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Wulfridge P, Sarma K. Intertwining roles of R-loops and G-quadruplexes in DNA repair, transcription and genome organization. Nat Cell Biol 2024:10.1038/s41556-024-01437-4. [PMID: 38914786 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-024-01437-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
R-loops are three-stranded nucleic acid structures that are abundant and widespread across the genome and that have important physiological roles in many nuclear processes. Their accumulation is observed in cancers and neurodegenerative disorders. Recent studies have implicated a function for R-loops and G-quadruplex (G4) structures, which can form on the displaced single strand of R-loops, in three-dimensional genome organization in both physiological and pathological contexts. Here we discuss the interconnected functions of DNA:RNA hybrids and G4s within R-loops, their impact on DNA repair and gene regulatory networks, and their emerging roles in genome organization during development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip Wulfridge
- Gene Expression and Regulation Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Penn Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kavitha Sarma
- Gene Expression and Regulation Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Penn Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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2
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Rivosecchi J, Jurikova K, Cusanelli E. Telomere-specific regulation of TERRA and its impact on telomere stability. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2024; 157:3-23. [PMID: 38088000 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2023.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
TERRA is a class of telomeric repeat-containing RNAs that are expressed from telomeres in multiple organisms. TERRA transcripts play key roles in telomere maintenance and their physiological levels are essential to maintain the integrity of telomeric DNA. Indeed, deregulated TERRA expression or its altered localization can impact telomere stability by multiple mechanisms including fueling transcription-replication conflicts, promoting resection of chromosome ends, altering the telomeric chromatin, and supporting homologous recombination. Therefore, a fine-tuned control of TERRA is important to maintain the integrity of the genome. Several studies have reported that different cell lines express substantially different levels of TERRA. Most importantly, TERRA levels markedly vary among telomeres of a given cell type, indicating the existence of telomere-specific regulatory mechanisms which may help coordinate TERRA functions. TERRA molecules contain distinct subtelomeric sequences, depending on their telomere of origin, which may instruct specific post-transcriptional modifications or mediate distinct functions. In addition, all TERRA transcripts share a repetitive G-rich sequence at their 3' end which can form DNA:RNA hybrids and fold into G-quadruplex structures. Both structures are involved in TERRA functions and can critically affect telomere stability. In this review, we examine the mechanisms controlling TERRA levels and the impact of their telomere-specific regulation on telomere stability. We compare evidence obtained in different model organisms, discussing recent advances as well as controversies in the field. Furthermore, we discuss the importance of DNA:RNA hybrids and G-quadruplex structures in the context of TERRA biology and telomere maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julieta Rivosecchi
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department CIBIO, University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Katarina Jurikova
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department CIBIO, University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy; Department of Genetics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Ilkovičova 6, Mlynská dolina, 84215 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Emilio Cusanelli
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department CIBIO, University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy.
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3
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Kumar C, Remus D. Looping out of control: R-loops in transcription-replication conflict. Chromosoma 2024; 133:37-56. [PMID: 37419963 PMCID: PMC10771546 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-023-00804-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Transcription-replication conflict is a major cause of replication stress that arises when replication forks collide with the transcription machinery. Replication fork stalling at sites of transcription compromises chromosome replication fidelity and can induce DNA damage with potentially deleterious consequences for genome stability and organismal health. The block to DNA replication by the transcription machinery is complex and can involve stalled or elongating RNA polymerases, promoter-bound transcription factor complexes, or DNA topology constraints. In addition, studies over the past two decades have identified co-transcriptional R-loops as a major source for impairment of DNA replication forks at active genes. However, how R-loops impede DNA replication at the molecular level is incompletely understood. Current evidence suggests that RNA:DNA hybrids, DNA secondary structures, stalled RNA polymerases, and condensed chromatin states associated with R-loops contribute to the of fork progression. Moreover, since both R-loops and replication forks are intrinsically asymmetric structures, the outcome of R-loop-replisome collisions is influenced by collision orientation. Collectively, the data suggest that the impact of R-loops on DNA replication is highly dependent on their specific structural composition. Here, we will summarize our current understanding of the molecular basis for R-loop-induced replication fork progression defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charanya Kumar
- Molecular Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, 10065, USA
| | - Dirk Remus
- Molecular Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, 10065, USA.
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4
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Kumari N, Das K, Sharma S, Dahal S, Desai SS, Roy U, Sharma A, Manjunath M, Gopalakrishnan V, Retheesh ST, Javadekar SM, Choudhary B, Raghavan SC. Evaluation of potential role of R-loop and G-quadruplex DNA in the fragility of c-MYC during chromosomal translocation associated with Burkitt's lymphoma. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105431. [PMID: 37926284 PMCID: PMC10704377 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
t(8;14) translocation is the hallmark of Burkitt's lymphoma and results in c-MYC deregulation. During the translocation, c-MYC gene on chromosome 8 gets juxtaposed to the Ig switch regions on chromosome 14. Although the promoter of c-MYC has been investigated for its mechanism of fragility, little is known about other c-MYC breakpoint regions. We have analyzed the translocation break points at the exon 1/intron 1 of c-MYC locus from patients with Burkitt's lymphoma. Results showed that the breakpoint region, when present on a plasmid, could fold into an R-loop confirmation in a transcription-dependent manner. Sodium bisulfite modification assay revealed significant single-strandedness on chromosomal DNA of Burkitt's lymphoma cell line, Raji, and normal lymphocytes, revealing distinct R-loops covering up to 100 bp region. Besides, ChIP-DRIP analysis reveals that the R-loop antibody can bind to the breakpoint region. Further, we show the formation of stable parallel intramolecular G-quadruplex on non-template strand of the genome. Finally, incubation of purified AID in vitro or overexpression of AID within the cells led to enhanced mutation frequency at the c-MYC breakpoint region. Interestingly, anti-γH2AX can bind to DSBs generated at the c-MYC breakpoint region within the cells. The formation of R-loop and G-quadruplex was found to be mutually exclusive. Therefore, our results suggest that AID can bind to the single-stranded region of the R-loop and G4 DNA, leading to the deamination of cytosines to uracil and induction of DNA breaks in one of the DNA strands, leading to double-strand break, which could culminate in t(8;14) chromosomal translocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitu Kumari
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Kohal Das
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Shivangi Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India; Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology, Bangalore, India
| | - Sumedha Dahal
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | | | - Urbi Roy
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Anju Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Meghana Manjunath
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology, Bangalore, India
| | - Vidya Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India; Department of Zoology, St Joseph's College, Irinjalakuda, Kerala, India
| | - S T Retheesh
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Saniya M Javadekar
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Bibha Choudhary
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology, Bangalore, India
| | - Sathees C Raghavan
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India.
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5
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Gambelli A, Ferrando A, Boncristiani C, Schoeftner S. Regulation and function of R-loops at repetitive elements. Biochimie 2023; 214:141-155. [PMID: 37619810 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
R-loops are atypical, three-stranded nucleic acid structures that contain a stretch of RNA:DNA hybrids and an unpaired, single stranded DNA loop. R-loops are physiological relevant and can act as regulators of gene expression, chromatin structure, DNA damage repair and DNA replication. However, unscheduled and persistent R-loops are mutagenic and can mediate replication-transcription conflicts, leading to DNA damage and genome instability if left unchecked. Detailed transcriptome analysis unveiled that 85% of the human genome, including repetitive regions, hold transcriptional activity. This anticipates that R-loops management plays a central role for the regulation and integrity of genomes. This function is expected to have a particular relevance for repetitive sequences that make up to 75% of the human genome. Here, we review the impact of R-loops on the function and stability of repetitive regions such as centromeres, telomeres, rDNA arrays, transposable elements and triplet repeat expansions and discuss their relevance for associated pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Gambelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Via E. Weiss 2, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessandro Ferrando
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Via E. Weiss 2, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Chiara Boncristiani
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Via E. Weiss 2, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Stefan Schoeftner
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Via E. Weiss 2, 34127, Trieste, Italy.
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6
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Fakharzadeh A, Qu J, Pan F, Sagui C, Roland C. Structure and Dynamics of DNA and RNA Double Helices Formed by d(CTG), d(GTC), r(CUG), and r(GUC) Trinucleotide Repeats and Associated DNA-RNA Hybrids. J Phys Chem B 2023; 127:7907-7924. [PMID: 37681731 PMCID: PMC10519205 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c03538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 is the most frequent form of muscular dystrophy in adults caused by an abnormal expansion of the CTG trinucleotide. Both the expanded DNA and the expanded CUG RNA transcript can fold into hairpins. Co-transcriptional formation of stable RNA·DNA hybrids can also enhance the instability of repeat tracts. We performed molecular dynamics simulations of homoduplexes associated with the disease, d(CTG)n and r(CUG)n, and their corresponding r(CAG)n:d(CTG)n and r(CUG)n:d(CAG)n hybrids that can form under bidirectional transcription and of non-pathological d(GTC)n and d(GUC)n homoduplexes. We characterized their conformations, stability, and dynamics and found that the U·U and T·T mismatches are dynamic, favoring anti-anti conformations inside the helical core, followed by anti-syn and syn-syn conformations. For DNA, the secondary minima in the non-expanding d(GTC)n helices are deeper, wider, and longer-lived than those in d(CTG)n, which constitutes another biophysical factor further differentiating the expanding and non-expanding sequences. The hybrid helices are closer to A-RNA, with the A-T and A-U pairs forming two stable Watson-Crick hydrogen bonds. The neutralizing ion distribution around the non-canonical pairs is also described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashkan Fakharzadeh
- Department
of Physics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-8202, USA
| | - Jing Qu
- Department
of Physics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-8202, USA
| | - Feng Pan
- Department
of Statistics, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306, USA
| | - Celeste Sagui
- Department
of Physics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-8202, USA
| | - Christopher Roland
- Department
of Physics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-8202, USA
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7
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Tabe-Bordbar S, Sinha S. Integrative modeling of lncRNA-chromatin interaction maps reveals diverse mechanisms of nuclear retention. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:395. [PMID: 37442953 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09498-9] [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: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many long non-coding RNAs, known to be involved in transcriptional regulation, are enriched in the nucleus and interact with chromatin. However, their mechanisms of chromatin interaction and the served cellular functions are poorly understood. We sought to characterize the mechanisms of lncRNA nuclear retention by systematically mapping the sequence and chromatin features that distinguish lncRNA-interacting genomic segments. RESULTS We found DNA 5-mer frequencies to be predictive of chromatin interactions for all lncRNAs, suggesting sequence-specificity as a global theme in the interactome. Sequence features representing protein-DNA and protein-RNA binding motifs revealed potential mechanisms for specific lncRNAs. Complementary to these global themes, transcription-related features and DNA-RNA triplex formation potential were noted to be highly predictive for two mutually exclusive sets of lncRNAs. DNA methylation was also noted to be a significant predictor, but only when combined with other epigenomic features. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our statistical findings suggest that a group of lncRNAs interacts with transcriptionally inactive chromatin through triplex formation, whereas another group interacts with transcriptionally active regions and is involved in DNA Damage Response (DDR) through formation of R-loops. Curiously, we observed a strong pattern of enrichment of 5-mers in four potentially interacting entities: lncRNA-bound DNA tiles, lncRNAs, miRNA seed sequences, and repeat elements. This finding points to a broad sequence-based network of interactions that may underlie regulation of fundamental cellular functions. Overall, this study reveals diverse sequence and chromatin features related to lncRNA-chromatin interactions, suggesting potential mechanisms of nuclear retention and regulatory function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shayan Tabe-Bordbar
- Department of Computer Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Saurabh Sinha
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, UAW 3108, 313 Ferst Drive NW, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
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8
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Papp C, Mukundan VT, Jenjaroenpun P, Winnerdy FR, Ow GS, Phan AT, Kuznetsov VA. Stable bulged G-quadruplexes in the human genome: identification, experimental validation and functionalization. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:4148-4177. [PMID: 37094040 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA sequence composition determines the topology and stability of G-quadruplexes (G4s). Bulged G-quadruplex structures (G4-Bs) are a subset of G4s characterized by 3D conformations with bulges. Current search algorithms fail to capture stable G4-B, making their genome-wide study infeasible. Here, we introduced a large family of computationally defined and experimentally verified potential G4-B forming sequences (pG4-BS). We found 478 263 pG4-BS regions that do not overlap 'canonical' G4-forming sequences in the human genome and are preferentially localized in transcription regulatory regions including R-loops and open chromatin. Over 90% of protein-coding genes contain pG4-BS in their promoter or gene body. We observed generally higher pG4-BS content in R-loops and their flanks, longer genes that are associated with brain tissue, immune and developmental processes. Also, the presence of pG4-BS on both template and non-template strands in promoters is associated with oncogenesis, cardiovascular disease and stemness. Our G4-BS models predicted G4-forming ability in vitro with 91.5% accuracy. Analysis of G4-seq and CUT&Tag data strongly supports the existence of G4-BS conformations genome-wide. We reconstructed a novel G4-B 3D structure located in the E2F8 promoter. This study defines a large family of G4-like sequences, offering new insights into the essential biological functions and potential future therapeutic uses of G4-B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Csaba Papp
- Department of Urology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Vineeth T Mukundan
- School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637371, Singapore
| | - Piroon Jenjaroenpun
- Division of Bioinformatics and Data Management for Research, Research Group and Research Network Division, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Bioinformatics Institute, A*STAR Biomedical Institutes, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Fernaldo Richtia Winnerdy
- School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637371, Singapore
| | - Ghim Siong Ow
- Bioinformatics Institute, A*STAR Biomedical Institutes, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Anh Tuân Phan
- School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637371, Singapore
- NTU Institute of Structural Biology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 636921, Singapore
| | - Vladimir A Kuznetsov
- Department of Urology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
- Bioinformatics Institute, A*STAR Biomedical Institutes, Singapore, Singapore
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9
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Gong Y, Liu Y. R-Loops at Chromosome Ends: From Formation, Regulation, and Cellular Consequence. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15072178. [PMID: 37046839 PMCID: PMC10093737 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15072178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomeric repeat containing RNA (TERRA) is transcribed from subtelomeric regions to telomeres. TERRA RNA can invade telomeric dsDNA and form telomeric R-loop structures. A growing body of evidence suggests that TERRA-mediated R-loops are critical players in telomere length homeostasis. Here, we will review current knowledge on the regulation of R-loop levels at telomeres. In particular, we will discuss how the central player TERRA and its binding proteins modulate R-loop levels through various mechanisms. We will further provide an overview of the consequences of TERRA-mediated persistent or unscheduled R-loops at telomeres in human ALT cancers and other organisms, with a focus on telomere length regulation after replication interference-induced damage and DNA homologous recombination-mediated repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Gong
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, National Institute on Aging/National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Yie Liu
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, National Institute on Aging/National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
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10
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Zhou J, Zhang W, Sun Q. R-loop: The new genome regulatory element in plants. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 64:2275-2289. [PMID: 36223078 DOI: 10.1111/jipb.13383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
An R-loop is a three-stranded chromatin structure that consists of a displaced single strand of DNA and an RNA:DNA hybrid duplex, which was thought to be a rare by-product of transcription. However, recent genome-wide data have shown that R-loops are widespread and pervasive in a variety of genomes, and a growing body of experimental evidence indicates that R-loops have both beneficial and harmful effects on an organism. To maximize benefit and avoid harm, organisms have evolved several means by which they tightly regulate R-loop levels. Here, we summarize our current understanding of the biogenesis and effects of R-loops, the mechanisms that regulate them, and methods of R-loop profiling, reviewing recent research advances on R-loops in plants. Furthermore, we provide perspectives on future research directions for R-loop biology in plants, which might lead to a more comprehensive understanding of R-loop functions in plant genome regulation and contribute to future agricultural improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jincong Zhou
- Center for Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Weifeng Zhang
- Center for Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Qianwen Sun
- Center for Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, 100084, China
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11
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Shi X, Teng H, Sun Z. An updated overview of experimental and computational approaches to identify non-canonical DNA/RNA structures with emphasis on G-quadruplexes and R-loops. Brief Bioinform 2022; 23:6751149. [PMID: 36208174 PMCID: PMC9677470 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbac441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple types of non-canonical nucleic acid structures play essential roles in DNA recombination and replication, transcription, and genomic instability and have been associated with several human diseases. Thus, an increasing number of experimental and bioinformatics methods have been developed to identify these structures. To date, most reviews have focused on the features of non-canonical DNA/RNA structure formation, experimental approaches to mapping these structures, and the association of these structures with diseases. In addition, two reviews of computational algorithms for the prediction of non-canonical nucleic acid structures have been published. One of these reviews focused only on computational approaches for G4 detection until 2020. The other mainly summarized the computational tools for predicting cruciform, H-DNA and Z-DNA, in which the algorithms discussed were published before 2012. Since then, several experimental and computational methods have been developed. However, a systematic review including the conformation, sequencing mapping methods and computational prediction strategies for these structures has not yet been published. The purpose of this review is to provide an updated overview of conformation, current sequencing technologies and computational identification methods for non-canonical nucleic acid structures, as well as their strengths and weaknesses. We expect that this review will aid in understanding how these structures are characterised and how they contribute to related biological processes and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Shi
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, The first Affiliated Hospital of WMU; Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ouhai District, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Huajing Teng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education) at Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Ouhai District, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Zhongsheng Sun
- Corresponding author: Zhongsheng Sun, Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, The 1st Affiliated Hospital of WMU, Nanbaixiang Wenyi Yiyuan Xinyuan District, Ouhai District, Wenzhou 325000, China. E-mail:
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12
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Belotserkovskii BP, Hanawalt PC. Topology and kinetics of R-loop formation. Biophys J 2022; 121:3345-3357. [PMID: 36004778 PMCID: PMC9515371 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
R-loops are structures containing an RNA-DNA duplex and an unpaired DNA strand. They can be formed upon "invasion" of an RNA strand into a DNA duplex, during which the RNA displaces the homologous DNA strand and binds the complementary strand. R-loops have many significant beneficial or deleterious biological effects, so it is important to understand the mechanisms for their generation and processing. We propose a model for co-transcriptional R-loop formation, in which their generation requires passage of the nascent RNA "tail" through the gap between the separated DNA strands. This passage becomes increasingly difficult with lengthening of the RNA tail. The length of the tail increases upon increasing distance between the transcription start site and the site of R-loop initiation. This causes reduced yields of R-loops with greater distance from the transcription start site. However, alternative pathways for R-loop formation are possible, involving either transient disruption of the transcription complex or the hypothetical formation of a triple-stranded structure, as a "collapsed R-loop." These alternative pathways could account for the fact that in many systems R-loops are observed very far from the transcription start site. Our model is consistent with experimental data and makes general predictions about the kinetics of R-loop formation.
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13
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Lin WL, Chen JK, Wen X, He W, Zarceno GA, Chen Y, Chen S, Paull TT, Liu HW. DDX18 prevents R-loop-induced DNA damage and genome instability via PARP-1. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111089. [PMID: 35858569 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
R loops occur frequently in genomes and contribute to fundamental biological processes at multiple levels. Consequently, understanding the molecular and cellular biology of R loops has become an emerging area of research. Here, it is shown that poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) can mediate the association of DDX18, a putative RNA helicase, with R loops thereby modulating R-loop homeostasis in endogenous R-loop-prone and DNA lesion regions. DDX18 depletion results in aberrant endogenous R-loop accumulation, which leads to DNA-replication defects. In addition, DDX18 depletion renders cells more sensitive to DNA-damaging agents and reduces RPA32 and RAD51 foci formation in response to irradiation. Notably, DDX18 depletion leads to γH2AX accumulation and genome instability, and RNase H1 overexpression rescues all the DNA-repair defects caused by DDX18 depletion. Taken together, these studies uncover a function of DDX18 in R-loop-mediated events and suggest a role for PARP-1 in mediating the binding of specific DDX-family proteins with R loops in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Ling Lin
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Jung-Kuei Chen
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Xuemei Wen
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Wei He
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Geovanny A Zarceno
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Yutian Chen
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Shi Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Shenzhen Institute of Translational Medicine, Health Science Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Tanya T Paull
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Hung-Wen Liu
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
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14
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Achar YJ, Foiani M. Topology of RNA:DNA Hybrids and R-Loops in Yeast. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2528:317-328. [PMID: 35704201 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2477-7_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
RNA:DNA hybrids are generated naturally behind the elongating RNA polymerase as a transcriptional intermediate. However, prolonged persistence of these structures challenges the integrity of the genome by creating R-loops and by interfering with DNA replication and other chromatin related processes. Precise mapping and characterization of their distribution across the genome has been a major challenge to understand the genesis of RNA:DNA hybrids and their conversion into genotoxic intermediates. Here we provide the detailed protocol for mapping RNA:DNA hybrid across the Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yathish Jagadheesh Achar
- IFOM (Fondazione Istituto FIRC di Oncologia Molecolare), Milan, Italy.
- Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
| | - Marco Foiani
- IFOM (Fondazione Istituto FIRC di Oncologia Molecolare), Milan, Italy
- Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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15
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A panel of KSHV mutants in the polycistronic kaposin locus for precise analysis of individual protein products. J Virol 2021; 96:e0156021. [PMID: 34936820 PMCID: PMC8906436 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01560-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is the cause of several human cancers, including the endothelial cell (EC) malignancy, Kaposi’s sarcoma. Unique KSHV genes absent from other human herpesvirus genomes, the “K-genes,” are important for KSHV replication and pathogenesis. Among these, the kaposin transcript is highly expressed in all phases of infection, but its complex polycistronic nature has hindered functional analysis to date. At least three proteins are produced from the kaposin transcript: Kaposin A (KapA), B (KapB), and C (KapC). To determine the relative contributions of kaposin proteins during KSHV infection, we created a collection of mutant viruses unable to produce kaposin proteins individually or in combination. In previous work, we showed KapB alone recapitulated the elevated proinflammatory cytokine transcripts associated with KS via the disassembly of RNA granules called processing bodies (PBs). Using the new ΔKapB virus, we showed that KapB was necessary for this effect during latent KSHV infection. Moreover, we observed that despite the ability of all kaposin-deficient latent iSLK cell lines to produce virions, all displayed low viral episome copy number, a defect that became more pronounced after primary infection of naive ECs. For ΔKapB, provision of KapB in trans failed to complement the defect, suggesting a requirement for the kaposin locus in cis. These findings demonstrate that our panel of kaposin-deficient viruses enables precise analysis of the respective contributions of individual kaposin proteins to KSHV replication. Moreover, our mutagenesis approach serves as a guide for the functional analysis of other complex multicistronic viral loci. IMPORTANCE Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) expresses high levels of the kaposin transcript during both latent and lytic phases of replication. Due to its repetitive, GC-rich nature and polycistronic coding capacity, until now no reagents existed to permit a methodical analysis of the role of individual kaposin proteins in KSHV replication. We report the creation of a panel of recombinant viruses and matched producer cell lines that delete kaposin proteins individually or in combination. We demonstrate the utility of this panel by confirming the requirement of one kaposin translation product to a key KSHV latency phenotype. This study describes a new panel of molecular tools for the KSHV field to enable precise analysis of the roles of individual kaposin proteins during KSHV infection.
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16
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R-Loop Tracker: Web Access-Based Tool for R-Loop Detection and Analysis in Genomic DNA Sequences. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222312857. [PMID: 34884661 PMCID: PMC8657672 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
R-loops are common non-B nucleic acid structures formed by a three-stranded nucleic acid composed of an RNA–DNA hybrid and a displaced single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) loop. Because the aberrant R-loop formation leads to increased mutagenesis, hyper-recombination, rearrangements, and transcription-replication collisions, it is regarded as important in human diseases. Therefore, its prevalence and distribution in genomes are studied intensively. However, in silico tools for R-loop prediction are limited, and therefore, we have developed the R-loop tracker tool, which was implemented as a part of the DNA Analyser web server. This new tool is focused upon (1) prediction of R-loops in genomic DNA without length and sequence limitations; (2) integration of R-loop tracker results with other tools for nucleic acids analyses, including Genome Browser; (3) internal cross-evaluation of in silico results with experimental data, where available; (4) easy export and correlation analyses with other genome features and markers; and (5) enhanced visualization outputs. Our new R-loop tracker tool is freely accessible on the web pages of DNA Analyser tools, and its implementation on the web-based server allows effective analyses not only for DNA segments but also for full chromosomes and genomes.
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17
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Kim A, Wang GG. R-loop and its functions at the regulatory interfaces between transcription and (epi)genome. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2021; 1864:194750. [PMID: 34461314 PMCID: PMC8627470 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2021.194750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
R-loop represents a prevalent and specialized chromatin structure critically involved in a wide range of biological processes. In particular, co-transcriptional R-loops, produced often due to RNA polymerase pausing or RNA biogenesis malfunction, can initiate molecular events to context-dependently regulate local gene transcription and crosstalk with chromatin modifications. Cellular "readers" of R-loops are identified, exerting crucial impacts on R-loop homeostasis and gene regulation. Mounting evidence also supports R-loop deregulation as a frequent, sometimes initiating, event during the development of human pathologies, notably cancer and neurological disorder. The purpose of this review is to cover recent advances in understanding the fundamentals of R-loop biology, which have started to unveil complex interplays of R-loops with factors involved in various biological processes such as transcription, RNA processing and epitranscriptomic modification (such as N6-methyladenosine), DNA damage sensing and repair, and epigenetic regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arum Kim
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Gang Greg Wang
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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18
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Jurga M, Abugable AA, Goldman ASH, El-Khamisy SF. USP11 controls R-loops by regulating senataxin proteostasis. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5156. [PMID: 34526504 PMCID: PMC8443744 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25459-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
R-loops are by-products of transcription that must be tightly regulated to maintain genomic stability and gene expression. Here, we describe a mechanism for the regulation of the R-loop-specific helicase, senataxin (SETX), and identify the ubiquitin specific peptidase 11 (USP11) as an R-loop regulator. USP11 de-ubiquitinates SETX and its depletion increases SETX K48-ubiquitination and protein turnover. Loss of USP11 decreases SETX steady-state levels and reduces R-loop dissolution. Ageing of USP11 knockout cells restores SETX levels via compensatory transcriptional downregulation of the E3 ubiquitin ligase, KEAP1. Loss of USP11 reduces SETX enrichment at KEAP1 promoter, leading to R-loop accumulation, enrichment of the endonuclease XPF and formation of double-strand breaks. Overexpression of KEAP1 increases SETX K48-ubiquitination, promotes its degradation and R-loop accumulation. These data define a ubiquitination-dependent mechanism for SETX regulation, which is controlled by the opposing activities of USP11 and KEAP1 with broad applications for cancer and neurological disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Jurga
- School of Bioscience, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The Healthy Lifespan Institute and the Institute of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- The Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, University of Bradford, Bradford, UK
| | - Arwa A Abugable
- School of Bioscience, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The Healthy Lifespan Institute and the Institute of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Sherif F El-Khamisy
- School of Bioscience, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The Healthy Lifespan Institute and the Institute of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
- The Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, University of Bradford, Bradford, UK.
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19
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Wu T, Nance J, Chu F, Fazzio TG. Characterization of R-Loop-Interacting Proteins in Embryonic Stem Cells Reveals Roles in rRNA Processing and Gene Expression. Mol Cell Proteomics 2021; 20:100142. [PMID: 34478875 PMCID: PMC8461376 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2021.100142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromatin-associated RNAs have diverse roles in the nucleus. However, their mechanisms of action are poorly understood, in part because of the inability to identify proteins that specifically associate with chromatin-bound RNAs. Here, we address this problem for a subset of chromatin-associated RNAs that form R-loops-RNA-DNA hybrid structures that include a displaced strand of ssDNA. R-loops generally form cotranscriptionally and have important roles in regulation of gene expression, immunoglobulin class switching, and other processes. However, unresolved R-loops can lead to DNA damage and chromosome instability. To identify factors that may bind and regulate R-loop accumulation or mediate R-loop-dependent functions, we used a comparative immunoprecipitation/MS approach, with and without RNA-protein crosslinking, to identify a stringent set of R-loop-binding proteins in mouse embryonic stem cells. We identified 364 R-loop-interacting proteins, which were highly enriched for proteins with predicted RNA-binding functions. We characterized several R-loop-interacting proteins of the DEAD-box family of RNA helicases and found that these proteins localize to the nucleolus and, to a lesser degree, the nucleus. Consistent with their localization patterns, we found that these helicases are required for rRNA processing and regulation of gene expression. Surprisingly, depletion of these helicases resulted in misregulation of highly overlapping sets of protein-coding genes, including many genes that function in differentiation and development. We conclude that R-loop-interacting DEAD-box helicases have nonredundant roles that are critical for maintaining the normal embryonic stem cell transcriptome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Wu
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jennifer Nance
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Feixia Chu
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Thomas G Fazzio
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.
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20
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Uruci S, Lo CSY, Wheeler D, Taneja N. R-Loops and Its Chro-Mates: The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168850. [PMID: 34445553 PMCID: PMC8396322 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Since their discovery, R-loops have been associated with both physiological and pathological functions that are conserved across species. R-loops are a source of replication stress and genome instability, as seen in neurodegenerative disorders and cancer. In response, cells have evolved pathways to prevent R-loop accumulation as well as to resolve them. A growing body of evidence correlates R-loop accumulation with changes in the epigenetic landscape. However, the role of chromatin modification and remodeling in R-loops homeostasis remains unclear. This review covers various mechanisms precluding R-loop accumulation and highlights the role of chromatin modifiers and remodelers in facilitating timely R-loop resolution. We also discuss the enigmatic role of RNA:DNA hybrids in facilitating DNA repair, epigenetic landscape and the potential role of replication fork preservation pathways, active fork stability and stalled fork protection pathways, in avoiding replication-transcription conflicts. Finally, we discuss the potential role of several Chro-Mates (chromatin modifiers and remodelers) in the likely differentiation between persistent/detrimental R-loops and transient/benign R-loops that assist in various physiological processes relevant for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sidrit Uruci
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (S.U.); (C.S.Y.L.)
| | - Calvin Shun Yu Lo
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (S.U.); (C.S.Y.L.)
| | - David Wheeler
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
| | - Nitika Taneja
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (S.U.); (C.S.Y.L.)
- Correspondence:
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21
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Lim G, Hohng S. Single-molecule Fluorescence Technique to Monitor the Co-transcriptional Formation of G-quadruplex and R-loop Structures. Bio Protoc 2021; 11:e4069. [PMID: 34327266 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.4069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (GQ) and R-loops are non-canonical nucleic acid structures related to gene regulation and genome instability that can be formed during transcription; however, their formation mechanisms remain elusive. To address this question, we developed a single-molecule fluorescence technique to monitor the formation of G-quadruplex and R-loop structures during transcription. Using this technique, we found that R-loop formation precedes GQ formation and that there exists a positive feedback loop between G-quadruplex and R-loop formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunhyoung Lim
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, and Institute of Applied Physics, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungchul Hohng
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, and Institute of Applied Physics, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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22
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Fragile X-Associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS): Pathophysiology and Clinical Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124391. [PMID: 32575683 PMCID: PMC7352421 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) is a neurodegenerative disorder seen in older premutation (55-200 CGG repeats) carriers of FMR1. The premutation has excessive levels of FMR1 mRNA that lead to toxicity and mitochondrial dysfunction. The clinical features usually begin in the 60 s with an action or intention tremor followed by cerebellar ataxia, although 20% have only ataxia. MRI features include brain atrophy and white matter disease, especially in the middle cerebellar peduncles, periventricular areas, and splenium of the corpus callosum. Neurocognitive problems include memory and executive function deficits, although 50% of males can develop dementia. Females can be less affected by FXTAS because of a second X chromosome that does not carry the premutation. Approximately 40% of males and 16% of female carriers develop FXTAS. Since the premutation can occur in less than 1 in 200 women and 1 in 400 men, the FXTAS diagnosis should be considered in patients that present with tremor, ataxia, parkinsonian symptoms, neuropathy, and psychiatric problems. If a family history of a fragile X mutation is known, then FMR1 DNA testing is essential in patients with these symptoms.
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23
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New insight into the biology of R-loops. Mutat Res 2020; 821:111711. [PMID: 32516653 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrfmmm.2020.111711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
R-loops form when RNA hybridizes with its template DNA generating a three-stranded structure leaving a displaced single strand non-template DNA. During transcription negative supercoiling of DNA behind the advancing RNA polymerase will facilitate the formation of R-loops by the nascent RNA as the DNA is under wound to facilitate transcription. In theory R-loops are classified into pathological and non-pathological depending on the context of its formation. R-loop which are formed normally in various physiological events like in gene regulation and at immunoglobulin class switch regions are considered non-pathological, whereas abnormally stable R-loop which leads to genomic instability are considered pathological. Although pathological R-loop formation is a rare event but once formed completely blocks transcription, mRNA export, elevates mutagenesis, and inhibits gene expression. Hence, R-loop either prevents or induces genomic instability indirectly and are potentially an endogenous source of DNA lesion. Although the existence of R-loop has been reported few decades ago, but only recently we have gained knowledge about its formation and resolution in cells due to the availability of reagents. R-loop biology has generated immense interest in past few years since it connects the important biological processes such as transcription, mRNA splicing, DNA replication, recombination and repair. In this review I will focus on the recent progress made about formation and resolution of R-loop, based on the methodologies that are currently available to study R-loop using biochemical, cell biology and molecular biology approaches.
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24
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R-loop-forming Sequences Analysis in Thousands of Viral Genomes Identify A New Common Element in Herpesviruses. Sci Rep 2020; 10:6389. [PMID: 32286400 PMCID: PMC7156643 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-63101-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
R-loops are RNA-DNA hybrid sequences that are emerging players in various biological processes, occurring in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. In viruses, R-loop investigation is limited and functional importance is poorly understood. Here, we performed a computational approach to investigate prevalence, distribution, and location of R-loop forming sequences (RLFS) across more than 6000 viral genomes. A total of 14637 RLFS loci were identified in 1586 viral genomes. Over 70% of RLFS-positive genomes are dsDNA viruses. In the order Herpesvirales, RLFS were presented in all members whereas no RLFS was predicted in the order Ligamenvirales. Analysis of RLFS density in all RLFS-positive genomes revealed unusually high RLFS densities in herpesvirus genomes, with RLFS densities particularly enriched within repeat regions such as the terminal repeats (TRs). RLFS in TRs are positionally conserved between herpesviruses. Validating the computationally-identified RLFS, R-loop formation was experimentally confirmed in the TR and viral Bcl-2 promoter of Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). These predictions and validations support future analysis of RLFS in regulating the replication, transcription, and genome maintenance of herpesviruses.
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25
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Salcedo-Arellano MJ, Dufour B, McLennan Y, Martinez-Cerdeno V, Hagerman R. Fragile X syndrome and associated disorders: Clinical aspects and pathology. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 136:104740. [PMID: 31927143 PMCID: PMC7027994 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.104740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This review aims to assemble many years of research and clinical experience in the fields of neurodevelopment and neuroscience to present an up-to-date understanding of the clinical presentation, molecular and brain pathology associated with Fragile X syndrome, a neurodevelopmental condition that develops with the full mutation of the FMR1 gene, located in the q27.3 loci of the X chromosome, and Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome a neurodegenerative disease experienced by aging premutation carriers of the FMR1 gene. It is important to understand that these two syndromes have a very distinct clinical and pathological presentation while sharing the same origin: the mutation of the FMR1 gene; revealing the complexity of expansion genetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Jimena Salcedo-Arellano
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA; Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA; Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine and Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California, Sacramento, CA, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA.
| | - Brett Dufour
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine and Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California, Sacramento, CA, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Yingratana McLennan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA; Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA; Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine and Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Veronica Martinez-Cerdeno
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA; Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine and Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California, Sacramento, CA, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Randi Hagerman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA; Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA.
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26
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Brambati A, Zardoni L, Nardini E, Pellicioli A, Liberi G. The dark side of RNA:DNA hybrids. MUTATION RESEARCH-REVIEWS IN MUTATION RESEARCH 2020; 784:108300. [PMID: 32430097 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2020.108300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
RNA:DNA hybrids form when nascent transcripts anneal to the DNA template strand or any homologous DNA region. Co-transcriptional RNA:DNA hybrids, organized in R-loop structures together with the displaced non-transcribed strand, assist gene expression, DNA repair and other physiological cellular functions. A dark side of the matter is that RNA:DNA hybrids are also a cause of DNA damage and human diseases. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the understanding of the mechanisms by which the impairment of hybrid turnover promotes DNA damage and genome instability via the interference with DNA replication and DNA double-strand break repair. We also discuss how hybrids could contribute to cancer, neurodegeneration and susceptibility to viral infections, focusing on dysfunctions associated with the anti-R-loop helicase Senataxin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Brambati
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza, CNR, Via Abbiategrasso 207, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Luca Zardoni
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza, CNR, Via Abbiategrasso 207, 27100, Pavia, Italy; Scuola Universitaria Superiore, IUSS, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Eleonora Nardini
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza, CNR, Via Abbiategrasso 207, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Achille Pellicioli
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giordano Liberi
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza, CNR, Via Abbiategrasso 207, 27100, Pavia, Italy; IFOM Foundation, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy.
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27
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Chedin F, Benham CJ. Emerging roles for R-loop structures in the management of topological stress. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:4684-4695. [PMID: 32107311 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.rev119.006364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
R-loop structures are a prevalent class of alternative non-B DNA structures that form during transcription upon invasion of the DNA template by the nascent RNA. R-loops form universally in the genomes of organisms ranging from bacteriophages, bacteria, and yeasts to plants and animals, including mammals. A growing body of work has linked these structures to both physiological and pathological processes, in particular to genome instability. The rising interest in R-loops is placing new emphasis on understanding the fundamental physicochemical forces driving their formation and stability. Pioneering work in Escherichia coli revealed that DNA topology, in particular negative DNA superhelicity, plays a key role in driving R-loops. A clear role for DNA sequence was later uncovered. Here, we review and synthesize available evidence on the roles of DNA sequence and DNA topology in controlling R-loop formation and stability. Factoring in recent developments in R-loop modeling and single-molecule profiling, we propose a coherent model accounting for the interplay between DNA sequence and DNA topology in driving R-loop structure formation. This model reveals R-loops in a new light as powerful and reversible topological stress relievers, an insight that significantly expands the repertoire of R-loops' potential biological roles under both normal and aberrant conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederic Chedin
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, California 95616 .,Genome Center, University of California, Davis, California 95616
| | - Craig J Benham
- Genome Center, University of California, Davis, California 95616 .,Departments of Mathematics and Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, California 95616
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Ultra-deep Coverage Single-molecule R-loop Footprinting Reveals Principles of R-loop Formation. J Mol Biol 2020; 432:2271-2288. [PMID: 32105733 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2020.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
R-loops are a prevalent class of non-B DNA structures that have been associated with both positive and negative cellular outcomes. DNA:RNA immunoprecipitation (DRIP) approaches based on the anti-DNA:RNA hybrid S9.6 antibody revealed that R-loops form dynamically over conserved genic hotspots. We have developed an orthogonal approach that queries R-loops via the presence of long stretches of single-stranded DNA on their looped-out strand. Nondenaturing sodium bisulfite treatment catalyzes the conversion of unpaired cytosines to uracils, creating permanent genetic tags for the position of an R-loop. Long-read, single-molecule PacBio sequencing allows the identification of R-loop 'footprints' at near nucleotide resolution in a strand-specific manner on long single DNA molecules and at ultra-deep coverage. Single-molecule R-loop footprinting coupled with PacBio sequencing (SMRF-seq) revealed a strong agreement between S9.6-based and bisulfite-based R-loop mapping and confirmed that R-loops form over genic hotspots, including gene bodies and terminal gene regions. Based on the largest single-molecule R-loop dataset to date, we show that individual R-loops form nonrandomly, defining discrete sets of overlapping molecular clusters that pileup through larger R-loop zones. R-loops most often map to intronic regions and their individual start and stop positions do not match with intron-exon boundaries, reinforcing the model that they form cotranscriptionally from unspliced transcripts. SMRF-seq further established that R-loop distribution patterns are not simply driven by intrinsic DNA sequence features but most likely also reflect DNA topological constraints. Overall, DRIP-based and SMRF-based approaches independently provide a complementary and congruent view of R-loop distribution, consolidating our understanding of the principles underlying R-loop formation.
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29
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Regulation of long non-coding RNAs and genome dynamics by the RNA surveillance machinery. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2020; 21:123-136. [PMID: 32020081 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-019-0209-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Much of the mammalian genome is transcribed, generating long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that can undergo post-transcriptional surveillance whereby only a subset of the non-coding transcripts is allowed to attain sufficient stability to persist in the cellular milieu and control various cellular functions. Paralleling protein turnover by the proteasome complex, lncRNAs are also likely to exist in a dynamic equilibrium that is maintained through constant monitoring by the RNA surveillance machinery. In this Review, we describe the RNA surveillance factors and discuss the vital role of lncRNA surveillance in orchestrating various biological processes, including the protection of genome integrity, maintenance of pluripotency of embryonic stem cells, antibody-gene diversification, coordination of immune cell activation and regulation of heterochromatin formation. We also discuss examples of human diseases and developmental defects associated with the failure of RNA surveillance mechanisms, further highlighting the importance of lncRNA surveillance in maintaining cell and organism functions and health.
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Carrasco-Salas Y, Malapert A, Sulthana S, Molcrette B, Chazot-Franguiadakis L, Bernard P, Chédin F, Faivre-Moskalenko C, Vanoosthuyse V. The extruded non-template strand determines the architecture of R-loops. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 47:6783-6795. [PMID: 31066439 PMCID: PMC6648340 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Three-stranded R-loop structures have been associated with genomic instability phenotypes. What underlies their wide-ranging effects on genome stability remains poorly understood. Here we combined biochemical and atomic force microscopy approaches with single molecule R-loop footprinting to demonstrate that R-loops formed at the model Airn locus in vitro adopt a defined set of three-dimensional conformations characterized by distinct shapes and volumes, which we call R-loop objects. Interestingly, we show that these R-loop objects impose specific physical constraints on the DNA, as revealed by the presence of stereotypical angles in the surrounding DNA. Biochemical probing and mutagenesis experiments revealed that the formation of R-loop objects at Airn is dictated by the extruded non-template strand, suggesting that R-loops possess intrinsic sequence-driven properties. Consistent with this, we show that R-loops formed at the fission yeast gene sum3 do not form detectable R-loop objects. Our results reveal that R-loops differ by their architectures and that the organization of the non-template strand is a fundamental characteristic of R-loops, which could explain that only a subset of R-loops is associated with replication-dependent DNA breaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeraldinne Carrasco-Salas
- Université de Lyon, ENSL, UCBL, CNRS, Laboratoire de Physique, 46 Allée d'Italie, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Amélie Malapert
- Université de Lyon, ENSL, UCBL, CNRS, Laboratory of Biology and Modelling of the Cell (LBMC), 46 Allée d'Italie, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Shaheen Sulthana
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Bastien Molcrette
- Université de Lyon, ENSL, UCBL, CNRS, Laboratoire de Physique, 46 Allée d'Italie, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Léa Chazot-Franguiadakis
- Université de Lyon, ENSL, UCBL, CNRS, Laboratoire de Physique, 46 Allée d'Italie, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Pascal Bernard
- Université de Lyon, ENSL, UCBL, CNRS, Laboratory of Biology and Modelling of the Cell (LBMC), 46 Allée d'Italie, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Frédéric Chédin
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | | | - Vincent Vanoosthuyse
- Université de Lyon, ENSL, UCBL, CNRS, Laboratory of Biology and Modelling of the Cell (LBMC), 46 Allée d'Italie, 69007 Lyon, France
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31
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Hegazy YA, Fernando CM, Tran EJ. The balancing act of R-loop biology: The good, the bad, and the ugly. J Biol Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9258(17)49903-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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32
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Hegazy YA, Fernando CM, Tran EJ. The balancing act of R-loop biology: The good, the bad, and the ugly. J Biol Chem 2019; 295:905-913. [PMID: 31843970 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.rev119.011353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
An R-loop is a three-stranded nucleic acid structure that consists of a DNA:RNA hybrid and a displaced strand of DNA. R-loops occur frequently in genomes and have significant physiological importance. They play vital roles in regulating gene expression, DNA replication, and DNA and histone modifications. Several studies have uncovered that R-loops contribute to fundamental biological processes in various organisms. Paradoxically, although they do play essential positive functions required for important biological processes, they can also contribute to DNA damage and genome instability. Recent evidence suggests that R-loops are involved in a number of human diseases, including neurological disorders, cancer, and autoimmune diseases. This review focuses on the molecular basis for R-loop-mediated gene regulation and genomic instability and briefly discusses methods for identifying R-loops in vivo It also highlights recent studies indicating the role of R-loops in DNA double-strand break repair with an updated view of much-needed future goals in R-loop biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youssef A Hegazy
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907
| | | | - Elizabeth J Tran
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907 .,Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907
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Mishra K, Kanduri C. Understanding Long Noncoding RNA and Chromatin Interactions: What We Know So Far. Noncoding RNA 2019; 5:ncrna5040054. [PMID: 31817041 PMCID: PMC6958424 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna5040054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
With the evolution of technologies that deal with global detection of RNAs to probing of lncRNA-chromatin interactions and lncRNA-chromatin structure regulation, we have been updated with a comprehensive repertoire of chromatin interacting lncRNAs, their genome-wide chromatin binding regions and mode of action. Evidence from these new technologies emphasize that chromatin targeting of lncRNAs is a prominent mechanism and that these chromatin targeted lncRNAs exert their functionality by fine tuning chromatin architecture resulting in an altered transcriptional readout. Currently, there are no unifying principles that define chromatin association of lncRNAs, however, evidence from a few chromatin-associated lncRNAs show presence of a short common sequence for chromatin targeting. In this article, we review how technological advancements contributed in characterizing chromatin associated lncRNAs, and discuss the potential mechanisms by which chromatin associated lncRNAs execute their functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kankadeb Mishra
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden;
- Department of Cell Biology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, Rockefeller Research Laboratory, 430 East 67th Street, RRL 445, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Chandrasekhar Kanduri
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden;
- Correspondence:
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34
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Heltzel JMH, Gearhart PJ. What Targets Somatic Hypermutation to the Immunoglobulin Loci? Viral Immunol 2019; 33:277-281. [PMID: 31770070 DOI: 10.1089/vim.2019.0149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the most profound enigmas in B cell biology is how activation-induced deaminase (AID) is targeted to a very small region of DNA in the immunoglobulin loci. Two specific regions are singled out: the variable region of 2 kb that contains rearranged genes on the heavy, κ light, and λ light chain loci, and the switch region of ∼4 kb that contains an extensive stretch of G:C rich DNA on the heavy chain locus. Transcription is required for AID recruitment; however, many genes are also highly transcribed and do not undergo the catastrophic mutagenesis that occurs in variable and switch regions. The DNA sequences of these regions cause RNA polymerase II to accumulate for an extended distance of 2-4 kb. The stalled polymerases then recruit the transcription cofactor Spt5, and AID, which deaminates cytosines to uracils in exposed transcription bubbles. Thus, the immunoglobulin loci are unique in that a favorable combination of DNA sequences and 3' transcription enhancers make them the perfect storm for AID-induced somatic hypermutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin M H Heltzel
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Patricia J Gearhart
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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35
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Pan L, Wang H, Luo J, Zeng J, Pi J, Liu H, Liu C, Ba X, Qu X, Xiang Y, Boldogh I, Qin X. Epigenetic regulation of TIMP1 expression by 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase-1 binding to DNA:RNA hybrid. FASEB J 2019; 33:14159-14170. [PMID: 31652414 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201900993rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
8-Oxoguanine DNA glycosylase-1 (OGG1)-initiated base excision repair pathway is primarily responsible for 7, 8-dihydro-8-oxoguanine (8-oxoG) removal from DNA. Recent studies, however, have shown that 8-oxoG in gene regulatory elements may serve as an epigenetic mark, and OGG1 has distinct functions in modulating gene expression. Genome-wide mapping of oxidative stress-induced OGG1 enrichment within introns was documented, but its significance has not yet been fully characterized. Here, we explored whether OGG1 recruited to intron 1 of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP1) gene and modulated its expression. Using chromatin and DNA:RNA hybrid immunoprecipitation assays, we report recruitment of OGG1 to the DNA:RNA hybrid in intron 1, where it increases nascent RNA but lowers mRNA levels in O3-exposed human airway epithelial cells and mouse lungs. Decrease in TIMP1 expression is alleviated by antioxidant administration, small interfering RNA depletion, or inhibition of OGG1 binding to its genomic substrate. In vitro studies revealed direct interaction between OGG1 and 8-oxoG containing DNA:RNA hybrid, without excision of its substrate. Inhibition of OGG1 binding to DNA:RNA hybrid translated into an increase in TIMP1 expression and a decrease in oxidant-induced lung inflammatory responses as well as airway remodeling. Data documented here reveal a novel molecular link between OGG1 at damaged sites and transcription dynamics that may contribute to oxidative stress-induced cellular and tissue responses.-Pan, L., Wang, H., Luo, J., Zeng, J., Pi, J., Liu, H., Liu, C., Ba, X., Qu, X., Xiang, Y., Boldogh, I., Qin, X. Epigenetic regulation of TIMP1 expression by 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase-1 binding to DNA:RNA hybrid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lang Pan
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jinhua Luo
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ji Zeng
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiao Pi
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Huijun Liu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chi Liu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xueqing Ba
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics, Ministry of Education, Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiangping Qu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yang Xiang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Istvan Boldogh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Xiaoqun Qin
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha, China
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36
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Capsid amino acids at positions 247 and 270 are involved in the virulence of betanodaviruses to European sea bass. Sci Rep 2019; 9:14068. [PMID: 31575937 PMCID: PMC6773868 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50622-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) is severely affected by nervous necrosis disease, caused by nervous necrosis virus (NNV). Two out of the four genotypes of this virus (red-spotted grouper nervous necrosis virus, RGNNV; and striped jack nervous necrosis virus, SJNNV) have been detected in sea bass, although showing different levels of virulence to this fish species. Thus, sea bass is highly susceptible to RGNNV, whereas outbreaks caused by SJNNV have not been reported in this fish species. The role of the capsid protein (Cp) amino acids 247 and 270 in the virulence of a RGNNV isolate to sea bass has been evaluated by the generation of recombinant RGNNV viruses harbouring SJNNV-type amino acids in the above mentioned positions (Mut247Dl965, Mut270Dl965 and Mut247 + 270Dl965). Viral in vitro and in vivo replication, virus virulence and fish immune response triggered by these viruses have been analysed. Mutated viruses replicated on E-11 cells, although showing some differences compared to the wild type virus, suggesting that the mutations can affect the viral cell recognition and entry. In vivo, fish mortality caused by mutated viruses was 75% lower, and viral replication in sea bass brain was altered compared to non-mutated virus. Regarding sea bass immune response, mutated viruses triggered a lower induction of IFN I system and inflammatory response-related genes. Furthermore, mutations caused changes in viral serological properties (especially the mutation in amino acid 270), inducing higher seroconversion and changing antigen recognition.
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37
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Current insights into the mechanism of mammalian immunoglobulin class switch recombination. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2019; 54:333-351. [PMID: 31509023 DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2019.1659227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Immunoglobulin (Ig) class switch recombination (CSR) is the gene rearrangement process by which B lymphocytes change the Ig heavy chain constant region to permit a switch of Ig isotype from IgM to IgG, IgA, or IgE. At the DNA level, CSR occurs via generation and joining of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) at intronic switch regions located just upstream of each of the heavy chain constant regions. Activation-induced deaminase (AID), a B cell specific enzyme, catalyzes cytosine deaminations (converting cytosines to uracils) as the initial DNA lesions that eventually lead to DSBs and CSR. Progress on AID structure integrates very well with knowledge about Ig class switch region nucleic acid structures that are supported by functional studies. It is an ideal time to review what is known about the mechanism of Ig CSR and its relation to somatic hypermutation. There have been many comprehensive reviews on various aspects of the CSR reaction and regulation of AID expression and activity. This review is focused on the relation between AID and switch region nucleic acid structures, with a particular emphasis on R-loops.
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38
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Kuznetsov VA, Bondarenko V, Wongsurawat T, Yenamandra SP, Jenjaroenpun P. Toward predictive R-loop computational biology: genome-scale prediction of R-loops reveals their association with complex promoter structures, G-quadruplexes and transcriptionally active enhancers. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 46:7566-7585. [PMID: 29945198 PMCID: PMC6125637 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
R-loops are three-stranded RNA:DNA hybrid structures essential for many normal and pathobiological processes. Previously, we generated a quantitative R-loop forming sequence (RLFS) model, quantitative model of R-loop-forming sequences (QmRLFS) and predicted ∼660 000 RLFSs; most of them located in genes and gene-flanking regions, G-rich regions and disease-associated genomic loci in the human genome. Here, we conducted a comprehensive comparative analysis of these RLFSs using experimental data and demonstrated the high performance of QmRLFS predictions on the nucleotide and genome scales. The preferential co-localization of RLFS with promoters, U1 splice sites, gene ends, enhancers and non-B DNA structures, such as G-quadruplexes, provides evidence for the mechanical linkage between DNA tertiary structures, transcription initiation and R-loops in critical regulatory genome regions. We introduced and characterized an abundant class of reverse-forward RLFS clusters highly enriched in non-B DNA structures, which localized to promoters, gene ends and enhancers. The RLFS co-localization with promoters and transcriptionally active enhancers suggested new models for in cis and in trans regulation by RNA:DNA hybrids of transcription initiation and formation of 3D-chromatin loops. Overall, this study provides a rationale for the discovery and characterization of the non-B DNA regulatory structures involved in the formation of the RNA:DNA interactome as the basis for an emerging quantitative R-loop biology and pathobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir A Kuznetsov
- Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138671, Singapore.,Department of Urology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Vladyslav Bondarenko
- Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138671, Singapore
| | - Thidathip Wongsurawat
- Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138671, Singapore.,Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Surya P Yenamandra
- Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138671, Singapore
| | - Piroon Jenjaroenpun
- Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138671, Singapore.,Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
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39
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Prister LL, Ozer EA, Cahoon LA, Seifert HS. Transcriptional initiation of a small RNA, not R-loop stability, dictates the frequency of pilin antigenic variation in Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Mol Microbiol 2019; 112:1219-1234. [PMID: 31338863 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the sole causative agent of gonorrhea, constitutively undergoes diversification of the Type IV pilus. Gene conversion occurs between one of the several donor silent copies located in distinct loci and the recipient pilE gene, encoding the major pilin subunit of the pilus. A guanine quadruplex (G4) DNA structure and a cis-acting sRNA (G4-sRNA) are located upstream of the pilE gene and both are required for pilin antigenic variation (Av). We show that the reduced sRNA transcription lowers pilin Av frequencies. Extended transcriptional elongation is not required for Av, since limiting the transcript to 32 nt allows for normal Av frequencies. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays, we show that cellular G4s are less abundant when sRNA transcription is lower. In addition, using ChIP, we demonstrate that the G4-sRNA forms a stable RNA:DNA hybrid (R-loop) with its template strand. However, modulating R-loop levels by controlling RNase HI expression does not alter G4 abundance quantified through ChIP. Since pilin Av frequencies were not altered when modulating R-loop levels by controlling RNase HI expression, we conclude that transcription of the sRNA is necessary, but stable R-loops are not required to promote pilin Av.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren L Prister
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Egon A Ozer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Laty A Cahoon
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Hank S Seifert
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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40
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Chen JY, Zhang X, Fu XD, Chen L. R-ChIP for genome-wide mapping of R-loops by using catalytically inactive RNASEH1. Nat Protoc 2019; 14:1661-1685. [PMID: 30996261 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-019-0154-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Nascent RNA may form a three-stranded structure with DNA, called an R-loop, which has been linked to fundamental biological processes such as transcription, replication and genome instability. Here, we provide a detailed protocol for a newly developed strategy, named R-ChIP, for robust capture of R-loops genome-wide. Distinct from R-loop-mapping methods based on the monoclonal antibody S9.6, which recognizes RNA-DNA hybrid structures, R-ChIP involves expression of an exogenous catalytically inactive RNASEH1 in cells to bind RNA-DNA hybrids but not resolve them. This is followed by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) of the tagged RNASEH1 and construction of a strand-specific library for deep sequencing. It takes ~3 weeks to establish a stable cell line expressing the mutant enzyme and 5 more days to proceed with the R-ChIP protocol. In principle, R-ChIP is applicable to both cell lines and animals, as long as the catalytically inactive RNASEH1 can be expressed to study the dynamics of R-loop formation and resolution, as well as its impact on the functionality of the genome. In our recent studies with R-ChIP, we showed an intimate spatiotemporal relationship between R-loops and RNA polymerase II pausing/pause release, as well as linking augmented R-loop formation to DNA damage response induced by driver mutations of key splicing factors associated with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Yu Chen
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Xiang-Dong Fu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Liang Chen
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA. .,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China.
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41
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Abstract
Three-stranded R-loop structures form during transcription when the nascent RNA transcript rehybridizes to the template DNA strand. This creates an RNA:DNA hybrid and forces the nontemplate DNA strand into a single-stranded, looped-out state. R-loops form universally over conserved hotspot regions. To date, the physicochemical bases underlying R-loop formation remain unclear. Using a “first-principle” mathematical approach backed by experimental validation, we elucidated the relative contributions of DNA sequence and DNA topology to R-loop formation. Our work provides a quantitative assessment of the energies underlying R-loop formation and of their interplay. It further reveals these structures as important regulators of the DNA topological state. R-loops are abundant three-stranded nucleic-acid structures that form in cis during transcription. Experimental evidence suggests that R-loop formation is affected by DNA sequence and topology. However, the exact manner by which these factors interact to determine R-loop susceptibility is unclear. To investigate this, we developed a statistical mechanical equilibrium model of R-loop formation in superhelical DNA. In this model, the energy involved in forming an R-loop includes four terms—junctional and base-pairing energies and energies associated with superhelicity and with the torsional winding of the displaced DNA single strand around the RNA:DNA hybrid. This model shows that the significant energy barrier imposed by the formation of junctions can be overcome in two ways. First, base-pairing energy can favor RNA:DNA over DNA:DNA duplexes in favorable sequences. Second, R-loops, by absorbing negative superhelicity, partially or fully relax the rest of the DNA domain, thereby returning it to a lower energy state. In vitro transcription assays confirmed that R-loops cause plasmid relaxation and that negative superhelicity is required for R-loops to form, even in a favorable region. Single-molecule R-loop footprinting following in vitro transcription showed a strong agreement between theoretical predictions and experimental mapping of stable R-loop positions and further revealed the impact of DNA topology on the R-loop distribution landscape. Our results clarify the interplay between base sequence and DNA superhelicity in controlling R-loop stability. They also reveal R-loops as powerful and reversible topology sinks that cells may use to nonenzymatically relieve superhelical stress during transcription.
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42
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Abstract
Exposure of genomic, single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) during transcription and replication creates opportunities for the formation of inappropriate secondary structures. Cells manage this exposure by using topoisomerases and helicases to reduce the inherent topological stress that arises from unwinding the double helix and by coating ssDNA with protective protein complexes. Interestingly, specific DNA-RNA hybrids, known as R-loops, form during transcription and exist in homeostasis throughout the genomes of prokaryotes and eukaryotes. These hybrids nucleate from guanine rich clusters in the template strand and extend across GC rich spans of transcribed genes. In vivo regulatory functions have evolved from R-loops, including regulation of gene expression and telomere lengthening. However, they also exist as a form of stress, particularly when replication forks collide with the transcription machinery. New methodologies and models are being developed to delineate the biology of R-loops, including those related to cell stress-based diseases like cancer. As accumulation of R-loops is associated with disease, targeting molecular pathways that regulate their formation or removal could provide new avenues for therapeutic intervention. This review covers recent understandings of the molecular basis for R-loop formation, removal, and biological outcomes in the context of cellular stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- David F Allison
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Gang Greg Wang
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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43
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Briggs E, Hamilton G, Crouch K, Lapsley C, McCulloch R. Genome-wide mapping reveals conserved and diverged R-loop activities in the unusual genetic landscape of the African trypanosome genome. Nucleic Acids Res 2018; 46:11789-11805. [PMID: 30304482 PMCID: PMC6294496 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Revised: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
R-loops are stable RNA-DNA hybrids that have been implicated in transcription initiation and termination, as well as in telomere maintenance, chromatin formation, and genome replication and instability. RNA Polymerase (Pol) II transcription in the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei is highly unusual: virtually all genes are co-transcribed from multigene transcription units, with mRNAs generated by linked trans-splicing and polyadenylation, and transcription initiation sites display no conserved promoter motifs. Here, we describe the genome-wide distribution of R-loops in wild type mammal-infective T. brucei and in mutants lacking RNase H1, revealing both conserved and diverged functions. Conserved localization was found at centromeres, rRNA genes and retrotransposon-associated genes. RNA Pol II transcription initiation sites also displayed R-loops, suggesting a broadly conserved role despite the lack of promoter conservation or transcription initiation regulation. However, the most abundant sites of R-loop enrichment were within the regions between coding sequences of the multigene transcription units, where the hybrids coincide with sites of polyadenylation and nucleosome-depletion. Thus, instead of functioning in transcription termination the most widespread localization of R-loops in T. brucei suggests a novel correlation with pre-mRNA processing. Finally, we find little evidence for correlation between R-loop localization and mapped sites of DNA replication initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Briggs
- The Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, University of Glasgow, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Sir Graeme Davies Building, 120 University Place, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Graham Hamilton
- Glasgow Polyomics, University of Glasgow, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Garscube Estate, Switchback Rd, Bearsden, G61 1QH, UK
| | - Kathryn Crouch
- The Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, University of Glasgow, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Sir Graeme Davies Building, 120 University Place, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Craig Lapsley
- The Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, University of Glasgow, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Sir Graeme Davies Building, 120 University Place, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Richard McCulloch
- The Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, University of Glasgow, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Sir Graeme Davies Building, 120 University Place, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
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44
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren L. Prister
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - H. Steven Seifert
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
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45
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Belotserkovskii BP, Tornaletti S, D'Souza AD, Hanawalt PC. R-loop generation during transcription: Formation, processing and cellular outcomes. DNA Repair (Amst) 2018; 71:69-81. [PMID: 30190235 PMCID: PMC6340742 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2018.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
R-loops are structures consisting of an RNA-DNA duplex and an unpaired DNA strand. They can form during transcription upon nascent RNA "threadback" invasion into the DNA duplex to displace the non-template strand. Although R-loops occur naturally in all kingdoms of life and serve regulatory roles, they are often deleterious and can cause genomic instability. Of particular importance are the disastrous consequences when replication forks or transcription complexes collide with R-loops. The appropriate processing of R-loops is essential to avoid a number of human neurodegenerative and other clinical disorders. We provide a perspective on mechanistic aspects of R-loop formation and their resolution learned from studies in model systems. This should contribute to improved understanding of R-loop biological functions and enable their practical applications. We propose the novel employment of artificially-generated stable R-loops to selectively inactivate tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris P Belotserkovskii
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, 371 Serra Mall, Stanford, CA, 94305-5020, United States
| | - Silvia Tornaletti
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, 371 Serra Mall, Stanford, CA, 94305-5020, United States
| | - Alicia D D'Souza
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, 371 Serra Mall, Stanford, CA, 94305-5020, United States
| | - Philip C Hanawalt
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, 371 Serra Mall, Stanford, CA, 94305-5020, United States.
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46
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Wang IX, Grunseich C, Fox J, Burdick J, Zhu Z, Ravazian N, Hafner M, Cheung VG. Human proteins that interact with RNA/DNA hybrids. Genome Res 2018; 28:1405-1414. [PMID: 30108179 PMCID: PMC6120628 DOI: 10.1101/gr.237362.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
RNA/DNA hybrids form when RNA hybridizes with its template DNA generating a three-stranded structure known as the R-loop. Knowledge of how they form and resolve, as well as their functional roles, is limited. Here, by pull-down assays followed by mass spectrometry, we identified 803 proteins that bind to RNA/DNA hybrids. Because these proteins were identified using in vitro assays, we confirmed that they bind to R-loops in vivo. They include proteins that are involved in a variety of functions, including most steps of RNA processing. The proteins are enriched for K homology (KH) and helicase domains. Among them, more than 300 proteins preferred binding to hybrids than double-stranded DNA. These proteins serve as starting points for mechanistic studies to elucidate what RNA/DNA hybrids regulate and how they are regulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel X Wang
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815, USA.,Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Christopher Grunseich
- Neurogenetics Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Jennifer Fox
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815, USA.,Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Joshua Burdick
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815, USA.,Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Zhengwei Zhu
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Niema Ravazian
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815, USA
| | - Markus Hafner
- Laboratory of Muscle Stem Cells and Gene Regulation, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Vivian G Cheung
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815, USA.,Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
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47
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Ribeiro de Almeida C, Dhir S, Dhir A, Moghaddam AE, Sattentau Q, Meinhart A, Proudfoot NJ. RNA Helicase DDX1 Converts RNA G-Quadruplex Structures into R-Loops to Promote IgH Class Switch Recombination. Mol Cell 2018; 70:650-662.e8. [PMID: 29731414 PMCID: PMC5971202 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2018.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Revised: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Class switch recombination (CSR) at the immunoglobulin heavy-chain (IgH) locus is associated with the formation of R-loop structures over switch (S) regions. While these often occur co-transcriptionally between nascent RNA and template DNA, we now show that they also form as part of a post-transcriptional mechanism targeting AID to IgH S-regions. This depends on the RNA helicase DDX1 that is also required for CSR in vivo. DDX1 binds to G-quadruplex (G4) structures present in intronic switch transcripts and converts them into S-region R-loops. This in turn targets the cytidine deaminase enzyme AID to S-regions so promoting CSR. Notably R-loop levels over S-regions are diminished by chemical stabilization of G4 RNA or by the expression of a DDX1 ATPase-deficient mutant that acts as a dominant-negative protein to reduce CSR efficiency. In effect, we provide evidence for how S-region transcripts interconvert between G4 and R-loop structures to promote CSR in the IgH locus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Somdutta Dhir
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, OX1 3RE Oxford, UK
| | - Ashish Dhir
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, OX1 3RE Oxford, UK
| | - Amin E Moghaddam
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, OX1 3RE Oxford, UK
| | - Quentin Sattentau
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, OX1 3RE Oxford, UK
| | - Anton Meinhart
- Department of Biomolecular Mechanisms, Max-Planck-Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstrasse 29, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nicholas J Proudfoot
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, OX1 3RE Oxford, UK.
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48
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Walker C, El-Khamisy SF. Perturbed autophagy and DNA repair converge to promote neurodegeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and dementia. Brain 2018; 141:1247-1262. [PMID: 29584802 PMCID: PMC5917746 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awy076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2017] [Revised: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Maintaining genomic stability constitutes a major challenge facing cells. DNA breaks can arise from direct oxidative damage to the DNA backbone, the inappropriate activities of endogenous enzymes such as DNA topoisomerases, or due to transcriptionally-derived RNA/DNA hybrids (R-loops). The progressive accumulation of DNA breaks has been linked to several neurological disorders. Recently, however, several independent studies have implicated nuclear and mitochondrial genomic instability, perturbed co-transcriptional processing, and impaired cellular clearance pathways as causal and intertwined mechanisms underpinning neurodegeneration. Here, we discuss this emerging paradigm in the context of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia, and outline how this knowledge paves the way to novel therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Callum Walker
- Krebs Institute, Department of Molecular biology and biotechnology, University of Sheffield, UK
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Sherif F El-Khamisy
- Krebs Institute, Department of Molecular biology and biotechnology, University of Sheffield, UK
- Center for Genomics, Helmy Institute for Medical Sciences, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt
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49
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Strengths and Weaknesses of the Current Strategies to Map and Characterize R-Loops. Noncoding RNA 2018; 4:ncrna4020009. [PMID: 29657305 PMCID: PMC6027298 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna4020009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
R-loops are evolutionarily conserved three-stranded structures that result from the formation of stable DNA:RNA hybrids in the genome. R-loops have attracted increasing interest in recent years as potent regulators of gene expression and genome stability. In particular, their strong association with severe replication stress makes them potential oncogenic structures. Despite their importance, the rules that govern their formation and their dynamics are still controversial and an in-depth description of their direct impact on chromatin organization and DNA transactions is still lacking. To better understand the diversity of R-loop functions, reliable, accurate, and quantitative mapping techniques, as well as functional assays are required. Here, I review the different approaches that are currently used to do so and to highlight their individual strengths and weaknesses. In particular, I review the advantages and disadvantages of using the S9.6 antibody to map R-loops in vivo in an attempt to propose guidelines for best practices.
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50
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D'Souza AD, Belotserkovskii BP, Hanawalt PC. A novel mode for transcription inhibition mediated by PNA-induced R-loops with a model in vitro system. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2018; 1861:158-166. [PMID: 29357316 PMCID: PMC5820110 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2017.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Revised: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The selective inhibition of transcription of a chosen gene by an artificial agent has numerous applications. Usually, these agents are designed to bind a specific nucleotide sequence in the promoter or within the transcribed region of the chosen gene. However, since optimal binding sites might not exist within the gene, it is of interest to explore the possibility of transcription inhibition when the agent is designed to bind at other locations. One of these possibilities arises when an additional transcription initiation site (e.g. secondary promoter) is present upstream from the primary promoter of the target gene. In this case, transcription inhibition might be achieved by inducing the formation of an RNA-DNA hybrid (R-loop) upon transcription from the secondary promoter. The R-loop could extend into the region of the primary promoter, to interfere with promoter recognition by RNA polymerase and thereby inhibit transcription. As a sequence-specific R-loop-inducing agent, a peptide nucleic acid (PNA) could be designed to facilitate R-loop formation by sequestering the non-template DNA strand. To investigate this mode for transcription inhibition, we have employed a model system in which a PNA binding site is localized between the T3 and T7 phage RNA polymerase promoters, which respectively assume the roles of primary and secondary promoters. In accord with our model, we have demonstrated that with PNA-bound DNA substrates, transcription from the T7 promoter reduces transcription from the T3 promoter by 30-fold, while in the absence of PNA binding there is no significant effect of T7 transcription upon T3 transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia D D'Souza
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305-5020, United States
| | | | - Philip C Hanawalt
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305-5020, United States.
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