert P, Richter-Dennerlein R, Höbartner C, Bohnsack KE, Bohnsack MT. The RNA methyltransferase METTL8 installs m 3C 32 in mitochondrial tRNAs Thr/Ser(UCN) to optimise tRNA structure and mitochondrial translation. Nat Commun 2022; 13:209. [PMID: 35017528 PMCID: PMC8752778 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27905-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Modified nucleotides in tRNAs are important determinants of folding, structure and function. Here we identify METTL8 as a mitochondrial matrix protein and active RNA methyltransferase responsible for installing m3C32 in the human mitochondrial (mt-)tRNAThr and mt-tRNASer(UCN). METTL8 crosslinks to the anticodon stem loop (ASL) of many mt-tRNAs in cells, raising the question of how methylation target specificity is achieved. Dissection of mt-tRNA recognition elements revealed U34G35 and t6A37/(ms2)i6A37, present concomitantly only in the ASLs of the two substrate mt-tRNAs, as key determinants for METTL8-mediated methylation of C32. Several lines of evidence demonstrate the influence of U34, G35, and the m3C32 and t6A37/(ms2)i6A37 modifications in mt-tRNAThr/Ser(UCN) on the structure of these mt-tRNAs. Although mt-tRNAThr/Ser(UCN) lacking METTL8-mediated m3C32 are efficiently aminoacylated and associate with mitochondrial ribosomes, mitochondrial translation is mildly impaired by lack of METTL8. Together these results define the cellular targets of METTL8 and shed new light on the role of m3C32 within mt-tRNAs.
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MESH Headings
- Anticodon/chemistry
- Anticodon/metabolism
- Base Pairing
- Cytosine/metabolism
- Gene Expression Regulation
- HEK293 Cells
- Humans
- Methylation
- Methyltransferases/genetics
- Methyltransferases/metabolism
- Mitochondria/genetics
- Mitochondria/metabolism
- Nucleic Acid Conformation
- Protein Binding
- Protein Biosynthesis
- RNA, Mitochondrial/chemistry
- RNA, Mitochondrial/genetics
- RNA, Mitochondrial/metabolism
- RNA, Transfer, Ser/chemistry
- RNA, Transfer, Ser/genetics
- RNA, Transfer, Ser/metabolism
- RNA, Transfer, Thr/chemistry
- RNA, Transfer, Thr/genetics
- RNA, Transfer, Thr/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Kleiber
- Department of Molecular Biology, University Medical Centre Göttingen, Humboldtallee 23, 37073, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Nicolas Lemus-Diaz
- Department of Molecular Biology, University Medical Centre Göttingen, Humboldtallee 23, 37073, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Carina Stiller
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Marleen Heinrichs
- Department of Cellular Biochemistry, University Medical Centre Göttingen, Humboldtallee 23, 37073, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Mandy Mong-Quyen Mai
- Department of Cellular Biochemistry, University Medical Centre Göttingen, Humboldtallee 23, 37073, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Philipp Hackert
- Department of Molecular Biology, University Medical Centre Göttingen, Humboldtallee 23, 37073, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ricarda Richter-Dennerlein
- Department of Cellular Biochemistry, University Medical Centre Göttingen, Humboldtallee 23, 37073, Göttingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Claudia Höbartner
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Katherine E Bohnsack
- Department of Molecular Biology, University Medical Centre Göttingen, Humboldtallee 23, 37073, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Markus T Bohnsack
- Department of Molecular Biology, University Medical Centre Göttingen, Humboldtallee 23, 37073, Göttingen, Germany.
- Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), Göttingen, Germany.
- Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences, Georg-August University Göttingen, Justus-von-Liebig-Weg 11, Göttingen, 37077, Germany.
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29
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Bolatkan A, Asada K, Kaneko S, Suvarna K, Ikawa N, Machino H, Komatsu M, Shiina S, Hamamoto R. Downregulation of METTL6 mitigates cell progression, migration, invasion and adhesion in hepatocellular carcinoma by inhibiting cell adhesion molecules. Int J Oncol 2022; 60:4. [PMID: 34913069 PMCID: PMC8698744 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2021.5294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA modifications have attracted increasing interest in recent years because they have been frequently implicated in various human diseases, including cancer, highlighting the importance of dynamic post‑transcriptional modifications. Methyltransferase‑like 6 (METTL6) is a member of the RNA methyltransferase family that has been identified in many cancers; however, little is known about its specific role or mechanism of action. In the present study, we aimed to study the expression levels and functional role of METTL6 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and further investigate the relevant pathways. To this end, we systematically conducted bioinformatics analysis of METTL6 in HCC using gene expression data and clinical information from a publicly available dataset. The mRNA expression levels of METTL6 were significantly upregulated in HCC tumor tissues compared to that in adjacent non‑tumor tissues and strongly associated with poorer survival outcomes in patients with HCC. CRISPR/Cas9‑mediated knockout of METTL6 in HCC cell lines remarkably inhibited colony formation, cell proliferation, cell migration, cell invasion and cell attachment ability. RNA sequencing analysis demonstrated that knockout of METTL6 significantly suppressed the expression of cell adhesion‑related genes. However, chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing results revealed no significant differences in enhancer activities between cells, which suggests that METTL6 may regulate genes of interest post‑transcriptionally. In addition, it was demonstrated for the first time that METTL6 was localized in the cytosol as detected by immunofluorescence analysis, which indicates the plausible location of RNA modification mediated by METTL6. Our findings provide further insight into the function of RNA modifications in cancer and suggest a possible role of METTL6 as a therapeutic target in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amina Bolatkan
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Interventional Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
- Division of Medical AI Research and Development, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
- Cancer Translational Research Team, RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project, Tokyo 103-0027, Japan
| | - Ken Asada
- Division of Medical AI Research and Development, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
- Cancer Translational Research Team, RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project, Tokyo 103-0027, Japan
| | - Syuzo Kaneko
- Division of Medical AI Research and Development, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
- Cancer Translational Research Team, RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project, Tokyo 103-0027, Japan
| | - Kruthi Suvarna
- Division of Medical AI Research and Development, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
- Cancer Translational Research Team, RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project, Tokyo 103-0027, Japan
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai 400076, India
| | - Noriko Ikawa
- Division of Medical AI Research and Development, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
| | - Hidenori Machino
- Division of Medical AI Research and Development, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
- Cancer Translational Research Team, RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project, Tokyo 103-0027, Japan
| | - Masaaki Komatsu
- Division of Medical AI Research and Development, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
- Cancer Translational Research Team, RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project, Tokyo 103-0027, Japan
| | - Shuichiro Shiina
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Interventional Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Ryuji Hamamoto
- Division of Medical AI Research and Development, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
- Cancer Translational Research Team, RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project, Tokyo 103-0027, Japan
- Department of National Cancer Center Cancer Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
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30
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Huang MH, Peng GX, Mao XL, Wang JT, Zhou JB, Zhang JH, Chen M, Wang ED, Zhou XL. OUP accepted manuscript. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:4012-4028. [PMID: 35357504 PMCID: PMC9023283 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
METTL8 has recently been identified as the methyltransferase catalyzing 3-methylcytidine biogenesis at position 32 (m3C32) of mitochondrial tRNAs. METTL8 also potentially participates in mRNA methylation and R-loop biogenesis. How METTL8 plays multiple roles in distinct cell compartments and catalyzes mitochondrial tRNA m3C formation remain unclear. Here, we discovered that alternative mRNA splicing generated several isoforms of METTL8. One isoform (METTL8-Iso1) was targeted to mitochondria via an N-terminal pre-sequence, while another one (METTL8-Iso4) mainly localized to the nucleolus. METTL8-Iso1-mediated m3C32 modification of human mitochondrial tRNAThr (hmtRNAThr) was not reliant on t6A modification at A37 (t6A37), while that of hmtRNASer(UCN) critically depended on i6A modification at A37 (i6A37). We clarified the hmtRNAThr substrate recognition mechanism, which was obviously different from that of hmtRNASer(UCN), in terms of requiring a G35 determinant. Moreover, SARS2 (mitochondrial seryl-tRNA synthetase) interacted with METTL8-Iso1 in an RNA-independent manner and modestly accelerated m3C modification activity. We further elucidated how nonsubstrate tRNAs in human mitochondria were efficiently discriminated by METTL8-Iso1. In summary, our results established the expression pattern of METTL8, clarified the molecular basis for m3C32 modification by METTL8-Iso1 and provided the rationale for the involvement of METTL8 in tRNA modification, mRNA methylation or R-loop biogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Han Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Gui-Xin Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Hua Xia Road, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Xue-Ling Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Jin-Tao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Jing-Bo Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Jian-Hui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Meirong Chen
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, Jiangsu, China
| | - En-Duo Wang
- Correspondence may also be addressed to Prof. En-Duo Wang. Tel: +86 21 5492 1241; Fax: +86 21 5492 1011;
| | - Xiao-Long Zhou
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +86 21 5492 1247; Fax: +86 21 5492 1011;
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31
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Cancer stem cells in hepatocellular carcinoma - from origin to clinical implications. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 19:26-44. [PMID: 34504325 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-021-00508-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 92.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive disease with a poor clinical outcome. The cancer stem cell (CSC) model states that tumour growth is powered by a subset of tumour stem cells within cancers. This model explains several clinical observations in HCC (as well as in other cancers), including the almost inevitable recurrence of tumours after initial successful chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, as well as the phenomena of tumour dormancy and treatment resistance. The past two decades have seen a marked increase in research on the identification and characterization of liver CSCs, which has encouraged the design of novel diagnostic and treatment strategies for HCC. These studies revealed novel aspects of liver CSCs, including their heterogeneity and unique immunobiology, which are suggestive of opportunities for new research directions and potential therapies. In this Review, we summarize the present knowledge of liver CSC markers and the regulators of stemness in HCC. We also comprehensively describe developments in the liver CSC field with emphasis on experiments utilizing single-cell transcriptomics to understand liver CSC heterogeneity, lineage-tracing and cell-ablation studies of liver CSCs, and the influence of the CSC niche and tumour microenvironment on liver cancer stemness, including interactions between CSCs and the immune system. We also discuss the potential application of liver CSC-based therapies for treatment of HCC.
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32
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Motorin Y, Helm M. RNA nucleotide methylation: 2021 update. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2022; 13:e1691. [PMID: 34913259 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Among RNA modifications, transfer of methylgroups from the typical cofactor S-adenosyl-l-methionine by methyltransferases (MTases) to RNA is by far the most common reaction. Since our last review about a decade ago, the field has witnessed the re-emergence of mRNA methylation as an important mechanism in gene regulation. Attention has then spread to many other RNA species; all being included into the newly coined concept of the "epitranscriptome." The focus moved from prokaryotes and single cell eukaryotes as model organisms to higher eukaryotes, in particular to mammals. The perception of the field has dramatically changed over the past decade. A previous lack of phenotypes in knockouts in single cell organisms has been replaced by the apparition of MTases in numerous disease models and clinical investigations. Major driving forces of the field include methylation mapping techniques, as well as the characterization of the various MTases, termed "writers." The latter term has spilled over from DNA modification in the neighboring epigenetics field, along with the designations "readers," applied to mediators of biological effects upon specific binding to a methylated RNA. Furthermore "eraser" enzymes effect the newly discovered oxidative removal of methylgroups. A sense of reversibility and dynamics has replaced the older perception of RNA modification as a concrete-cast, irreversible part of RNA maturation. A related concept concerns incompletely methylated residues, which, through permutation of each site, lead to inhomogeneous populations of numerous modivariants. This review recapitulates the major developments of the past decade outlined above, and attempts a prediction of upcoming trends. This article is categorized under: RNA Processing > RNA Editing and Modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Motorin
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, INSERM, UMS2008/US40 IBSLor, EpiRNA-Seq Core Facility, Nancy, France.,Université de Lorraine, CNRS, UMR7365 IMoPA, Nancy, France
| | - Mark Helm
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität, Mainz, Germany
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33
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tRNA modifications and their potential roles in pancreatic cancer. Arch Biochem Biophys 2021; 714:109083. [PMID: 34785212 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2021.109083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Since the breakthrough discovery of N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the field of RNA epitranscriptomics has attracted increasing interest in the biological sciences. Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) are extensively modified, and various modifications play a crucial role in the formation and stability of tRNA, which is universally required for accurate and efficient functioning of tRNA. Abnormal tRNA modification can lead to tRNA degradation or specific cleavage of tRNA into fragmented derivatives, thus affecting the translation process and frequently accompanying a variety of human diseases. Increasing evidence suggests that tRNA modification pathways are also misregulated in human cancers. In this review, we summarize tRNA modifications and their biological functions, describe the type and frequency of tRNA modification alterations in cancer, and highlight variations in tRNA-modifying enzymes and the multiple functions that they regulate in different types of cancers. Furthermore, the current implications and the potential role of tRNA modifications in the progression of pancreatic cancer are discussed. Collectively, this review describes recent advances in tRNA modification in cancers and its potential significance in pancreatic cancer. Further study of the mechanism of tRNA modifications in pancreatic cancer may provide possibilities for therapies targeting enzymes responsible for regulating tRNA modifications in pancreatic cancer.
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34
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Structural basis for METTL6-mediated m3C RNA methylation. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 589:159-164. [PMID: 34922197 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
RNA modifications play important roles in mediating the biological functions of RNAs. 3-methylcytidine (m3C), albeit less abundant, is found to exist extensively in tRNAs, rRNAs and mRNAs. Human METTL6 is a m3C methyltransferase for tRNAs, including tRNASER(UGA). We solved the structure of human METTL6 in the presence of S-adenosyl-L-methionine and found by enzyme assay that recombinant human METTL6 is active towards tRNASER(UGA). Structural analysis indicated the detailed interactions between S-adenosyl-L-methionine and METTL6, and suggested potential tRNA binding region on the surface of METTL6. The structural research, complemented by biochemistry enzyme assay, will definitely shed light on the design of potent inhibitors for METTL6 in near future.
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35
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Chen R, Zhou J, Liu L, Mao XL, Zhou X, Xie W. Crystal structure of human METTL6, the m 3C methyltransferase. Commun Biol 2021; 4:1361. [PMID: 34862464 PMCID: PMC8642396 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02890-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In tRNA, the epigenetic m3C modification at position 32 in the anticodon loop is highly conserved in eukaryotes, which maintains the folding and basepairing functions of the anticodon. However, the responsible enzymes METTL2 and METTL6 were identified only in recent years. The loss of human METTL6 (hMETTL6) affects the translational process and proteostasis in cells, while in mESCs cells, it leads to defective pluripotency potential. Despite its important functions, the catalytic mechanism of the C32 methylation by this enzyme is poorly understood. Here we present the 1.9 Å high-resolution crystal structure of hMETTL6 bound by SAH. The key residues interacting with the ligand were identified and their roles were confirmed by ITC. We generated a docking model for the hMETTL6-SAH-CMP ternary complex. Interestingly, the CMP molecule binds into a cavity in a positive patch with the base ring pointing to the inside, suggesting a flipped-base mechanism for methylation. We further generated a model for the quaternary complex with tRNASer as a component, which reasonably explained the biochemical behaviors of hMETTL6. Taken together, our crystallographic and biochemical studies provide important insight into the molecular recognition mechanism by METTL6 and may aid in the METTL-based rational drug design in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, The Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Marine Materia Medica, Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 1119, Haibin Road, Nansha District, Guangzhou, 511458, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Zhou
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, The Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, The Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue-Ling Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai, 200031, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaolong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai, 200031, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Xie
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, The Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, People's Republic of China.
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36
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Balancing of mitochondrial translation through METTL8-mediated m 3C modification of mitochondrial tRNAs. Mol Cell 2021; 81:4810-4825.e12. [PMID: 34774131 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2021.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria contain a specific translation machinery for the synthesis of mitochondria-encoded respiratory chain components. Mitochondrial tRNAs (mt-tRNAs) are also generated from the mitochondrial DNA and, similar to their cytoplasmic counterparts, are post-transcriptionally modified. Here, we find that the RNA methyltransferase METTL8 is a mitochondrial protein that facilitates 3-methyl-cytidine (m3C) methylation at position C32 of the mt-tRNASer(UCN) and mt-tRNAThr. METTL8 knockout cells show a reduction in respiratory chain activity, whereas overexpression increases activity. In pancreatic cancer, METTL8 levels are high, which correlates with lower patient survival and an enhanced respiratory chain activity. Mitochondrial ribosome profiling uncovered mitoribosome stalling on mt-tRNASer(UCN)- and mt-tRNAThr-dependent codons. Further analysis of the respiratory chain complexes using mass spectrometry revealed reduced incorporation of the mitochondrially encoded proteins ND6 and ND1 into complex I. The well-balanced translation of mt-tRNASer(UCN)- and mt-tRNAThr-dependent codons through METTL8-mediated m3C32 methylation might, therefore, facilitate the optimal composition and function of the mitochondrial respiratory chain.
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37
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Zhou JB, Wang ED, Zhou XL. Modifications of the human tRNA anticodon loop and their associations with genetic diseases. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:7087-7105. [PMID: 34605973 PMCID: PMC11071707 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03948-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) harbor the most diverse posttranscriptional modifications. Among such modifications, those in the anticodon loop, either on nucleosides or base groups, compose over half of the identified posttranscriptional modifications. The derivatives of modified nucleotides and the crosstalk of different chemical modifications further add to the structural and functional complexity of tRNAs. These modifications play critical roles in maintaining anticodon loop conformation, wobble base pairing, efficient aminoacylation, and translation speed and fidelity as well as mediating various responses to different stress conditions. Posttranscriptional modifications of tRNA are catalyzed mainly by enzymes and/or cofactors encoded by nuclear genes, whose mutations are firmly connected with diverse human diseases involving genetic nervous system disorders and/or the onset of multisystem failure. In this review, we summarize recent studies about the mechanisms of tRNA modifications occurring at tRNA anticodon loops. In addition, the pathogenesis of related disease-causing mutations at these genes is briefly described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Bo Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - En-Duo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China.
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 93 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai, 201210, China.
| | - Xiao-Long Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China.
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38
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Bian M, Huang S, Yu D, Zhou Z. tRNA Metabolism and Lung Cancer: Beyond Translation. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:659388. [PMID: 34660690 PMCID: PMC8516113 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.659388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer, one of the most malignant tumors, has extremely high morbidity and mortality, posing a serious threat to global health. It is an urgent need to fully understand the pathogenesis of lung cancer and provide new ideas for its treatment. Interestingly, accumulating evidence has identified that transfer RNAs (tRNAs) and tRNA metabolism–associated enzymes not only participate in the protein translation but also play an important role in the occurrence and development of lung cancer. In this review, we summarize the different aspects of tRNA metabolism in lung cancer, such as tRNA transcription and mutation, tRNA molecules and derivatives, tRNA-modifying enzymes, and aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (ARSs), aiming at a better understanding of the pathogenesis of lung cancer and providing new therapeutic strategies for it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Bian
- Department of Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shiqiong Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Hospital of Changsha, Changsha, China
| | - Dongsheng Yu
- Department of Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zheng Zhou
- Department of Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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39
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Dannfald A, Favory JJ, Deragon JM. Variations in transfer and ribosomal RNA epitranscriptomic status can adapt eukaryote translation to changing physiological and environmental conditions. RNA Biol 2021; 18:4-18. [PMID: 34159889 PMCID: PMC8677040 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2021.1931756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The timely reprogramming of gene expression in response to internal and external cues is essential to eukaryote development and acclimation to changing environments. Chemically modifying molecular receptors and transducers of these signals is one way to efficiently induce proper physiological responses. Post-translation modifications, regulating protein biological activities, are central to many well-known signal-responding pathways. Recently, messenger RNA (mRNA) chemical (i.e. epitranscriptomic) modifications were also shown to play a key role in these processes. In contrast, transfer RNA (tRNA) and ribosomal RNA (rRNA) chemical modifications, although critical for optimal function of the translation apparatus, and much more diverse and quantitatively important compared to mRNA modifications, were until recently considered as mainly static chemical decorations. We present here recent observations that are challenging this view and supporting the hypothesis that tRNA and rRNA modifications dynamically respond to various cell and environmental conditions and contribute to adapt translation to these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnaud Dannfald
- CNRS LGDP-UMR5096, Pepignan, France
- Université de Perpignan via Domitia, Perpignan, France
| | - Jean-Jacques Favory
- CNRS LGDP-UMR5096, Pepignan, France
- Université de Perpignan via Domitia, Perpignan, France
| | - Jean-Marc Deragon
- CNRS LGDP-UMR5096, Pepignan, France
- Université de Perpignan via Domitia, Perpignan, France
- Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
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40
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Yang B, Wang JQ, Tan Y, Yuan R, Chen ZS, Zou C. RNA methylation and cancer treatment. Pharmacol Res 2021; 174:105937. [PMID: 34648969 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
To this date, over 100 different types of RNA modification have been identified. Methylation of different RNA species has emerged as a critical regulator of transcript expression. RNA methylation and its related downstream signaling pathways are involved in plethora biological processes, including cell differentiation, sex determination and stress response, and others. It is catalyzed by the RNA methyltransferases, is demethylated by the demethylases (FTO and ALKBH5) and read by methylation binding protein (YTHDF1 and IGF2BP1). Increasing evidence indicates that this process closely connected to cancer cell proliferation, cellular stress, metastasis, immune response. And RNA methylation related protein has been becoming a promising targets of cancer therapy. This review outlines the relationship between different types of RNA methylation and cancer, and some FTO inhibitors in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baochen Yang
- Department of Clinical Medical Research Center, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University (Shenzhen People's Hospital), The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, PR China; University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, PR China; Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Postdoctoral Research Station, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Jing-Quan Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, New York, USA
| | - Yao Tan
- Shenzhen Aier Eye Hospital Affiliated to Jinan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Runzhu Yuan
- Department of Biology, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, PR China
| | - Zhe-Sheng Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, New York, USA.
| | - Chang Zou
- Department of Clinical Medical Research Center, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University (Shenzhen People's Hospital), The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, PR China; Shenzhen Public Service Platform on Tumor Precision Medicine and Molecular Diagnosis, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Shenzhen, Guangdong, PR China; School of Life and Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Kong Hong, Shenzhen, PR China.
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41
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Mao XL, Li ZH, Huang MH, Wang JT, Zhou JB, Li QR, Xu H, Wang XJ, Zhou XL. Mutually exclusive substrate selection strategy by human m3C RNA transferases METTL2A and METTL6. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:8309-8323. [PMID: 34268557 PMCID: PMC8373065 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
tRNAs harbor the most diverse posttranscriptional modifications. The 3-methylcytidine (m3C) is widely distributed at position C32 (m3C32) of eukaryotic tRNAThr and tRNASer species. m3C32 is decorated by the single methyltransferase Trm140 in budding yeasts; however, two (Trm140 and Trm141 in fission yeasts) or three enzymes (METTL2A, METTL2B and METTL6 in mammals) are involved in its biogenesis. The rationale for the existence of multiple m3C32 methyltransferases and their substrate discrimination mechanism is hitherto unknown. Here, we revealed that both METTL2A and METTL2B are expressed in vivo. We purified human METTL2A, METTL2B, and METTL6 to high homogeneity. We successfully reconstituted m3C32 modification activity for tRNAThr by METT2A and for tRNASer(GCU) by METTL6, assisted by seryl-tRNA synthetase (SerRS) in vitro. Compared with METTL2A, METTL2B exhibited dramatically lower activity in vitro. Both G35 and t6A at position 37 (t6A37) are necessary but insufficient prerequisites for tRNAThr m3C32 formation, while the anticodon loop and the long variable arm, but not t6A37, are key determinants for tRNASer(GCU) m3C32 biogenesis, likely being recognized synergistically by METTL6 and SerRS, respectively. Finally, we proposed a mutually exclusive substrate selection model to ensure correct discrimination among multiple tRNAs by multiple m3C32 methyltransferases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Ling Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Zi-Han Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Meng-Han Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Jin-Tao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Jing-Bo Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Qing-Run Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Systems Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Hong Xu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, the International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 910 Heng Shan Road, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Xi-Jin Wang
- Department of Neurology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1665 Kong Jiang Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xiao-Long Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
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42
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Flemmich L, Heel S, Moreno S, Breuker K, Micura R. A natural riboswitch scaffold with self-methylation activity. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3877. [PMID: 34162884 PMCID: PMC8222354 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24193-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Methylation is a prevalent post-transcriptional modification encountered in coding and non-coding RNA. For RNA methylation, cells use methyltransferases and small organic substances as methyl-group donors, such as S-adenosylmethionine (SAM). SAM and other nucleotide-derived cofactors are viewed as evolutionary leftovers from an RNA world, in which riboswitches have regulated, and ribozymes have catalyzed essential metabolic reactions. Here, we disclose the thus far unrecognized direct link between a present-day riboswitch and its inherent reactivity for site-specific methylation. The key is O6-methyl pre-queuosine (m6preQ1), a potentially prebiotic nucleobase which is recognized by the native aptamer of a preQ1 class I riboswitch. Upon binding, the transfer of the ligand’s methyl group to a specific cytidine occurs, installing 3-methylcytidine (m3C) in the RNA pocket under release of pre-queuosine (preQ1). Our finding suggests that nucleic acid-mediated methylation is an ancient mechanism that has offered an early path for RNA epigenetics prior to the evolution of protein methyltransferases. Furthermore, our findings may pave the way for the development of riboswitch-descending methylation tools based on rational design as a powerful alternative to in vitro selection approaches. In humans, protein methyltransferase is responsible for RNA methylation using S-adenosylmethionine as a methyl group donor. Here the authors report a self-methylation activity of a bacterial riboswitch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurin Flemmich
- University of Innsbruck, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences (CMBI), Innrain 80-82, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria
| | - Sarah Heel
- University of Innsbruck, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences (CMBI), Innrain 80-82, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria
| | - Sarah Moreno
- University of Innsbruck, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences (CMBI), Innrain 80-82, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria
| | - Kathrin Breuker
- University of Innsbruck, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences (CMBI), Innrain 80-82, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria
| | - Ronald Micura
- University of Innsbruck, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences (CMBI), Innrain 80-82, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria.
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43
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Roles of tRNA metabolism in aging and lifespan. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:548. [PMID: 34039958 PMCID: PMC8154886 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03838-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) mainly function as adapter molecules that decode messenger RNAs (mRNAs) during protein translation by delivering amino acids to the ribosome. Traditionally, tRNAs are considered as housekeepers without additional functions. Nevertheless, it has become apparent from biological research that tRNAs are involved in various physiological and pathological processes. Aging is a form of gradual decline in physiological function that ultimately leads to increased vulnerability to multiple chronic diseases and death. Interestingly, tRNA metabolism is closely associated with aging and lifespan. In this review, we summarize the emerging roles of tRNA-associated metabolism, such as tRNA transcription, tRNA molecules, tRNA modifications, tRNA aminoacylation, and tRNA derivatives, in aging and lifespan, aiming to provide new ideas for developing therapeutics and ultimately extending lifespan in humans.
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Cheng MY, You XJ, Ding JH, Dai Y, Chen MY, Yuan BF, Feng YQ. Novel dual methylation of cytidines in the RNA of mammals. Chem Sci 2021; 12:8149-8156. [PMID: 34194705 PMCID: PMC8208307 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc01972d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA modifications play critical roles in regulating a variety of physiological processes. Methylation is the most prevalent modification occurring in RNA. Three isomeric cytidine methylation modifications have been reported in RNA, including 3-methylcytidine (m3C), N4-methylcytidine (m4C), and 5-methylcytidine (m5C), in mammals. Aside from the single methylation on the nucleobase of cytidines, dual methylation modifications occurring in both the 2′ hydroxyl of ribose and the nucleobase of cytidines also have been reported, including N4,2′-O-dimethylcytidine (m4Cm) and 5,2′-O-dimethylcytidine (m5Cm). m4Cm has been found in the 16S rRNA of E. coli, while m5Cm has been found in the tRNA of terminal thermophilic archaea and mammals. However, unlike m4Cm and m5Cm, the presumed dual methylation of 3,2′-O-dimethylcytidine (m3Cm) has never been discovered in living organisms. Thus, the presence of m3Cm in RNA remains an open question. In the current study, we synthesized m3Cm and established a liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) method to determine the dimethylation of cytidines, m3Cm, m4Cm and m5Cm. Under optimized analytical conditions, m3Cm, m4Cm and m5Cm can be clearly distinguished. Using the method, we discovered the existence of m3Cm in the RNA of mammals. The identified m3Cm is a novel modification that hasn't been reported in the three-domain system, including archaea, bacteria, and eukaryotes. We confirmed that m3Cm mainly existed in the small RNA (<200 nt) of mammals. In addition, we identified, for the first time, the presence of m4Cm in the 18S rRNA of mammalian cells. The stable isotope tracing monitored by mass spectrometry demonstrated that S-adenosyl-l-methionine was a methyl donor for all three dimethylations of cytidines in RNA. The discovery of m3Cm broadens the diversity of RNA modifications in living organisms. In addition, the discovery of m3Cm and m4Cm in mammals opens new directions in understanding RNA modification-mediated RNA processing and gene expression regulation. We synthesized 3,2′-O-dimethylcytidine (m3Cm) and determined the dimethylation of cytidines in mammals by mass spectrometry analysis. We discovered m3Cm in small RNA and N4,2′-O-dimethylcytidine (m4Cm) in 18S rRNA of mammals.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Yu Cheng
- Sauvage Center for Molecular Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University Wuhan 430072 China
| | - Xue-Jiao You
- Sauvage Center for Molecular Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University Wuhan 430072 China
| | - Jiang-Hui Ding
- Sauvage Center for Molecular Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University Wuhan 430072 China
| | - Yi Dai
- Sauvage Center for Molecular Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University Wuhan 430072 China
| | - Meng-Yuan Chen
- Sauvage Center for Molecular Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University Wuhan 430072 China
| | - Bi-Feng Yuan
- Sauvage Center for Molecular Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University Wuhan 430072 China .,School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University Wuhan 430071 China
| | - Yu-Qi Feng
- Sauvage Center for Molecular Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University Wuhan 430072 China .,School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University Wuhan 430071 China
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Abstract
Post-synthesis modification of biomolecules is an efficient way of regulating and optimizing their functions. The human epitranscriptome includes a variety of more than 100 modifications known to exist in all RNA subtypes. Modifications of non-coding RNAs are particularly interesting since they can directly affect their structure, stability, interaction and function. Indeed, non-coding RNAs such as tRNA and rRNA are the most modified RNA species in eukaryotic cells. In the last 20 years, new functions of non-coding RNAs have been discovered and their involvement in human disease, including cancer, became clear. In this review, we will present the evidence connecting modifications of different non-coding RNA subtypes and their role in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Luca Pandolfini
- Corresponding authors: Isaia Barbieri, University of Cambridge, Department of pathology, Division of cellular and molecular pathology, Addenbrooke's hospital, Lab block, level 3 Box 231, CB2 0QQ, Cambridge, UK. Tel.: +44 (0)1223 333917; E-mail: , Luca Pandolfini, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Enrico Melen 83, Building B, 16152 Genova, Italy. Tel.: +39 010 2897623; E-mail:
| | - Isaia Barbieri
- Corresponding authors: Isaia Barbieri, University of Cambridge, Department of pathology, Division of cellular and molecular pathology, Addenbrooke's hospital, Lab block, level 3 Box 231, CB2 0QQ, Cambridge, UK. Tel.: +44 (0)1223 333917; E-mail: , Luca Pandolfini, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Enrico Melen 83, Building B, 16152 Genova, Italy. Tel.: +39 010 2897623; E-mail:
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Ho JJD, Man JHS, Schatz JH, Marsden PA. Translational remodeling by RNA-binding proteins and noncoding RNAs. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2021; 12:e1647. [PMID: 33694288 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Responsible for generating the proteome that controls phenotype, translation is the ultimate convergence point for myriad upstream signals that influence gene expression. System-wide adaptive translational reprogramming has recently emerged as a pillar of cellular adaptation. As classic regulators of mRNA stability and translation efficiency, foundational studies established the concept of collaboration and competition between RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) on individual mRNAs. Fresh conceptual innovations now highlight stress-activated, evolutionarily conserved RBP networks and ncRNAs that increase the translation efficiency of populations of transcripts encoding proteins that participate in a common cellular process. The discovery of post-transcriptional functions for long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) was particularly intriguing given their cell-type-specificity and historical definition as nuclear-functioning epigenetic regulators. The convergence of RBPs, lncRNAs, and microRNAs on functionally related mRNAs to enable adaptive protein synthesis is a newer biological paradigm that highlights their role as "translatome (protein output) remodelers" and reinvigorates the paradigm of "RNA operons." Together, these concepts modernize our understanding of cellular stress adaptation and strategies for therapeutic development. This article is categorized under: RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein-RNA Interactions: Functional Implications Translation > Translation Regulation Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J David Ho
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA.,Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Jeffrey H S Man
- Keenan Research Centre, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Respirology, University Health Network, Latner Thoracic Research Laboratories, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jonathan H Schatz
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA.,Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Philip A Marsden
- Keenan Research Centre, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Dai X, Jiang W, Ma L, Sun J, Yan X, Qian J, Wang Y, Shi Y, Ni S, Yao N. A metabolism-related gene signature for predicting the prognosis and therapeutic responses in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:500. [PMID: 33850897 PMCID: PMC8039687 DOI: 10.21037/atm-21-927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) often has an insidious onset and rapid progression. Often, when the disease is first diagnosed, the opportune time for surgical intervention has already lapsed. In addition, the effects of systemic treatment is relatively unsatisfactory. Metabolic reprogramming is one of the hallmarks of cancer. This study aimed to identify a set of genes related to metabolism to construct a predictive model for the prognosis of HCC. Methods The transcriptomic and clinical data of 352 HCC patients were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma (LIHC) dataset and divided into a training cohort (n=212) and a testing cohort (n=140) at a ratio of 6:4. Univariate Cox regression analysis and the LASSO Cox regression model were used to identify 5 genes to establish a risk score for predicting the prognosis of HCC patients. Subsequently, the molecular characteristics of the model were assessed and the ability of the model to predict the tumor immune microenvironment and patient response to immunotherapy and chemotherapy was also examined. Results The risk score model was constructed based on the five genes, methyltransferase-like protein 6 (METTL6), RNA polymerase III subunit G (POLR3G), phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate amidotransferase (PPAT), SET Domain Bifurcated 2 (SETDB2), and suppressor of variegation 3-9 homolog 2 (SUV39H2). The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves demonstrated that high-risk patients had a poorer overall survival (OS) compared to low-risk patients. he nomogram score had a better predictive ability compared to the common factors. Our results finally showed that high-risk cases were associated with cell proliferation and cell cycle related gene sets, high tumor protein P53 (TP53) mutation rate, suppressive immunity and increased sensitivity to cisplatin, gemcitabine and docetaxel. Meanwhile, low-risk cases were associated with cell cycle and immune response related pathways, low TP53 mutation rate, active immunity and more benefit from immunotherapy. Conclusions This study provided novel insights into the role of metabolism-related genes in HCC, and demonstrated that our model could be a promising prognostic biomarker for distinguishing the molecular and immune characteristics and inferring the potential response to chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Dai
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Neurology, the Second People's Hospital of Wuxi, Wuxi, China
| | - Liang Ma
- Department of Chemotherapy, First People's Hospital of Yancheng, Yancheng, China
| | - Jie Sun
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xiaodi Yan
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Jing Qian
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yu Shi
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Shujie Ni
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Ninghua Yao
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
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Schaefer MR. The Regulation of RNA Modification Systems: The Next Frontier in Epitranscriptomics? Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12030345. [PMID: 33652758 PMCID: PMC7996938 DOI: 10.3390/genes12030345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA modifications, long considered to be molecular curiosities embellishing just abundant and non-coding RNAs, have now moved into the focus of both academic and applied research. Dedicated research efforts (epitranscriptomics) aim at deciphering the underlying principles by determining RNA modification landscapes and investigating the molecular mechanisms that establish, interpret and modulate the information potential of RNA beyond the combination of four canonical nucleotides. This has resulted in mapping various epitranscriptomes at high resolution and in cataloguing the effects caused by aberrant RNA modification circuitry. While the scope of the obtained insights has been complex and exciting, most of current epitranscriptomics appears to be stuck in the process of producing data, with very few efforts to disentangle cause from consequence when studying a specific RNA modification system. This article discusses various knowledge gaps in this field with the aim to raise one specific question: how are the enzymes regulated that dynamically install and modify RNA modifications? Furthermore, various technologies will be highlighted whose development and use might allow identifying specific and context-dependent regulators of epitranscriptomic mechanisms. Given the complexity of individual epitranscriptomes, determining their regulatory principles will become crucially important, especially when aiming at modifying specific aspects of an epitranscriptome both for experimental and, potentially, therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias R Schaefer
- Centre for Anatomy & Cell Biology, Division of Cell-and Developmental Biology, Medical University of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstrasse 17, Haus C, 1st Floor, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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Chujo T, Tomizawa K. Human transfer RNA modopathies: diseases caused by aberrations in transfer RNA modifications. FEBS J 2021; 288:7096-7122. [PMID: 33513290 PMCID: PMC9255597 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
tRNA molecules are post-transcriptionally modified by tRNA modification enzymes. Although composed of different chemistries, more than 40 types of human tRNA modifications play pivotal roles in protein synthesis by regulating tRNA structure and stability as well as decoding genetic information on mRNA. Many tRNA modifications are conserved among all three kingdoms of life, and aberrations in various human tRNA modification enzymes cause life-threatening diseases. Here, we describe the class of diseases and disorders caused by aberrations in tRNA modifications as 'tRNA modopathies'. Aberrations in over 50 tRNA modification enzymes are associated with tRNA modopathies, which most frequently manifest as dysfunctions of the brain and/or kidney, mitochondrial diseases, and cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms that link aberrant tRNA modifications to human diseases are largely unknown. In this review, we provide a comprehensive compilation of human tRNA modification functions, tRNA modification enzyme genes, and tRNA modopathies, and we summarize the elucidated pathogenic mechanisms underlying several tRNA modopathies. We will also discuss important questions that need to be addressed in order to understand the molecular pathogenesis of tRNA modopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Chujo
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Japan
| | - Kazuhito Tomizawa
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Japan
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