1
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Ji CM, Feng XY, Huang YW, Chen RA. The Applications of Nanopore Sequencing Technology in Animal and Human Virus Research. Viruses 2024; 16:798. [PMID: 38793679 PMCID: PMC11125791 DOI: 10.3390/v16050798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, an increasing number of viruses have triggered outbreaks that pose a severe threat to both human and animal life, as well as caused substantial economic losses. It is crucial to understand the genomic structure and epidemiology of these viruses to guide effective clinical prevention and treatment strategies. Nanopore sequencing, a third-generation sequencing technology, has been widely used in genomic research since 2014. This technology offers several advantages over traditional methods and next-generation sequencing (NGS), such as the ability to generate ultra-long reads, high efficiency, real-time monitoring and analysis, portability, and the ability to directly sequence RNA or DNA molecules. As a result, it exhibits excellent applicability and flexibility in virus research, including viral detection and surveillance, genome assembly, the discovery of new variants and novel viruses, and the identification of chemical modifications. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive review of the development, principles, advantages, and applications of nanopore sequencing technology in animal and human virus research, aiming to offer fresh perspectives for future studies in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Miao Ji
- Zhaoqing Branch Center of Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agricultural Science and Technology, Zhaoqing 526238, China; (C.-M.J.); (X.-Y.F.)
| | - Xiao-Yin Feng
- Zhaoqing Branch Center of Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agricultural Science and Technology, Zhaoqing 526238, China; (C.-M.J.); (X.-Y.F.)
| | - Yao-Wei Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China;
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Rui-Ai Chen
- Zhaoqing Branch Center of Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agricultural Science and Technology, Zhaoqing 526238, China; (C.-M.J.); (X.-Y.F.)
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China;
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2
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Zhang X, Peng Q, Wang L. N 6-methyladenosine modification-a key player in viral infection. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2023; 28:78. [PMID: 37828480 PMCID: PMC10571408 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-023-00490-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is a dynamic, reversible process and is the most prevalent internal modification of RNA. This modification is regulated by three protein groups: methyltransferases ("writers"), demethylases ("erasers"), and m6A-binding proteins ("readers"). m6A modification and related enzymes could represent an optimal strategy to deepen the epigenetic mechanism. Numerous reports have suggested that aberrant modifications of m6A lead to aberrant expression of important viral genes. Here, we review the role of m6A modifications in viral replication and virus-host interactions. In particular, we focus on DNA and RNA viruses associated with human diseases, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). These findings will contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms of virus-host interactions and the design of future therapeutic targets for treatment of tumors associated with viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyue Zhang
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qiu Peng
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
| | - Lujuan Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Tumor Models and Individualized Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
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3
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Martella G, Motwani NH, Khan Z, Sousa PFM, Gorokhova E, Motwani HV. Simultaneous RNA and DNA Adductomics Using Single Data-Independent Acquisition Mass Spectrometry Analysis. Chem Res Toxicol 2023; 36:1471-1482. [PMID: 37566384 PMCID: PMC10523582 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.3c00041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Adductomics studies are used for the detection and characterization of various chemical modifications (adducts) of nucleic acids and proteins. The advancements in liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (HRMS/MS) have resulted in efficient methods for qualitative and quantitative adductomics. We developed an HRMS-based method for the simultaneous analysis of RNA and DNA adducts in a single run and demonstrated its application using Baltic amphipods, useful sentinels of environmental disturbances, as test organisms. The novelty of this method is screening for RNA and DNA adducts by a single injection on an Orbitrap HRMS instrument using full scan and data-independent acquisition. The MS raw files were processed with an open-source program, nLossFinder, to identify and distinguish RNA and DNA adducts based on the characteristic neutral loss of ribonucleosides and 2'-deoxyribonucleosides, respectively. In the amphipods, in addition to the nearly 150 putative DNA adducts characterized earlier, we detected 60 putative RNA adducts. For the structural identification of the detected RNA adducts, the MODOMICS database was used. The identified RNA adducts included simple mono- and dimethylation and other larger functional groups on different ribonucleosides and deaminated product inosine. However, 54 of these RNA adducts are not yet structurally identified, and further work on their characterization may uncover new layers of information related to the transcriptome and help understand their biological significance. Considering the susceptibility of nucleic acids to environmental factors, including pollutants, the developed multi-adductomics methodology with further advancement has the potential to provide biomarkers for diagnostics of pollution effects in biota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Martella
- Department
of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Stockholm SE-106 91, Sweden
| | - Nisha H. Motwani
- School
of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Södertörn University, Huddinge SE-14189, Sweden
| | - Zareen Khan
- Department
of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Stockholm SE-106 91, Sweden
| | - Pedro F. M. Sousa
- Department
of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Stockholm University, Stockholm SE-106 91, Sweden
| | - Elena Gorokhova
- Department
of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Stockholm SE-106 91, Sweden
| | - Hitesh V. Motwani
- Department
of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Stockholm SE-106 91, Sweden
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4
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Breger K, Kunkler CN, O'Leary NJ, Hulewicz JP, Brown JA. Ghost authors revealed: The structure and function of human N 6 -methyladenosine RNA methyltransferases. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2023; 15:e1810. [PMID: 37674370 PMCID: PMC10915109 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Despite the discovery of modified nucleic acids nearly 75 years ago, their biological functions are still being elucidated. N6 -methyladenosine (m6 A) is the most abundant modification in eukaryotic messenger RNA (mRNA) and has also been detected in non-coding RNAs, including long non-coding RNA, ribosomal RNA, and small nuclear RNA. In general, m6 A marks can alter RNA secondary structure and initiate unique RNA-protein interactions that can alter splicing, mRNA turnover, and translation, just to name a few. Although m6 A marks in human RNAs have been known to exist since 1974, the structures and functions of methyltransferases responsible for writing m6 A marks have been established only recently. Thus far, there are four confirmed human methyltransferases that catalyze the transfer of a methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) to the N6 position of adenosine, producing m6 A: methyltransferase-like protein (METTL) 3/METTL14 complex, METTL16, METTL5, and zinc-finger CCHC-domain-containing protein 4. Though the methyltransferases have unique RNA targets, all human m6 A RNA methyltransferases contain a Rossmann fold with a conserved SAM-binding pocket, suggesting that they utilize a similar catalytic mechanism for methyl transfer. For each of the human m6 A RNA methyltransferases, we present the biological functions and links to human disease, RNA targets, catalytic and kinetic mechanisms, and macromolecular structures. We also discuss m6 A marks in human viruses and parasites, assigning m6 A marks in the transcriptome to specific methyltransferases, small molecules targeting m6 A methyltransferases, and the enzymes responsible for hypermodified m6 A marks and their biological functions in humans. Understanding m6 A methyltransferases is a critical steppingstone toward establishing the m6 A epitranscriptome and more broadly the RNome. This article is categorized under: RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein-RNA Recognition RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > RNA-Protein Complexes RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein-RNA Interactions: Functional Implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurtis Breger
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Charlotte N Kunkler
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Nathan J O'Leary
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Jacob P Hulewicz
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Jessica A Brown
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
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5
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Wang Y, Zhou X. N 6-methyladenosine and Its Implications in Viruses. GENOMICS, PROTEOMICS & BIOINFORMATICS 2023; 21:695-706. [PMID: 35835441 PMCID: PMC10787122 DOI: 10.1016/j.gpb.2022.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
N6-methyladenine (m6A) is the most abundant RNA modification in mammalian messenger RNAs (mRNAs), which participates in and regulates many important biological activities, such as tissue development and stem cell differentiation. Due to an improved understanding of m6A, researchers have discovered that the biological function of m6A can be linked to many stages of mRNA metabolism and that m6A can regulate a variety of complex biological processes. In addition to its location on mammalian mRNAs, m6A has been identified on viral transcripts. m6A also plays important roles in the life cycle of many viruses and in viral replication in host cells. In this review, we briefly introduce the detection methods of m6A, the m6A-related proteins, and the functions of m6A. We also summarize the effects of m6A-related proteins on viral replication and infection. We hope that this review provides researchers with some insights for elucidating the complex mechanisms of the epitranscriptome related to viruses, and provides information for further study of the mechanisms of other modified nucleobases acting on processes such as viral replication. We also anticipate that this review can stimulate collaborative research from different fields, such as chemistry, biology, and medicine, and promote the development of antiviral drugs and vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yafen Wang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Xiang Zhou
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
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6
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Yang D, Zhao G, Zhang HM. m 6A reader proteins: the executive factors in modulating viral replication and host immune response. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1151069. [PMID: 37325513 PMCID: PMC10266107 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1151069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) modification is the most abundant covalent modification of RNA. It is a reversible and dynamic process induced by various cellular stresses including viral infection. Many m6A methylations have been discovered, including on the genome of RNA viruses and on RNA transcripts of DNA viruses, and these methylations play a positive or negative role on the viral life cycle depending on the viral species. The m6A machinery, including the writer, eraser, and reader proteins, achieves its gene regulatory role by functioning in an orchestrated manner. Notably, data suggest that the biological effects of m6A on target mRNAs predominantly depend on the recognition and binding of different m6A readers. These readers include, but are not limited to, the YT521-B homology (YTH) domain family, heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (HNRNPs), insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding proteins (IGF2BPs), and many others discovered recently. Indeed, m6A readers have been recognized not only as regulators of RNA metabolism but also as participants in a variety of biological processes, although some of these reported roles are still controversial. Here, we will summarize the recent advances in the discovery, classification, and functional characterization of m6A reader proteins, particularly focusing on their roles and mechanisms of action in RNA metabolism, gene expression, and viral replication. In addition, we also briefly discuss the m6A-associated host immune responses in viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Decheng Yang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Guangze Zhao
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Huifang Mary Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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7
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Hesser CR, Walsh D. YTHDF2 Is Downregulated in Response to Host Shutoff Induced by DNA Virus Infection and Regulates Interferon-Stimulated Gene Expression. J Virol 2023; 97:e0175822. [PMID: 36916936 PMCID: PMC10062140 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01758-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have begun to reveal the complex and multifunctional roles of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications and their associated writer, reader, and eraser proteins in infection by diverse RNA and DNA viruses. However, little is known about their regulation and functions during infection by several viruses, including poxviruses. Here, we show that members of the YTH Domain Family (YTHDF), in particular YTHDF2, are downregulated as the prototypical poxvirus, vaccinia virus (VacV) enters later stages of replication in a variety of natural target cell types, but not in commonly used transformed cell lines wherein the control of YTHDF2 expression appears to be dysregulated. YTHDF proteins also decreased at late stages of infection by herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) but not human cytomegalovirus, suggesting that YTHDF2 is downregulated in response to infections that induce host shutoff. In line with this idea, YTHDF2 was potently downregulated upon infection with a VacV mutant expressing catalytically inactive forms of the decapping enzymes, D9 and D10, which fails to degrade dsRNA and induces a protein kinase R response that itself inhibits protein synthesis. Overexpression and RNAi-mediated depletion approaches further demonstrate that YTHDF2 does not directly affect VacV replication. Instead, experimental downregulation of YTHDF2 or the related family member, YTHDF1, induces a potent increase in interferon-stimulated gene expression and establishes an antiviral state that suppresses infection by either VacV or HSV-1. Combined, our data suggest that YTHDF2 is destabilized in response to infection-induced host shutoff and serves to augment host antiviral responses. IMPORTANCE There is increasing recognition of the importance of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications to both viral and host mRNAs and the complex roles this modification plays in determining the fate of infection by diverse RNA and DNA viruses. However, in many instances, the functional contributions and importance of specific m6A writer, reader, and eraser proteins remains unknown. Here, we show that natural target cells but not transformed cell lines downregulate the YTH Domain Family (YTHDF) of m6A reader proteins, in particular YTHDF2, in response to shutoff of protein synthesis upon infection with the large DNA viruses, vaccinia virus (VacV), or herpes simplex virus type 1. We further reveal that YTHDF2 downregulation also occurs as part of the host protein kinase R response to a VacV shutoff mutant and that this downregulation of YTHDF family members functions to enhance interferon-stimulated gene expression to create an antiviral state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles R. Hesser
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Derek Walsh
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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8
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Khan O, Tanuj GN, Choravada DR, Rajak KK, Chandra Sekar S, Lingaraju MC, Dhara SK, Gupta PK, Mishra BP, Dutt T, Gandham RK, Sajjanar B. N 6-Methyladenosine RNA Modification in Host Cells Regulates Peste des Petits Ruminants Virus Replication. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0266622. [PMID: 36786625 PMCID: PMC10101086 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02666-22] [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: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is a major RNA epigenetic regulatory mechanism. The dynamics of m6A levels in viral genomic RNA and their mRNAs have been shown to have either pro- or antiviral functions, and therefore, m6A modifications influence virus-host interactions. Currently, no reports are available on the effect of m6A modifications in the genome of Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV). In the present study, we took PPRV as a model for nonsegmented negative-sense single-stranded RNA viruses and elucidate the role of m6A modification on viral replication. We detected m6A-modified sites in the mRNA of the virus and host cells, as well as the PPRV RNA genome. Further, it was found that the level of m6A modification in host cells alters the viral gene expression. Knockdown of the METTL3 and FTO genes (encoding the m6A RNA modification writer and eraser proteins, respectively) results in alterations of the levels of m6A RNA modifications in the host cells. Experiments using these genetically modified clones of host cells infected with PPRV revealed that both higher and lower m6A RNA modification in the host cells negatively affect PPRV replication. We found that m6A-modified viral transcripts had better stability and translation efficiency compared to the unmodified mRNA. Altogether, from these data, we conclude that the m6A modification of RNA regulates PPRV replication. These findings contribute toward a way forward for developing novel antiviral strategies against PPRV by modulating the dynamics of host m6A RNA modification. IMPORTANCE Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) causes a severe disease in sheep and goats. PPRV infection is a major problem, causing significant economic losses to small ruminant farmers in regions of endemicity. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is an important RNA modification involved in various functions, including virus-host interactions. In the present study, we used stable clones of Vero cells, having knocked down the genes encoding proteins involved in dynamic changes of the levels of m6A modification. We also used small-molecule compounds that interfere with m6A methylation. This resulted in a platform of host cells with various degrees of m6A RNA modification. The host cells with these different microenvironments were useful for studying the effect of m6A RNA modification on the expression of viral genes and viral replication. The results pinpoint the level of m6A modifications that facilitate the maximum replication of PPRV. These findings will be useful in increasing the virus titers in cultured cells needed for the economical development of the vaccine. Furthermore, the findings have guiding significance for the development of novel antiviral strategies for limiting PPRV replication in infected animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Owais Khan
- Veterinary Biotechnology Division, ICAR—Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Gunturu Narasimha Tanuj
- Veterinary Biotechnology Division, ICAR—Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Divyaprakash R. Choravada
- Veterinary Biotechnology Division, ICAR—Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Kaushal Kishore Rajak
- Biological Products Division, ICAR—Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - S Chandra Sekar
- Division of Virology, ICAR—Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Madhu Cholenahalli Lingaraju
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Division, ICAR—Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sujoy K. Dhara
- Veterinary Biotechnology Division, ICAR—Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Praveen K. Gupta
- Veterinary Biotechnology Division, ICAR—Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | | | - Triveni Dutt
- Veterinary Biotechnology Division, ICAR—Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ravi Kumar Gandham
- Veterinary Biotechnology Division, ICAR—Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Basavaraj Sajjanar
- Veterinary Biotechnology Division, ICAR—Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
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9
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Fiorentino F, Menna M, Rotili D, Valente S, Mai A. METTL3 from Target Validation to the First Small-Molecule Inhibitors: A Medicinal Chemistry Journey. J Med Chem 2023; 66:1654-1677. [PMID: 36692498 PMCID: PMC9923689 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
RNA methylation is a critical mechanism for regulating the transcription and translation of specific sequences or for eliminating unnecessary sequences during RNA maturation. METTL3, an RNA methyltransferase that catalyzes the transfer of a methyl group to the N6-adenosine of RNA, is one of the key mediators of this process. METTL3 dysregulation may result in the emergence of a variety of diseases ranging from cancer to cardiovascular and neurological disorders beyond contributing to viral infections. Hence, the discovery of METTL3 inhibitors may assist in furthering the understanding of the biological roles of this enzyme, in addition to contributing to the development of novel therapeutics. Through this work, we will examine the existing correlations between METTL3 and diseases. We will also analyze the development, mode of action, pharmacology, and structure-activity relationships of the currently known METTL3 inhibitors. They include both nucleoside and non-nucleoside compounds, with the latter comprising both competitive and allosteric inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Fiorentino
- Department
of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza
University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Menna
- Department
of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza
University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Dante Rotili
- Department
of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza
University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy,
| | - Sergio Valente
- Department
of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza
University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy,
| | - Antonello Mai
- Department
of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza
University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy,Pasteur
Institute, Cenci-Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
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10
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Mersinoglu B, Cristinelli S, Ciuffi A. The Impact of Epitranscriptomics on Antiviral Innate Immunity. Viruses 2022; 14:v14081666. [PMID: 36016289 PMCID: PMC9412694 DOI: 10.3390/v14081666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Epitranscriptomics, i.e., chemical modifications of RNA molecules, has proven to be a new layer of modulation and regulation of protein expression, asking for the revisiting of some aspects of cellular biology. At the virological level, epitranscriptomics can thus directly impact the viral life cycle itself, acting on viral or cellular proteins promoting replication, or impacting the innate antiviral response of the host cell, the latter being the focus of the present review.
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11
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Rajendren S, Karijolich J. The Impact of RNA modifications on the Biology of DNA Virus Infection. Eur J Cell Biol 2022; 101:151239. [PMID: 35623231 PMCID: PMC9549750 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2022.151239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 170 RNA modifications have been identified and these are critical for determining the fate and function of cellular RNAs. Similar to human transcripts, viral RNAs possess an extensive RNA modification landscape. While initial efforts largely focused on investigating the RNA modification landscape in the context of RNA virus infection, a growing body of work has explored the impact of RNA modifications on DNA virus biology. These studies have revealed roles for RNA modifications in DNA virus infection, including gene regulation and viral pathogenesis. In this review, we will discuss the current knowledge on how RNA modifications impact DNA virus biology.
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12
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Control of animal virus replication by RNA adenosine methylation. Adv Virus Res 2022; 112:87-114. [PMID: 35840182 DOI: 10.1016/bs.aivir.2022.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Methylation at the N6-position of either adenosine (m6A) or 2'-O-methyladenosine (m6Am) represents two of the most abundant internal modifications of coding and non-coding RNAs, influencing their maturation, stability and function. Additionally, although less abundant and less well-studied, monomethylation at the N1-position (m1A) can have profound effects on RNA folding. It has been known for several decades that RNAs produced by both DNA and RNA viruses can be m6A/m6Am modified and the list continues to broaden through advances in detection technologies and identification of the relevant methyltransferases. Recent studies have uncovered varied mechanisms used by viruses to manipulate the m6A pathway in particular, either to enhance virus replication or to antagonize host antiviral defenses. As such, RNA modifications represent an important frontier of exploration in the broader realm of virus-host interactions, and this new knowledge already suggests exciting opportunities for therapeutic intervention. In this review we summarize the principal mechanisms by which m6A/m6Am can promote or hinder viral replication, describe how the pathway is actively manipulated by biomedically important viruses, and highlight some remaining gaps in understanding how adenosine methylation of RNA controls viral replication and pathogenesis.
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13
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Yue J, Wei Y, Zhao M. The Reversible Methylation of m6A Is Involved in Plant Virus Infection. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11020271. [PMID: 35205137 PMCID: PMC8869485 DOI: 10.3390/biology11020271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent modification in the mRNAs of many eukaryotic species. The abundance and effects of m6A are determined by dynamic interactions between its methyltransferases (“writers”), demethylases (“erasers”), and binding proteins (“readers”). It has been indicated that there is a strong correlation between m6A and virus infection in mammals. In the case of plant virus infection, it appears that m6A plays a dual role. On the one hand, m6A acts as a plant immune response induced by virus infection, inhibiting viral replication or translation through methylation of viral genome RNAs. On the other hand, m6A acts as part of an infection strategy employed by plant viruses to overcome the host immune system by interacting with m6A-related proteins. We proposed that antagonists of m6A-related proteins might be used to design new strategies for plant virus control in the future. Abstract In recent years, m6A RNA methylation has attracted broad interest and is becoming a hot research topic. It has been demonstrated that there is a strong association between m6A and viral infection in the human system. The life cycles of plant RNA viruses are often coordinated with the mechanisms of their RNA modification. Here, we reviewed recent advances in m6A methylation in plant viruses. It appears that m6A methylation plays a dual role during viral infection in plants. On the one hand, m6A methylation acts as an antiviral immune response induced by virus infection, which inhibits viral replication or translation through the methylation of viral genome RNAs. On the other hand, plant viruses could disrupt the m6A methylation through interacting with the key proteins of the m6A pathway to avoid modification. Those plant viruses containing ALKB domain are discussed as well. Based on this mechanism, we propose that new strategies for plant virus control could be designed with competitive antagonists of m6A-associated proteins.
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Burgess HM, Vink EI, Mohr I. Minding the message: tactics controlling RNA decay, modification, and translation in virus-infected cells. Genes Dev 2022; 36:108-132. [PMID: 35193946 PMCID: PMC8887129 DOI: 10.1101/gad.349276.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
With their categorical requirement for host ribosomes to translate mRNA, viruses provide a wealth of genetically tractable models to investigate how gene expression is remodeled post-transcriptionally by infection-triggered biological stress. By co-opting and subverting cellular pathways that control mRNA decay, modification, and translation, the global landscape of post-transcriptional processes is swiftly reshaped by virus-encoded factors. Concurrent host cell-intrinsic countermeasures likewise conscript post-transcriptional strategies to mobilize critical innate immune defenses. Here we review strategies and mechanisms that control mRNA decay, modification, and translation in animal virus-infected cells. Besides settling infection outcomes, post-transcriptional gene regulation in virus-infected cells epitomizes fundamental physiological stress responses in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah M Burgess
- Department of Microbial Sciences, School of Biosciences and Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth I Vink
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA
| | - Ian Mohr
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA.,Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA
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15
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Cai T, Atteh LL, Zhang X, Huang C, Bai M, Ma H, Zhang C, Fu W, Gao L, Lin Y, Meng W. The N6-Methyladenosine Modification and Its Role in mRNA Metabolism and Gastrointestinal Tract Disease. Front Surg 2022; 9:819335. [PMID: 35155557 PMCID: PMC8831730 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.819335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is the most abundant internal modification of messenger RNA (mRNA) in higher eukaryotes. Under the actions of methyltransferase, demethylase and methyl-binding protein, m6A resulting from RNA methylation becomes dynamic and reversible, similar to that from DNA methylation, and this effect allows the generated mRNA to participate in metabolism processes, such as splicing, transport, translation, and degradation. The most common tumors are those found in the gastrointestinal tract, and research on these tumors has flourished since the discovery of m6A. Overall, further analysis of the mechanism of m6A and its role in tumors may contribute to new ideas for the treatment of tumors. m6A also plays an important role in non-tumor diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. This manuscript reviews the current knowledge of m6A-related proteins, mRNA metabolism and their application in gastrointestinal tract disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teng Cai
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Key Laboratory Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | | | - Xianzhuo Zhang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Chongfei Huang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Mingzhen Bai
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Haidong Ma
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wenkang Fu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Long Gao
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yanyan Lin
- The Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Institute of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Lanzhou, China
- Yanyan Lin
| | - Wenbo Meng
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- The Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Institute of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Lanzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Wenbo Meng
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Li N, Rana TM. Regulation of antiviral innate immunity by chemical modification of viral RNA. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2022; 13:e1720. [PMID: 35150188 PMCID: PMC9786758 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
More than 100 chemical modifications of RNA, termed the epitranscriptome, have been described, most of which occur in prokaryotic and eukaryotic ribosomal, transfer, and noncoding RNA and eukaryotic messenger RNA. DNA and RNA viruses can modify their RNA either directly via genome-encoded enzymes or by hijacking the host enzymatic machinery. Among the many RNA modifications described to date, four play particularly important roles in promoting viral infection by facilitating viral gene expression and replication and by enabling escape from the host innate immune response. Here, we discuss our current understanding of the mechanisms by which the RNA modifications such as N6 -methyladenosine (m6A), N6 ,2'-O-dimethyladenosine (m6Am), 5-methylcytidine (m5C), N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C), and 2'-O-methylation (Nm) promote viral replication and/or suppress recognition by innate sensors and downstream activation of the host antiviral response. This article is categorized under: RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease RNA Structure and Dynamics > Influence of RNA Structure in Biological Systems RNA Evolution and Genomics > RNA and Ribonucleoprotein Evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Li
- Division of Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Program in ImmunologyInstitute for Genomic MedicineLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Tariq M. Rana
- Division of Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Program in ImmunologyInstitute for Genomic MedicineLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
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17
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Lisy S, Rothamel K, Ascano M. RNA Binding Proteins as Pioneer Determinants of Infection: Protective, Proviral, or Both? Viruses 2021; 13:2172. [PMID: 34834978 PMCID: PMC8625426 DOI: 10.3390/v13112172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
As the first intracellular host factors that directly interact with the genomes of RNA viruses, RNA binding proteins (RBPs) have a profound impact on the outcome of an infection. Recent discoveries brought about by new methodologies have led to an unprecedented ability to peer into the earliest events between viral RNA and the RBPs that act upon them. These discoveries have sparked a re-evaluation of current paradigms surrounding RBPs and post-transcriptional gene regulation. Here, we highlight questions that have bloomed from the implementation of these novel approaches. Canonical RBPs can impact the fates of both cellular and viral RNA during infection, sometimes in conflicting ways. Noncanonical RBPs, some of which were first characterized via interactions with viral RNA, may encompass physiological roles beyond viral pathogenesis. We discuss how these RBPs might discriminate between an RNA of either cellular or viral origin and thus exert either pro- or antiviral effects-which is a particular challenge as viruses contain mechanisms to mimic molecular features of cellular RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Lisy
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (S.L.); (K.R.)
| | - Katherine Rothamel
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (S.L.); (K.R.)
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Manuel Ascano
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (S.L.); (K.R.)
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Haghighi-Najafabadi N, Roohvand F, Shams Nosrati MS, Teimoori-Toolabi L, Azadmanesh K. Oncolytic herpes simplex virus type-1 expressing IL-12 efficiently replicates and kills human colorectal cancer cells. Microb Pathog 2021; 160:105164. [PMID: 34478858 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.105164] [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: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
An increasing attitude towards oncolytic viruses (OVs) is witnessed following T-VEC's approval. In this study, we aimed to delete ICP47 and insert IL-12 in the ICP34.5 deleted HSV-1 backbone to improve the oncolytic properties and provide an immune-stimulatory effect respectively. The wild-type and recombinant viruses infected both cancerous, SW480 and HCT116, and non-cancerous, HUVEC, cell lines. Green-red Δ47/Δ34.5 was constructed by replacing ICP47 with GFP. Both ICP34.5 copies were replaced by hIL12. Cytotoxicity and growth kinetics of Δ47/Δ34.5/IL12 and Δ47/Δ34.5 were comparable to the wild virus in the cancerous cells. Δ47/Δ34.5/IL12 was able to produce IL12 in the infected cell lines. INF-γ production and PBMC proliferation were observed in the PBMCs treated with the lysate of Δ47/Δ34.5/IL12 infected cells. These results demonstrated that Δ47/Δ34.5/IL12 was competent in taking advantage of the cytotoxic effect of HSV-1 plus immune-stimulatory characteristics of IL-12.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasrin Haghighi-Najafabadi
- Virology Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Iran; Molecular Medicine Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Iran
| | | | | | - Ladan Teimoori-Toolabi
- Molecular Medicine Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Iran.
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Srinivas KP, Depledge DP, Abebe JS, Rice SA, Mohr I, Wilson AC. Widespread remodeling of the m 6A RNA-modification landscape by a viral regulator of RNA processing and export. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2104805118. [PMID: 34282019 PMCID: PMC8325250 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2104805118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant internal messenger RNA (mRNA) modification, contributing to the processing, stability, and function of methylated RNAs. Methylation occurs in the nucleus during pre-mRNA synthesis and requires a core methyltransferase complex consisting of METTL3, METTL14, and WTAP. During herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) infection, cellular gene expression is profoundly suppressed, allowing the virus to monopolize the host transcription and translation apparatus and antagonize antiviral responses. The extent to which HSV-1 uses or manipulates the m6A pathway is not known. Here, we show that, in primary fibroblasts, HSV-1 orchestrates a striking redistribution of the nuclear m6A machinery that progresses through the infection cycle. METTL3 and METTL14 are dispersed into the cytoplasm, whereas WTAP remains nuclear. Other regulatory subunits of the methyltransferase complex, along with the nuclear m6A-modified RNA binding protein YTHDC1 and nuclear demethylase ALKBH5, are similarly redistributed. These changes require ICP27, a viral regulator of host mRNA processing that mediates the nucleocytoplasmic export of viral late mRNAs. Viral gene expression is initially reduced by small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated inactivation of the m6A methyltransferase but becomes less impacted as the infection advances. Redistribution of the nuclear m6A machinery is accompanied by a wide-scale reduction in the installation of m6A and other RNA modifications on both host and viral mRNAs. These results reveal a far-reaching mechanism by which HSV-1 subverts host gene expression to favor viral replication.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel P Depledge
- Department of Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY 10016
| | - Jonathan S Abebe
- Department of Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY 10016
| | - Stephen A Rice
- Department of Microbiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Ian Mohr
- Department of Microbiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY 10016
| | - Angus C Wilson
- Department of Microbiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY 10016;
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20
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Methylation of viral mRNA cap structures by PCIF1 attenuates the antiviral activity of interferon-β. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2025769118. [PMID: 34266951 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2025769118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Interferons induce cell-intrinsic responses associated with resistance to viral infection. To overcome the suppressive action of interferons and their effectors, viruses have evolved diverse mechanisms. Using vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), we report that the host cell N6-adenosine messenger RNA (mRNA) cap methylase, phosphorylated C-terminal domain interacting factor 1 (PCIF1), attenuates the antiviral response. We employed cell-based and in vitro biochemical assays to demonstrate that PCIF1 efficiently modifies VSV mRNA cap structures to m7Gpppm6Am and define the substrate requirements for this modification. Functional assays revealed that the PCIF1-dependent modification of VSV mRNA cap structures is inert with regard to mRNA stability, translation, and viral infectivity but attenuates the antiviral effects of the treatment of cells with interferon-β. Cells lacking PCIF1 or expressing a catalytically inactive PCIF1 exhibit an augmented inhibition of viral replication and gene expression following interferon-β treatment. We further demonstrate that the mRNA cap structures of rabies and measles viruses are also modified by PCIF1 to m7Gpppm6Am This work identifies a function of PCIF1 and cap-proximal m6Am in attenuation of the host response to VSV infection that likely extends to other viruses.
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21
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From A to m 6A: The Emerging Viral Epitranscriptome. Viruses 2021; 13:v13061049. [PMID: 34205979 PMCID: PMC8227502 DOI: 10.3390/v13061049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
There are over 100 different chemical RNA modifications, collectively known as the epitranscriptome. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most commonly found internal RNA modification in cellular mRNAs where it plays important roles in the regulation of the mRNA structure, stability, translation and nuclear export. This modification is also found in viral RNA genomes and in viral mRNAs derived from both RNA and DNA viruses. A growing body of evidence indicates that m6A modifications play important roles in regulating viral replication by interacting with the cellular m6A machinery. In this review, we will exhaustively detail the current knowledge on m6A modification, with an emphasis on its function in virus biology.
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22
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McFadden MJ, Horner SM. N 6-Methyladenosine Regulates Host Responses to Viral Infection. Trends Biochem Sci 2021; 46:366-377. [PMID: 33309325 PMCID: PMC8052259 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2020.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Recent discoveries have revealed that, during viral infection, the presence of the RNA modification N6-methyladenosine (m6A) on viral and cellular RNAs has profound impacts on infection outcome. Although m6A directly regulates many viral RNA processes, its effects on cellular RNAs and pathways during infection have only recently begun to be elucidated. Disentangling the effects of m6A on viral and host RNAs remains a challenge for the field. m6A has been found to regulate host responses such as viral RNA sensing, cytokine responses, and immune cell functions. We highlight recent findings describing how m6A modulates host responses to viral infection and discuss future directions that will lead to a synergistic understanding of the processes by which m6A regulates viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J McFadden
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Stacy M Horner
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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23
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Dai DL, Li X, Wang L, Xie C, Jin Y, Zeng MS, Zuo Z, Xia TL. Identification of an N6-methyladenosine-mediated positive feedback loop that promotes Epstein-Barr virus infection. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100547. [PMID: 33741341 PMCID: PMC8063736 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is among the most abundant mRNA modifications, particularly in eukaryotes, and is found in mammals, plants, and even some viruses. Although essential for the regulation of many biological processes, the exact role of m6A modification in virus–host interaction remains largely unknown. Here, using m6A -immunoprecipitation and sequencing, we find that Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection decreases the m6A modification of transcriptional factor KLF4 mRNA and subsequently increases its protein level. Mechanistically, EBV immediate-early protein BZLF1 interacts with the promoter of m6A methyltransferase METTL3, inhibiting its expression. Subsequently, the decrease of METTL3 reduces the level of KLF4 mRNA m6A modification, preventing its decay by the m6A reader protein YTHDF2. As a result, KLF4 protein level is upregulated and, in turn, promotes EBV infection of nasopharyngeal epithelial cells. Thus, our results suggest the existence of a positive feedback loop formed between EBV and host molecules via cellular mRNA m6A levels, and this feedback loop acts to facilitate viral infection. This mechanism contains multiple potential targets for controlling viral infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan-Ling Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Xingyang Li
- Department of Temporomandibular Joint Surgery, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research of Oral Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Lin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P. R. China; Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Chu Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Yanan Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P. R. China; Department of VIP Region, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Mu-Sheng Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Zhixiang Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P. R. China.
| | - Tian-Liang Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P. R. China.
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Chen S, Kumar S, Espada CE, Tirumuru N, Cahill MP, Hu L, He C, Wu L. N6-methyladenosine modification of HIV-1 RNA suppresses type-I interferon induction in differentiated monocytic cells and primary macrophages. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009421. [PMID: 33690734 PMCID: PMC7984636 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a prevalent RNA modification that plays a key role in regulating eukaryotic cellular mRNA functions. RNA m6A modification is regulated by two groups of cellular proteins, writers and erasers that add or remove m6A, respectively. HIV-1 RNA contains m6A modifications that modulate viral infection and gene expression in CD4+ T cells. However, it remains unclear whether m6A modifications of HIV-1 RNA modulate innate immune responses in myeloid cells that are important for antiviral immunity. Here we show that m6A modification of HIV-1 RNA suppresses the expression of antiviral cytokine type-I interferon (IFN-I) in differentiated human monocytic cells and primary monocyte-derived macrophages. Transfection of differentiated monocytic U937 cells with HIV-1 RNA fragments containing a single m6A-modification significantly reduced IFN-I mRNA expression relative to their unmodified RNA counterparts. We generated HIV-1 with altered m6A levels of RNA by manipulating the expression of the m6A erasers (FTO and ALKBH5) or pharmacological inhibition of m6A addition in virus-producing cells, or by treating HIV-1 RNA with recombinant FTO in vitro. HIV-1 RNA transfection or viral infection of differentiated U937 cells and primary macrophages demonstrated that HIV-1 RNA with decreased m6A levels enhanced IFN-I expression, whereas HIV-1 RNA with increased m6A modifications had opposite effects. Our mechanistic studies indicated that m6A of HIV-1 RNA escaped retinoic acid-induced gene I (RIG-I)-mediated RNA sensing and activation of the transcription factors IRF3 and IRF7 that drive IFN-I gene expression. Together, these findings suggest that m6A modifications of HIV-1 RNA evade innate immune sensing in myeloid cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuliang Chen
- Center for Retrovirus Research, Department of Veterinary Biosciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Sameer Kumar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Constanza E. Espada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Nagaraja Tirumuru
- Center for Retrovirus Research, Department of Veterinary Biosciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Michael P. Cahill
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Lulu Hu
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Chuan He
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Li Wu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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25
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Xia TL, Li X, Wang X, Zhu YJ, Zhang H, Cheng W, Chen ML, Ye Y, Li Y, Zhang A, Dai DL, Zhu QY, Yuan L, Zheng J, Huang H, Chen SQ, Xiao ZW, Wang HB, Roy G, Zhong Q, Lin D, Zeng YX, Wang J, Zhao B, Gewurz BE, Chen J, Zuo Z, Zeng MS. N(6)-methyladenosine-binding protein YTHDF1 suppresses EBV replication and promotes EBV RNA decay. EMBO Rep 2021; 22:e50128. [PMID: 33605073 PMCID: PMC8025027 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202050128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) modification of mRNA mediates diverse cellular and viral functions. Infection with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is causally associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), 10% of gastric carcinoma, and various B‐cell lymphomas, in which the viral latent and lytic phases both play vital roles. Here, we show that EBV transcripts exhibit differential m6A modification in human NPC biopsies, patient‐derived xenograft tissues, and cells at different EBV infection stages. m6A‐modified EBV transcripts are recognized and destabilized by the YTHDF1 protein, which leads to the m6A‐dependent suppression of EBV infection and replication. Mechanistically, YTHDF1 hastens viral RNA decapping and mediates RNA decay by recruiting RNA degradation complexes, including ZAP, DDX17, and DCP2, thereby post‐transcriptionally downregulating the expression of EBV genes. Taken together, our results reveal the critical roles of m6A modifications and their reader YTHDF1 in EBV replication. These findings contribute novel targets for the treatment of EBV‐associated cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Liang Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xingyang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xueping Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yun-Jia Zhu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weisheng Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat-sen University), Department of Medical Bioinformatics, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mei-Ling Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dan-Ling Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qian-Ying Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huilin Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Si-Qi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Wen Xiao
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hong-Bo Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gaurab Roy
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qian Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dongxin Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi-Xin Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinkai Wang
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat-sen University), Department of Medical Bioinformatics, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China.,RNA Biomedical Institute, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bo Zhao
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Benjamin E Gewurz
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jianjun Chen
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Monrovia, CA, USA
| | - Zhixiang Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mu-Sheng Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
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26
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Hakata Y, Miyazawa M. Deaminase-Independent Mode of Antiretroviral Action in Human and Mouse APOBEC3 Proteins. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8121976. [PMID: 33322756 PMCID: PMC7764128 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8121976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme, catalytic polypeptide-like 3 (APOBEC3) proteins (APOBEC3s) are deaminases that convert cytosines to uracils predominantly on a single-stranded DNA, and function as intrinsic restriction factors in the innate immune system to suppress replication of viruses (including retroviruses) and movement of retrotransposons. Enzymatic activity is supposed to be essential for the APOBEC3 antiviral function. However, it is not the only way that APOBEC3s exert their biological function. Since the discovery of human APOBEC3G as a restriction factor for HIV-1, the deaminase-independent mode of action has been observed. At present, it is apparent that both the deaminase-dependent and -independent pathways are tightly involved not only in combating viruses but also in human tumorigenesis. Although the deaminase-dependent pathway has been extensively characterized so far, understanding of the deaminase-independent pathway remains immature. Here, we review existing knowledge regarding the deaminase-independent antiretroviral functions of APOBEC3s and their molecular mechanisms. We also discuss the possible unidentified molecular mechanism for the deaminase-independent antiretroviral function mediated by mouse APOBEC3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiyuki Hakata
- Department of Immunology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, 377-2 Ohno-Higashi, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka 589-8511, Japan;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-72-367-7660
| | - Masaaki Miyazawa
- Department of Immunology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, 377-2 Ohno-Higashi, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka 589-8511, Japan;
- Kindai University Anti-Aging Center, 3-4-1 Kowakae, Higashiosaka, Osaka 577-8502, Japan
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27
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Price AM, Hayer KE, McIntyre ABR, Gokhale NS, Abebe JS, Della Fera AN, Mason CE, Horner SM, Wilson AC, Depledge DP, Weitzman MD. Direct RNA sequencing reveals m 6A modifications on adenovirus RNA are necessary for efficient splicing. Nat Commun 2020; 11:6016. [PMID: 33243990 PMCID: PMC7691994 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19787-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenovirus is a nuclear replicating DNA virus reliant on host RNA processing machinery. Processing and metabolism of cellular RNAs can be regulated by METTL3, which catalyzes the addition of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) to mRNAs. While m6A-modified adenoviral RNAs have been previously detected, the location and function of this mark within the infectious cycle is unknown. Since the complex adenovirus transcriptome includes overlapping spliced units that would impede accurate m6A mapping using short-read sequencing, here we profile m6A within the adenovirus transcriptome using a combination of meRIP-seq and direct RNA long-read sequencing to yield both nucleotide and transcript-resolved m6A detection. Although both early and late viral transcripts contain m6A, depletion of m6A writer METTL3 specifically impacts viral late transcripts by reducing their splicing efficiency. These data showcase a new technique for m6A discovery within individual transcripts at nucleotide resolution, and highlight the role of m6A in regulating splicing of a viral pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander M Price
- Division of Protective Immunity and Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Katharina E Hayer
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Alexa B R McIntyre
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Tri-Institutional Program in Computational Biology and Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, 8006, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nandan S Gokhale
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98115, USA
| | - Jonathan S Abebe
- Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10017, USA
| | - Ashley N Della Fera
- Division of Protective Immunity and Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Biological Sciences Graduate Group, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Christopher E Mason
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- The World Quant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- The Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Stacy M Horner
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Angus C Wilson
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10017, USA
| | - Daniel P Depledge
- Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10017, USA.
| | - Matthew D Weitzman
- Division of Protective Immunity and Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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28
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Chen J, Jin L, Wang Z, Wang L, Chen Q, Cui Y, Liu G. N6-methyladenosine regulates PEDV replication and host gene expression. Virology 2020; 548:59-72. [PMID: 32838947 PMCID: PMC7297182 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2020.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Methylation of the N6 position of adenosine (m6A) is a widespread RNA modification that is critical for various physiological and pathological processes. Although this modification was also found in the RNA of several viruses almost 40 years ago, its biological functions during viral infection have been elucidated recently. Here, we investigated the effects of viral and host RNA methylation during porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) infection. The results demonstrated that the m6A modification was abundant in the PEDV genome and the host methyltransferases METTL3 and METTL14 and demethylase FTO were involved in the regulation of viral replication. The knockdown of the methyltransferases increased PEDV replication while silencing the demethylase decreased PEDV output. Moreover, the proteins of the YTHDF family regulated the PEDV replication by affecting the stability of m6A-modified viral RNA. In particular, PEDV infection could trigger an increasement of m6A in host RNA and decrease the expression of FTO. The m6A modification sites in mRNAs and target genes were also altered during PEDV infection. Additionally, part of the host responses to PEDV infection was controlled by m6A modification, which could be reversed by the expression of FTO. Taken together, our results identified the role of m6A modification in PEDV replication and interactions with the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730046, China
| | - Li Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730046, China
| | - Zemei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730046, China
| | - Liyuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730046, China
| | - Qingbo Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730046, China
| | - Yaru Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730046, China
| | - Guangliang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730046, China.
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29
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Lu M, Zhang Z, Xue M, Zhao BS, Harder O, Li A, Liang X, Gao TZ, Xu Y, Zhou J, Feng Z, Niewiesk S, Peeples ME, He C, Li J. N 6-methyladenosine modification enables viral RNA to escape recognition by RNA sensor RIG-I. Nat Microbiol 2020; 5:584-598. [PMID: 32015498 PMCID: PMC7137398 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-019-0653-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Internal N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is one of the most common and abundant modifications of RNA. However, the biological roles of viral RNA m6A remain elusive. Here, using human metapneumovirus (HMPV) as a model, we demonstrate that m6A serves as a molecular marker for innate immune discrimination of self from non-self RNAs. We show that HMPV RNAs are m6A methylated and that viral m6A methylation promotes HMPV replication and gene expression. Inactivating m6A addition sites with synonymous mutations or demethylase resulted in m6A-deficient recombinant HMPVs and virion RNAs that induced increased expression of type I interferon, which was dependent on the cytoplasmic RNA sensor RIG-I, and not on melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5 (MDA5). Mechanistically, m6A-deficient virion RNA induces higher expression of RIG-I, binds more efficiently to RIG-I and facilitates the conformational change of RIG-I, leading to enhanced interferon expression. Furthermore, m6A-deficient recombinant HMPVs triggered increased interferon in vivo and were attenuated in cotton rats but retained high immunogenicity. Collectively, our results highlight that (1) viruses acquire m6A in their RNA as a means of mimicking cellular RNA to avoid detection by innate immunity and (2) viral RNA m6A can serve as a target to attenuate HMPV for vaccine purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mijia Lu
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Zijie Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Miaoge Xue
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Boxuan Simen Zhao
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Olivia Harder
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Anzhong Li
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Xueya Liang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Thomas Z Gao
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Yunsheng Xu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jiyong Zhou
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zongdi Feng
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Stefan Niewiesk
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Mark E Peeples
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Chuan He
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jianrong Li
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
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30
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Netzband R, Pager CT. Epitranscriptomic marks: Emerging modulators of RNA virus gene expression. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2019; 11:e1576. [PMID: 31694072 PMCID: PMC7169815 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Epitranscriptomics, the study of posttranscriptional chemical moieties placed on RNA, has blossomed in recent years. This is due in part to the emergence of high‐throughput detection methods as well as the burst of discoveries showing biological function of select chemical marks. RNA modifications have been shown to affect RNA structure, localization, and functions such as alternative splicing, stabilizing transcripts, nuclear export, cap‐dependent and cap‐independent translation, microRNA biogenesis and binding, RNA degradation, and immune regulation. As such, the deposition of chemical marks on RNA has the unique capability to spatially and temporally regulate gene expression. The goal of this article is to present the exciting convergence of the epitranscriptomic and virology fields, specifically the deposition and biological impact of N7‐methylguanosine, ribose 2′‐O‐methylation, pseudouridine, inosine, N6‐methyladenosine, and 5‐methylcytosine epitranscriptomic marks on gene expression of RNA viruses. This article is categorized under:RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein–RNA Interactions: Functional Implications
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Netzband
- Department of Biological Sciences, The RNA Institute, University at Albany-SUNY, Albany, New York
| | - Cara T Pager
- Department of Biological Sciences, The RNA Institute, University at Albany-SUNY, Albany, New York
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31
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Xue M, Zhao BS, Zhang Z, Lu M, Harder O, Chen P, Lu Z, Li A, Ma Y, Xu Y, Liang X, Zhou J, Niewiesk S, Peeples ME, He C, Li J. Viral N 6-methyladenosine upregulates replication and pathogenesis of human respiratory syncytial virus. Nat Commun 2019; 10:4595. [PMID: 31597913 PMCID: PMC6785563 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12504-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent internal modification of mRNAs in most eukaryotes. Here we show that RNAs of human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are modified by m6A within discreet regions and that these modifications enhance viral replication and pathogenesis. Knockdown of m6A methyltransferases decreases RSV replication and gene expression whereas knockdown of m6A demethylases has the opposite effect. The G gene transcript contains the most m6A modifications. Recombinant RSV variants expressing G transcripts that lack particular clusters of m6A display reduced replication in A549 cells, primary well differentiated human airway epithelial cultures, and respiratory tracts of cotton rats. One of the m6A-deficient variants is highly attenuated yet retains high immunogenicity in cotton rats. Collectively, our results demonstrate that viral m6A methylation upregulates RSV replication and pathogenesis and identify viral m6A methylation as a target for rational design of live attenuated vaccine candidates for RSV and perhaps other pneumoviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaoge Xue
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Boxuan Simen Zhao
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Zijie Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Mijia Lu
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Olivia Harder
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Phylip Chen
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
| | - Zhike Lu
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Anzhong Li
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Yuanmei Ma
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Yunsheng Xu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325015, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Xueya Liang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Jiyong Zhou
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Stefan Niewiesk
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Mark E Peeples
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Chuan He
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Jianrong Li
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
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32
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Williams GD, Gokhale NS, Horner SM. Regulation of Viral Infection by the RNA Modification N6-Methyladenosine. Annu Rev Virol 2019; 6:235-253. [PMID: 31283446 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-virology-092818-015559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, the RNA modification N6-methyladenosine (m6A) has been found to play a role in the life cycles of numerous viruses and also in the cellular response to viral infection. m6A has emerged as a regulator of many fundamental aspects of RNA biology. Here, we highlight recent advances in techniques for the study of m6A, as well as advances in our understanding of the cellular machinery that controls the addition, removal, recognition, and functions of m6A. We then summarize the many newly discovered roles of m6A during viral infection, including how it regulates innate and adaptive immune responses to infection. Overall, the goals of this review are to summarize the roles of m6A on both cellular and viral RNAs and to describe future directions for uncovering new functions of m6A during infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham D Williams
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA; , ,
| | - Nandan S Gokhale
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA; , ,
| | - Stacy M Horner
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA; , , .,Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
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33
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Manners O, Baquero-Perez B, Whitehouse A. m 6A: Widespread regulatory control in virus replication. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2019; 1862:370-381. [PMID: 30412798 PMCID: PMC6414752 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2018.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a highly pervasive and dynamic modification found on eukaryotic RNA. Despite the failure to comprehend the true regulatory potential of this epitranscriptomic mark for decades, our knowledge of m6A has rapidly expanded in recent years. The modification has now been functionally linked to all stages of mRNA metabolism and demonstrated to regulate a variety of biological processes. Furthermore, m6A has been identified on transcripts encoded by a wide range of viruses. Studies to investigate m6A function in viral-host interactions have highlighted distinct roles indicating widespread regulatory control over viral life cycles. As a result, unveiling the true influence of m6A modification could revolutionise our comprehension of the regulatory mechanisms controlling viral replication. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: mRNA modifications in gene expression control edited by Dr. Soller Matthias and Dr. Fray Rupert.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Manners
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - Belinda Baquero-Perez
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian Whitehouse
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom; Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom.
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34
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Rubio RM, Depledge DP, Bianco C, Thompson L, Mohr I. RNA m 6 A modification enzymes shape innate responses to DNA by regulating interferon β. Genes Dev 2018; 32:1472-1484. [PMID: 30463905 PMCID: PMC6295168 DOI: 10.1101/gad.319475.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In this study, Rubio et al. researched how the dynamic genome-wide landscape of m6A-modified mRNAs impacts virus infection and host immune responses. They show that type I interferon (IFN) production triggered by dsDNA or human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is controlled by the cellular m6A methyltrasferase subunit METTL14 and ALKBH5 demethylase, and their results demonstrate that responses to nonmicrobial dsDNA in uninfected cells are regulated by enzymes controlling m6A epitranscriptomic changes. Modification of mRNA by N6-adenosine methylation (m6A) on internal bases influences gene expression in eukaryotes. How the dynamic genome-wide landscape of m6A-modified mRNAs impacts virus infection and host immune responses remains poorly understood. Here, we show that type I interferon (IFN) production triggered by dsDNA or human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is controlled by the cellular m6A methyltrasferase subunit METTL14 and ALKBH5 demethylase. While METTL14 depletion reduced virus reproduction and stimulated dsDNA- or HCMV-induced IFNB1 mRNA accumulation, ALKBH5 depletion had the opposite effect. Depleting METTL14 increased both nascent IFNB1 mRNA production and stability in response to dsDNA. In contrast, ALKBH5 depletion reduced nascent IFNB1 mRNA production without detectably influencing IFN1B mRNA decay. Genome-wide transcriptome profiling following ALKBH5 depletion identified differentially expressed genes regulating antiviral immune responses, while METTL14 depletion altered pathways impacting metabolic reprogramming, stress responses, and aging. Finally, we determined that IFNB1 mRNA was m6A-modified within both the coding sequence and the 3′ untranslated region (UTR). This establishes that the host m6A modification machinery controls IFNβ production triggered by HCMV or dsDNA. Moreover, it demonstrates that responses to nonmicrobial dsDNA in uninfected cells, which shape host immunity and contribute to autoimmune disease, are regulated by enzymes controlling m6A epitranscriptomic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa M Rubio
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA
| | - Daniel P Depledge
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA
| | - Christopher Bianco
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA
| | - Letitia Thompson
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA
| | - Ian Mohr
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA.,Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA
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35
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Meyer KD. m 6A-mediated translation regulation. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2018; 1862:301-309. [PMID: 30342175 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2018.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Revised: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kate D Meyer
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, United States of America.
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Tan B, Gao SJ. RNA epitranscriptomics: Regulation of infection of RNA and DNA viruses by N 6 -methyladenosine (m 6 A). Rev Med Virol 2018; 28:e1983. [PMID: 29698584 PMCID: PMC6339815 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.1983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Revised: 03/24/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
N6 -methyladenosine (m6 A) was discovered 4 decades ago. However, the functions of m6 A and the cellular machinery that regulates its changes have just been revealed in the last few years. m6 A is an abundant internal mRNA modification on cellular RNA and is implicated in diverse cellular functions. Recent works have demonstrated the presence of m6 A in the genomes of RNA viruses and transcripts of a DNA virus with either a proviral or antiviral role. Here, we first summarize what is known about the m6 A "writers," "erasers," "readers," and "antireaders" as well as the role of m6 A in mRNA metabolism. We then review how the replications of numerous viruses are enhanced and restricted by m6 A with emphasis on the oncogenic DNA virus, Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), whose m6 A epitranscriptome was recently mapped. In the context of KSHV, m6 A and the reader protein YTHDF2 acts as an antiviral mechanism during viral lytic replication. During viral latency, KSHV alters m6 A on genes that are implicated in cellular transformation and viral latency. Lastly, we discuss future studies that are important to further delineate the functions of m6 A in KSHV latent and lytic replication and KSHV-induced oncogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Tan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Shou-Jiang Gao
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Laboratory of Human Virology and Oncology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
- Department of Microbiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
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Hesser CR, Karijolich J, Dominissini D, He C, Glaunsinger BA. N6-methyladenosine modification and the YTHDF2 reader protein play cell type specific roles in lytic viral gene expression during Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus infection. PLoS Pathog 2018; 14:e1006995. [PMID: 29659627 PMCID: PMC5919695 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1006995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Revised: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Methylation at the N6 position of adenosine (m6A) is a highly prevalent and reversible modification within eukaryotic mRNAs that has been linked to many stages of RNA processing and fate. Recent studies suggest that m6A deposition and proteins involved in the m6A pathway play a diverse set of roles in either restricting or modulating the lifecycles of select viruses. Here, we report that m6A levels are significantly increased in cells infected with the oncogenic human DNA virus Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). Transcriptome-wide m6A-sequencing of the KSHV-positive renal carcinoma cell line iSLK.219 during lytic reactivation revealed the presence of m6A across multiple kinetic classes of viral transcripts, and a concomitant decrease in m6A levels across much of the host transcriptome. However, we found that depletion of the m6A machinery had differential pro- and anti-viral impacts on viral gene expression depending on the cell-type analyzed. In iSLK.219 and iSLK.BAC16 cells the pathway functioned in a pro-viral manner, as depletion of the m6A writer METTL3 and the reader YTHDF2 significantly impaired virion production. In iSLK.219 cells the defect was linked to their roles in the post-transcriptional accumulation of the major viral lytic transactivator ORF50, which is m6A modified. In contrast, although the ORF50 mRNA was also m6A modified in KSHV infected B cells, ORF50 protein expression was instead increased upon depletion of METTL3, or, to a lesser extent, YTHDF2. These results highlight that the m6A pathway is centrally involved in regulating KSHV gene expression, and underscore how the outcome of this dynamically regulated modification can vary significantly between cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles R. Hesser
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States of America
| | - John Karijolich
- Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Dan Dominissini
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Chuan He
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Britt A. Glaunsinger
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States of America
- Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Durham, NC, United States of America
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Tan B, Liu H, Zhang S, da Silva SR, Zhang L, Meng J, Cui X, Yuan H, Sorel O, Zhang SW, Huang Y, Gao SJ. Viral and cellular N 6-methyladenosine and N 6,2'-O-dimethyladenosine epitranscriptomes in the KSHV life cycle. Nat Microbiol 2018; 3:108-120. [PMID: 29109479 PMCID: PMC6138870 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-017-0056-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and N6,2'-O-dimethyladenosine (m6Am) modifications (m6A/m) of messenger RNA mediate diverse cellular functions. Oncogenic Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) has latent and lytic replication phases that are essential for the development of KSHV-associated cancers. To date, the role of m6A/m in KSHV replication and tumorigenesis is unclear. Here, we provide mechanistic insights by examining the viral and cellular m6A/m epitranscriptomes during KSHV latent and lytic infection. KSHV transcripts contain abundant m6A/m modifications during latent and lytic replication, and these modifications are highly conserved among different cell types and infection systems. Knockdown of YTHDF2 enhanced lytic replication by impeding KSHV RNA degradation. YTHDF2 binds to viral transcripts and differentially mediates their stability. KSHV latent infection induces 5' untranslated region (UTR) hypomethylation and 3'UTR hypermethylation of the cellular epitranscriptome, regulating oncogenic and epithelial-mesenchymal transition pathways. KSHV lytic replication induces dynamic reprogramming of epitranscriptome, regulating pathways that control lytic replication. These results reveal a critical role of m6A/m modifications in KSHV lifecycle and provide rich resources for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Tan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- School of Information and Electrical Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Songyao Zhang
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- School of Automation, Northwestern Polytechnic University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Suzane Ramos da Silva
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Lin Zhang
- School of Information and Electrical Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Jia Meng
- Department of Biological Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaodong Cui
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Hongfeng Yuan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Océane Sorel
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shao-Wu Zhang
- School of Automation, Northwestern Polytechnic University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yufei Huang
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.
| | - Shou-Jiang Gao
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Laboratory of Human Virology and Oncology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China.
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Visvanathan A, Somasundaram K. mRNA Traffic Control Reviewed: N6-Methyladenosine (m 6 A) Takes the Driver's Seat. Bioessays 2017; 40. [PMID: 29205437 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201700093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Messenger RNA is a flexible tool box that plays a key role in the dynamic regulation of gene expression. RNA modifications variegate the message conveyed by the mRNA. Similar to DNA and histone modifications, mRNA modifications are reversible and play a key role in the regulation of molecular events. Our understanding about the landscape of RNA modifications is still rudimentary in contrast to DNA and histone modifications. The major obstacle has been the lack of sensitive detection methods since they are non-editing events. However, with the advent of next-generation sequencing techniques, RNA modifications are being identified precisely at single nucleotide resolution. In recent years, methylation at the N6 position of adenine (m6 A) has gained the attention of RNA biologists. The m6 A modification has a set of writers (methylases), erasers (demethylases), and readers. Here, we provide a summary of interesting facts, conflicting findings, and recent advances in the technical and functional aspects of the m6 A epitranscriptome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhirami Visvanathan
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India
| | - Kumaravel Somasundaram
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India
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40
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Patil DP, Pickering BF, Jaffrey SR. Reading m 6A in the Transcriptome: m 6A-Binding Proteins. Trends Cell Biol 2017; 28:113-127. [PMID: 29103884 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2017.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 417] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Revised: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent post-transcriptional modification of eukaryotic mRNA and long noncoding RNA. m6A mediates its effects primarily by recruiting proteins, including the multiprotein eukaryotic initiation factor 3 complex and a set of proteins that contain the YTH domain. Here we describe the mechanisms by which YTH domain-containing proteins bind m6A and influence the fate of m6A-containing RNA in mammalian cells. We discuss the diverse, and occasionally contradictory, functions ascribed to these proteins and the emerging concepts that are influencing our understanding of these proteins and their effects on the epitranscriptome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak P Patil
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA; These authors contributed equally
| | - Brian F Pickering
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA; These authors contributed equally
| | - Samie R Jaffrey
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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41
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Gonzales-van Horn SR, Sarnow P. Making the Mark: The Role of Adenosine Modifications in the Life Cycle of RNA Viruses. Cell Host Microbe 2017; 21:661-669. [PMID: 28618265 PMCID: PMC5555051 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2017.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Viral epitranscriptomics is a newly emerging field that has identified unique roles for RNA modifications in modulating life cycles of RNA viruses. Despite the observation of a handful of modified viral RNAs five decades ago, very little was known about how these modifications regulate viral life cycles, until recently. Here we review the pro- and anti-viral effects of methyl-6-adenosine in distinct viral life cycles, the role of 2' O-methyl modifications in RNA stability and innate immune sensing, and functions of adenosine to inosine modifications in retroviral life cycles. With roles for over 100 modifications in RNA still unknown, this is a rapidly emerging field that is destined to suggest novel antiviral therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah R Gonzales-van Horn
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Peter Sarnow
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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42
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Jiang Q, Crews LA, Holm F, Jamieson CHM. RNA editing-dependent epitranscriptome diversity in cancer stem cells. Nat Rev Cancer 2017; 17:381-392. [PMID: 28416802 PMCID: PMC5665169 DOI: 10.1038/nrc.2017.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) can regenerate all facets of a tumour as a result of their stem cell-like capacity to self-renew, survive and become dormant in protective microenvironments. CSCs evolve during tumour progression in a manner that conforms to Charles Darwin's principle of natural selection. Although somatic DNA mutations and epigenetic alterations promote evolution, post-transcriptional RNA modifications together with RNA binding protein activity (the 'epitranscriptome') might also contribute to clonal evolution through dynamic determination of RNA function and gene expression diversity in response to environmental stimuli. Deregulation of these epitranscriptomic events contributes to CSC generation and maintenance, which governs cancer progression and drug resistance. In this Review, we discuss the role of malignant RNA processing in CSC generation and maintenance, including mechanisms of RNA methylation, RNA editing and RNA splicing, and the functional consequences of their aberrant regulation in human malignancies. Finally, we highlight the potential of these events as novel CSC biomarkers as well as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingfei Jiang
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Moores Cancer Center and Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Leslie A Crews
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Moores Cancer Center and Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Frida Holm
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Moores Cancer Center and Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Catriona H M Jamieson
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Moores Cancer Center and Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
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Abstract
Although it has been known for over 40 years that eukaryotic mRNAs bear internal base modifications, it is only in the last 5 years that the importance of these modifications has begun to come into focus. The most common mRNA modification, the addition of a methyl group to the N6 position of adenosine (m6A), has been shown to affect splicing, translation, and stability, and m6A is also essential for embryonic development in organisms ranging from plants to mice. While all viral transcripts examined so far have been found to be extensively m6A modified, the role, if any, of m6A in regulating viral gene expression and replication was previously unknown. However, recent data generated using HIV-1 as a model system strongly suggest that sites of m6A addition not only are evolutionarily conserved but also enhance virus replication. It is therefore likely that the field of viral epitranscriptomics, which can be defined as the study of functionally relevant posttranscriptional modifications of viral RNA transcripts that do not change the nucleotide sequence of that RNA, is poised for a major expansion in scientific interest and may well fundamentally change our understanding of how viral replication is regulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nandan S. Gokhale
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Stacy M. Horner
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
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46
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Epitranscriptomic regulation of viral replication. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2017; 1860:460-471. [PMID: 28219769 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2017.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Revised: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 02/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
RNA plays central roles in biology and novel functions and regulation mechanisms are constantly emerging. To accomplish some of their functions within the cell, RNA molecules undergo hundreds of chemical modifications from which N6-methyladenosine (m6A), inosine (I), pseudouridine (ψ) and 5-methylcytosine (5mC) have been described in eukaryotic mRNA. Interestingly, the m6A modification was shown to be reversible, adding novel layers of regulation of gene expression through what is now recognized as epitranscriptomics. The development of molecular mapping strategies coupled to next generation sequencing allowed the identification of thousand of modified transcripts in different tissues and under different physiological conditions such as viral infections. As intracellular parasites, viruses are confronted to cellular RNA modifying enzymes and, as a consequence, viral RNA can be chemically modified at some stages of the replication cycle. This review focuses on the chemical modifications of viral RNA and the impact that these modifications have on viral gene expression and the output of infection. A special emphasis is given to m6A, which was recently shown to play important yet controversial roles in different steps of the HIV-1, HCV and ZIKV replication cycles.
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Abstract
This Reflections article describes my early work on viral enzymes and the discovery of mRNA capping, how my training in medicine and biochemistry merged as I evolved into a virologist, the development of viruses as vaccine vectors, and how scientific and technological developments during the 1970s and beyond set the stage for the interrogation of nearly every step in the reproductive cycle of vaccinia virus (VACV), a large DNA virus with about 200 genes. The reader may view this article as a work in progress, because I remain actively engaged in research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) notwithstanding 50 memorable years there.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Moss
- From the Laboratory of Viral Diseases, NIAID, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
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48
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Interactions between the HIV-1 Unspliced mRNA and Host mRNA Decay Machineries. Viruses 2016; 8:v8110320. [PMID: 27886048 PMCID: PMC5127034 DOI: 10.3390/v8110320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2016] [Revised: 11/12/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) unspliced transcript is used both as mRNA for the synthesis of structural proteins and as the packaged genome. Given the presence of retained introns and instability AU-rich sequences, this viral transcript is normally retained and degraded in the nucleus of host cells unless the viral protein REV is present. As such, the stability of the HIV-1 unspliced mRNA must be particularly controlled in the nucleus and the cytoplasm in order to ensure proper levels of this viral mRNA for translation and viral particle formation. During its journey, the HIV-1 unspliced mRNA assembles into highly specific messenger ribonucleoproteins (mRNPs) containing many different host proteins, amongst which are well-known regulators of cytoplasmic mRNA decay pathways such as up-frameshift suppressor 1 homolog (UPF1), Staufen double-stranded RNA binding protein 1/2 (STAU1/2), or components of miRNA-induced silencing complex (miRISC) and processing bodies (PBs). More recently, the HIV-1 unspliced mRNA was shown to contain N⁶-methyladenosine (m⁶A), allowing the recruitment of YTH N⁶-methyladenosine RNA binding protein 2 (YTHDF2), an m⁶A reader host protein involved in mRNA decay. Interestingly, these host proteins involved in mRNA decay were shown to play positive roles in viral gene expression and viral particle assembly, suggesting that HIV-1 interacts with mRNA decay components to successfully accomplish viral replication. This review summarizes the state of the art in terms of the interactions between HIV-1 unspliced mRNA and components of different host mRNA decay machineries.
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Saletore Y, Meyer K, Korlach J, Vilfan ID, Jaffrey S, Mason CE. The birth of the Epitranscriptome: deciphering the function of RNA modifications. Genome Biol 2012; 13:175. [PMID: 23113984 PMCID: PMC3491402 DOI: 10.1186/gb-2012-13-10-175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 327] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/31/2012] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have found methyl-6-adenosine in thousands of mammalian genes, and this modification is most pronounced near the beginning of the 3' UTR. We present a perspective on current work and new single-molecule sequencing methods for detecting RNA base modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yogesh Saletore
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Tri-Institutional Training Program in Computational Biology and Medicine, New York, NY10065, USA
| | - Kate Meyer
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jonas Korlach
- Pacific Biosciences, 1380 Willow Rd, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
| | - Igor D Vilfan
- Pacific Biosciences, 1380 Willow Rd, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
| | - Samie Jaffrey
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Christopher E Mason
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
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50
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Dong H, Chang DC, Hua MHC, Lim SP, Chionh YH, Hia F, Lee YH, Kukkaro P, Lok SM, Dedon PC, Shi PY. 2'-O methylation of internal adenosine by flavivirus NS5 methyltransferase. PLoS Pathog 2012; 8:e1002642. [PMID: 22496660 PMCID: PMC3320599 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1002642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2011] [Accepted: 02/27/2012] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA modification plays an important role in modulating host-pathogen interaction. Flavivirus NS5 protein encodes N-7 and 2′-O methyltransferase activities that are required for the formation of 5′ type I cap (m7GpppAm) of viral RNA genome. Here we reported, for the first time, that flavivirus NS5 has a novel internal RNA methylation activity. Recombinant NS5 proteins of West Nile virus and Dengue virus (serotype 4; DENV-4) specifically methylates polyA, but not polyG, polyC, or polyU, indicating that the methylation occurs at adenosine residue. RNAs with internal adenosines substituted with 2′-O-methyladenosines are not active substrates for internal methylation, whereas RNAs with adenosines substituted with N6-methyladenosines can be efficiently methylated, suggesting that the internal methylation occurs at the 2′-OH position of adenosine. Mass spectroscopic analysis further demonstrated that the internal methylation product is 2′-O-methyladenosine. Importantly, genomic RNA purified from DENV virion contains 2′-O-methyladenosine. The 2′-O methylation of internal adenosine does not require specific RNA sequence since recombinant methyltransferase of DENV-4 can efficiently methylate RNAs spanning different regions of viral genome, host ribosomal RNAs, and polyA. Structure-based mutagenesis results indicate that K61-D146-K181-E217 tetrad of DENV-4 methyltransferase forms the active site of internal methylation activity; in addition, distinct residues within the methyl donor (S-adenosyl-L-methionine) pocket, GTP pocket, and RNA-binding site are critical for the internal methylation activity. Functional analysis using flavivirus replicon and genome-length RNAs showed that internal methylation attenuated viral RNA translation and replication. Polymerase assay revealed that internal 2′-O-methyladenosine reduces the efficiency of RNA elongation. Collectively, our results demonstrate that flavivirus NS5 performs 2′-O methylation of internal adenosine of viral RNA in vivo and host ribosomal RNAs in vitro. We report that flavivirus NS5 has a novel internal RNA methylation activity. Recombinant proteins of NS5 and its N-terminal methyltransferase domain of West Nile virus and Dengue virus (DENV) specifically methylates polyA, but not polyG, polyC, or polyU. RNAs with internal adenosines substituted with 2′-O-methyladenosines are not active substrates for internal methylation, suggesting that the internal methylation occurs at the 2′-OH position of adenosine. Mass spectroscopic analysis confirmed that the internal methylation product is 2′-O-methyladenosine. Furthermore, the 2′-O-methyladenosine could also be detected in DENV genomic RNA. The 2′-O methylation of internal adenosine does not require specific RNA sequence context because the DENV methyltransferase can methylate RNAs spanning different regions of viral genome and host ribosomal RNAs at equal efficiencies. Mutagenesis analysis showed that K61-D146-K181-E217 motif of the DENV methyltransferase forms the active site of internal methylation activity; in addition, distinct residues on the surface of the enzyme are critical for the internal methylation activity. Functional analysis showed that internal methylation attenuated viral RNA translation and replication. Overall, our results demonstrate that flavivirus NS5 performs 2′-O methylation of internal adenosine of viral RNA in vivo and host ribosomal RNA in vitro. Such 2′-O-methyladenosine modification may modulate virus-host interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongping Dong
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, Singapore
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, United States of America
| | | | - Maggie Ho Chia Hua
- Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) Centre, Singapore
| | | | - Yok Hian Chionh
- Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) Centre, Singapore
| | - Fabian Hia
- Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) Centre, Singapore
| | - Yie Hou Lee
- Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) Centre, Singapore
| | | | | | - Peter C. Dedon
- Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) Centre, Singapore
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Pei-Yong Shi
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, Singapore
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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