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Bresciani G, Manai F, Felszeghy S, Smedowski A, Kaarniranta K, Amadio M. VEGF and ELAVL1/HuR protein levels are increased in dry and wet AMD patients. A new tile in the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying RPE degeneration? Pharmacol Res 2024:107380. [PMID: 39216841 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common retinal pathology characterized by degeneration of macula's retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptors, visual impairment, or loss. Compared to wet AMD, dry AMD is more common, but lacks cures; therefore, identification of new potential therapeutic targets and treatments is urgent. Increased oxidative stress and declining antioxidant, detoxifying systems contribute to the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying AMD. The present work shows that the Embryonic Lethal Abnormal Vision-Like 1/Human antigen R (ELAVL1/HuR) and the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) protein levels are higher in the RPE of both dry and wet AMD patients compared to healthy subjects. Moreover, increased HuR protein levels are detected in the retina, and especially in the RPE layer, of a dry AMD model, the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) / peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) double knock-out mouse. The crosstalk among Nrf2, HuR and VEGF has been also studied in ARPE-19 cells in basal and stressful conditions related to the AMD context (i.e., oxidative stress, autophagy impairment, Nrf2 deficit), offering new evidence of the mutual influence between Nrf2 and HuR, of the dependence of VEGF expression and secretion by these two factors, and of the increased susceptibility of cells to stressful conditions in Nrf2- or HuR-impaired contexts. Overall, this study shows evidence of the interplay among Nrf2, HuR and VEGF, essential factors for RPE homeostasis, and represents an additional piece in the understanding of the complex pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Federico Manai
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Szabolcs Felszeghy
- Institute of Dentistry, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland; Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Adrian Smedowski
- Department of Ophthalmology, Professor K. Gibinski University Clinical Center, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland; GlaucoTech Co., Katowice, Poland; Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Kai Kaarniranta
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland; Department of Ophthalmology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
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Majumder M, Janakiraman H, Chakraborty P, Vijayakumar A, Mayhue S, Yu H, Dincman T, Martin R, O’Quinn E, Mehrotra S, Palanisamy V. RNA-binding protein HuR reprograms immune T cells and promotes oral squamous cell carcinoma. ORAL ONCOLOGY REPORTS 2024; 10:100296. [PMID: 38681116 PMCID: PMC11044901 DOI: 10.1016/j.oor.2024.100296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Hu Antigen R, also known as ELAVL1 (HuR), is a key posttranscriptional regulator in eukaryotic cells. HuR overexpression promotes several malignancies, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, its immune dysfunction-associated tumorigenesis pathways remain unknown. We examined HuR's effects on oral malignancies and immune cell function in vitro and in vivo using oral carcinoma cells and transgenic HuR knockout (KO) mice. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated HuR deletion in mice syngeneic oral cancer cells eliminated colony formation and tumor development. HuR-KO tumors had a lower tumor volume, fewer CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ regulatory T cells, and more CD8+ T cells, suggesting that HuR may suppress the immune response during oral cancer progression. In contrast, HuR KO oral epithelial tissues are resistant to 4NQO-induced oral malignancies compared to control tumor-bearing mice. HuR KO mice showed fewer Tregs and greater IFN levels than WT tumor-bearing mice, suggesting anticancer activity. Finally, the HuR inhibitor pyrvinium pamoate lowers tumor burden by enhancing CD8+ infiltration at the expense of CD4+, suggesting anticancer benefits. Thus, HuR-dependent oral neoplasia relies on immunological dysfunction, suggesting that decreasing HuR may boost antitumor potential and offer a novel HNSCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Sari Mayhue
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, USA
| | - Hong Yu
- Oral Health Sciences, College of Dental Medicine, USA
| | - Toros Dincman
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, College of Medicine, USA
| | - Romeo Martin
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Elizabeth O’Quinn
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | | | - Viswanathan Palanisamy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, USA
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
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Reimão-Pinto MM, Castillo-Hair SM, Seelig G, Schier AF. The regulatory landscape of 5' UTRs in translational control during zebrafish embryogenesis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.23.568470. [PMID: 38045294 PMCID: PMC10690280 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.23.568470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
The 5' UTRs of mRNAs are critical for translation regulation, but their in vivo regulatory features are poorly characterized. Here, we report the regulatory landscape of 5' UTRs during early zebrafish embryogenesis using a massively parallel reporter assay of 18,154 sequences coupled to polysome profiling. We found that the 5' UTR is sufficient to confer temporal dynamics to translation initiation, and identified 86 motifs enriched in 5' UTRs with distinct ribosome recruitment capabilities. A quantitative deep learning model, DaniO5P, revealed a combined role for 5' UTR length, translation initiation site context, upstream AUGs and sequence motifs on in vivo ribosome recruitment. DaniO5P predicts the activities of 5' UTR isoforms and indicates that modulating 5' UTR length and motif grammar contributes to translation initiation dynamics. This study provides a first quantitative model of 5' UTR-based translation regulation in early vertebrate development and lays the foundation for identifying the underlying molecular effectors. Highlights In vivo MPRA systematically interrogates the regulatory potential of endogenous 5' UTRs The 5' UTR alone is sufficient to regulate the dynamics of ribosome recruitment during early embryogenesis The MPRA identifies 5' UTR cis -regulatory motifs for translation initiation control 5' UTR length, upstream AUGs and motif grammar contribute to the differential regulatory capability of 5' UTR switching isoforms.
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Zhao X, Su F, Guo Q, Tao X, Wang H, Wang H, Li Q, Zhang W. Preeclampsia-associated lncRNA FEZF1-AS1 regulates cell proliferation and apoptosis in placental trophoblast cells through the ELAVL1/NOC2L axis. Cell Div 2023; 18:17. [PMID: 37872600 PMCID: PMC10591422 DOI: 10.1186/s13008-023-00101-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND LncRNAs have been shown to be involved in and control the biological processes of multiple diseases, including preeclampsia (PE). The impairment of trophoblast cell proliferation is recognized as a significant anomaly contributing to the development of PE. LncRNA FEZF1-AS1 was found downregulated in placental tissues of PE patients. However, the precise regulatory mechanism of FEZF1-AS1 in placental trophoblast proliferation and apoptosis remains unclear. RESULTS In this study, we conducted an investigation into the expression levels of FEZF1-AS1 and NOC2L in placental tissues obtained from patients diagnosed with PE. Subsequently, we employed CCK-8 and EdU assays to quantify cell proliferation, while TUNEL staining and western blot for apoptosis-related protein detection to assess apoptosis. Furthermore, the interactions between FEZF1-AS1 and ELAVL1, as well as NOC2L and ELAVL1, were confirmed through the implementation of RIP and RNA pull-down assays. We found a downregulation of lncRNA FEZF1-AS1 and NOC2L in placental tissues of PE patients. Overexpression of FEZF1-AS1 or NOC2L resulted in increased cell proliferation and inhibition of apoptosis, whereas knockdown of FEZF1-AS1 or NOC2L had the opposite effect. In addition, lncRNA FEZF1-AS1 stabilized NOC2L mRNA expression by interacting with ELAVL1. Moreover, partial reversal of the effects of FEZF1-AS1 overexpression on cell proliferation and apoptosis was observed upon suppression of ELAVL1 or NOC2L. CONCLUSIONS PE related lncRNA FEZF1-AS1 could regulate apoptosis and proliferation of placental trophoblast cells through the ELAVL1/NOC2L axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics, The Affiliated Taian City Central Hospital of Qingdao University, No.29, Longtan Road, Taian, 271000, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Fengyun Su
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital Of Shandong First Medical University, Taian, 271000, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Guo
- Intensive Care Unit, The Affiliated Taian City Centeral Hospital of Qingdao University, Taian, 271000, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiuhong Tao
- Department of Obstetrics, The Affiliated Taian City Central Hospital of Qingdao University, No.29, Longtan Road, Taian, 271000, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Huifeng Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, The Affiliated Taian City Centeral Hospital of Qingdao University, Taian, 271000, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongling Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, The Affiliated Taian City Centeral Hospital of Qingdao University, Taian, 271000, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Qinwen Li
- Department of Obstetrics, The Affiliated Taian City Central Hospital of Qingdao University, No.29, Longtan Road, Taian, 271000, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Wangmeng Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics, The Affiliated Taian City Central Hospital of Qingdao University, No.29, Longtan Road, Taian, 271000, Shandong, People's Republic of China
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Supe S, Dighe V, Upadhya A, Singh K. Analysis of RNA Interference Targeted Against Human Antigen R (HuR) to Reduce Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Protein Expression in Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells. Mol Biotechnol 2023:10.1007/s12033-023-00913-w. [PMID: 37856012 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-023-00913-w] [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: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
VEGF-A or vascular endothelial growth factor-A is an important factor in enabling neovascularization and angiogenesis. VEGF-A is regulated transcriptionally as well as post transcriptionally. Human antigen R (HuR) belonging to the embryonic lethal abnormal vision (ELAV) family is a key regulator promoting stabilization of VEGF-A mRNA. In this research we investigate, whether HuR targeted RNA interference would enable the reduction of the VEGF-A protein in human retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19) in-vitro, in normoxic conditions. Three siRNA molecules with sequences complementary to three regions of the HuR mRNA were designed. The three designed siRNA molecules were individually transfected in ARPE-19 cells using Lipofectamine™2000 reagent. Post-transfection (24 h, 48 h, 72 h), downregulation of HuR mRNA was estimated by real-time polymerase reaction, while HuR protein and VEGF-A protein levels were semi-quantitatively determined by western blotting techniques. VEGF-A protein levels were additionally quantified using ELISA techniques. All experiments were done in triplicate. The designed siRNA could successfully downregulate HuR mRNA with concomitant decreases in HuR and VEGF-A protein. The study reveals that HuR downregulation can prominently downregulate VEGF-A, making the protein a target for therapy against pathological angiogenesis conditions such as diabetic retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shibani Supe
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, SVKM'S NMIMS, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400056, India
| | - Vikas Dighe
- National Centre for Preclinical Reproductive and Genetic Toxicology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, J.M. Street, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400012, India
| | - Archana Upadhya
- Maharashtra Educational Society's H. K. College of Pharmacy, H. K. College Campus, Oshiwara, Jogeshwari (W), Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400102, India.
| | - Kavita Singh
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, SVKM'S NMIMS, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400056, India.
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Chakravarthi VP, Hung WT, Yellapu NK, Gunewardena S, Christenson LK. LH/hCG Regulation of Circular RNA in Mural Granulosa Cells during the Periovulatory Period in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13078. [PMID: 37685885 PMCID: PMC10488058 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian follicles undergo a series of dynamic changes following the ovulatory surge of luteinizing hormone including cumulus expansion, oocyte maturation, ovulation, and luteinization. Post-transcriptional gene regulatory events are critical for mediating LH follicular responses, and among all RNA isoforms, circular RNA (circRNA) is one of the most abundant forms present in cells, yet they remain the least studied. Functionally, circRNA can act as miRNA sponges, protein sponges/decoys, and regulators of transcription and translation. In the context of ovarian follicular development, the identity and roles of circRNA are relatively unknown. In the present study, high throughput RNA sequencing of granulosa cells immediately prior to and 4-h after the LH/hCG surge identified 42,381 circRNA originating from 7712 genes. A total of 54 circRNA were identified as differentially expressed between 0-h and 4-h time points (Fold Change ± 1.5, FDR ≤ 0.1), among them 42 circRNA were upregulated and 12 circRNA were downregulated. All differentially expressed circRNA between the 0-h and 4-h groups were subjected to circinteractome analysis and identified networks of circRNA-protein and circRNA-miRNA were further subjected to "micro-RNA target filter analysis" in Ingenuity Pathway Analyses, which resulted in the identification of miRNA targeted mRNAs. A comparison of these circRNA target mRNAs with LH-induced mRNAs identified Runx2, Egfr, Areg, Sult1el, Cyp19a1, Cyp11a1, and Hsd17b1 as targets of circKif2, circVcan, circMast4, and circMIIt10. These newly identified LH/hCG-induced circRNA, their target miRNA and protein networks provide new insights into the complex interactions associated with periovulatory follicular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- V. Praveen Chakravarthi
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3075 HLSIC, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (V.P.C.); (W.-T.H.); (S.G.)
| | - Wei-Ting Hung
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3075 HLSIC, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (V.P.C.); (W.-T.H.); (S.G.)
| | - Nanda Kumar Yellapu
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, MO 66160, USA;
| | - Sumedha Gunewardena
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3075 HLSIC, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (V.P.C.); (W.-T.H.); (S.G.)
| | - Lane K. Christenson
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3075 HLSIC, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (V.P.C.); (W.-T.H.); (S.G.)
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Wang W, Luo Q, Zhao Y, Geng S, Xu T, Sun Y. Genomic organization, evolution and functional characterization of embryonic lethal abnormal vision like protein 1 (ELAVL1) in miiuy croaker (Miichthys miiuy). DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 142:104659. [PMID: 36764421 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2023.104659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Embryonic lethal vision-like protein 1 (ELAVL1), an AU-rich elements (AREs) binding protein involved in the regulation of inflammatory transcript stability, which has not been reported in fish. In this study, we identified the ELAVL1 gene in Miichthys miiuy (mmiELAVL1), and then analyzed its structure and evolution, furthermore described its expression pattern in miiuy croaker. The results showed that mmiELAVL1 and other vertebrate ELAVL1 genes all have three highly conserved RNA recognition motif (RRM) protein domains, and the structure and protein structure are evolutionarily conserved, indicating that their functions may also conservative. In healthy miiuy croaker, mmiELAVL1 was commonly expressed in the tested tissues, and mmiELAVL1 is mainly localized in the nucleus of kidney cells. In addition, mmiELAVL1 responds to poly(I:C) and SCRV stimulation and promotes antiviral genes, indicating its active role in immune process. In summary, this study will facilitate future studies on the role and underlying mechanisms of ELAVL1 in fish immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wansu Wang
- Laboratory of Fish Molecular Immunology, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Luo
- Laboratory of Fish Molecular Immunology, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Laboratory of Fish Molecular Immunology, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shang Geng
- Laboratory of Fish Molecular Immunology, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianjun Xu
- Laboratory of Fish Molecular Immunology, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China; Laboratory of Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China.
| | - Yuena Sun
- Laboratory of Fish Molecular Immunology, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China; National Pathogen Collection Center for Aquatic Animals, Shanghai Ocean University, China; Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, China.
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Krup AL, Winchester SAB, Ranade SS, Agrawal A, Devine WP, Sinha T, Choudhary K, Dominguez MH, Thomas R, Black BL, Srivastava D, Bruneau BG. A Mesp1-dependent developmental breakpoint in transcriptional and epigenomic specification of early cardiac precursors. Development 2023; 150:dev201229. [PMID: 36994838 PMCID: PMC10259516 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Transcriptional networks governing cardiac precursor cell (CPC) specification are incompletely understood owing, in part, to limitations in distinguishing CPCs from non-cardiac mesoderm in early gastrulation. We leveraged detection of early cardiac lineage transgenes within a granular single-cell transcriptomic time course of mouse embryos to identify emerging CPCs and describe their transcriptional profiles. Mesp1, a transiently expressed mesodermal transcription factor, is canonically described as an early regulator of cardiac specification. However, we observed perdurance of CPC transgene-expressing cells in Mesp1 mutants, albeit mislocalized, prompting us to investigate the scope of the role of Mesp1 in CPC emergence and differentiation. Mesp1 mutant CPCs failed to robustly activate markers of cardiomyocyte maturity and crucial cardiac transcription factors, yet they exhibited transcriptional profiles resembling cardiac mesoderm progressing towards cardiomyocyte fates. Single-cell chromatin accessibility analysis defined a Mesp1-dependent developmental breakpoint in cardiac lineage progression at a shift from mesendoderm transcriptional networks to those necessary for cardiac patterning and morphogenesis. These results reveal Mesp1-independent aspects of early CPC specification and underscore a Mesp1-dependent regulatory landscape required for progression through cardiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Leigh Krup
- Biomedical Sciences Program, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Gladstone Institutes of Cardiovascular Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Sarah A. B. Winchester
- Gladstone Institutes of Cardiovascular Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Sanjeev S. Ranade
- Gladstone Institutes of Cardiovascular Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Ayushi Agrawal
- Gladstone Institutes of Cardiovascular Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - W. Patrick Devine
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Tanvi Sinha
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Krishna Choudhary
- Gladstone Institutes of Cardiovascular Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Martin H. Dominguez
- Gladstone Institutes of Cardiovascular Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Cardiovascular Institute and Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Reuben Thomas
- Gladstone Institutes of Cardiovascular Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Brian L. Black
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Deepak Srivastava
- Gladstone Institutes of Cardiovascular Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Roddenberry Center for Stem Cell Biology and Medicine, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Benoit G. Bruneau
- Gladstone Institutes of Cardiovascular Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Roddenberry Center for Stem Cell Biology and Medicine, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
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Zhou Y, Chen L, Ni S. Identification and functional characterization of zebrafish ELAVL1b as a new member of antimicrobial protein. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 135:108671. [PMID: 36893928 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2023.108671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that ELAVL1 play multiple roles and may be associated with immune response. However, it remains largely unknown about the direct roles of ELAVL1 during a bacterial infection. After reporting the zebrafish ELAVL1a is a maternal immune factor that can protect zebrafish embryos from bacterial infection, here we studied the immune function of zebrafish ELAVL1b. In this study, we showed that zebrafish elavl1b was markedly up-regulated by LTA and LPS treatment, suggesting it may be involved in anti-infectious responses. We also showed that zebrafish recombinant ELAVL1b (rELAVL1b) could bind to both the Gram-positive and negative bacteria M. luteus and S. aureus, E. coli and A. hydrophila as well as their signature molecules LTA and LPS, hinting it may act as a pattern recognition receptor, capable of identifying pathogens. In addition, rELAVL1b could directly kill the Gram-positive and negative bacteria tested via inducing membrane depolarization and intracellular ROS production. Collectively, our results indicate that zebrafish ELAVL1b plays an immune-relevant role as a newly-characterized antimicrobial protein. This work also provides further information to understand the biological roles of ELAVL family and the innate immunity in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhou
- School of bioscience and technology, Weifang medical university, Weifang, 261053, Shandong Province, China
| | - Lu Chen
- School of pharmacy, Weifang medical university, Weifang, 261053, Shandong Province, China
| | - Shousheng Ni
- School of bioscience and technology, Weifang medical university, Weifang, 261053, Shandong Province, China.
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10
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Winstanley-Zarach P, Rot G, Kuba S, Smagul A, Peffers MJ, Tew SR. Analysis of RNA Polyadenylation in Healthy and Osteoarthritic Human Articular Cartilage. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:6611. [PMID: 37047586 PMCID: PMC10094766 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076611] [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: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Polyadenylation (polyA) defines the 3' boundary of a transcript's genetic information. Its position can vary and alternative polyadenylation (APA) transcripts can exist for a gene. This causes variance in 3' regulatory domains and can affect coding sequence if intronic events occur. The distribution of polyA sites on articular chondrocyte transcripts has not been studied so we aimed to define their transcriptome-wide location in age-matched healthy and osteoarthritic knee articular cartilage. Total RNA was isolated from frozen tissue samples and analysed using the QuantSeq-Reverse 3' RNA sequencing approach, where each read runs 3' to 5' from within the polyA tail into the transcript and contains a distinct polyA site. Differential expression of transcripts was significant altered between healthy and osteoarthritic samples with enrichment for functionalities that were strongly associated with joint pathology. Subsequent examination of polyA site data allowed us to define the extent of site usage across all the samples. When comparing healthy and osteoarthritic samples, we found that differential use of polyadenylation sites was modest. However, in the genes affected, there was potential for the APA to have functional relevance. We have characterised the polyadenylation landscape of human knee articular chondrocytes and conclude that osteoarthritis does not elicit a widespread change in their polyadenylation site usage. This finding differentiates knee osteoarthritis from pathologies such as cancer where APA is more commonly observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phaedra Winstanley-Zarach
- Centre for Integrated Research into Musculoskeletal Ageing (CIMA), Department of Musculoskeletal and Ageing Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK
| | - Gregor Rot
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Amphipôle, Quartier UNIL-Sorge, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Shweta Kuba
- Centre for Integrated Research into Musculoskeletal Ageing (CIMA), Department of Musculoskeletal and Ageing Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK
- School of Health and Life Sciences, National Horizons Centre, Teesside University, Darlington DL1 1HG, UK
| | - Aibek Smagul
- Centre for Integrated Research into Musculoskeletal Ageing (CIMA), Department of Musculoskeletal and Ageing Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK
| | - Mandy J. Peffers
- Centre for Integrated Research into Musculoskeletal Ageing (CIMA), Department of Musculoskeletal and Ageing Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK
| | - Simon R. Tew
- Centre for Integrated Research into Musculoskeletal Ageing (CIMA), Department of Musculoskeletal and Ageing Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK
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Patil P, Doshi G. Deciphering the Role of Pyroptosis Impact on Cardiovascular Diseases. Curr Drug Targets 2023; 24:1166-1183. [PMID: 38164730 DOI: 10.2174/0113894501267496231102114410] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Pyroptosis has become a noteworthy area of focus in recent years due to its association with inflammatory diseases. Pyroptosis is a type of programmed cell death accompanied by an inflammatory response, and the discovery of the gasdermin family has expanded the study of pyroptosis. The primary characteristics of pyroptosis include cell expansion, membrane penetration, and the ejection of cell contents. In healthy physiology, pyroptosis is an essential part of the host's defence against pathogen infection. Excessive Pyroptosis, however, can lead to unchecked and persistent inflammatory responses, including the emergence of inflammatory diseases. More precisely, gasdermin family members have a role in the creation of membrane holes during pyroptosis, which leads to cell lysis. It is also related to how pro-inflammatory intracellular substances, including IL-1, IL-18, and High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), are used. Two different signalling pathways, one of which is regulated by caspase-1 and the other by caspase-4/5/11, are the primary causes of pyroptosis. Cardiovascular diseases are often associated with cell death and acute or chronic inflammation, making this area of research particularly relevant. In this review, we first systematically summarize recent findings related to Pyroptosis, exploring its characteristics and the signalling pathway mechanisms, as well as various treatment strategies based on its modulation that has emerged from the studies. Some of these strategies are currently undergoing clinical trials. Additionally, the article elaborates on the scientific evidence indicating the role of Pyroptosis in various cardiovascular diseases. As a whole, this should shed insight into future paths and present innovative ideas for employing Pyroptosis as a strong disease-fighting weapon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poonam Patil
- Department of Pharmacology, SVKM's Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, VLM Road, Vile Parle (w), Mumbai, 400056, India
| | - Gaurav Doshi
- Department of Pharmacology, SVKM's Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, VLM Road, Vile Parle (w), Mumbai, 400056, India
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12
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Blatnik MC, Gallagher TL, Amacher SL. Keeping development on time: Insights into post-transcriptional mechanisms driving oscillatory gene expression during vertebrate segmentation. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2023; 14:e1751. [PMID: 35851751 PMCID: PMC9840655 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Biological time keeping, or the duration and tempo at which biological processes occur, is a phenomenon that drives dynamic molecular and morphological changes that manifest throughout many facets of life. In some cases, the molecular mechanisms regulating the timing of biological transitions are driven by genetic oscillations, or periodic increases and decreases in expression of genes described collectively as a "molecular clock." In vertebrate animals, molecular clocks play a crucial role in fundamental patterning and cell differentiation processes throughout development. For example, during early vertebrate embryogenesis, the segmentation clock regulates the patterning of the embryonic mesoderm into segmented blocks of tissue called somites, which later give rise to axial skeletal muscle and vertebrae. Segmentation clock oscillations are characterized by rapid cycles of mRNA and protein expression. For segmentation clock oscillations to persist, the transcript and protein molecules of clock genes must be short-lived. Faithful, rhythmic, genetic oscillations are sustained by precise regulation at many levels, including post-transcriptional regulation, and such mechanisms are essential for proper vertebrate development. This article is categorized under: RNA Export and Localization > RNA Localization RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Regulation of RNA Stability Translation > Regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica C. Blatnik
- The Ohio State University, Department of Molecular Genetics, Columbus, Ohio, 43210-1132, United States
| | - Thomas L. Gallagher
- The Ohio State University, Department of Molecular Genetics, Columbus, Ohio, 43210-1132, United States
| | - Sharon L. Amacher
- The Ohio State University, Department of Molecular Genetics, Columbus, Ohio, 43210-1132, United States
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13
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Cheng S, Park M, Yong J. RNA and Protein Interactomes of an RNA-Binding Protein Tagged with FLAG Epitopes Using Combinatory Approaches of Genome Engineering and Stable Transfection. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2666:247-263. [PMID: 37166670 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3191-1_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
To study the function of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), an overexpression or knockout approach is generally used. However, as many RBPs are essential to cellular functions, the complete knockout of these proteins may be lethal to the cell. Overexpression of RBPs, on the other hand, may create an altered transcriptome and aberrant phenotypes that can mask their physiological function. Additionally, biochemical characterization of RBP often requires highly specific antibodies for efficient immunoprecipitation for downstream mass spectrometry or RNA footprinting profiling. To overcome these hurdles, we have developed a strategy to generate cellular systems either using a CRISPR-Cas9-mediated epitope tag knock-in approach or a two-step workflow to first stably express an exogenous Flag-tagged RBP and subsequently knockout the endogenous RBP using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing. The generation of these cell lines will be beneficial for downstream RNA footprinting studies and mass spectrometry-mediated interactome studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sze Cheng
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Meeyeon Park
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Jeongsik Yong
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
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14
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Smith MR, Costa G. RNA-binding proteins and translation control in angiogenesis. FEBS J 2022; 289:7788-7809. [PMID: 34796614 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Tissue vascularization through the process of angiogenesis ensures adequate oxygen and nutrient supply during development and regeneration. The complex morphogenetic events involved in new blood vessel formation are orchestrated by a tightly regulated crosstalk between extra and intracellular factors. In this context, RNA-binding protein (RBP) activity and protein translation play fundamental roles during the cellular responses triggered by particular environmental cues. A solid body of work has demonstrated that key RBPs (such as HuR, TIS11 proteins, hnRNPs, NF90, QKIs and YB1) are implicated in both physiological and pathological angiogenesis. These RBPs are critical for the metabolism of messenger (m)RNAs encoding angiogenic modulators and, importantly, strong evidence suggests that RBP-mRNA interactions can be altered in disease. Lesser known, but not less important, the mechanistic aspects of protein synthesis can also regulate the generation of new vessels. In this review, we outline the key findings demonstrating the implications of RBP-mediated RNA regulation and translation control in angiogenesis. Furthermore, we highlight how these mechanisms of post-transcriptional control of gene expression have led to promising therapeutic strategies aimed at targeting undesired blood vessel formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine R Smith
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University, Belfast, UK
| | - Guilherme Costa
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University, Belfast, UK
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15
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Wang Y, Tai YL, Way G, Zeng J, Zhao D, Su L, Jiang X, Jackson KG, Wang X, Gurley EC, Liu J, Liu J, Chen W, Wang XY, Sanyal AJ, Hylemon PB, Zhou H. RNA binding protein HuR protects against NAFLD by suppressing long noncoding RNA H19 expression. Cell Biosci 2022; 12:172. [PMID: 36224648 PMCID: PMC9558407 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-022-00910-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND NAFLD has become the most common chronic liver disease worldwide. Human antigen R (HuR), an RNA-binding protein, is an important post-transcriptional regulator. HuR has been reported as a key player in regulating lipid homeostasis in the liver and adipose tissues by using tissue-specific HuR knockout mice. However, the underlying mechanism by which hepatocyte-specific HuR regulates hepatic lipid metabolism under metabolic stress remains unclear and is the focus of this study. METHODS Hepatocyte-specific HuR deficient mice (HuRhKO) and age-/gender-matched control mice, as well as long-noncoding RNA H19 knockout mice (H19-/-), were fed a Western Diet plus sugar water (WDSW). Hepatic lipid accumulation, inflammation and fibrosis were examined by histology, RNA transcriptome analysis, qRT-PCR, and Western blot analysis. Bile acid composition was measured using LC-MS/MS. RESULTS Hepatocyte-specific deletion of HuR not only significantly increased hepatic lipid accumulation by modulating fatty acid synthesis and metabolism but also markedly induced inflammation by increasing immune cell infiltration and neutrophil activation under metabolic stress. In addition, hepatic deficiency of HuR disrupted bile acid homeostasis and enhanced liver fibrosis. Mechanistically, HuR is a repressor of H19 expression. Analysis of a recently published dataset (GSE143358) identified H19 as the top-upregulated gene in liver-specific HuR knockout mice. Similarly, hepatocyte-specific deficiency of HuR dramatically induced the expression of H19 and sphingosine-1 phosphate receptor 2 (S1PR2), but reduced the expression of sphingosine kinase 2 (SphK2). WDSW-induced hepatic lipid accumulation was alleviated in H19-/- mice. Furthermore, the downregulation of H19 alleviated WDSW-induced NAFLD in HuRhKO mice. CONCLUSIONS HuR not only functions as an RNA binding protein to modulate post-transcriptional gene expression but also regulates H19 promoter activity. Hepatic HuR is an important regulator of hepatic lipid metabolism via modulating H19 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Wang
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, 1220 East Broad Street, MMRB-5044, Richmond, VA 23298-0678 USA
- McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA USA
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Yun-Ling Tai
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, 1220 East Broad Street, MMRB-5044, Richmond, VA 23298-0678 USA
| | - Grayson Way
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, 1220 East Broad Street, MMRB-5044, Richmond, VA 23298-0678 USA
- Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298 USA
| | - Jing Zeng
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, 1220 East Broad Street, MMRB-5044, Richmond, VA 23298-0678 USA
| | - Derrick Zhao
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, 1220 East Broad Street, MMRB-5044, Richmond, VA 23298-0678 USA
- McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA USA
| | - Lianyong Su
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, 1220 East Broad Street, MMRB-5044, Richmond, VA 23298-0678 USA
- McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA USA
| | - Xixian Jiang
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, 1220 East Broad Street, MMRB-5044, Richmond, VA 23298-0678 USA
- McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA USA
| | - Kaitlyn G. Jackson
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, 1220 East Broad Street, MMRB-5044, Richmond, VA 23298-0678 USA
- McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA USA
| | - Xuan Wang
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, 1220 East Broad Street, MMRB-5044, Richmond, VA 23298-0678 USA
- McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA USA
| | - Emily C. Gurley
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, 1220 East Broad Street, MMRB-5044, Richmond, VA 23298-0678 USA
- McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA USA
| | - Jinze Liu
- Department of Biostatistics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA USA
| | - Jinpeng Liu
- Department of Computer Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY USA
| | - Weidong Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Xiang-Yang Wang
- McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA USA
- Department of Human & Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA USA
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA USA
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA USA
| | - Arun J. Sanyal
- Department of Internal Medicine/GI Division, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA USA
| | - Phillip B. Hylemon
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, 1220 East Broad Street, MMRB-5044, Richmond, VA 23298-0678 USA
- McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA USA
| | - Huiping Zhou
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, 1220 East Broad Street, MMRB-5044, Richmond, VA 23298-0678 USA
- McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA USA
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Hutchins EJ, Gandhi S, Chacon J, Piacentino M, Bronner ME. RNA-binding protein Elavl1/HuR is required for maintenance of cranial neural crest specification. eLife 2022; 11:e63600. [PMID: 36189921 PMCID: PMC9529247 DOI: 10.7554/elife.63600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
While neural crest development is known to be transcriptionally controlled via sequential activation of gene regulatory networks (GRNs), recent evidence increasingly implicates a role for post-transcriptional regulation in modulating the output of these regulatory circuits. Using available single-cell RNA-sequencing datasets from avian embryos to identify potential post-transcriptional regulators, we found that Elavl1, which encodes for an RNA-binding protein with roles in transcript stability, was enriched in the premigratory cranial neural crest. Perturbation of Elavl1 resulted in premature neural crest delamination from the neural tube as well as significant reduction in transcripts associated with the neural crest specification GRN, phenotypes that are also observed with downregulation of the canonical Wnt inhibitor Draxin. That Draxin is the primary target for stabilization by Elavl1 during cranial neural crest specification was shown by RNA-sequencing, RNA immunoprecipitation, RNA decay measurement, and proximity ligation assays, further supporting the idea that the downregulation of neural crest specifier expression upon Elavl1 knockdown was largely due to loss of Draxin. Importantly, exogenous Draxin rescued cranial neural crest specification defects observed with Elavl1 knockdown. Thus, Elavl1 plays a critical a role in the maintenance of cranial neural crest specification via Draxin mRNA stabilization. Together, these data highlight an important intersection of post-transcriptional regulation with modulation of the neural crest specification GRN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica J Hutchins
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of TechnologyPasadenaUnited States
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Shashank Gandhi
- The Miller Institute for Basic Research in Science, University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
| | - Jose Chacon
- Department of Biology, School of Math and Science, California State University NorthridgeNorthridgeUnited States
| | - Michael Piacentino
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of TechnologyPasadenaUnited States
| | - Marianne E Bronner
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of TechnologyPasadenaUnited States
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17
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Hu Antigen R (HuR) Protein Structure, Function and Regulation in Hepatobiliary Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14112666. [PMID: 35681645 PMCID: PMC9179498 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14112666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hepatobiliary tumors are a group of primary malignancies encompassing the liver, the intra- and extra-hepatic biliary tracts, and the gall bladder. Within the liver, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary cancer, which is, also, representing the third-most recurrent cause of cancer-associated death and the sixth-most prevalent type of tumor worldwide, nowadays. Although less frequent, cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is, currently, a fatal cancer with limited therapeutic options. Here, we review the regulatory role of Hu antigen R (HuR), a ubiquitous member of the ELAV/Hu family of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), in the pathogenesis, progression, and treatment of HCC and CCA. Overall, HuR is proposed as a valuable diagnostic and prognostic marker, as well as a therapeutic target in hepatobiliary cancers. Therefore, novel therapeutic approaches that can selectively modulate HuR function appear to be highly attractive for the clinical management of these types of tumors. Abstract Hu antigen R (HuR) is a 36-kDa ubiquitous member of the ELAV/Hu family of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), which plays an important role as a post-transcriptional regulator of specific RNAs under physiological and pathological conditions, including cancer. Herein, we review HuR protein structure, function, and its regulation, as well as its implications in the pathogenesis, progression, and treatment of hepatobiliary cancers. In particular, we focus on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), tumors where the increased cytoplasmic localization of HuR and activity are proposed, as valuable diagnostic and prognostic markers. An overview of the main regulatory axes involving HuR, which are associated with cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, apoptosis, and autophagy in HCC, is provided. These include the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational modulators of HuR function, in addition to HuR target transcripts. Finally, whereas studies addressing the relevance of targeting HuR in CCA are limited, in the past few years, HuR has emerged as a potential therapeutic target in HCC. In fact, the therapeutic efficacy of some pharmacological inhibitors of HuR has been evaluated, in early experimental models of HCC. We, further, discuss the major findings and future perspectives of therapeutic approaches that specifically block HuR interactions, either with post-translational modifiers or cognate transcripts in hepatobiliary cancers.
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18
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Wu X, Xu L. The RNA-binding protein HuR in human cancer: A friend or foe? Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 184:114179. [PMID: 35248670 PMCID: PMC9035123 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are critical trans factors that associate with specific cis elements present in mRNAs whose stability and translation are subject to regulation. The RBP Hu antigen R (HuR) is overexpressed in a wide variety of human cancers and serves as a prognostic factor of poor clinical outcome. HuR promotes tumorigenesis by interacting with a subset of oncogenic mRNAs implicated in different cancer hallmarks, and resistance to therapy. Reduction of HuR levels in cancer cells leads to tumor regression in mouse xenograft models. These findings prompt a working model whereby cancer cells use HuR, a master switch of multiple oncogenic mRNAs, to drive drug resistance and promote cell survival and metastasis, thus rendering the tumor cells with high cytoplasmic HuR more progressive and resistant to therapy. This review summarizes the roles of HuR in cancer and other diseases, therapeutic potential of HuR inhibition, and the current status of drug discovery on HuR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqing Wu
- Higuchi Biosciences Center, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA; The University of Kansas Cancer Center, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.
| | - Liang Xu
- The University of Kansas Cancer Center, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA; Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA; Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.
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19
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Wei L, Lai EC. Regulation of the Alternative Neural Transcriptome by ELAV/Hu RNA Binding Proteins. Front Genet 2022; 13:848626. [PMID: 35281806 PMCID: PMC8904962 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.848626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The process of alternative polyadenylation (APA) generates multiple 3' UTR isoforms for a given locus, which can alter regulatory capacity and on occasion change coding potential. APA was initially characterized for a few genes, but in the past decade, has been found to be the rule for metazoan genes. While numerous differences in APA profiles have been catalogued across genetic conditions, perturbations, and diseases, our knowledge of APA mechanisms and biology is far from complete. In this review, we highlight recent findings regarding the role of the conserved ELAV/Hu family of RNA binding proteins (RBPs) in generating the broad landscape of lengthened 3' UTRs that is characteristic of neurons. We relate this to their established roles in alternative splicing, and summarize ongoing directions that will further elucidate the molecular strategies for neural APA, the in vivo functions of ELAV/Hu RBPs, and the phenotypic consequences of these regulatory paradigms in neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wei
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Eric C. Lai
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY, United States
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20
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Assoni G, La Pietra V, Digilio R, Ciani C, Licata NV, Micaelli M, Facen E, Tomaszewska W, Cerofolini L, Pérez-Ràfols A, Varela Rey M, Fragai M, Woodhoo A, Marinelli L, Arosio D, Bonomo I, Provenzani A, Seneci P. HuR-targeted agents: An insight into medicinal chemistry, biophysical, computational studies and pharmacological effects on cancer models. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 181:114088. [PMID: 34942276 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.114088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The Human antigen R (HuR) protein is an RNA-binding protein, ubiquitously expressed in human tissues, that orchestrates target RNA maturation and processing both in the nucleus and in the cytoplasm. A survey of known modulators of the RNA-HuR interactions is followed by a description of its structure and molecular mechanism of action - RRM domains, interactions with RNA, dimerization, binding modes with naturally occurring and synthetic HuR inhibitors. Then, the review focuses on HuR as a validated molecular target in oncology and briefly describes its role in inflammation. Namely, we show ample evidence for the involvement of HuR in the hallmarks and enabling characteristics of cancer, reporting findings from in vitro and in vivo studies; and we provide abundant experimental proofs of a beneficial role for the inhibition of HuR-mRNA interactions through silencing (CRISPR, siRNA) or pharmacological inhibition (small molecule HuR inhibitors).
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Assoni
- Chemistry Department, University of Milan, Via Golgi 19, I-20133 Milan, Italy; Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Valeria La Pietra
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Rosangela Digilio
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Caterina Ciani
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Nausicaa Valentina Licata
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Mariachiara Micaelli
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Elisa Facen
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Weronika Tomaszewska
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Linda Cerofolini
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence and Interuniversity Consortium for Magnetic Resonance of Metalloproteins (CIRMMP), Via L. Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Anna Pérez-Ràfols
- Giotto Biotech S.R.L., Via Madonna del Piano 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Marta Varela Rey
- Gene Regulatory Control in Disease Group, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), University of Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Marco Fragai
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence and Interuniversity Consortium for Magnetic Resonance of Metalloproteins (CIRMMP), Via L. Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Ashwin Woodhoo
- Gene Regulatory Control in Disease Group, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), University of Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Department of Functional Biology, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Galician Agency of Innovation (GAIN), Xunta de Galicia, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, Building 801A, 48160 Derio, Spain; IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao 48013, Spain
| | - Luciana Marinelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Daniela Arosio
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche "G. Natta" (SCITEC), National Research Council (CNR), Via C. Golgi 19, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Isabelle Bonomo
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Alessandro Provenzani
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy.
| | - Pierfausto Seneci
- Chemistry Department, University of Milan, Via Golgi 19, I-20133 Milan, Italy.
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21
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Raguraman R, Shanmugarama S, Mehta M, Elle Peterson J, Zhao YD, Munshi A, Ramesh R. Drug delivery approaches for HuR-targeted therapy for lung cancer. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 180:114068. [PMID: 34822926 PMCID: PMC8724414 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.114068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Lung cancer (LC) is often diagnosed at an advanced stage and conventional treatments for disease management have limitations associated with them. Novel therapeutic targets are thus avidly sought for the effective management of LC. RNA binding proteins (RBPs) have been convincingly established as key players in tumorigenesis, and their dysregulation is linked to multiple cancers, including LC. In this context, we review the role of Human antigen R (HuR), an RBP that is overexpressed in LC, and further associated with various aspects of LC tumor growth and response to therapy. Herein, we describe the role of HuR in LC progression and outline the evidences supporting various pharmacologic and biologic approaches for inhibiting HuR expression and function. These approaches, including use of small molecule inhibitors, siRNAs and shRNAs, have demonstrated favorable results in reducing tumor cell growth, invasion and migration, angiogenesis and metastasis. Hence, HuR has significant potential as a key therapeutic target in LC. Use of siRNA-based approaches, however, have certain limitations that prevent their maximal exploitation as cancer therapies. To address this, in the conclusion of this review, we provide a list of nanomedicine-based HuR targeting approaches currently being employed for siRNA and shRNA delivery, and provide a rationale for the immense potential therapeutic benefits offered by nanocarrier-based HuR targeting and its promise for treating patients with LC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajeswari Raguraman
- Department of Pathology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Santny Shanmugarama
- Department of Pathology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Meghna Mehta
- Radiation Oncology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Jo Elle Peterson
- Department of Pathology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Yan D Zhao
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Anupama Munshi
- Radiation Oncology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Rajagopal Ramesh
- Department of Pathology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
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22
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Trivlidis J, Aloufi N, Al-Habeeb F, Nair P, Azuelos I, Eidelman DH, Baglole CJ. HuR drives lung fibroblast differentiation but not metabolic reprogramming in response to TGF-β and hypoxia. Respir Res 2021; 22:323. [PMID: 34963461 PMCID: PMC8715577 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-021-01916-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pulmonary fibrosis is thought to be driven by recurrent alveolar epithelial injury which leads to the differentiation of fibroblasts into α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)-expressing myofibroblasts and subsequent deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM). Transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1) plays a key role in fibroblast differentiation, which we have recently shown involves human antigen R (HuR). HuR is an RNA binding protein that also increases the translation of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF-1α) mRNA, a transcription factor critical for inducing a metabolic shift from oxidative phosphorylation towards glycolysis. This metabolic shift may cause fibroblast differentiation. We hypothesized that under hypoxic conditions, HuR controls myofibroblast differentiation and glycolytic reprogramming in human lung fibroblasts (HLFs). Methods Primary HLFs were cultured in the presence (or absence) of TGF-β1 (5 ng/ml) under hypoxic (1% O2) or normoxic (21% O2) conditions. Evaluation included mRNA and protein expression of glycolytic and myofibroblast/ECM markers by qRT-PCR and western blot. Metabolic profiling was done by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H- NMR). Separate experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of HuR on metabolic reprogramming using siRNA-mediated knock-down. Results Hypoxia alone had no significant effect on fibroblast differentiation or metabolic reprogramming. While hypoxia- together with TGFβ1- increased mRNA levels of differentiation and glycolysis genes, such as ACTA2, LDHA, and HK2, protein levels of α-SMA and collagen 1 were significantly reduced. Hypoxia induced cytoplasmic translocation of HuR. Knockdown of HuR reduced features of fibroblast differentiation in response to TGF-β1 with and without hypoxia, including α-SMA and the ECM marker collagen I, but had no effect on lactate secretion. Conclusions Hypoxia reduced myofibroblasts differentiation and lactate secretion in conjunction with TGF-β. HuR is an important protein in the regulation of myofibroblast differentiation but does not control glycolysis in HLFs in response to hypoxia. More research is needed to understand the functional implications of HuR in IPF pathogenesis.
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23
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Osma-Garcia IC, Capitan-Sobrino D, Mouysset M, Bell SE, Lebeurrier M, Turner M, Diaz-Muñoz MD. The RNA-binding protein HuR is required for maintenance of the germinal centre response. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6556. [PMID: 34772950 PMCID: PMC8590059 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26908-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The germinal centre (GC) is required for the generation of high affinity antibodies and immunological memory. Here we show that the RNA binding protein HuR has an essential function in GC B cells to sustain the GC response. In its absence, the GC reaction and production of high-affinity antibody is severely impaired. Mechanistically, HuR affects the transcriptome qualitatively and quantitatively. The expression and splicing patterns of hundreds of genes are altered in the absence of HuR. Among these genes, HuR is required for the expression of Myc and a Myc-dependent transcriptional program that controls GC B cell proliferation and Ig somatic hypermutation. Additionally, HuR regulates the splicing and abundance of mRNAs required for entry into and transition through the S phase of the cell cycle, and it modulates a gene signature associated with DNA deamination protecting GC B cells from DNA damage and cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines C Osma-Garcia
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (Infinity), Inserm UMR1291, CNRS UMR5051, University Paul Sabatier, CHU Purpan, Toulouse, France
| | - Dunja Capitan-Sobrino
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (Infinity), Inserm UMR1291, CNRS UMR5051, University Paul Sabatier, CHU Purpan, Toulouse, France
| | - Mailys Mouysset
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (Infinity), Inserm UMR1291, CNRS UMR5051, University Paul Sabatier, CHU Purpan, Toulouse, France
| | - Sarah E Bell
- Immunology Program, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Manuel Lebeurrier
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (Infinity), Inserm UMR1291, CNRS UMR5051, University Paul Sabatier, CHU Purpan, Toulouse, France
| | - Martin Turner
- Immunology Program, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK.
| | - Manuel D Diaz-Muñoz
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (Infinity), Inserm UMR1291, CNRS UMR5051, University Paul Sabatier, CHU Purpan, Toulouse, France. .,Immunology Program, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK.
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24
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Si R, Cabrera JTO, Tsuji-Hosokawa A, Guo R, Watanabe M, Gao L, Lee YS, Moon JS, Scott BT, Wang J, Ashton AW, Rao JN, Wang JY, Yuan JXJ, Makino A. HuR/Cx40 downregulation causes coronary microvascular dysfunction in type 2 diabetes. JCI Insight 2021; 6:147982. [PMID: 34747371 PMCID: PMC8663561 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.147982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with diabetes with coronary microvascular disease (CMD) exhibit higher cardiac mortality than patients without CMD. However, the molecular mechanism by which diabetes promotes CMD is poorly understood. RNA-binding protein human antigen R (HuR) is a key regulator of mRNA stability and translation; therefore, we investigated the role of HuR in the development of CMD in mice with type 2 diabetes. Diabetic mice exhibited decreases in coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR; a determinant of coronary microvascular function) and capillary density in the left ventricle. HuR levels in cardiac endothelial cells (CECs) were significantly lower in diabetic mice and patients with diabetes than the controls. Endothelial-specific HuR-KO mice also displayed significant reductions in CFVR and capillary density. By examining mRNA levels of 92 genes associated with endothelial function, we found that HuR, Cx40, and Nox4 levels were decreased in CECs from diabetic and HuR-KO mice compared with control mice. Cx40 expression and HuR binding to Cx40 mRNA were downregulated in CECs from diabetic mice. Cx40-KO mice exhibited decreased CFVR and capillary density, whereas endothelium-specific Cx40 overexpression increased capillary density and improved CFVR in diabetic mice. These data suggest that decreased HuR contributes to the development of CMD in diabetes through downregulation of gap junction protein Cx40 in CECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Si
- Department of Physiology, The University of Arizona (UA), Tucson, Arizona, USA.,Department of Cardiology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Shaanxi, China
| | | | | | - Rui Guo
- Department of Physiology, The University of Arizona (UA), Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Makiko Watanabe
- Department of Physiology, The University of Arizona (UA), Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Lei Gao
- Department of Medicine, UCSD, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Yun Sok Lee
- Department of Medicine, UCSD, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Jae-Su Moon
- Department of Medicine, UCSD, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Brian T Scott
- Department of Medicine, UCSD, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Physiology, The University of Arizona (UA), Tucson, Arizona, USA.,State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Anthony W Ashton
- Division of Perinatal Research, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jaladanki N Rao
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jian-Ying Wang
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Ayako Makino
- Department of Physiology, The University of Arizona (UA), Tucson, Arizona, USA.,Department of Medicine, UCSD, La Jolla, California, USA
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25
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Bataclan M, Leoni C, Monticelli S. RNA-binding proteins and RNA methylation in myeloid cells. Immunol Rev 2021; 304:51-61. [PMID: 34523134 PMCID: PMC7615035 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13025] [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: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) regulate all aspects of the life of mRNA transcripts. They are critically important in regulating immune responses, most notably by restraining excessive inflammation that can potentially lead to tissue damage. RBPs are also crucial for pathogen sensing, for instance for the recognition of viral nucleic acids. Concordant with these central regulatory roles, the dysregulated activity of many RBPs can give rise to disease. The expression and function of RBPs are therefore highly controlled by an elaborate network of transcriptional, post-transcriptional and post-translational mechanisms, including the ability of different RBPs to cross-regulate each other's expression. With an emphasis on macrophages and mast cells, we review current knowledge on the role of selected RBPs that have been shown to directly impact the expression of inflammatory transcripts. By focusing specifically on proteins of the Regnase and ZFP36 family, as well as on factors involved in N6 -methyladenosine (m6 A) deposition and recognition, we discuss mechanism of action, regulatory feedback, and impact of these selected proteins on immune responses. Finally, we include examples of the role of m6 A and RBPs in the recognition of viral RNAs. Overall, we provide a general overview of the impact of selected RBPs on the myeloid compartment, followed by a discussion of outstanding questions and challenges for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marian Bataclan
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera italiana, Via Vincenzo Vela 6, CH-6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Cristina Leoni
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera italiana, Via Vincenzo Vela 6, CH-6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Silvia Monticelli
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera italiana, Via Vincenzo Vela 6, CH-6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
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26
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Shi DL, Grifone R. RNA-Binding Proteins in the Post-transcriptional Control of Skeletal Muscle Development, Regeneration and Disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:738978. [PMID: 34616743 PMCID: PMC8488162 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.738978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryonic myogenesis is a temporally and spatially regulated process that generates skeletal muscle of the trunk and limbs. During this process, mononucleated myoblasts derived from myogenic progenitor cells within the somites undergo proliferation, migration and differentiation to elongate and fuse into multinucleated functional myofibers. Skeletal muscle is the most abundant tissue of the body and has the remarkable ability to self-repair by re-activating the myogenic program in muscle stem cells, known as satellite cells. Post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression mediated by RNA-binding proteins is critically required for muscle development during embryogenesis and for muscle homeostasis in the adult. Differential subcellular localization and activity of RNA-binding proteins orchestrates target gene expression at multiple levels to regulate different steps of myogenesis. Dysfunctions of these post-transcriptional regulators impair muscle development and homeostasis, but also cause defects in motor neurons or the neuromuscular junction, resulting in muscle degeneration and neuromuscular disease. Many RNA-binding proteins, such as members of the muscle blind-like (MBNL) and CUG-BP and ETR-3-like factors (CELF) families, display both overlapping and distinct targets in muscle cells. Thus they function either cooperatively or antagonistically to coordinate myoblast proliferation and differentiation. Evidence is accumulating that the dynamic interplay of their regulatory activity may control the progression of myogenic program as well as stem cell quiescence and activation. Moreover, the role of RNA-binding proteins that regulate post-transcriptional modification in the myogenic program is far less understood as compared with transcription factors involved in myogenic specification and differentiation. Here we review past achievements and recent advances in understanding the functions of RNA-binding proteins during skeletal muscle development, regeneration and disease, with the aim to identify the fundamental questions that are still open for further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- De-Li Shi
- Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China.,Developmental Biology Laboratory, CNRS-UMR 7622, Institut de Biologie de Paris-Seine, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Raphaëlle Grifone
- Developmental Biology Laboratory, CNRS-UMR 7622, Institut de Biologie de Paris-Seine, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
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27
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Borgonetti V, Coppi E, Galeotti N. Targeting the RNA-Binding Protein HuR as Potential Thera-Peutic Approach for Neurological Disorders: Focus on Amyo-Trophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Spinal Muscle Atrophy (SMA) and Multiple Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910394. [PMID: 34638733 PMCID: PMC8508990 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The importance of precise co- and post-transcriptional processing of RNA in the regulation of gene expression has become increasingly clear. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are a class of proteins that bind single- or double-chain RNA, with different affinities and selectivity, thus regulating the various functions of RNA and the fate of the cells themselves. ELAV (embryonic lethal/abnormal visual system)/Hu proteins represent an important family of RBPs and play a key role in the fate of newly transcribed mRNA. ELAV proteins bind AU-rich element (ARE)-containing transcripts, which are usually present on the mRNA of proteins such as cytokines, growth factors, and other proteins involved in neuronal differentiation and maintenance. In this review, we focused on a member of ELAV/Hu proteins, HuR, and its role in the development of neurodegenerative disorders, with a particular focus on demyelinating diseases.
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28
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Kovarik P, Bestehorn A, Fesselet J. Conceptual Advances in Control of Inflammation by the RNA-Binding Protein Tristetraprolin. Front Immunol 2021; 12:751313. [PMID: 34603339 PMCID: PMC8484758 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.751313] [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: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulated changes in mRNA stability are critical drivers of gene expression adaptations to immunological cues. mRNA stability is controlled mainly by RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) which can directly cleave mRNA but more often act as adaptors for the recruitment of the RNA-degradation machinery. One of the most prominent RBPs with regulatory roles in the immune system is tristetraprolin (TTP). TTP targets mainly inflammation-associated mRNAs for degradation and is indispensable for the resolution of inflammation as well as the maintenance of immune homeostasis. Recent advances in the transcriptome-wide knowledge of mRNA expression and decay rates together with TTP binding sites in the target mRNAs revealed important limitations in our understanding of molecular mechanisms of TTP action. Such orthogonal analyses lead to the discovery that TTP binding destabilizes some bound mRNAs but not others in the same cell. Moreover, comparisons of various immune cells indicated that an mRNA can be destabilized by TTP in one cell type while it remains stable in a different cell linage despite the presence of TTP. The action of TTP extends from mRNA destabilization to inhibition of translation in a subset of targets. This article will discuss these unexpected context-dependent functions and their implications for the regulation of immune responses. Attention will be also payed to new insights into the role of TTP in physiology and tissue homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel Kovarik
- Max Perutz Labs, University of Vienna, Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
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29
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RNA binding motif 47 (RBM47): emerging roles in vertebrate development, RNA editing and cancer. Mol Cell Biochem 2021; 476:4493-4505. [PMID: 34499322 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-021-04256-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are critical players in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression and are associated with each event in RNA metabolism. The term 'RNA-binding motif' (RBM) is assigned to novel RBPs with one or more RNA recognition motif (RRM) domains that are mainly involved in the nuclear processing of RNAs. RBM47 is a novel RBP conserved in vertebrates with three RRM domains whose contributions to various aspects of cellular functions are as yet emerging. Loss of RBM47 function affects head morphogenesis in zebrafish embryos and leads to perinatal lethality in mouse embryos, thereby assigning it to be an essential gene in early development of vertebrates. Its function as an essential cofactor for APOBEC1 in C to U RNA editing of several targets through substitution for A1CF in the A1CF-APOBEC1 editosome, established a new paradigm in the field. Recent advances in the understanding of its involvement in cancer progression assigned RBM47 to be a tumor suppressor that acts by inhibiting EMT and Wnt/[Formula: see text]-catenin signaling through post-transcriptional regulation. RBM47 is also required to maintain immune homeostasis, which adds another facet to its regulatory role in cellular functions. Here, we review the emerging roles of RBM47 in various biological contexts and discuss the current gaps in our knowledge alongside future perspectives for the field.
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30
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Forman TE, Dennison BJC, Fantauzzo KA. The Role of RNA-Binding Proteins in Vertebrate Neural Crest and Craniofacial Development. J Dev Biol 2021; 9:34. [PMID: 34564083 PMCID: PMC8482138 DOI: 10.3390/jdb9030034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cranial neural crest (NC) cells delaminate from the neural folds in the forebrain to the hindbrain during mammalian embryogenesis and migrate into the frontonasal prominence and pharyngeal arches. These cells generate the bone and cartilage of the frontonasal skeleton, among other diverse derivatives. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) have emerged as critical regulators of NC and craniofacial development in mammals. Conventional RBPs bind to specific sequence and/or structural motifs in a target RNA via one or more RNA-binding domains to regulate multiple aspects of RNA metabolism and ultimately affect gene expression. In this review, we discuss the roles of RBPs other than core spliceosome components during human and mouse NC and craniofacial development. Where applicable, we review data on these same RBPs from additional vertebrate species, including chicken, Xenopus and zebrafish models. Knockdown or ablation of several RBPs discussed here results in altered expression of transcripts encoding components of developmental signaling pathways, as well as reduced cell proliferation and/or increased cell death, indicating that these are common mechanisms contributing to the observed phenotypes. The study of these proteins offers a relatively untapped opportunity to provide significant insight into the mechanisms underlying gene expression regulation during craniofacial morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Katherine A. Fantauzzo
- Department of Craniofacial Biology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (T.E.F.); (B.J.C.D.)
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31
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Ofir-Birin Y, Ben Ami Pilo H, Cruz Camacho A, Rudik A, Rivkin A, Revach OY, Nir N, Block Tamin T, Abou Karam P, Kiper E, Peleg Y, Nevo R, Solomon A, Havkin-Solomon T, Rojas A, Rotkopf R, Porat Z, Avni D, Schwartz E, Zillinger T, Hartmann G, Di Pizio A, Quashie NB, Dikstein R, Gerlic M, Torrecilhas AC, Levy C, Nolte-'t Hoen ENM, Bowie AG, Regev-Rudzki N. Malaria parasites both repress host CXCL10 and use it as a cue for growth acceleration. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4851. [PMID: 34381047 PMCID: PMC8357946 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24997-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogens are thought to use host molecular cues to control when to initiate life-cycle transitions, but these signals are mostly unknown, particularly for the parasitic disease malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum. The chemokine CXCL10 is present at high levels in fatal cases of cerebral malaria patients, but is reduced in patients who survive and do not have complications. Here we show a Pf 'decision-sensing-system' controlled by CXCL10 concentration. High CXCL10 expression prompts P. falciparum to initiate a survival strategy via growth acceleration. Remarkably, P. falciparum inhibits CXCL10 synthesis in monocytes by disrupting the association of host ribosomes with CXCL10 transcripts. The underlying inhibition cascade involves RNA cargo delivery into monocytes that triggers RIG-I, which leads to HUR1 binding to an AU-rich domain of the CXCL10 3'UTR. These data indicate that when the parasite can no longer keep CXCL10 at low levels, it can exploit the chemokine as a cue to shift tactics and escape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifat Ofir-Birin
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Hila Ben Ami Pilo
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Abel Cruz Camacho
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ariel Rudik
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Anna Rivkin
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Or-Yam Revach
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Netta Nir
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Tal Block Tamin
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Paula Abou Karam
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Edo Kiper
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yoav Peleg
- Structural Proteomics Unit, Department of Life Sciences Core Facilities (LSCF), Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Reinat Nevo
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Aryeh Solomon
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Tal Havkin-Solomon
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Alicia Rojas
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ron Rotkopf
- Department of Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ziv Porat
- Flow Cytometry Unit, Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Dror Avni
- The Institute of Geographic Medicine and Tropical Diseases and the Laboratory for Tropical Diseases Research, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Eli Schwartz
- The Institute of Geographic Medicine and Tropical Diseases and the Laboratory for Tropical Diseases Research, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Thomas Zillinger
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Gunther Hartmann
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Antonella Di Pizio
- Leibniz-Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Neils Ben Quashie
- Epidemiology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
- Centre for Tropical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana
| | - Rivka Dikstein
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Motti Gerlic
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ana Claudia Torrecilhas
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo, UNIFESP, Diadema, Brazil
| | - Carmit Levy
- Department of Human Genetics and Biochemistry, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Esther N M Nolte-'t Hoen
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Andrew G Bowie
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Neta Regev-Rudzki
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
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32
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Freen-van Heeren JJ. Post-transcriptional control of T-cell cytokine production: Implications for cancer therapy. Immunology 2021; 164:57-72. [PMID: 33884612 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
As part of the adaptive immune system, T cells are vital for the eradication of infected and malignantly transformed cells. To perform their protective function, T cells produce effector molecules that are either directly cytotoxic, such as granzymes, perforin, interferon-γ and tumour necrosis factor α, or attract and stimulate (immune) cells, such as interleukin-2. As these molecules can also induce immunopathology, tight control of their production is required. Indeed, inflammatory cytokine production is regulated on multiple levels. Firstly, locus accessibility and transcription factor availability and activity determine the amount of mRNA produced. Secondly, post-transcriptional mechanisms, influencing mRNA splicing/codon usage, stability, decay, localization and translation rate subsequently determine the amount of protein that is produced. In the immune suppressive environments of tumours, T cells gradually lose the capacity to produce effector molecules, resulting in tumour immune escape. Recently, the role of post-transcriptional regulation in fine-tuning T-cell effector function has become more appreciated. Furthermore, several groups have shown that exhausted or dysfunctional T cells from cancer patients or murine models possess mRNA for inflammatory mediators, but fail to produce effector molecules, hinting that post-transcriptional events also play a role in hampering tumour-infiltrating lymphocyte effector function. Here, the post-transcriptional regulatory events governing T-cell cytokine production are reviewed, with a specific focus on the importance of post-transcriptional regulation in anti-tumour responses. Furthermore, potential approaches to circumvent tumour-mediated dampening of T-cell effector function through the (dis)engagement of post-transcriptional events are explored, such as CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing or chimeric antigen receptors.
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Tian M, Wang J, Liu S, Li X, Li J, Yang J, Zhang C, Zhang W. Hepatic HuR protects against the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by targeting PTEN. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:236. [PMID: 33664225 PMCID: PMC7933173 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03514-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The liver plays an important role in lipid and glucose metabolism. Here, we show the role of human antigen R (HuR), an RNA regulator protein, in hepatocyte steatosis and glucose metabolism. We investigated the level of HuR in the liver of mice fed a normal chow diet (NCD) and a high-fat diet (HFD). HuR was downregulated in the livers of HFD-fed mice. Liver-specific HuR knockout (HuRLKO) mice showed exacerbated HFD-induced hepatic steatosis along with enhanced glucose tolerance as compared with control mice. Mechanistically, HuR could bind to the adenylate uridylate-rich elements of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on the chromosome 10 (PTEN) mRNA 3' untranslated region, resulting in the increased stability of Pten mRNA; genetic knockdown of HuR decreased the expression of PTEN. Finally, lentiviral overexpression of PTEN alleviated the development of hepatic steatosis in HuRLKO mice in vivo. Overall, HuR regulates lipid and glucose metabolism by targeting PTEN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Tian
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Cardiovascular Disease Research Center of Shandong First Medical University, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Shandong, China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- Department of Physiology & Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Shandong, China
| | - Shangming Liu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Shandong, China
| | - Xinyun Li
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jingyuan Li
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jianmin Yang
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wencheng Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
- Cardiovascular Disease Research Center of Shandong First Medical University, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Shandong, China.
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ELAVL1a is an immunocompetent protein that protects zebrafish embryos from bacterial infection. Commun Biol 2021; 4:251. [PMID: 33637956 PMCID: PMC7910469 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-01777-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that ELAVL1 plays multiple roles, but its overall biological function remains ill-defined. Here we clearly demonstrated that zebrafish ELAVL1a was a lipoteichoic acid (LTA)- and LPS-binding protein abundantly stored in the eggs/embryos of zebrafish. ELAVL1a acted not only as a pattern recognition receptor, capable of identifying LTA and LPS, as well as bacteria, but also as an effector molecule, capable of inhibiting the growth of Gram-positive and -negative bacteria. Furthermore, we reveal that the C-terminal 62 residues of ELAVL1a positioned at 181–242 were indispensable for ELAVL1a antibacterial activity. Additionally, site-directed mutagenesis revealed that the hydrophobic residues Val192/Ile193, as well as the positively charged residues Arg203/Arg204, were the functional determinants contributing to the antimicrobial activity of rELAVL1a. Importantly, microinjection of rELAVL1a into embryos markedly promoted their resistance against pathogenic Aeromonas hydrophila challenge, and this pathogen-resistant activity was considerably reduced by co-injection of anti-ELAVL1a antibody or by knockdown with morpholino for elavl1a. Collectively, our results indicate that ELAVL1a is a maternal immune factor that can protect zebrafish embryos from bacterial infection. This work also provides another angle for understanding the biological roles of ELAVL1a. Ni et al. show that RNA-binding protein ELAVL1a is abundantly stored in the eggs and embryos of zebrafish, serving as a first-line innate immune player. They find that ELAVL1a recognizes molecular patterns of bacteria to inhibit bacterial growth. This study suggests that ELAVL1a is a maternal immune factor protecting zebrafish embryos from bacterial infection.
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Chen HY, Xiao ZZ, Ling X, Xu RN, Zhu P, Zheng SY. ELAVL1 is transcriptionally activated by FOXC1 and promotes ferroptosis in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury by regulating autophagy. Mol Med 2021; 27:14. [PMID: 33568052 PMCID: PMC7874472 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-021-00271-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims Myocardial ischemia is the most common form of cardiovascular disease and the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Understanding the mechanisms is very crucial for the development of effective therapy. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the functional roles and mechanisms by which ELAVL1 regulates myocardial ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury. Methods Mouse myocardial I/R model and cultured myocardial cells exposed to hypoxia/reperfusion (H/R) were used in this study. Features of ferroptosis were evidenced by LDH activity, GPx4 activity, cellular iron, ROS, LPO, and GSH levels. The expression levels of autophagy markers (Beclin-1, p62, LC3), ELAVL1 and FOXC1 were measured by qRT-PCR, immunostaining and western blot. RIP assay, biotin-pull down, ChIP and dual luciferase activity assay were employed to examine the interactions of ELAVL1/Beclin-1 mRNA and FOXC1/ELAVL1 promoter. CCK-8 assay was used to examine viability of cells. TTC staining was performed to assess the myocardial I/R injury. Results Myocardial I/R surgery induced ferroptosis and up-regulated ELAVL1 level. Knockdown of ELAVL1 decreased ferroptosis and ameliorated I/R injury. Si-ELAVL1 repressed autophagy and inhibition of autophagy by inhibitor suppressed ferroptosis and I/R injury in myocardial cells. Increase of autophagy could reverse the effects of ELAVL1 knockdown on ferroptosis and I/R injury. ELAVL1 directly bound with and stabilized Beclin-1 mRNA. Furthermore, FOXC1 bound to ELAVL1 promoter region and activated its transcription upon H/R exposure. Conclusion FOXC1 transcriptionally activated ELAVL1 may promote ferroptosis during myocardial I/R by modulating autophagy, leading to myocardial injury. Inhibition of ELAVL1-mediated autophagic ferroptosis would be a new viewpoint in the treatment of myocardial I/R injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Yong Chen
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No.1838 North Guangzhou Avenue, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.,Department of Thoracic Surgery, Yuebei People's Hospital, Shantou University, Shaoguan, 512026, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Ze-Zhou Xiao
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No.1838 North Guangzhou Avenue, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao Ling
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No.1838 North Guangzhou Avenue, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong-Ning Xu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No.1838 North Guangzhou Avenue, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Zhu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No.1838 North Guangzhou Avenue, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Shao-Yi Zheng
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No.1838 North Guangzhou Avenue, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
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Kota SK, Lim ZW, Kota SB. Elavl1 Impacts Osteogenic Differentiation and mRNA Levels of Genes Involved in ECM Organization. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:606971. [PMID: 33614643 PMCID: PMC7889968 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.606971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Posttranscriptional gene regulation by Adenylate Uridylate (AU) rich element RNA binding protein, Elavl1 has been implicated in embryonic development as well as progenitor cell differentiation. Elavl1 binds to hundreds of cellular messenger RNAs predominantly through interactions with AU-rich elements (AREs) found in the untranslated regions (UTRs) and functions by regulating their stability. Biological functions of Elavl1 during osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells is not well-understood. Here we report that specific knockdown of nuclear localized Elavl1 by RNA interference in multipotent BMSCs led to increased osteogenic differentiation. Differential gene expression analysis following unbiased total RNA sequencing upon Elavl1 depletion during osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs showed increased levels of multiple mRNAs that are involved in extracellular matrix organization. We further show that many of these mRNAs contain Elavl1 binding consensus motifs that are preserved in their 3′ UTRs. RNA stability analyses indicated that depletion of Elavl1 prolongs the steady state RNA levels of several of these mRNAs. Together, our data points to Elavl1 mediated negative regulation of multiple genes involved in ECM organization that play a functional role in MSC osteogenic differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satya K Kota
- Division of Bone and Mineral Research, Department of Oral Medicine, Infection and Immunity, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Zhu Wei Lim
- Division of Bone and Mineral Research, Department of Oral Medicine, Infection and Immunity, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Savithri B Kota
- Division of Nephrology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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37
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Džafo E, Bianchi N, Monticelli S. Cell-intrinsic mechanisms to restrain inflammatory responses in T lymphocytes. Immunol Rev 2021; 300:181-193. [PMID: 33507562 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A mechanistic understanding of the regulatory circuits that control the effector responses of memory T helper lymphocytes, and in particular their ability to produce pro-inflammatory cytokines, may lead to effective therapeutic interventions in all immune-related diseases. Activation of T lymphocytes induces robust immune responses that in most cases lead to the complete eradication of invading pathogens or tumor cells. At the same time, however, such responses must be both highly controlled in magnitude and limited in time to avoid unnecessary damage. To achieve such sophisticated level of control, T lymphocytes have at their disposal an array of transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms that ensure the acquisition of a phenotype that is tailored to the incoming stimulus while restraining unwarranted activation, eventually leading to the resolution of the inflammatory response. Here, we will discuss some of these cell-intrinsic mechanisms that control T cell responses and involve transcription factors, microRNAs, and RNA-binding proteins. We will also explore how the same mechanisms can be involved both in anti-tumor responses and in autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emina Džafo
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Niccolò Bianchi
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Silvia Monticelli
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), Bellinzona, Switzerland
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Simion V, Zhou H, Haemmig S, Pierce JB, Mendes S, Tesmenitsky Y, Pérez-Cremades D, Lee JF, Chen AF, Ronda N, Papotti B, Marto JA, Feinberg MW. A macrophage-specific lncRNA regulates apoptosis and atherosclerosis by tethering HuR in the nucleus. Nat Commun 2020; 11:6135. [PMID: 33262333 PMCID: PMC7708640 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19664-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging regulators of pathophysiological processes including atherosclerosis. Using RNA-seq profiling of the intima of lesions, here we identify a macrophage-specific lncRNA MAARS (Macrophage-Associated Atherosclerosis lncRNA Sequence). Aortic intima expression of MAARS increases by 270-fold with atherosclerotic progression and decreases with regression by 60%. MAARS knockdown reduces atherosclerotic lesion formation by 52% in LDLR-/- mice, largely independent of effects on lipid profile and inflammation, but rather by decreasing macrophage apoptosis and increasing efferocytosis in the vessel wall. MAARS interacts with HuR/ELAVL1, an RNA-binding protein and important regulator of apoptosis. Overexpression and knockdown studies verified MAARS as a critical regulator of macrophage apoptosis and efferocytosis in vitro, in an HuR-dependent manner. Mechanistically, MAARS knockdown alters HuR cytosolic shuttling, regulating HuR targets such as p53, p27, Caspase-9, and BCL2. These findings establish a mechanism by which a macrophage-specific lncRNA interacting with HuR regulates apoptosis, with implications for a broad range of vascular disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viorel Simion
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Haoyang Zhou
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Cardiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Stefan Haemmig
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jacob B Pierce
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Shanelle Mendes
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yevgenia Tesmenitsky
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniel Pérez-Cremades
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - James F Lee
- The Blais Proteomics Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alex F Chen
- Department of Cardiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Nicoletta Ronda
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Bianca Papotti
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Jarrod A Marto
- The Blais Proteomics Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Departments of Cancer Biology and Oncologic Pathology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mark W Feinberg
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Filippova N, Nabors LB. ELAVL1 Role in Cell Fusion and Tunneling Membrane Nanotube Formations with Implication to Treat Glioma Heterogeneity. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3069. [PMID: 33096700 PMCID: PMC7590168 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12103069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Homotypic and heterotypic cell fusions via permanent membrane fusions and temporal tunneling nanotube formations in the glioma microenvironment were recently documented in vitro and in vivo and mediate glioma survival, plasticity, and recurrence. Chronic inflammation, a hypoxic environment, aberrant mitochondrial function, and ER stress due to unfolded protein accumulation upregulate cell fusion events, which leads to tumor heterogeneity and represents an adaptive mechanism to promote tumor cell survival and plasticity in cytotoxic, nutrient-deprived, mechanically stressed, and inflammatory microenvironments. Cell fusion is a multistep process, which consists of the activation of the cellular stress response, autophagy formation, rearrangement of cytoskeletal architecture in the areas of cell-to-cell contacts, and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and fusogenic proteins. The mRNA-binding protein of ELAV-family HuR is a critical node, which orchestrates the stress response, autophagy formation, cytoskeletal architecture, and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and fusogenic proteins. HuR is overexpressed in gliomas and is associated with poor prognosis and treatment resistance. Our review provides a link between the HuR role in the regulation of cell fusion and tunneling nanotube formations in the glioma microenvironment and the potential suppression of these processes by different classes of HuR inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Filippova
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Louis B. Nabors
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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Li J, Durose WW, Ito J, Kakita A, Iguchi Y, Katsuno M, Kunisawa K, Shimizu T, Ikenaka K. Exploring the factors underlying remyelination arrest by studying the post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms of cystatin F gene. J Neurochem 2020; 157:2070-2090. [PMID: 32947653 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Remyelination plays an important role in determining the fate of demyelinating disorders. However, it is arrested during chronic disease states. Cystatin F, a papain-like lysosomal cysteine proteinase inhibitor, is a crucial regulator of demyelination and remyelination. Using hemizygous proteolipid protein transgenic 4e (PLP4e/- ) mice, an animal model of chronic demyelination, we found that cystatin F mRNA expression was induced at 2.5 months of age and up-regulated in the early phase of demyelination, but significantly decreased in the chronic phase. We next investigated cystatin F regulatory factors as potential mechanisms of remyelination arrest in chronic demyelinating disorders. We used the CysF-STOP-tetO::Iba-mtTA mouse model, in which cystatin F gene expression is driven by the tetracycline operator. Interestingly, we found that forced cystatin F mRNA over-expression was eventually decreased. Our findings show that cystatin F expression is modulated post-transcriptionally. We next identified embryonic lethal, abnormal vision, drosophila like RNA-binding protein 1 (ELAVL-1), and miR29a as cystatin F mRNA stabilizing and destabilizing factors, respectively. These roles were confirmed in vitro in NIH3T3 cells. Using postmortem plaque samples from human multiple sclerosis patients, we also confirmed that ELAVL-1 expression was highly correlated with the previously reported expression pattern of cystatin F. These data indicate the important roles of ELAVL-1 and miR29a in regulating cystatin F expression. Furthermore, they provide new insights into potential therapeutic targets for demyelinating disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Li
- Division of Neurobiology and Bioinformatics, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Japan.,Department of Physiological Sciences, School of Life Science, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), Okazaki, Japan.,Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Wilaiwan Wisessmith Durose
- Division of Neurobiology and Bioinformatics, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Japan.,Department of Physiological Sciences, School of Life Science, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), Okazaki, Japan.,Research Center for Neuroscience, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhonpathom, Thailand.,Department of Pediatrics, Hematology University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Junko Ito
- Department of Pathology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Akiyoshi Kakita
- Department of Pathology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Yohei Iguchi
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masahisa Katsuno
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kazuo Kunisawa
- Division of Neurobiology and Bioinformatics, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Japan.,Department of Physiological Sciences, School of Life Science, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), Okazaki, Japan.,Research Division of Advanced Diagnostic System, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Takeshi Shimizu
- Division of Neurobiology and Bioinformatics, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Japan.,Department of Physiological Sciences, School of Life Science, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), Okazaki, Japan.,Department of Neurophysiology and Brain Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Ikenaka
- Division of Neurobiology and Bioinformatics, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Japan.,Department of Physiological Sciences, School of Life Science, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), Okazaki, Japan
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41
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Wu M, Tong CWS, Yan W, To KKW, Cho WCS. The RNA Binding Protein HuR: A Promising Drug Target for Anticancer Therapy. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2020; 19:382-399. [PMID: 30381077 DOI: 10.2174/1568009618666181031145953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2018] [Revised: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The stability of mRNA is one of the key factors governing the regulation of eukaryotic gene expression and function. Human antigen R (HuR) is an RNA-binding protein that regulates the stability, translation, and nucleus-to-cytoplasm shuttling of its target mRNAs. While HuR is normally localized within the nucleus, it has been shown that HuR binds mRNAs in the nucleus and then escorts the mRNAs to the cytoplasm where HuR protects them from degradation. It contains several RNA recognition motifs, which specifically bind to adenylate and uridylate-rich regions within the 3'-untranslated region of the target mRNA to mediate its effect. Many of the HuR target mRNAs encode proteins important for cell growth, tumorigenesis, angiogenesis, tumor inflammation, invasion and metastasis. HuR overexpression is known to correlate well with high-grade malignancy and poor prognosis in many tumor types. Thus, HuR has emerged as an attractive drug target for cancer therapy. Novel small molecule HuR inhibitors have been identified by high throughput screening and new formulations for targeted delivery of HuR siRNA to tumor cells have been developed with promising anticancer activity. This review summarizes the significant role of HuR in cancer development, progression, and poor treatment response. We will discuss the potential and challenges of targeting HuR therapeutically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxia Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Christy W S Tong
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Wei Yan
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Kenneth K W To
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - William C S Cho
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong
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42
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Zhang Y, Cai JZ, Xiao L, Chung HK, Ma XX, Chen LL, Rao JN, Wang JY. RNA-binding protein HuR regulates translation of vitamin D receptor modulating rapid epithelial restitution after wounding. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2020; 319:C208-C217. [PMID: 32432928 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00009.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Homeostasis of the intestinal epithelium is tightly regulated by numerous extracellular and intracellular factors including vitamin D and the vitamin D receptor (VDR). VDR is highly expressed in the intestinal epithelium and is implicated in many aspects of gut mucosal pathophysiology, but the exact mechanism that controls VDR expression remains largely unknown. The RNA-binding protein human antigen R (HuR) regulates the stability and translation of target mRNAs and thus modulates various cellular processes and functions. Here we report a novel role of HuR in the posttranscriptional control of VDR expression in the intestinal epithelium. The levels of VDR in the intestinal mucosa decreased significantly in mice with ablated HuR, compared with control mice. HuR silencing in cultured intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) also reduced VDR levels, whereas HuR overexpression increased VDR abundance; neither intervention changed cellular Vdr mRNA content. Mechanistically, HuR bound to Vdr mRNA via its 3'-untranslated region (UTR) and enhanced VDR translation in IECs. Moreover, VDR silencing not only inhibited IEC migration over the wounded area in control cells but also prevented the increased migration in cells overexpressing HuR, although it did not alter IEC proliferation in vitro and growth of intestinal organoids ex vivo. The human intestinal mucosa from patients with inflammatory bowel diseases exhibited decreased levels of both HuR and VDR. These results indicate that HuR enhances VDR translation by directly interacting with its mRNA via 3'-UTR and that induced VDR by HuR is crucial for rapid intestinal epithelial restitution after wounding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunzhan Zhang
- Cell Biology Group, Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jia-Zhong Cai
- Cell Biology Group, Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Lan Xiao
- Cell Biology Group, Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Hee K Chung
- Cell Biology Group, Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Xiang-Xue Ma
- Cell Biology Group, Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Lin-Lin Chen
- Cell Biology Group, Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jaladanki N Rao
- Cell Biology Group, Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jian-Ying Wang
- Cell Biology Group, Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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43
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Zhao YF, He XX, Song ZF, Guo Y, Zhang YN, Yu HL, He ZX, Xiong WC, Guo W, Zhu XJ. Human antigen R-regulated mRNA metabolism promotes the cell motility of migrating mouse neurons. Development 2020; 147:dev.183509. [PMID: 32098764 PMCID: PMC7097226 DOI: 10.1242/dev.183509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Neocortex development during embryonic stages requires the precise control of mRNA metabolism. Human antigen R (HuR) is a well-studied mRNA-binding protein that regulates mRNA metabolism, and it is highly expressed in the neocortex during developmental stages. Deletion of HuR does not impair neural progenitor cell proliferation or differentiation, but it disturbs the laminar structure of the neocortex. We report that HuR is expressed in postmitotic projection neurons during mouse brain development. Specifically, depletion of HuR in these neurons led to a mislocalization of CDP+ neurons in deeper layers of the cortex. Time-lapse microscopy showed that HuR was required for the promotion of cell motility in migrating neurons. PCR array identified profilin 1 (Pfn1) mRNA as a major binding partner of HuR in neurons. HuR positively mediated the stability of Pfn1 mRNA and influenced actin polymerization. Overexpression of Pfn1 successfully rescued the migration defects of HuR-deleted neurons. Our data reveal a post-transcriptional mechanism that maintains actin dynamics during neuronal migration. Summary: Maintaining actin dynamics is crucial for cell motility. Post-transcriptional regulation plays a pivotal role in supporting actin dynamics during neuronal migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Fei Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics, Ministry of Education, Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
| | - Xiao-Xiao He
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics, Ministry of Education, Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
| | - Zi-Fei Song
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics, Ministry of Education, Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
| | - Ye Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yan-Ning Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics, Ministry of Education, Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
| | - Hua-Li Yu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics, Ministry of Education, Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
| | - Zi-Xuan He
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics, Ministry of Education, Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
| | - Wen-Cheng Xiong
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Weixiang Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China .,Graduate School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
| | - Xiao-Juan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics, Ministry of Education, Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
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44
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Liu S, Jiang X, Lu H, Xing M, Qiao Y, Zhang C, Zhang W. HuR (Human Antigen R) Regulates the Contraction of Vascular Smooth Muscle and Maintains Blood Pressure. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2020; 40:943-957. [PMID: 32075416 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.119.313897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE HuR (human antigen R)-an RNA-binding protein-is involved in regulating mRNA stability by binding adenylate-uridylate-rich elements. This study explores the role of HuR in the regulation of smooth muscle contraction and blood pressure. Approach and Results: Vascular HuRSMKO (smooth muscle-specific HuR knockout) mice were generated by crossbreeding HuRflox/flox mice with α-SMA (α-smooth muscle actin)-Cre mice. As compared with CTR (control) mice, HuRSMKO mice showed hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy. HuR levels were decreased in aortas from hypertensive patients and SHRs (spontaneously hypertensive rats), and overexpression of HuR could lower the blood pressure of SHRs. Contractile response to vasoconstrictors was increased in mesenteric artery segments isolated from HuRSMKO mice. The functional abnormalities in HuRSMKO mice were attributed to decreased mRNA and protein levels of RGS (regulator of G-protein signaling) protein(s) RGS2, RGS4, and RGS5, which resulted in increased intracellular calcium increase. Consistently, the degree of intracellular calcium ion increase in HuR-deficient smooth muscle cells was reduced by overexpression of RGS2, RGS4, or RGS5. Finally, administration of RGS2 and RGS5 reversed the elevated blood pressure in HuRSMKO mice. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that HuR regulates vascular smooth muscle contraction and maintains blood pressure by modulating RGS expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Liu
- From the Department of Cardiology, The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine (S.L., H.L., C.Z., W.Z.), Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiuxin Jiang
- Department of General Surgery (X.J.), Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Hanlin Lu
- From the Department of Cardiology, The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine (S.L., H.L., C.Z., W.Z.), Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Mengdan Xing
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, The Key Laboratory of MOE for Modern Teaching Technology, Center for Teacher Professional Ability Development, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China (M.X., Y.Q.)
| | - Yanning Qiao
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, The Key Laboratory of MOE for Modern Teaching Technology, Center for Teacher Professional Ability Development, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China (M.X., Y.Q.)
| | - Cheng Zhang
- From the Department of Cardiology, The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine (S.L., H.L., C.Z., W.Z.), Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wencheng Zhang
- From the Department of Cardiology, The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine (S.L., H.L., C.Z., W.Z.), Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
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45
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Siang DTC, Lim YC, Kyaw AMM, Win KN, Chia SY, Degirmenci U, Hu X, Tan BC, Walet ACE, Sun L, Xu D. The RNA-binding protein HuR is a negative regulator in adipogenesis. Nat Commun 2020; 11:213. [PMID: 31924774 PMCID: PMC6954112 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-14001-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Human antigen R (HuR) is an essential regulator of RNA metabolism, but its function in metabolism remains unclear. This study identifies HuR as a major repressor during adipogenesis. Knockdown and overexpression of HuR in primary adipocyte culture enhances and inhibits adipogenesis in vitro, respectively. Fat-specific knockout of HuR significantly enhances adipogenic gene program in adipose tissues, accompanied by a systemic glucose intolerance and insulin resistance. HuR knockout also results in depot-specific phenotypes: it can repress myogenesis program in brown fat, enhance inflammation program in epidydimal white fat and induce browning program in inguinal white fat. Mechanistically, HuR may inhibit adipogenesis by recognizing and modulating the stability of hundreds of adipocyte transcripts including Insig1, a negative regulator during adipogenesis. Taken together, our work establishes HuR as an important posttranscriptional regulator of adipogenesis and provides insights into how RNA processing contributes to adipocyte development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Teh Chee Siang
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
| | - Yen Ching Lim
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
| | - Aung Maung Maung Kyaw
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
| | - Khaing Nwe Win
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
| | - Sook Yoong Chia
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
| | - Ufuk Degirmenci
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
| | - Xiang Hu
- Departments of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The first Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, , Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Bryan C Tan
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
| | - Arcinas Camille Esther Walet
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
| | - Lei Sun
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857, Singapore. .,Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore, 138673, Singapore.
| | - Dan Xu
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857, Singapore.
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46
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Zainol MIB, Kawasaki T, Monwan W, Murase M, Sueyoshi T, Kawai T. Innate immune responses through Toll-like receptor 3 require human-antigen-R-mediated Atp6v0d2 mRNA stabilization. Sci Rep 2019; 9:20406. [PMID: 31892731 PMCID: PMC6938500 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-56914-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) recognizes double-stranded RNA derived from virus and its synthetic analogue, polyinosinic–polycytidylic acid [poly(I:C)]. Upon poly(I:C) binding, TLR3 activates transcription factors to express inflammatory cytokines and type I interferon. TLR3 is located in the endosomes and its recognition of poly(I:C) and activation of downstream signaling is regulated by endosomal acidification. However, the mechanism of post-transcriptional regulation in TLR3-mediated innate responses remains unclear. Here, we focused on Human antigen R (HuR, also known as ELAVL1) that recognizes and binds to the 3′ untranslated regions (3′UTRs) of target mRNAs, thereby protecting them from mRNA degradation, and found that HuR-deficient murine macrophage cells showed significantly reduced Ifnb1 mRNA expression after poly(I:C) stimulation. HuR-deficient cells also showed a marked reduction in the expression of Atp6v0d2 mRNA, which encodes a subunit of vacuolar-type H+ ATPase (V-ATPase), and therefore reduced endosomal acidification. HuR associated with the 3′UTR of Atp6v0d2 mRNA and the stability of Atp6v0d2 mRNA was maintained by its association with HuR. Taken together, our results suggest that HuR stabilizes Atp6v0d2 mRNA, which is required for the TLR3-mediated innate immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Izwan Bin Zainol
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunobiology, Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST), Nara, 630-0192, Japan
| | - Takumi Kawasaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunobiology, Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST), Nara, 630-0192, Japan.
| | - Warunthorn Monwan
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunobiology, Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST), Nara, 630-0192, Japan
| | - Motoya Murase
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunobiology, Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST), Nara, 630-0192, Japan
| | - Takuya Sueyoshi
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunobiology, Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST), Nara, 630-0192, Japan
| | - Taro Kawai
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunobiology, Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST), Nara, 630-0192, Japan.
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47
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Uchida Y, Chiba T, Kurimoto R, Asahara H. Post-transcriptional regulation of inflammation by RNA-binding proteins via cis-elements of mRNAs. J Biochem 2019; 166:375-382. [PMID: 31511872 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvz067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In human genome, there are approximately 1,500 RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). They can regulate mRNA stability or translational efficiency via ribosomes and these processes are known as 'post-transcriptional regulation'. Accumulating evidences indicate that post-transcriptional regulation is the determinant of the accurate levels of cytokines mRNAs. While transcriptional regulation of cytokines mRNAs has been well studied and found to be important for the rapid induction of mRNA and regulation of the acute phase of inflammation, post-transcriptional regulation by RBPs is essential for resolving inflammation in the later phase, and their dysfunction may lead to severe autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus. For post-transcriptional regulation, RBPs recognize and directly bind to cis-regulatory elements in 3' untranslated region of mRNAs such as AU-rich or constitutive decay elements and play various roles. In this review, we summarize the recent findings regarding the role of RBPs in the regulation of inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutaro Uchida
- Department of Systems BioMedicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoki Chiba
- Department of Systems BioMedicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryota Kurimoto
- Department of Systems BioMedicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Asahara
- Department of Systems BioMedicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
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48
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Lourou N, Gavriilidis M, Kontoyiannis DL. Lessons from studying the AU-rich elements in chronic inflammation and autoimmunity. J Autoimmun 2019; 104:102334. [PMID: 31604649 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2019.102334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
AU-rich elements (AREs) comprise one of the most widely studied families of regulatory RNA structures met in RNAs engaged in complex immunological reactions. A multitude of genetic, molecular, holistic and functional studies have been utilized for the analyses of the AREs and their interactions to proteins that bind to them. Data stemming from these studies brought forth a world of RNA-related check-points against infection, chronic inflammation, tumor associated immunity, and autoimmunity; and the interest to capitalize the interactions of AREs for clinical management and therapy. They also provided lessons on the cellular capabilities of post-transcriptional control. Originally thought as transcript-restricted regulators of turnover and translation, ARE-binding proteins do in fact harbor great versatility and interactivity across nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments; and act as functional coordinators of immune-cellular programs. Harnessing these deterministic functions requires extensive knowledge of their synergies or antagonisms at a cell-specific level; but holds great promise since it can provide the efficacy of combinatorial therapies with single agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niki Lourou
- School of Biology, Department of Development, Genetics and Molecular Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Maxim Gavriilidis
- School of Biology, Department of Development, Genetics and Molecular Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece; Division of Immunology, Alexander Fleming Biomedical Sciences Research Center, Greece
| | - Dimitris L Kontoyiannis
- School of Biology, Department of Development, Genetics and Molecular Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece; Division of Immunology, Alexander Fleming Biomedical Sciences Research Center, Greece.
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49
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Depletion of HuR in murine skeletal muscle enhances exercise endurance and prevents cancer-induced muscle atrophy. Nat Commun 2019; 10:4171. [PMID: 31519904 PMCID: PMC6744452 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12186-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The master posttranscriptional regulator HuR promotes muscle fiber formation in cultured muscle cells. However, its impact on muscle physiology and function in vivo is still unclear. Here, we show that muscle-specific HuR knockout (muHuR-KO) mice have high exercise endurance that is associated with enhanced oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production. muHuR-KO mice exhibit a significant increase in the proportion of oxidative type I fibers in several skeletal muscles. HuR mediates these effects by collaborating with the mRNA decay factor KSRP to destabilize the PGC-1α mRNA. The type I fiber-enriched phenotype of muHuR-KO mice protects against cancer cachexia-induced muscle loss. Therefore, our study uncovers that under normal conditions HuR modulates muscle fiber type specification by promoting the formation of glycolytic type II fibers. We also provide a proof-of-principle that HuR expression can be targeted therapeutically in skeletal muscles to combat cancer-induced muscle wasting. HuR is an RNA-binding protein that regulates myotube differentiation in vitro. Here, the authors show that the muscle-specific ablation of HuR in mice leads to enhanced endurance capacity and an increase in oxidative fibres by destabilising PGC1α-mRNA, and show that the mice are protected against cancer cachexia
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50
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Phillips BL, Banerjee A, Sanchez BJ, Di Marco S, Gallouzi IE, Pavlath GK, Corbett AH. Post-transcriptional regulation of Pabpn1 by the RNA binding protein HuR. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 46:7643-7661. [PMID: 29939290 PMCID: PMC6125628 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA processing is critical for proper spatial and temporal control of gene expression. The ubiquitous nuclear polyadenosine RNA binding protein, PABPN1, post-transcriptionally regulates multiple steps of gene expression. Mutations in the PABPN1 gene expanding an N-terminal alanine tract in the PABPN1 protein from 10 alanines to 11–18 alanines cause the muscle-specific disease oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD), which affects eyelid, pharynx, and proximal limb muscles. Previous work revealed that the Pabpn1 transcript is unstable, contributing to low steady-state Pabpn1 mRNA and protein levels in vivo, specifically in skeletal muscle, with even lower levels in muscles affected in OPMD. Thus, low levels of PABPN1 protein could predispose specific tissues to pathology in OPMD. However, no studies have defined the mechanisms that regulate Pabpn1 expression. Here, we define multiple cis-regulatory elements and a trans-acting factor, HuR, which regulate Pabpn1 expression specifically in mature muscle in vitro and in vivo. We exploit multiple models including C2C12 myotubes, primary muscle cells, and mice to determine that HuR decreases Pabpn1 expression. Overall, we have uncovered a mechanism in mature muscle that negatively regulates Pabpn1 expression in vitro and in vivo, which could provide insight to future studies investigating therapeutic strategies for OPMD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany L Phillips
- Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.,Genetics and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Ayan Banerjee
- Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Brenda J Sanchez
- Department of Biochemistry, Goodman Cancer Center, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sergio Di Marco
- Department of Biochemistry, Goodman Cancer Center, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Imed-Eddine Gallouzi
- Department of Biochemistry, Goodman Cancer Center, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Life Sciences Division, College of Sciences and Engineering, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Grace K Pavlath
- Department of Pharmacology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Anita H Corbett
- Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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