1
|
Zhang Y, Zhou F, Zhang MY, Feng LN, Guan JL, Dong RN, Huang YJ, Xia SH, Liao JZ, Zhao K. N6-methyladenosine methylation regulates the tumor microenvironment of Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric cancer. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:2543-2558. [DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i6.2543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation modification exists in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) primary infection, latency, and lytic reactivation. It also modifies EBV latent genes and lytic genes. EBV-associated gastric cancer (EBVaGC) is a distinctive molecular subtype of GC. We hypothesized EBV and m6A methylation regulators interact with each other in EBVaGC to differentiate it from other types of GC.
AIM To investigate the mechanisms of m6A methylation regulators in EBVaGC to determine the differentiating factors from other types of GC.
METHODS First, The Cancer Gene Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus databases were used to analyze the expression pattern of m6A methylation regulators between EBVaGC and EBV-negative GC (EBVnGC). Second, we identified Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) functional enrichment of m6A-related differentially expressed genes. We quantified the relative abundance of immune cells and inflammatory factors in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Finally, cell counting kit-8 cell proliferation test, transwell test, and flow cytometry were used to verify the effect of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 (IGFBP1) in EBVaGC cell lines.
RESULTS m6A methylation regulators were involved in the occurrence and development of EBVaGC. Compared with EBVnGC, the expression levels of m6A methylation regulators Wilms tumor 1-associated protein, RNA binding motif protein 15B, CBL proto-oncogene like 1, leucine rich pentatricopeptide repeat containing, heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2B1, IGFBP1, and insulin-like growth factor 2 binding protein 1 were significantly downregulated in EBVaGC (P < 0.05). The overall survival rate of EBVaGC patients with a lower expression level of IGFBP1 was significantly higher (P = 0.046). GO and KEGG functional enrichment analyses showed that the immunity pathways were significantly activated and rich in immune cell infiltration in EBVaGC. Compared with EBVnGC, the infiltration of activated CD4+ T cells, activated CD8+ T cells, monocytes, activated dendritic cells, and plasmacytoid dendritic cells were significantly upregulated in EBVaGC (P < 0.001). In EBVaGC, the expression level of proinflammatory factors interleukin (IL)-17, IL-21, and interferon-γ and immunosuppressive factor IL-10 were significantly increased (P < 0.05). In vitro experiments demonstrated that the expression level of IGFBP1 was significantly lower in an EBVaGC cell line (SNU719) than in an EBVnGC cell line (AGS) (P < 0.05). IGFBP1 overexpression significantly attenuated proliferation and migration and promoted the apoptosis levels in SNU719. Interfering IGFBP1 significantly promoted proliferation and migration and attenuated the apoptosis levels in AGS.
CONCLUSION m6A regulators could remodel the TME of EBVaGC, which is classified as an immune-inflamed phenotype and referred to as a “hot” tumor. Among these regulators, we demonstrated that IGFBP1 affected proliferation, migration, and apoptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Fang Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Wuhan Fourth Hospital, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Ming-Yu Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Li-Na Feng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jia-Lun Guan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Ruo-Nan Dong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yu-Jie Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Su-Hong Xia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jia-Zhi Liao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Kai Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhang Y, Zhou F, Zhang MY, Feng LN, Guan JL, Dong RN, Huang YJ, Xia SH, Liao JZ, Zhao K. N6-methyladenosine methylation regulates the tumor microenvironment of Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric cancer. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:2555-2570. [DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i6.2555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation modification exists in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) primary infection, latency, and lytic reactivation. It also modifies EBV latent genes and lytic genes. EBV-associated gastric cancer (EBVaGC) is a distinctive molecular subtype of GC. We hypothesized EBV and m6A methylation regulators interact with each other in EBVaGC to differentiate it from other types of GC.
AIM To investigate the mechanisms of m6A methylation regulators in EBVaGC to determine the differentiating factors from other types of GC.
METHODS First, The Cancer Gene Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus databases were used to analyze the expression pattern of m6A methylation regulators between EBVaGC and EBV-negative GC (EBVnGC). Second, we identified Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) functional enrichment of m6A-related differentially expressed genes. We quantified the relative abundance of immune cells and inflammatory factors in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Finally, cell counting kit-8 cell proliferation test, transwell test, and flow cytometry were used to verify the effect of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 (IGFBP1) in EBVaGC cell lines.
RESULTS m6A methylation regulators were involved in the occurrence and development of EBVaGC. Compared with EBVnGC, the expression levels of m6A methylation regulators Wilms tumor 1-associated protein, RNA binding motif protein 15B, CBL proto-oncogene like 1, leucine rich pentatricopeptide repeat containing, heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2B1, IGFBP1, and insulin-like growth factor 2 binding protein 1 were significantly downregulated in EBVaGC (P < 0.05). The overall survival rate of EBVaGC patients with a lower expression level of IGFBP1 was significantly higher (P = 0.046). GO and KEGG functional enrichment analyses showed that the immunity pathways were significantly activated and rich in immune cell infiltration in EBVaGC. Compared with EBVnGC, the infiltration of activated CD4+ T cells, activated CD8+ T cells, monocytes, activated dendritic cells, and plasmacytoid dendritic cells were significantly upregulated in EBVaGC (P < 0.001). In EBVaGC, the expression level of proinflammatory factors interleukin (IL)-17, IL-21, and interferon-γ and immunosuppressive factor IL-10 were significantly increased (P < 0.05). In vitro experiments demonstrated that the expression level of IGFBP1 was significantly lower in an EBVaGC cell line (SNU719) than in an EBVnGC cell line (AGS) (P < 0.05). IGFBP1 overexpression significantly attenuated proliferation and migration and promoted the apoptosis levels in SNU719. Interfering IGFBP1 significantly promoted proliferation and migration and attenuated the apoptosis levels in AGS.
CONCLUSION m6A regulators could remodel the TME of EBVaGC, which is classified as an immune-inflamed phenotype and referred to as a “hot” tumor. Among these regulators, we demonstrated that IGFBP1 affected proliferation, migration, and apoptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Fang Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Wuhan Fourth Hospital, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Ming-Yu Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Li-Na Feng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jia-Lun Guan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Ruo-Nan Dong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yu-Jie Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Su-Hong Xia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jia-Zhi Liao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Kai Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sugiokto FG, Li R. Targeted eradication of EBV-positive cancer cells by CRISPR/dCas9-mediated EBV reactivation in combination with ganciclovir. mBio 2024:e0079524. [PMID: 38874417 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00795-24] [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: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a ubiquitous human tumor virus that establishes lifelong, persistent infections in B cells. The presence of EBV in cancer cells presents an opportunity to target these cells by reactivating the virus from latency. In this study, we developed a novel approach for EBV reactivation termed clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/dCas9-mediated EBV reactivation (CMER) strategy. Using modified CRISPR-associated protein 9 (dCas9) fused with VP64, we designed 10 single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) to target and activate the EBV immediate-early gene promoter. In Akata Burkitt lymphoma cells, 9 out of 10 CMER sgRNAs effectively reactivated EBV. Among these, CMER sgRNA-5 triggered robust reactivation across various cell types, including lymphoma, gastric cancer, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. Importantly, the combination of CMER and ganciclovir selectively eliminated EBV-positive cells, regardless of their cell origin. These findings indicate that targeted virus reactivation by CMER, combined with nucleoside analog therapy, holds promise for EBV-associated cancer treatment. IMPORTANCE This study explores a novel strategy called clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/dCas9-mediated Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation (CMER) to reactivate the Epstein-Barr virus in cancer cells. EBV is associated with various cancers, and reactivating EBV from latency offers a potential therapeutic strategy. We utilized an enzymatically inactive CRISPR-associated protein 9 (dCas9) fused with VP64 and designed 10 single guide RNAs to target the EBV immediate-early gene promoter. Nine of these sgRNAs effectively reactivated EBV in Burkitt lymphoma cells, with CMER sgRNA-5 demonstrating strong reactivation across different cancer cell types. Combining CMER with ganciclovir selectively eliminated EBV-positive cells, showing promise for EBV-associated cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Febri Gunawan Sugiokto
- Program in Microbiology and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Cancer Virology Program, Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Oral and Craniofacial Molecular Biology, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Renfeng Li
- Program in Microbiology and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Cancer Virology Program, Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Oral and Craniofacial Molecular Biology, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sugiokto FG, Saiada F, Zhang K, Li R. SUMOylation of the m6A reader YTHDF2 by PIAS1 promotes viral RNA decay to restrict EBV replication. mBio 2024; 15:e0316823. [PMID: 38236021 PMCID: PMC10865817 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03168-23] [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: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA-binding protein F2 (YTHDF2) is a member of the YTH protein family that binds to N6-methyladenosine (m6A)-modified RNA, regulating RNA stability and restricting viral replication, including Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). PIAS1 is an E3 small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) ligase known as an EBV restriction factor, but its role in YTHDF2 SUMOylation remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the functional regulation of YTHDF2 by PIAS1. We found that PIAS1 promotes the SUMOylation of YTHDF2 at three specific lysine residues (K281, K571, and K572). Importantly, PIAS1 synergizes with wild-type YTHDF2, but not a SUMOylation-deficient mutant, to limit EBV lytic replication. Mechanistically, YTHDF2 lacking SUMOylation exhibits reduced binding to EBV transcripts, leading to increased viral mRNA stability. Furthermore, PIAS1 mediates SUMOylation of YTHDF2's paralogs, YTHDF1 and YTHDF3, to restrict EBV replication. These results collectively uncover a unique mechanism whereby YTHDF family proteins control EBV replication through PIAS1-mediated SUMOylation, highlighting the significance of SUMOylation in regulating viral mRNA stability and EBV replication.IMPORTANCEm6A RNA modification pathway plays important roles in diverse cellular processes and viral life cycle. Here, we investigated the relationship between PIAS1 and the m6A reader protein YTHDF2, which is involved in regulating RNA stability by binding to m6A-modified RNA. We found that both the N-terminal and C-terminal regions of YTHDF2 interact with PIAS1. We showed that PIAS1 promotes the SUMOylation of YTHDF2 at three specific lysine residues. We also demonstrated that PIAS1 enhances the anti-EBV activity of YTHDF2. We further revealed that PIAS1 mediates the SUMOylation of other YTHDF family members, namely, YTHDF1 and YTHDF3, to limit EBV replication. These findings together illuminate an important regulatory mechanism of YTHDF proteins in controlling viral RNA decay and EBV replication through PIAS1-mediated SUMOylation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Febri Gunawan Sugiokto
- Department of Oral and Craniofacial Molecular Biology, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Program in Microbiology and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Farjana Saiada
- Department of Oral and Craniofacial Molecular Biology, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Kun Zhang
- Department of Oral and Craniofacial Molecular Biology, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Renfeng Li
- Department of Oral and Craniofacial Molecular Biology, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Program in Microbiology and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Cancer Virology Program, Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sugiokto FG, Saiada F, Zhang K, Li R. SUMOylation of the m6A reader YTHDF2 by PIAS1 promotes viral RNA decay to restrict EBV replication. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.08.552509. [PMID: 37609256 PMCID: PMC10441406 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.08.552509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
YTHDF2 is a member of the YTH protein family that binds to N6-methyladenosine (m6A)-modified RNA, regulating RNA stability and restricting viral replication, including Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). PIAS1 is an E3 SUMO ligase known as an EBV restriction factor, but its role in YTHDF2 SUMOylation remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the functional regulation of YTHDF2 by PIAS1. We found that PIAS1 promotes the SUMOylation of YTHDF2 at three specific lysine residues (K281, K571, and K572). Importantly, PIAS1 enhances the antiviral activity of YTHDF2, and SUMOylation-deficient YTHDF2 shows reduced anti-EBV activity. Mechanistically, YTHDF2 lacking SUMOylation exhibits reduced binding to EBV transcripts, leading to increased viral mRNA stability. Furthermore, PIAS1 mediates SUMOylation of YTHDF2's paralogs, YTHDF1 and YTHDF3. These results collectively uncover a unique mechanism whereby YTHDF2 controls EBV replication through PIAS1-mediated SUMOylation, highlighting the significance of SUMOylation in regulating viral mRNA stability and EBV replication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Febri Gunawan Sugiokto
- Department of Oral and Craniofacial Molecular Biology, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, 23298, USA
- Program in Microbiology and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Farjana Saiada
- Department of Oral and Craniofacial Molecular Biology, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, 23298, USA
| | - Kun Zhang
- Department of Oral and Craniofacial Molecular Biology, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, 23298, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Renfeng Li
- Department of Oral and Craniofacial Molecular Biology, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, 23298, USA
- Program in Microbiology and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, 23298, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, 23298, USA
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, 23298, USA
- Cancer Virology Program, Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Chen L, Gao Y, Xu S, Yuan J, Wang M, Li T, Gong J. N6-methyladenosine reader YTHDF family in biological processes: Structures, roles, and mechanisms. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1162607. [PMID: 36999016 PMCID: PMC10043241 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1162607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
As the most abundant and conserved internal modification in eukaryote RNAs, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is involved in a wide range of physiological and pathological processes. The YT521-B homology (YTH) domain-containing family proteins (YTHDFs), including YTHDF1, YTHDF2, and YTHDF3, are a class of cytoplasmic m6A-binding proteins defined by the vertebrate YTH domain, and exert extensive functions in regulating RNA destiny. Distinct expression patterns of the YTHDF family in specific cell types or developmental stages result in prominent differences in multiple biological processes, such as embryonic development, stem cell fate, fat metabolism, neuromodulation, cardiovascular effect, infection, immunity, and tumorigenesis. The YTHDF family mediates tumor proliferation, metastasis, metabolism, drug resistance, and immunity, and possesses the potential of predictive and therapeutic biomarkers. Here, we mainly summary the structures, roles, and mechanisms of the YTHDF family in physiological and pathological processes, especially in multiple cancers, as well as their current limitations and future considerations. This will provide novel angles for deciphering m6A regulation in a biological system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Chen
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Simiao Xu
- Division of Endocrinology, Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Disease, Wuhan, China
| | - Jinxiong Yuan
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Min Wang
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tianyu Li
- Trauma Center/Department of Emergency and Traumatic Surgery, Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jun Gong
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Jun Gong,
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ali A, Ohashi M, Casco A, Djavadian R, Eichelberg M, Kenney SC, Johannsen E. Rta is the principal activator of Epstein-Barr virus epithelial lytic transcription. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010886. [PMID: 36174106 PMCID: PMC9553042 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The transition from latent Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection to lytic viral replication is mediated by the viral transcription factors Rta and Zta. Although both are required for virion production, dissecting the specific roles played by Rta and Zta is challenging because they induce each other's expression. To circumvent this, we constructed an EBV mutant deleted for the genes encoding Rta and Zta (BRLF1 and BZLF1, respectively) in the Akata strain BACmid. This mutant, termed EBVΔRZ, was used to infect several epithelial cell lines, including telomerase-immortalized normal oral keratinocytes, a highly physiologic model of EBV epithelial cell infection. Using RNA-seq, we determined the gene expression induced by each viral transactivator. Surprisingly, Zta alone only induced expression of the lytic origin transcripts BHLF1 and LF3. In contrast, Rta activated the majority of EBV early gene transcripts. As expected, Zta and Rta were both required for expression of late gene transcripts. Zta also cooperated with Rta to enhance a subset of early gene transcripts (Rtasynergy transcripts) that Zta was unable to activate when expressed alone. Interestingly, Rta and Zta each cooperatively enhanced the other's binding to EBV early gene promoters, but this effect was not restricted to promoters where synergy was observed. We demonstrate that Zta did not affect Rtasynergy transcript stability, but increased Rtasynergy gene transcription despite having no effect on their transcription when expressed alone. Our results suggest that, at least in epithelial cells, Rta is the dominant transactivator and that Zta functions primarily to support DNA replication and co-activate a subset of early promoters with Rta. This closely parallels the arrangement in KSHV where ORF50 (Rta homolog) is the principal activator of lytic transcription and K8 (Zta homolog) is required for DNA replication at oriLyt.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Ali
- Department of Oncology, McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin, Madison Wisconsin, United States of America
- National Center for Research, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Makoto Ohashi
- Department of Oncology, McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin, Madison Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Alejandro Casco
- Department of Oncology, McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin, Madison Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Reza Djavadian
- Department of Oncology, McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin, Madison Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Mark Eichelberg
- Department of Oncology, McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin, Madison Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Shannon C. Kenney
- Department of Oncology, McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin, Madison Wisconsin, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Eric Johannsen
- Department of Oncology, McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin, Madison Wisconsin, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Apoptotic caspases suppress an MDA5-driven IFN response during productive replication of human papillomavirus type 31. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2200206119. [PMID: 35858339 PMCID: PMC9303994 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2200206119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) infect the basal proliferating cells of the stratified epithelium, but the productive phase of the life cycle (consisting of viral genome amplification, late gene expression, and virion assembly) is restricted to the highly differentiated suprabasal cells. While much is known regarding the mechanisms that HPVs use to block activation of an innate immune response in undifferentiated cells, little is known concerning how HPV prevents an interferon (IFN) response upon differentiation. Here, we demonstrate that high-risk HPVs hijack a natural function of apoptotic caspases to suppress an IFN response in differentiating epithelial cells. We show that caspase inhibition results in the secretion of type I and type III IFNs that can act in a paracrine manner to induce expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) and block productive replication of HPV31. Importantly, we demonstrate that the expression of IFNs is triggered by the melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5)-mitochondrial antiviral-signaling protein (MAVS)-TBK1 (TANK-binding kinase 1) pathway, signifying a response to double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). Additionally, we identify a role for MDA5 and MAVS in restricting productive viral replication during the normal HPV life cycle. This study identifies a mechanism by which HPV reprograms the cellular environment of differentiating cells through caspase activation, co-opting a nondeath function of proteins normally involved in apoptosis to block antiviral signaling and promote viral replication.
Collapse
|
10
|
Yanagi Y, Watanabe T, Hara Y, Sato Y, Kimura H, Murata T. EBV Exploits RNA m6A Modification to Promote Cell Survival and Progeny Virus Production During Lytic Cycle. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:870816. [PMID: 35783391 PMCID: PMC9240777 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.870816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) mediates various biological processes by affecting RNA stability, splicing, and translational efficiency. The roles of m6A modification in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in the lytic phase are unclear. Here, knockout of the m6A methyltransferase, N6-methyladenosine methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3), or inhibition of methylation by DAA or UZH1a decreased the expression of viral lytic proteins and reduced progeny virion production. Interestingly, cell growth and viability were decreased by induction of the lytic cycle in METTL3-knockout or inhibitor-treated cells. Apoptosis was induced in those conditions possibly because of a decreased level of the anti-apoptotic viral protein, BHRF1. Therefore, m6A shows potential as a target of lytic induction therapy for EBV-associated cancers, including Burkitt lymphoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Yanagi
- Department of Virology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takahiro Watanabe
- Department of Virology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yuya Hara
- Department of Virology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Sato
- Department of Virology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kimura
- Department of Virology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takayuki Murata
- Department of Virology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Virology and Parasitology, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Japan
- *Correspondence: Takayuki Murata
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
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.
Collapse
|
12
|
Caspase-Mediated Cleavage of the Transcription Factor Sp3: Possible Relevance to Cancer and the Lytic Cycle of Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0146421. [PMID: 35019687 PMCID: PMC8754129 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01464-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The open reading frame 50 (ORF50) protein of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is the master regulator essential for initiating the viral lytic cycle. Previously, we have demonstrated that the ORF50 protein can cooperate with Sp3 to synergistically activate a set of viral and cellular gene promoters through highly conserved ORF50-responsive elements that harbor a Sp3-binding motif. Herein, we show that Sp3 undergoes proteolytic cleavage during the viral lytic cycle, and the cleavage of Sp3 is dependent on caspase activation. Since similar cleavage patterns of Sp3 could be detected in both KSHV-positive and KSHV-negative lymphoma cells undergoing apoptosis, the proteolytic cleavage of Sp3 could be a common event during apoptosis. Mutational analysis identifies 12 caspase cleavage sites in Sp3, which are situated at the aspartate (D) positions D17, D19, D180, D273, D275, D293, D304 (or D307), D326, D344, D530, D543, and D565. Importantly, we noticed that three stable Sp3 C-terminal fragments generated through cleavage at D530, D543, or D565 encompass an intact DNA-binding domain. Like the full-length Sp3, the C-terminal fragments of Sp3 could still retain the ability to cooperate with ORF50 protein to activate specific viral and cellular gene promoters synergistically. Collectively, our findings suggest that despite the proteolytic cleavage of Sp3 under apoptotic conditions, the resultant Sp3 fragments may retain biological activities important for the viral lytic cycle or for cellular apoptosis. IMPORTANCE The ORF50 protein of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is the key viral protein that controls the switch from latency to lytic reactivation. It is a potent transactivator that can activate target gene promoters via interacting with other cellular DNA-binding transcription factors, such as Sp3. In this report, we show that Sp3 is proteolytically cleaved during the viral lytic cycle, and up to 12 caspase cleavage sites are identified in Sp3. Despite the proteolytic cleavage of Sp3, several resulting C-terminal fragments that have intact zinc-finger DNA-binding domains still retain substantial influence in the synergy with ORF50 to activate specific gene promoters. Overall, our studies elucidate the caspase-mediated cleavage of Sp3 and uncover how ORF50 utilizes the cleavage fragments of Sp3 to transactivate specific viral and cellular gene promoters.
Collapse
|
13
|
Epigenetic control of the Epstein-Barr lifecycle. Curr Opin Virol 2022; 52:78-88. [PMID: 34891084 PMCID: PMC9112224 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2021.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infects 95% of adults worldwide, causes infectious mononucleosis, is etiologically linked to multiple sclerosis and is associated with 200 000 cases of cancer each year. EBV manipulates host epigenetic pathways to switch between a series of latency programs and to reactivate from latency in order to colonize the memory B-cell compartment for lifelong infection and to ultimately spread to new hosts. Here, we review recent advances in the understanding of epigenetic mechanisms that control EBV latency and lytic gene expression in EBV-transformed B and epithelial cells. We highlight newly appreciated roles of DNA methylation epigenetic machinery, host histone chaperones, the Hippo pathway, m6A RNA modification and nonsense mediated decay in control of the EBV lifecycle.
Collapse
|