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Yustis JC, Devoucoux M, Côté J. The Functional Relationship Between RNA Splicing and the Chromatin Landscape. J Mol Biol 2024; 436:168614. [PMID: 38762032 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2024.168614] [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: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Chromatin is a highly regulated and dynamic structure that has been shown to play an essential role in transcriptional and co-transcriptional regulation. In the context of RNA splicing, early evidence suggested a loose connection between the chromatin landscape and splicing. More recently, it has been shown that splicing occurs in a co-transcriptional manner, meaning that the splicing process occurs in the context of chromatin. Experimental and computational evidence have also shown that chromatin dynamics can influence the splicing process and vice versa. However, much of this evidence provides mainly correlative relationships between chromatin and splicing with just a few concrete examples providing defined molecular mechanisms by which these two processes are functionally related. Nevertheless, it is clear that chromatin and RNA splicing are tightly interconnected to one another. In this review, we highlight the current state of knowledge of the relationship between chromatin and splicing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan-Carlos Yustis
- St-Patrick Research Group in Basic Oncology, Laval University Cancer Research Center, Oncology Division of the CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Quebec City, Quebec G1R 3S3, Canada
| | - Maëva Devoucoux
- St-Patrick Research Group in Basic Oncology, Laval University Cancer Research Center, Oncology Division of the CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Quebec City, Quebec G1R 3S3, Canada
| | - Jacques Côté
- St-Patrick Research Group in Basic Oncology, Laval University Cancer Research Center, Oncology Division of the CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Quebec City, Quebec G1R 3S3, Canada.
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2
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Wei X, Li J, Cheng Z, Wei S, Yu G, Olsen ML. Decoding the Epigenetic Landscape: Insights into 5mC and 5hmC Patterns in Mouse Cortical Cell Types. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.06.602342. [PMID: 39026756 PMCID: PMC11257419 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.06.602342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
The DNA modifications, 5-methylcytosine (5mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), represent powerful epigenetic regulators of temporal and spatial gene expression. Yet, how the cooperation of these genome-wide, epigenetic marks determine unique transcriptional signatures across different brain cell populations is unclear. Here we applied Nanopore sequencing of native DNA to obtain a complete, genome-wide, single-base resolution atlas of 5mC and 5hmC modifications in neurons, astrocytes and microglia in the mouse cortex (99% genome coverage, 40 million CpG sites). In tandem with RNA sequencing, analysis of 5mC and 5hmC patterns across cell types reveals astrocytes drive uniquely high brain 5hmC levels and support two decades of research regarding methylation patterns, gene expression and alternative splicing, benchmarking this resource. As such, we provide the most comprehensive DNA methylation data in mouse brain as an interactive, online tool (NAM-Me, https://olsenlab.shinyapps.io/NAMME/) to serve as a resource dataset for those interested in the methylome landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoran Wei
- Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences Graduate Program, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, the United States
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, the United States
| | - Jiangtao Li
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, the United States
- Genetics, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Graduate Program, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, the United States
| | - Zuolin Cheng
- Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Virginia Tech, Arlington, VA, the United States
| | - Songtao Wei
- Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Virginia Tech, Arlington, VA, the United States
| | - Guoqiang Yu
- Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Virginia Tech, Arlington, VA, the United States
| | - Michelle L Olsen
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, the United States
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3
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Li CH, Liang SB, Huang QW, Zhou ZZ, Ding Z, Long N, Wi KC, Li L, Jiang XP, Fan YJ, Xu YZ. Minor Spliceosomal 65K/RNPC3 Interacts with ANKRD11 and Mediates HDAC3-Regulated Histone Deacetylation and Transcription. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2307804. [PMID: 38837887 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202307804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
RNA splicing is crucial in the multilayer regulatory networks for gene expression, making functional interactions with DNA- and other RNA-processing machineries in the nucleus. However, these established couplings are all major spliceosome-related; whether the minor spliceosome is involved remains unclear. Here, through affinity purification using Drosophila lysates, an interaction is identified between the minor spliceosomal 65K/RNPC3 and ANKRD11, a cofactor of histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3). Using a CRISPR/Cas9 system, Deletion strains are constructed and found that both Dm65KΔ/Δ and Dmankrd11Δ/Δ mutants have reduced histone deacetylation at Lys9 of histone H3 (H3K9) and Lys5 of histone H4 (H4K5) in their heads, exhibiting various neural-related defects. The 65K-ANKRD11 interaction is also conserved in human cells, and the HsANKRD11 middle-uncharacterized domain mediates Hs65K association with HDAC3. Cleavage under targets and tagmentation (CUT&Tag) assays revealed that HsANKRD11 is a bridging factor, which facilitates the synergistic common chromatin-binding of HDAC3 and Hs65K. Knockdown (KD) of HsANKRD11 simultaneously decreased their common binding, resulting in reduced deacetylation of nearby H3K9. Ultimately, this study demonstrates that expression changes of many genes caused by HsANKRD11-KD are due to the decreased common chromatin-binding of HDAC3 and Hs65K and subsequently reduced deacetylation of H3K9, illustrating a novel and conserved coupling mechanism that links the histone deacetylation with minor spliceosome for the regulation of gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Hui Li
- RNA Institute, State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Science, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Hubei, 430072, China
| | - Shao-Bo Liang
- RNA Institute, State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Science, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Hubei, 430072, China
| | - Qi-Wei Huang
- RNA Institute, State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Science, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Hubei, 430072, China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Zhou
- RNA Institute, State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Science, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Hubei, 430072, China
| | - Zhan Ding
- RNA Institute, State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Science, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Hubei, 430072, China
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ni Long
- RNA Institute, State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Science, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Hubei, 430072, China
| | - Kwang-Chon Wi
- RNA Institute, State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Science, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Hubei, 430072, China
| | - Liang Li
- RNA Institute, State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Science, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Hubei, 430072, China
| | - Xi-Ping Jiang
- RNA Institute, State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Science, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Hubei, 430072, China
| | - Yu-Jie Fan
- RNA Institute, State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Science, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Hubei, 430072, China
| | - Yong-Zhen Xu
- RNA Institute, State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Science, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Hubei, 430072, China
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4
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Riccardi F, Romano G, Licastro D, Pagani F. Age-dependent regulation of ELP1 exon 20 splicing in Familial Dysautonomia by RNA Polymerase II kinetics and chromatin structure. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298965. [PMID: 38829854 PMCID: PMC11146744 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Familial Dysautonomia (FD) is a rare disease caused by ELP1 exon 20 skipping. Here we clarify the role of RNA Polymerase II (RNAPII) and chromatin on this splicing event. A slow RNAPII mutant and chromatin-modifying chemicals that reduce the rate of RNAPII elongation induce exon skipping whereas chemicals that create a more relaxed chromatin exon inclusion. In the brain of a mouse transgenic for the human FD-ELP1 we observed on this gene an age-dependent decrease in the RNAPII density profile that was most pronounced on the alternative exon, a robust increase in the repressive marks H3K27me3 and H3K9me3 and a decrease of H3K27Ac, together with a progressive reduction in ELP1 exon 20 inclusion level. In HEK 293T cells, selective drug-induced demethylation of H3K27 increased RNAPII elongation on ELP1 and SMN2, promoted the inclusion of the corresponding alternative exons, and, by RNA-sequencing analysis, induced changes in several alternative splicing events. These data suggest a co-transcriptional model of splicing regulation in which age-dependent changes in H3K27me3/Ac modify the rate of RNAPII elongation and affect processing of ELP1 alternative exon 20.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Riccardi
- Human Molecular Genetics, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Padriciano, Trieste, Italy
| | - Giulia Romano
- Human Molecular Genetics, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Padriciano, Trieste, Italy
| | - Danilo Licastro
- Laboratorio di Genomica ed Epigenomica, AREA Science Park, Padriciano, Trieste, Italy
| | - Franco Pagani
- Human Molecular Genetics, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Padriciano, Trieste, Italy
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Tang M, Liu Y, Zhang H, Sun L, Lü P, Chen K. Comprehensive transcriptome sequencing of silkworm Midguts: Uncovering extensive isoform diversity and alternative splicing in BmNPV-Sensitive and BmNPV-resistant strains. J Invertebr Pathol 2024; 204:108104. [PMID: 38608751 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2024.108104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
The silkworm, Bombyx mori, stands out as one of the few economically valuable insects within the realm of model organisms. However, Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) poses a significant threat, decreasing the quality and quantity of silkworm cocoons. Over the past few decades, a multitude of researchers has delved into the mechanisms that underlie silkworm resistance to BmNPV, employing diverse methodologies and approaching the problem from various angles. Despite this extensive research, the role of alternative splicing (AS) in the silkworm's response to BmNPV infection has been largely unexplored. This study leveraged both third-generation (Oxford Nanopore Technologies) and second-generation (Illumina) high-throughput sequencing technologies to meticulously identify and analyze AS patterns in the context of BmNPV response, utilizing two distinct silkworm strains-the susceptible strain 306 and the resistant strain NB. Consequently, we identified five crucial genes (Dsclp, LOC692903, LOC101743583, LOC101742498, LOC101743809) that are linked to the response to BmNPV infection through AS and differential expression. Additionally, a thorough comparative analysis was conducted on their diverse transcriptomic expression profiles, including alternative polyadenylation, simple sequence repeats, and transcription factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Tang
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yi Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hantao Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Lindan Sun
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Peng Lü
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Keping Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, Jiangsu Province, China.
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6
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Engal E, Sharma A, Aviel U, Taqatqa N, Juster S, Jaffe-Herman S, Bentata M, Geminder O, Gershon A, Lewis R, Kay G, Hecht M, Epsztejn-Litman S, Gotkine M, Mouly V, Eiges R, Salton M, Drier Y. DNMT3B splicing dysregulation mediated by SMCHD1 loss contributes to DUX4 overexpression and FSHD pathogenesis. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadn7732. [PMID: 38809976 PMCID: PMC11135424 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adn7732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Structural maintenance of chromosomes flexible hinge domain-containing 1 (SMCHD1) is a noncanonical SMC protein and an epigenetic regulator. Mutations in SMCHD1 cause facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), by overexpressing DUX4 in muscle cells. Here, we demonstrate that SMCHD1 is a key regulator of alternative splicing in various cell types. We show how SMCHD1 loss causes splicing alterations of DNMT3B, which can lead to hypomethylation and DUX4 overexpression. Analyzing RNA sequencing data from muscle biopsies of patients with FSHD and Smchd1 knocked out cells, we found mis-splicing of hundreds of genes upon SMCHD1 loss. We conducted a high-throughput screen of splicing factors, revealing the involvement of the splicing factor RBM5 in the mis-splicing of DNMT3B. Subsequent RNA immunoprecipitation experiments confirmed that SMCHD1 is required for RBM5 recruitment. Last, we show that mis-splicing of DNMT3B leads to hypomethylation of the D4Z4 region and to DUX4 overexpression. These results suggest that DNMT3B mis-splicing due to SMCHD1 loss plays a major role in FSHD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eden Engal
- The Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- Department of Military Medicine and “Tzameret”, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Aveksha Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Uria Aviel
- The Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Medical Genetics Institute, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem 9103102, Israel
| | - Nadeen Taqatqa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Sarah Juster
- Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Medical Genetics Institute, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem 9103102, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Shiri Jaffe-Herman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Mercedes Bentata
- The Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Ophir Geminder
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- Department of Military Medicine and “Tzameret”, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Adi Gershon
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Reyut Lewis
- The Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Gillian Kay
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Merav Hecht
- The Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Silvina Epsztejn-Litman
- Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Medical Genetics Institute, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem 9103102, Israel
| | - Marc Gotkine
- Department of Neurology, Hadassah Medical Organization and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112002, Israel
| | - Vincent Mouly
- UPMC University Paris 06, Inserm UMRS974, CNRS FRE3617, Center for Research in Myology, Sorbonne University,75252 Paris, France
| | - Rachel Eiges
- Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Medical Genetics Institute, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem 9103102, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Maayan Salton
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Yotam Drier
- The Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
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Jin J, Nguyen LTG, Wassef A, Sadek R, Schmitt TM, Guo GL, Rasmussen TP, Zhong XB. Identification and Functional Characterization of Alternative Transcripts of LncRNA HNF1A-AS1 and Their Impacts on Cell Growth, Differentiation, Liver Diseases, and in Response to Drug Induction. Noncoding RNA 2024; 10:28. [PMID: 38668386 PMCID: PMC11053763 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna10020028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) hepatocyte nuclear factor-1 alpha (HNF1A) antisense RNA 1 (HNF1A-AS1) is an important lncRNA for liver growth, development, cell differentiation, and drug metabolism. Like many lncRNAs, HNF1A-AS1 has multiple annotated alternative transcripts in the human genome. Several fundamental biological questions are still not solved: (1) How many transcripts really exist in biological samples, such as liver samples and liver cell lines? (2) What are the expression patterns of different alternative HNF1A-AS1 transcripts at different conditions, including during cell growth and development, after exposure to xenobiotics (such as drugs), and in disease conditions, such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) cirrhosis, and obesity? (3) Does the siRNA used in previous studies knock down one or multiple transcripts? (4) Do different transcripts have the same or different functions for gene regulation? The presented data confirm the existence of several annotated HNF1A-AS1 transcripts in liver samples and cell lines, but also identify some new transcripts, which are not annotated in the Ensembl genome database. Expression patterns of the identified HNF1A-AS1 transcripts are highly correlated with the cell differentiation of matured hepatocyte-like cells from human embryonic stem cells (hESC), growth and differentiation of HepaRG cells, in response to rifampicin induction, and in various liver disease conditions. The expression levels of the HNF1A-AS1 transcripts are also highly correlated to the expression of cytochrome P450 enzymes, such as CYP3A4, during HepaRG growth, differentiation, and in response to rifampicin induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Jin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA; (J.J.); (L.T.G.N.); (T.P.R.)
| | - Le Tra Giang Nguyen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA; (J.J.); (L.T.G.N.); (T.P.R.)
| | - Andrew Wassef
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08901, USA;
- Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Translational Research and Education, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08901, USA
- Center of Excellence for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas University Hospital, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA;
| | - Ragui Sadek
- Center of Excellence for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas University Hospital, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA;
| | - Timothy M. Schmitt
- Department of General Surgery, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA;
| | - Grace L. Guo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernst Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08901, USA;
| | - Theodore P. Rasmussen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA; (J.J.); (L.T.G.N.); (T.P.R.)
| | - Xiao-bo Zhong
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA; (J.J.); (L.T.G.N.); (T.P.R.)
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8
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Basurto-Cayuela L, Guerrero-Martínez JA, Gómez-Marín E, Sánchez-Escabias E, Escaño-Maestre M, Ceballos-Chávez M, Reyes JC. SWI/SNF-dependent genes are defined by their chromatin landscape. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113855. [PMID: 38427563 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113855] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
SWI/SNF complexes are evolutionarily conserved, ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling machines. Here, we characterize the features of SWI/SNF-dependent genes using BRM014, an inhibitor of the ATPase activity of the complexes. We find that SWI/SNF activity is required to maintain chromatin accessibility and nucleosome occupancy for most enhancers but not for most promoters. SWI/SNF activity is needed for expression of genes with low to medium levels of expression that have promoters with (1) low chromatin accessibility, (2) low levels of active histone marks, (3) high H3K4me1/H3K4me3 ratio, (4) low nucleosomal phasing, and (5) enrichment in TATA-box motifs. These promoters are mostly occupied by the canonical Brahma-related gene 1/Brahma-associated factor (BAF) complex. These genes are surrounded by SWI/SNF-dependent enhancers and mainly encode signal transduction, developmental, and cell identity genes (with almost no housekeeping genes). Machine-learning models trained with different chromatin characteristics of promoters and their surrounding regulatory regions indicate that the chromatin landscape is a determinant for establishing SWI/SNF dependency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Basurto-Cayuela
- Genome Biology Department, Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa-CABIMER, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad de Sevilla-Universidad Pablo de Olavide (CSIC-USE-UPO), Av. Americo Vespucio, 41092 Seville, Spain
| | - José A Guerrero-Martínez
- Genome Biology Department, Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa-CABIMER, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad de Sevilla-Universidad Pablo de Olavide (CSIC-USE-UPO), Av. Americo Vespucio, 41092 Seville, Spain
| | - Elena Gómez-Marín
- Genome Biology Department, Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa-CABIMER, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad de Sevilla-Universidad Pablo de Olavide (CSIC-USE-UPO), Av. Americo Vespucio, 41092 Seville, Spain
| | - Elena Sánchez-Escabias
- Genome Biology Department, Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa-CABIMER, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad de Sevilla-Universidad Pablo de Olavide (CSIC-USE-UPO), Av. Americo Vespucio, 41092 Seville, Spain
| | - María Escaño-Maestre
- Genome Biology Department, Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa-CABIMER, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad de Sevilla-Universidad Pablo de Olavide (CSIC-USE-UPO), Av. Americo Vespucio, 41092 Seville, Spain
| | - María Ceballos-Chávez
- Genome Biology Department, Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa-CABIMER, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad de Sevilla-Universidad Pablo de Olavide (CSIC-USE-UPO), Av. Americo Vespucio, 41092 Seville, Spain
| | - José C Reyes
- Genome Biology Department, Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa-CABIMER, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad de Sevilla-Universidad Pablo de Olavide (CSIC-USE-UPO), Av. Americo Vespucio, 41092 Seville, Spain.
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9
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Engal E, Zhang Z, Geminder O, Jaffe-Herman S, Kay G, Ben-Hur A, Salton M. The spectrum of pre-mRNA splicing in autism. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2024; 15:e1838. [PMID: 38509732 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Disruptions in spatiotemporal gene expression can result in atypical brain function. Specifically, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by abnormalities in pre-mRNA splicing. Abnormal splicing patterns have been identified in the brains of individuals with ASD, and mutations in splicing factors have been found to contribute to neurodevelopmental delays associated with ASD. Here we review studies that shed light on the importance of splicing observed in ASD and that explored the intricate relationship between splicing factors and ASD, revealing how disruptions in pre-mRNA splicing may underlie ASD pathogenesis. We provide an overview of the research regarding all splicing factors associated with ASD and place a special emphasis on five specific splicing factors-HNRNPH2, NOVA2, WBP4, SRRM2, and RBFOX1-known to impact the splicing of ASD-related genes. In the discussion of the molecular mechanisms influenced by these splicing factors, we lay the groundwork for a deeper understanding of ASD's complex etiology. Finally, we discuss the potential benefit of unraveling the connection between splicing and ASD for the development of more precise diagnostic tools and targeted therapeutic interventions. This article is categorized under: RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease RNA Evolution and Genomics > RNA and Ribonucleoprotein Evolution RNA Evolution and Genomics > Computational Analyses of RNA RNA-Based Catalysis > RNA Catalysis in Splicing and Translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eden Engal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel Canada, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Zhenwei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ophir Geminder
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel Canada, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Shiri Jaffe-Herman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel Canada, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Gillian Kay
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel Canada, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Asa Ben-Hur
- Department of Computer Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Maayan Salton
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel Canada, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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10
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Johnson KC, Kilikevicius A, Hofman C, Hu J, Liu Y, Aguilar S, Graswich J, Han Y, Wang T, Westcott JM, Brekken RA, Peng L, Karagkounis G, Corey DR. Nuclear localization of Argonaute 2 is affected by cell density and may relieve repression by microRNAs. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:1930-1952. [PMID: 38109320 PMCID: PMC10899759 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad1155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Argonaute protein is associated with post-transcriptional control of cytoplasmic gene expression through miRNA-induced silencing complexes (miRISC). Specific cellular and environmental conditions can trigger AGO protein to accumulate in the nucleus. Localization of AGO is central to understanding miRNA action, yet the consequences of AGO being in the nucleus are undefined. We show nuclear enrichment of AGO2 in HCT116 cells grown in two-dimensional culture to high density, HCT116 cells grown in three-dimensional tumor spheroid culture, and human colon tumors. The shift in localization of AGO2 from cytoplasm to nucleus de-represses cytoplasmic AGO2-eCLIP targets that were candidates for canonical regulation by miRISC. Constitutive nuclear localization of AGO2 using an engineered nuclear localization signal increases cell migration. Critical RNAi factors also affect the localization of AGO2. Knocking out an enzyme essential for miRNA biogenesis, DROSHA, depletes mature miRNAs and restricts AGO2 localization to the cytoplasm, while knocking out the miRISC scaffolding protein, TNRC6, results in nuclear localization of AGO2. These data suggest that AGO2 localization and miRNA activity can be regulated depending on environmental conditions, expression of mature miRNAs, and expression of miRISC cofactors. Localization and expression of core miRISC protein machinery should be considered when investigating the roles of miRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystal C Johnson
- UT Southwestern Medical Center, Departments of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Audrius Kilikevicius
- UT Southwestern Medical Center, Departments of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Cristina Hofman
- UT Southwestern Medical Center, Departments of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Jiaxin Hu
- UT Southwestern Medical Center, Departments of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Yang Liu
- UT Southwestern Medical Center, Departments of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Selina Aguilar
- UT Southwestern Medical Center, Departments of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Jon Graswich
- UT Southwestern Medical Center, Departments of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Yi Han
- UT Southwestern Medical Center, Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Tao Wang
- UT Southwestern Medical Center, Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Jill M Westcott
- UT Southwestern Medical Center, Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Surgery, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Rolf A Brekken
- UT Southwestern Medical Center, Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Surgery, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Lan Peng
- UT Southwestern Medical Center, Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Georgios Karagkounis
- UT Southwestern Medical Center, Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Surgery, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10022, USA
| | - David R Corey
- UT Southwestern Medical Center, Departments of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
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11
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Naro C, Antonioni A, Medici V, Caggiano C, Jolly A, de la Grange P, Bielli P, Paronetto MP, Sette C. Splicing targeting drugs highlight intron retention as an actionable vulnerability in advanced prostate cancer. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:58. [PMID: 38413979 PMCID: PMC10898177 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-02986-0] [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: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advanced prostate cancer (PC) is characterized by insensitivity to androgen deprivation therapy and chemotherapy, resulting in poor outcome for most patients. Thus, advanced PC urgently needs novel therapeutic strategies. Mounting evidence points to splicing dysregulation as a hallmark of advanced PC. Moreover, pharmacologic inhibition of the splicing process is emerging as a promising option for this disease. METHOD By using a representative androgen-insensitive PC cell line (22Rv1), we have investigated the genome-wide transcriptomic effects underlying the cytotoxic effects exerted by three splicing-targeting drugs: Pladienolide B, indisulam and THZ531. Bioinformatic analyses were performed to uncover the gene structural features underlying sensitivity to transcriptional and splicing regulation by these treatments. Biological pathways altered by these treatments were annotated by gene ontology analyses and validated by functional experiments in cell models. RESULTS Although eliciting similar cytotoxic effects on advanced PC cells, Pladienolide B, indisulam and THZ531 modulate specific transcriptional and splicing signatures. Drug sensitivity is associated with distinct gene structural features, expression levels and cis-acting sequence elements in the regulated exons and introns. Importantly, we identified PC-relevant genes (i.e. EZH2, MDM4) whose drug-induced splicing alteration exerts an impact on cell survival. Moreover, computational analyses uncovered a widespread impact of splicing-targeting drugs on intron retention, with enrichment in genes implicated in pre-mRNA 3'-end processing (i.e. CSTF3, PCF11). Coherently, advanced PC cells displayed high sensitivity to a specific inhibitor of the cleavage and polyadenylation complex, which enhances the effects of chemotherapeutic drugs that are already in use for this cancer. CONCLUSIONS Our study uncovers intron retention as an actionable vulnerability for advanced PC, which may be exploited to improve therapeutic management of this currently incurable disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Naro
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
- GSTeP Organoids Research Core Facility, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Ambra Antonioni
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Vanessa Medici
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Caggiano
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
- GSTeP Organoids Research Core Facility, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Pamela Bielli
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Paronetto
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143, Rome, Italy
- University of Rome Foro Italico, 00135, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Sette
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy.
- GSTeP Organoids Research Core Facility, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168, Rome, Italy.
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12
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Amin HM, Abukhairan R, Szabo B, Jacksi M, Varady G, Lozsa R, Schad E, Tantos A. KMT2D preferentially binds mRNAs of the genes it regulates, suggesting a role in RNA processing. Protein Sci 2024; 33:e4847. [PMID: 38058280 PMCID: PMC10731558 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Histone lysine methyltransferases (HKMTs) perform vital roles in cellular life by controlling gene expression programs through the posttranslational modification of histone tails. Since many of them are intimately involved in the development of different diseases, including several cancers, understanding the molecular mechanisms that control their target recognition and activity is vital for the treatment and prevention of such conditions. RNA binding has been shown to be an important regulatory factor in the function of several HKMTs, such as the yeast Set1 and the human Ezh2. Moreover, many HKMTs are capable of RNA binding in the absence of a canonical RNA binding domain. Here, we explored the RNA binding capacity of KMT2D, one of the major H3K4 monomethyl transferases in enhancers, using RNA immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing. We identified a broad range of coding and non-coding RNAs associated with KMT2D and confirmed their binding through RNA immunoprecipitation and quantitative PCR. We also showed that a separated RNA binding region within KMT2D is capable of binding a similar RNA pool, but differences in the binding specificity indicate the existence of other regulatory elements in the sequence of KMT2D. Analysis of the bound mRNAs revealed that KMT2D preferentially binds co-transcriptionally to the mRNAs of the genes under its control, while also interacting with super enhancer- and splicing-related non-coding RNAs. These observations, together with the nuclear colocalization of KMT2D with differentially phosphorylated forms of RNA Polymerase II suggest a so far unexplored role of KMT2D in the RNA processing of the nascent transcripts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harem Muhamad Amin
- Institute of Enzymology, HUN‐REN Research Centre for Natural SciencesBudapestHungary
- Doctoral School of Biology and Institute of Biology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd UniversityBudapestHungary
- Department of Biology, College of ScienceUniversity of SulaimaniSulaymaniyahIraq
| | - Rawan Abukhairan
- Institute of Enzymology, HUN‐REN Research Centre for Natural SciencesBudapestHungary
| | - Beata Szabo
- Institute of Enzymology, HUN‐REN Research Centre for Natural SciencesBudapestHungary
| | - Mevan Jacksi
- Institute of Enzymology, HUN‐REN Research Centre for Natural SciencesBudapestHungary
- Doctoral School of Biology and Institute of Biology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd UniversityBudapestHungary
| | - Gyorgy Varady
- Institute of Enzymology, HUN‐REN Research Centre for Natural SciencesBudapestHungary
| | - Rita Lozsa
- Institute of Enzymology, HUN‐REN Research Centre for Natural SciencesBudapestHungary
| | - Eva Schad
- Institute of Enzymology, HUN‐REN Research Centre for Natural SciencesBudapestHungary
| | - Agnes Tantos
- Institute of Enzymology, HUN‐REN Research Centre for Natural SciencesBudapestHungary
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13
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Kosmara D, Papanikolaou S, Nikolaou C, Bertsias G. Extensive Alternative Splicing Patterns in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Highlight Sexual Differences. Cells 2023; 12:2678. [PMID: 38067106 PMCID: PMC10705143 DOI: 10.3390/cells12232678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Substantial evidence highlights divergences in immune responses between men and women. Women are more susceptible to autoimmunity, whereas men suffer from the more severe presentation of autoimmune disorders. The molecular mechanism of this sexual dimorphism remains elusive. Herein, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of sex differences in whole-blood gene expression focusing on alternative splicing (AS) events in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which is a prototype sex-biased disease. This study included 79 SLE patients with active disease and 58 matched healthy controls who underwent whole-blood RNA sequencing. Sex differences in splicing events were widespread, existent in both SLE and a healthy state. However, we observed distinct gene sets and molecular pathways targeted by sex-dependent AS in SLE patients as compared to healthy subjects, as well as a notable sex dissimilarity in intron retention events. Sexually differential spliced genes specific to SLE patients were enriched for dynamic cellular processes including chromatin remodeling, stress and inflammatory responses. Remarkably, the extent of sexual differences in AS in the SLE patients and healthy individuals exceeded those in gene expression. Overall, this study reveals an unprecedent variation in sex-dependent splicing events in SLE and the healthy state, with potential implications for understanding the molecular basis of sexual dimorphism in autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Despoina Kosmara
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital of Heraklion and University of Crete Medical School, 71500 Heraklion, Greece
- Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH), Infections and Immunity, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, 71110 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Sofia Papanikolaou
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital of Heraklion and University of Crete Medical School, 71500 Heraklion, Greece
- Biomedical Sciences Research Center “Alexander Fleming”, Institute of Bioinnovation, 16672 Athens, Greece
| | - Christoforos Nikolaou
- Biomedical Sciences Research Center “Alexander Fleming”, Institute of Bioinnovation, 16672 Athens, Greece
| | - George Bertsias
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital of Heraklion and University of Crete Medical School, 71500 Heraklion, Greece
- Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH), Infections and Immunity, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, 71110 Heraklion, Greece
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14
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Moore LL, Houchen CW. Epigenetic Landscape and Therapeutic Implication of Gene Isoforms of Doublecortin-Like Kinase 1 for Cancer Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16407. [PMID: 38003596 PMCID: PMC10671580 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216407] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
While significant strides have been made in understanding cancer biology, the enhancement in patient survival is limited, underscoring the urgency for innovative strategies. Epigenetic modifications characterized by hereditary shifts in gene expression without changes to the DNA sequence play a critical role in producing alternative gene isoforms. When these processes go awry, they influence cancer onset, growth, spread, and cancer stemness. In this review, we delve into the epigenetic and isoform nuances of the protein kinase, doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1). Recognized as a hallmark of tumor stemness, DCLK1 plays a pivotal role in tumorigenesis, and DCLK1 isoforms, shaped by alternative promoter usage and splicing, can reveal potential therapeutic touchpoints. Our discussion centers on recent findings pertaining to the specific functions of DCLK1 isoforms and the prevailing understanding of its epigenetic regulation via its two distinct promoters. It is noteworthy that all DCLK1 isoforms retain their kinase domain, suggesting that their unique functionalities arise from non-kinase mechanisms. Consequently, our research has pivoted to drugs that specifically influence the epigenetic generation of these DCLK1 isoforms. We posit that a combined therapeutic approach, harnessing both the epigenetic regulators of specific DCLK1 isoforms and DCLK1-targeted drugs, may prove more effective than therapies that solely target DCLK1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Landon L. Moore
- Department of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA;
| | - Courtney W. Houchen
- Department of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA;
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- The Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
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15
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Pascal C, Zonszain J, Hameiri O, Gargi-Levi C, Lev-Maor G, Tammer L, Levy T, Tarabeih A, Roy VR, Ben-Salmon S, Elbaz L, Eid M, Hakim T, Abu Rabe'a S, Shalev N, Jordan A, Meshorer E, Ast G. Human histone H1 variants impact splicing outcome by controlling RNA polymerase II elongation. Mol Cell 2023; 83:3801-3817.e8. [PMID: 37922872 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.10.003] [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: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Histones shape chromatin structure and the epigenetic landscape. H1, the most diverse histone in the human genome, has 11 variants. Due to the high structural similarity between the H1s, their unique functions in transferring information from the chromatin to mRNA-processing machineries have remained elusive. Here, we generated human cell lines lacking up to five H1 subtypes, allowing us to characterize the genomic binding profiles of six H1 variants. Most H1s bind to specific sites, and binding depends on multiple factors, including GC content. The highly expressed H1.2 has a high affinity for exons, whereas H1.3 binds intronic sequences. H1s are major splicing regulators, especially of exon skipping and intron retention events, through their effects on the elongation of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII). Thus, H1 variants determine splicing fate by modulating RNAPII elongation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corina Pascal
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Jonathan Zonszain
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Ofir Hameiri
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Chen Gargi-Levi
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Galit Lev-Maor
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Luna Tammer
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Tamar Levy
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Anan Tarabeih
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Vanessa Rachel Roy
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Stav Ben-Salmon
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Liraz Elbaz
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Mireille Eid
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Tamar Hakim
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Salima Abu Rabe'a
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Nana Shalev
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Albert Jordan
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular de Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), Carrer de Baldiri Reixac, 15, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eran Meshorer
- Department of Genetics, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Jerusalem 91904, Israel; Edmond and Lily Center for Brain Sciences (ELSC), The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
| | - Gil Ast
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
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16
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Huang J, Ji X. Never a dull enzyme, RNA polymerase II. Transcription 2023; 14:49-67. [PMID: 37132022 PMCID: PMC10353340 DOI: 10.1080/21541264.2023.2208023] [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: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA polymerase II (Pol II) is composed of 12 subunits that collaborate to synthesize mRNA within the nucleus. Pol II is widely recognized as a passive holoenzyme, with the molecular functions of its subunits largely ignored. Recent studies employing auxin-inducible degron (AID) and multi-omics techniques have revealed that the functional diversity of Pol II is achieved through the differential contributions of its subunits to various transcriptional and post-transcriptional processes. By regulating these processes in a coordinated manner through its subunits, Pol II can optimize its activity for diverse biological functions. Here, we review recent progress in understanding Pol II subunits and their dysregulation in diseases, Pol II heterogeneity, Pol II clusters and the regulatory roles of RNA polymerases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Huang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiong Ji
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
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17
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Chen L, Xu Z, Huang J, Shu H, Hui Y, Zhu D, Wu Y, Dong S, Wu Z. Plant immunity suppressor SKRP encodes a novel RNA-binding protein that targets exon 3' end of unspliced RNA. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2023; 240:1467-1483. [PMID: 37658678 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19236] [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: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
The regulatory roles of RNA splicing in plant immunity are emerging but still largely obscure. We reported previously that Phytophthora pathogen effector Avr3c targets a soybean protein SKRP (serine/lysine/arginine-rich protein) to impair soybean basal immunity by regulating host pre-mRNA alternative splicing, while the biochemical nature of SKRP remains unknown. Here, by using Arabidopsis as a model, we studied the mechanism of SKRP in regulating pre-mRNA splicing and plant immunity. AtSKRP confers impaired plant immunity against Phytophthora capsici and associates with spliceosome component PRP8 and splicing factor SR45, which positively and negatively regulate plant immunity, respectively. Enhanced crosslinking and immunoprecipitation followed by high-throughput sequencing (eCLIP-seq) showed AtSKRP is a novel RNA-binding protein that targets exon 3' end of unspliced RNA. Such position-specific binding of SKRP is associated with its activity in suppressing intron retention, including at positive immune regulatory genes UBP25 and RAR1. In addition, we found AtSKRP self-interact and forms oligomer, and these properties are associated with its function in plant immunity. Overall, our findings reveal that the immune repressor SKRP is a spliceosome-associated protein that targets exon 3' end to regulate pre-mRNA splicing in Arabidopsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Chen
- Department of Plant Pathology, Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests (Ministry of Education), and The Key Laboratory of Plant Immunity, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Design for Plant Cell Factory of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Plant and Food Science, Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Zhihui Xu
- National Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Bioinformatics Center, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Crop Production, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Jie Huang
- Department of Plant Pathology, Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests (Ministry of Education), and The Key Laboratory of Plant Immunity, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Haidong Shu
- Department of Plant Pathology, Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests (Ministry of Education), and The Key Laboratory of Plant Immunity, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Yufan Hui
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Design for Plant Cell Factory of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Plant and Food Science, Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- School of Computing Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Danling Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Design for Plant Cell Factory of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Plant and Food Science, Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yufeng Wu
- National Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Bioinformatics Center, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Crop Production, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Suomeng Dong
- Department of Plant Pathology, Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests (Ministry of Education), and The Key Laboratory of Plant Immunity, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Zhe Wu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Design for Plant Cell Factory of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Plant and Food Science, Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
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18
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Temaj G, Chichiarelli S, Saha S, Telkoparan-Akillilar P, Nuhii N, Hadziselimovic R, Saso L. An intricate rewiring of cancer metabolism via alternative splicing. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 217:115848. [PMID: 37813165 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
All human genes undergo alternative splicing leading to the diversity of the proteins. However, in some cases, abnormal regulation of alternative splicing can result in diseases that trigger defects in metabolism, reduced apoptosis, increased proliferation, and progression in almost all tumor types. Metabolic dysregulations and immune dysfunctions are crucial factors in cancer. In this respect, alternative splicing in tumors could be a potential target for therapeutic cancer strategies. Dysregulation of alternative splicing during mRNA maturation promotes carcinogenesis and drug resistance in many cancer types. Alternative splicing (changing the target mRNA 3'UTR binding site) can result in a protein with altered drug affinity, ultimately leading to drug resistance.. Here, we will highlight the function of various alternative splicing factors, how it regulates the reprogramming of cancer cell metabolism, and their contribution to tumor initiation and proliferation. Also, we will discuss emerging therapeutics for treating tumors via abnormal alternative splicing. Finally, we will discuss the challenges associated with these therapeutic strategies for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gazmend Temaj
- Faculty of Pharmacy, College UBT, 10000 Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - Silvia Chichiarelli
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi-Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Sarmistha Saha
- Department of Biotechnology, GLA University, Mathura 00185, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | | | - Nexhibe Nuhii
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Tetovo, 1200 Tetovo, Macedonia
| | - Rifat Hadziselimovic
- Faculty of Science, University of Sarajevo, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Luciano Saso
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", La Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy.
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19
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Aich M, Ansari AH, Ding L, Iesmantavicius V, Paul D, Choudhary C, Maiti S, Buchholz F, Chakraborty D. TOBF1 modulates mouse embryonic stem cell fate through regulating alternative splicing of pluripotency genes. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113177. [PMID: 37751355 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113177] [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: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) can undergo lineage-specific differentiation, giving rise to different cell types that constitute an organism. Although roles of transcription factors and chromatin modifiers in these cells have been described, how the alternative splicing (AS) machinery regulates their expression has not been sufficiently explored. Here, we show that the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA)-associated protein TOBF1 modulates the AS of transcripts necessary for maintaining stem cell identity in mouse ESCs. Among the genes affected is serine/arginine splicing factor 1 (SRSF1), whose AS leads to global changes in splicing and expression of a large number of downstream genes involved in the maintenance of ESC pluripotency. By overlaying information derived from TOBF1 chromatin occupancy, the distribution of its pluripotency-associated OCT-SOX binding motifs, and transcripts undergoing differential expression and AS upon its knockout, we describe local nuclear territories where these distinct events converge. Collectively, these contribute to the maintenance of mouse ESC identity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghali Aich
- CSIR- Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi 110025, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Asgar Hussain Ansari
- CSIR- Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi 110025, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Li Ding
- Medical Systems Biology, UCC, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Vytautas Iesmantavicius
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Deepanjan Paul
- CSIR- Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Chunaram Choudhary
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Souvik Maiti
- CSIR- Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi 110025, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Frank Buchholz
- Medical Systems Biology, UCC, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Debojyoti Chakraborty
- CSIR- Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi 110025, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India.
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20
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Dwivedi SL, Quiroz LF, Reddy ASN, Spillane C, Ortiz R. Alternative Splicing Variation: Accessing and Exploiting in Crop Improvement Programs. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15205. [PMID: 37894886 PMCID: PMC10607462 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015205] [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: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing (AS) is a gene regulatory mechanism modulating gene expression in multiple ways. AS is prevalent in all eukaryotes including plants. AS generates two or more mRNAs from the precursor mRNA (pre-mRNA) to regulate transcriptome complexity and proteome diversity. Advances in next-generation sequencing, omics technology, bioinformatics tools, and computational methods provide new opportunities to quantify and visualize AS-based quantitative trait variation associated with plant growth, development, reproduction, and stress tolerance. Domestication, polyploidization, and environmental perturbation may evolve novel splicing variants associated with agronomically beneficial traits. To date, pre-mRNAs from many genes are spliced into multiple transcripts that cause phenotypic variation for complex traits, both in model plant Arabidopsis and field crops. Cataloguing and exploiting such variation may provide new paths to enhance climate resilience, resource-use efficiency, productivity, and nutritional quality of staple food crops. This review provides insights into AS variation alongside a gene expression analysis to select for novel phenotypic diversity for use in breeding programs. AS contributes to heterosis, enhances plant symbiosis (mycorrhiza and rhizobium), and provides a mechanistic link between the core clock genes and diverse environmental clues.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luis Felipe Quiroz
- Agriculture and Bioeconomy Research Centre, Ryan Institute, University of Galway, University Road, H91 REW4 Galway, Ireland
| | - Anireddy S N Reddy
- Department of Biology and Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Charles Spillane
- Agriculture and Bioeconomy Research Centre, Ryan Institute, University of Galway, University Road, H91 REW4 Galway, Ireland
| | - Rodomiro Ortiz
- Department of Plant Breeding, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 23053 Alnarp, SE, Sweden
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21
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Xu K, Wu T, Xia P, Chen X, Yuan Y. Alternative splicing: a bridge connecting NAFLD and HCC. Trends Mol Med 2023; 29:859-872. [PMID: 37487782 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2023.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming the most important risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Understanding the progression of benign diseases to HCC is crucial for early prevention and reversal of malignant transformation. Alternative splicing (AS) of RNA plays a role in the pathogenicity, initiation, and transformation of liver disease. We summarize the changes or mutations in the activity of splicing factors in NAFLD and HCC, as well as the impact of AS mediated by epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation, RNA methylation, histone modification, and protein phosphorylation on liver cell fate. We also summarize therapeutic methods and drugs that are helpful for treating NAFLD, HCC, and the early stages of NAFLD progression to HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kequan Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, PR China; Clinical Medicine Research Center for Minimally Invasive Procedure of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Hubei Province, Hubei, PR China
| | - Tiangen Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, PR China; Clinical Medicine Research Center for Minimally Invasive Procedure of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Hubei Province, Hubei, PR China
| | - Peng Xia
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, PR China; Clinical Medicine Research Center for Minimally Invasive Procedure of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Hubei Province, Hubei, PR China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, PR China; Clinical Medicine Research Center for Minimally Invasive Procedure of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Hubei Province, Hubei, PR China.
| | - Yufeng Yuan
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, PR China; Clinical Medicine Research Center for Minimally Invasive Procedure of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Hubei Province, Hubei, PR China; TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, PR China.
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22
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Shirokikh NE, Jensen KB, Thakor N. Editorial: RNA machines. Front Genet 2023; 14:1290420. [PMID: 37829284 PMCID: PMC10565666 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1290420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nikolay E. Shirokikh
- The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Kirk Blomquist Jensen
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Nehal Thakor
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
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23
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Yeh SY, Estill M, Lardner CK, Browne CJ, Minier-Toribio A, Futamura R, Beach K, McManus CA, Xu SJ, Zhang S, Heller EA, Shen L, Nestler EJ. Cell Type-Specific Whole-Genome Landscape of ΔFOSB Binding in the Nucleus Accumbens After Chronic Cocaine Exposure. Biol Psychiatry 2023; 94:367-377. [PMID: 36906500 PMCID: PMC10314970 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ability of neurons to respond to external stimuli involves adaptations of gene expression. Induction of the transcription factor ΔFOSB in the nucleus accumbens, a key brain reward region, is important for the development of drug addiction. However, a comprehensive map of ΔFOSB's gene targets has not yet been generated. METHODS We used CUT&RUN (cleavage under targets and release using nuclease) to map the genome-wide changes in ΔFOSB binding in the 2 main types of nucleus accumbens neurons-D1 or D2 medium spiny neurons-after chronic cocaine exposure. To annotate genomic regions of ΔFOSB binding sites, we also examined the distributions of several histone modifications. Resulting datasets were leveraged for multiple bioinformatic analyses. RESULTS The majority of ΔFOSB peaks occur outside promoter regions, including intergenic regions, and are surrounded by epigenetic marks indicative of active enhancers. BRG1, the core subunit of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex, overlaps with ΔFOSB peaks, a finding consistent with earlier studies of ΔFOSB's interacting proteins. Chronic cocaine use induces broad changes in ΔFOSB binding in both D1 and D2 nucleus accumbens medium spiny neurons of male and female mice. In addition, in silico analyses predict that ΔFOSB cooperatively regulates gene expression with homeobox and T-box transcription factors. CONCLUSIONS These novel findings uncover key elements of ΔFOSB's molecular mechanisms in transcriptional regulation at baseline and in response to chronic cocaine exposure. Further characterization of ΔFOSB's collaborative transcriptional and chromatin partners specifically in D1 and D2 medium spiny neurons will reveal a broader picture of the function of ΔFOSB and the molecular basis of drug addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szu-Ying Yeh
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Molly Estill
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Casey K Lardner
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Caleb J Browne
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Angelica Minier-Toribio
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Rita Futamura
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Katherine Beach
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Catherine A McManus
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Song-Jun Xu
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Shuo Zhang
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Elizabeth A Heller
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Penn Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Li Shen
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Eric J Nestler
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.
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24
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Izquierdo JM. Chromatin-transcription interface: The secret of eternal youth? Aging Cell 2023; 22:e13927. [PMID: 37427688 PMCID: PMC10497848 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
In their recent study in Nature, Debès et al. report an increase in RNA polymerase II (Pol II)-mediated transcriptional elongation speed associated with chromatin remodeling during aging in four metazoan animals, two human cell lines, and human blood. Their findings might help us understand why we age through evolutionarily conserved essential processes, and open a window to the molecular and physiological mechanisms influencing healthspan, lifespan and/or longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- José M. Izquierdo
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo OchoaConsejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas‐Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (CSIC‐UAM)MadridSpain
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25
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Wang L, Shi L, Liang Y, Ng JKW, Yin CH, Wang L, Hou J, Wang Y, Fung CSH, Chiu PKF, Ng CF, Tsui SKW. Dissecting the effects of METTL3 on alternative splicing in prostate cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1227016. [PMID: 37675218 PMCID: PMC10477979 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1227016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the role of METTL3 has been extensively studied in many cancers, its role in isoform switching in prostate cancer (PCa) has been poorly explored. To investigate its role, we applied standard RNA-sequencing and long-read direct RNA-sequencing from Oxford Nanopore to examine how METTL3 affects alternative splicing (AS) in two PCa cell lines. By dissecting genome-wide METTL3-regulated AS events, we noted that two PCa cell lines (representing two different PCa subtypes, androgen-sensitive or resistant) behave differently in exon skipping and intron retention events following METTL3 depletion, suggesting AS heterogeneity in PCa. Moreover, we revealed that METTL3-regulated AS is dependent on N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and distinct splicing factors. Analysis of the AS landscape also revealed cell type specific AS signatures for some genes (e.g., MKNK2) involved in key functions in PCa tumorigenesis. Finally, we also validated the clinical relevance of MKNK2 AS events in PCa patients and pointed to the possible regulatory mechanism related to m6A in the exon14a/b region and SRSF1. Overall, we characterize the role of METTL3 in regulating PCa-associated AS programs, expand the role of METTL3 in tumorigenesis, and suggest that MKNK2 AS events may serve as a new potential prognostic biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Wang
- Metabolic Disease Research Center, Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ling Shi
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yonghao Liang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Judy Kin-Wing Ng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chan Hoi Yin
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lingyi Wang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jinpao Hou
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yiwei Wang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Cathy Sin-Hang Fung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Peter Ka-Fung Chiu
- SH Ho Urology Centre, Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chi-Fai Ng
- SH Ho Urology Centre, Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Stephen Kwok-Wing Tsui
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Hong Kong Bioinformatics Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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26
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Nikom D, Zheng S. Alternative splicing in neurodegenerative disease and the promise of RNA therapies. Nat Rev Neurosci 2023; 24:457-473. [PMID: 37336982 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-023-00717-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Alternative splicing generates a myriad of RNA products and protein isoforms of different functions from a single gene. Dysregulated alternative splicing has emerged as a new mechanism broadly implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal dementia, Parkinson disease and repeat expansion diseases. Understanding the mechanisms and functional outcomes of abnormal splicing in neurological disorders is vital in developing effective therapies to treat mis-splicing pathology. In this Review, we discuss emerging research and evidence of the roles of alternative splicing defects in major neurodegenerative diseases and summarize the latest advances in RNA-based therapeutic strategies to target these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Nikom
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
- Center for RNA Biology and Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Sika Zheng
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA.
- Center for RNA Biology and Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA.
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA.
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27
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Johnson KC, Kilikevicius A, Hofman C, Hu J, Liu Y, Aguilar S, Graswich J, Han Y, Wang T, Westcott JM, Brekken RA, Peng L, Karagkounis G, Corey DR. Nuclear Localization of Argonaute is affected by Cell Density and May Relieve Repression by microRNAs. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.07.548119. [PMID: 37461596 PMCID: PMC10350042 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.07.548119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Argonaute protein is associated with post-transcriptional control of cytoplasmic gene expression through miRNA-induced silencing complexes (miRISC). Specific cellular and environmental conditions can trigger AGO protein to accumulate in the nucleus. Localization of AGO is central to understanding miRNA action, yet the consequences of AGO being in the nucleus are undefined. We show nuclear enrichment of AGO2 in HCT116 cells grown in two-dimensional culture to high density, HCT116 cells grown in three-dimensional tumor spheroid culture, and human colon tumors. The shift in localization of AGO2 from cytoplasm to nucleus de-represses cytoplasmic AGO2-eCLIP targets that were candidates for canonical regulation by miRISC. Constitutive nuclear localization of AGO2 using an engineered nuclear localization signal increases cell migration. Critical RNAi factors also affect the localization of AGO2. Knocking out an enzyme essential for miRNA biogenesis, DROSHA, depletes mature miRNAs and restricts AGO2 localization to the cytoplasm, while knocking out the miRISC scaffolding protein, TNRC6, results in nuclear localization of AGO2. These data suggest that AGO2 localization and miRNA activity can be regulated depending on environmental conditions, expression of mature miRNAs, and expression of miRISC cofactors. Localization and expression of core miRISC protein machinery should be considered when investigating the roles of miRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystal C Johnson
- UT Southwestern Medical Center, Departments of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Dallas, TX 75235
| | - Audrius Kilikevicius
- current address, Eli Lilly, Lilly Cambridge Innovation Center, Cambridge, MA 02142
| | - Cristina Hofman
- UT Southwestern Medical Center, Departments of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Dallas, TX 75235
| | - Jiaxin Hu
- UT Southwestern Medical Center, Departments of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Dallas, TX 75235
| | - Yang Liu
- UT Southwestern Medical Center, Departments of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Dallas, TX 75235
| | - Selina Aguilar
- UT Southwestern Medical Center, Departments of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Dallas, TX 75235
| | - Jon Graswich
- UT Southwestern Medical Center, Departments of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Dallas, TX 75235
| | - Yi Han
- UT Southwestern Medical Center, Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, Department of Population and Data Sciences, Dallas, TX 75235
| | - Tao Wang
- UT Southwestern Medical Center, Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, Department of Population and Data Sciences, Dallas, TX 75235
| | - Jill M Westcott
- UT Southwestern Medical Center, Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Surgery, Dallas, TX 75235
| | - Rolf A Brekken
- UT Southwestern Medical Center, Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Surgery, Dallas, TX 75235
| | - Lan Peng
- UT Southwestern Medical Center, Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, Dallas, TX 75235
| | - Georgios Karagkounis
- UT Southwestern Medical Center, Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Surgery, Dallas, TX 75235
| | - David R Corey
- UT Southwestern Medical Center, Departments of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Dallas, TX 75235
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28
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Townley BA, Buerer L, Tsao N, Bacolla A, Mansoori F, Rusanov T, Clark N, Goodarzi N, Schmidt N, Srivatsan SN, Sun H, Sample RA, Brickner JR, McDonald D, Tsai MS, Walter MJ, Wozniak DF, Holehouse AS, Pena V, Tainer JA, Fairbrother WG, Mosammaparast N. A functional link between lariat debranching enzyme and the intron-binding complex is defective in non-photosensitive trichothiodystrophy. Mol Cell 2023; 83:2258-2275.e11. [PMID: 37369199 PMCID: PMC10483886 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.06.011] [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: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
The pre-mRNA life cycle requires intron processing; yet, how intron-processing defects influence splicing and gene expression is unclear. Here, we find that TTDN1/MPLKIP, which is encoded by a gene implicated in non-photosensitive trichothiodystrophy (NP-TTD), functionally links intron lariat processing to spliceosomal function. The conserved TTDN1 C-terminal region directly binds lariat debranching enzyme DBR1, whereas its N-terminal intrinsically disordered region (IDR) binds the intron-binding complex (IBC). TTDN1 loss, or a mutated IDR, causes significant intron lariat accumulation, as well as splicing and gene expression defects, mirroring phenotypes observed in NP-TTD patient cells. A Ttdn1-deficient mouse model recapitulates intron-processing defects and certain neurodevelopmental phenotypes seen in NP-TTD. Fusing DBR1 to the TTDN1 IDR is sufficient to recruit DBR1 to the IBC and circumvents the functional requirement for TTDN1. Collectively, our findings link RNA lariat processing with splicing outcomes by revealing the molecular function of TTDN1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany A Townley
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Center for Genome Integrity, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Luke Buerer
- Center for Computational Molecular Biology, Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology & Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Ning Tsao
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Center for Genome Integrity, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Albino Bacolla
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Fadhel Mansoori
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Center for Genome Integrity, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Timur Rusanov
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Center for Genome Integrity, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Nathanial Clark
- Center for Computational Molecular Biology, Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology & Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Negar Goodarzi
- Mechanisms and Regulation of Splicing Research Group, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Nicolas Schmidt
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Center for Genome Integrity, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | | | - Hua Sun
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Center for Genome Integrity, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Reilly A Sample
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Center for Genome Integrity, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Joshua R Brickner
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Center for Genome Integrity, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Drew McDonald
- Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Miaw-Sheue Tsai
- Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Matthew J Walter
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - David F Wozniak
- Department of Psychiatry, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110-1093, USA
| | - Alex S Holehouse
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Center for Science and Engineering of Living Systems, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Vladimir Pena
- Mechanisms and Regulation of Splicing Research Group, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - John A Tainer
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - William G Fairbrother
- Center for Computational Molecular Biology, Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology & Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA; Hassenfeld Child Health Innovation Institute of Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA.
| | - Nima Mosammaparast
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Center for Genome Integrity, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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29
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Sharma A, Mistriel-Zerbib S, Najar RA, Engal E, Bentata M, Taqatqa N, Dahan S, Cohen K, Jaffe-Herman S, Geminder O, Baker M, Nevo Y, Plaschkes I, Kay G, Drier Y, Berger M, Salton M. Isoforms of the TAL1 transcription factor have different roles in hematopoiesis and cell growth. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3002175. [PMID: 37379322 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) protein 1 (TAL1) is a central transcription factor in hematopoiesis. The timing and level of TAL1 expression orchestrate the differentiation to specialized blood cells and its overexpression is a common cause of T-ALL. Here, we studied the 2 protein isoforms of TAL1, short and long, which are generated by the use of alternative promoters as well as by alternative splicing. We analyzed the expression of each isoform by deleting an enhancer or insulator, or by opening chromatin at the enhancer location. Our results show that each enhancer promotes expression from a specific TAL1 promoter. Expression from a specific promoter gives rise to a unique 5' UTR with differential regulation of translation. Moreover, our study suggests that the enhancers regulate TAL1 exon 3 alternative splicing by inducing changes in the chromatin at the splice site, which we demonstrate is mediated by KMT2B. Furthermore, our results indicate that TAL1-short binds more strongly to TAL1 E-protein partners and functions as a stronger transcription factor than TAL1-long. Specifically TAL1-short has a unique transcription signature promoting apoptosis. Finally, when we expressed both isoforms in mice bone marrow, we found that while overexpression of both isoforms prevents lymphoid differentiation, expression of TAL-short alone leads to hematopoietic stem cell exhaustion. Furthermore, we found that TAL1-short promoted erythropoiesis and reduced cell survival in the CML cell line K562. While TAL1 and its partners are considered promising therapeutic targets in the treatment of T-ALL, our results show that TAL1-short could act as a tumor suppressor and suggest that altering TAL1 isoform's ratio could be a preferred therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aveksha Sharma
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Shani Mistriel-Zerbib
- Faculty of Medicine, The Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Rauf Ahmad Najar
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Eden Engal
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Mercedes Bentata
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Nadeen Taqatqa
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Sara Dahan
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Klil Cohen
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Shiri Jaffe-Herman
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ophir Geminder
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Mai Baker
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yuval Nevo
- Info-CORE, Bioinformatics Unit of the I-CORE Computation Center, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Inbar Plaschkes
- Info-CORE, Bioinformatics Unit of the I-CORE Computation Center, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Gillian Kay
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yotam Drier
- Faculty of Medicine, The Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Michael Berger
- Faculty of Medicine, The Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Maayan Salton
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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30
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Gohr A, Iñiguez LP, Torres-Méndez A, Bonnal S, Irimia M. Insplico: effective computational tool for studying splicing order of adjacent introns genome-wide with short and long RNA-seq reads. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:e56. [PMID: 37026474 PMCID: PMC10250204 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Although splicing occurs largely co-transcriptionally, the order by which introns are removed does not necessarily follow the order in which they are transcribed. Whereas several genomic features are known to influence whether or not an intron is spliced before its downstream neighbor, multiple questions related to adjacent introns' splicing order (AISO) remain unanswered. Here, we present Insplico, the first standalone software for quantifying AISO that works with both short and long read sequencing technologies. We first demonstrate its applicability and effectiveness using simulated reads and by recapitulating previously reported AISO patterns, which unveiled overlooked biases associated with long read sequencing. We next show that AISO around individual exons is remarkably constant across cell and tissue types and even upon major spliceosomal disruption, and it is evolutionarily conserved between human and mouse brains. We also establish a set of universal features associated with AISO patterns across various animal and plant species. Finally, we used Insplico to investigate AISO in the context of tissue-specific exons, particularly focusing on SRRM4-dependent microexons. We found that the majority of such microexons have non-canonical AISO, in which the downstream intron is spliced first, and we suggest two potential modes of SRRM4 regulation of microexons related to their AISO and various splicing-related features. Insplico is available on gitlab.com/aghr/insplico.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Gohr
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luis P Iñiguez
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antonio Torres-Méndez
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sophie Bonnal
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manuel Irimia
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- ICREA, Barcelona, Spain
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31
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Mehlferber MM, Kuyumcu-Martinez M, Miller CL, Sheynkman GM. Transcription factors and splice factors - interconnected regulators of stem cell differentiation. CURRENT STEM CELL REPORTS 2023; 9:31-41. [PMID: 38939410 PMCID: PMC11210451 DOI: 10.1007/s40778-023-00227-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Purpose of review The underlying molecular mechanisms that direct stem cell differentiation into fully functional, mature cells remain an area of ongoing investigation. Cell state is the product of the combinatorial effect of individual factors operating within a coordinated regulatory network. Here, we discuss the contribution of both gene regulatory and splicing regulatory networks in defining stem cell fate during differentiation and the critical role of protein isoforms in this process. Recent findings We review recent experimental and computational approaches that characterize gene regulatory networks, splice regulatory networks, and the resulting transcriptome and proteome they mediate during differentiation. Such approaches include long-read RNA sequencing, which has demonstrated high-resolution profiling of mRNA isoforms, and Cas13-based CRISPR, which could make possible high-throughput isoform screening. Collectively, these developments enable systems-level profiling of factors contributing to cell state. Summary Overall, gene and splice regulatory networks are important in defining cell state. The emerging high-throughput systems-level approaches will characterize the gene regulatory network components necessary in driving stem cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison M Mehlferber
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903
| | - Muge Kuyumcu-Martinez
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, School of Medicine, Fontaine Medical Office Building 1, 415 Ray C. Hunt Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22903
| | - Clint L Miller
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, and Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Multistory Building, West Complex, 1335 Lee St, Charlottesville, VA 22908, PO Box 800717, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908
| | - Gloria M Sheynkman
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, Center for Public Health Genomics, UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, 1340 Jefferson Park Avenue, Charlottesville, VA 22903
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Joglekar A, Foord C, Jarroux J, Pollard S, Tilgner HU. From words to complete phrases: insight into single-cell isoforms using short and long reads. Transcription 2023; 14:92-104. [PMID: 37314295 PMCID: PMC10807471 DOI: 10.1080/21541264.2023.2213514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The profiling of gene expression patterns to glean biological insights from single cells has become commonplace over the last few years. However, this approach overlooks the transcript contents that can differ between individual cells and cell populations. In this review, we describe early work in the field of single-cell short-read sequencing as well as full-length isoforms from single cells. We then describe recent work in single-cell long-read sequencing wherein some transcript elements have been observed to work in tandem. Based on earlier work in bulk tissue, we motivate the study of combination patterns of other RNA variables. Given that we are still blind to some aspects of isoform biology, we suggest possible future avenues such as CRISPR screens which can further illuminate the function of RNA variables in distinct cell populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anoushka Joglekar
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Neurogenetics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Careen Foord
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Neurogenetics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Julien Jarroux
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Neurogenetics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shaun Pollard
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Neurogenetics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hagen U Tilgner
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Neurogenetics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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33
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Alfonso-Gonzalez C, Legnini I, Holec S, Arrigoni L, Ozbulut HC, Mateos F, Koppstein D, Rybak-Wolf A, Bönisch U, Rajewsky N, Hilgers V. Sites of transcription initiation drive mRNA isoform selection. Cell 2023; 186:2438-2455.e22. [PMID: 37178687 PMCID: PMC10228280 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The generation of distinct messenger RNA isoforms through alternative RNA processing modulates the expression and function of genes, often in a cell-type-specific manner. Here, we assess the regulatory relationships between transcription initiation, alternative splicing, and 3' end site selection. Applying long-read sequencing to accurately represent even the longest transcripts from end to end, we quantify mRNA isoforms in Drosophila tissues, including the transcriptionally complex nervous system. We find that in Drosophila heads, as well as in human cerebral organoids, 3' end site choice is globally influenced by the site of transcription initiation (TSS). "Dominant promoters," characterized by specific epigenetic signatures including p300/CBP binding, impose a transcriptional constraint to define splice and polyadenylation variants. In vivo deletion or overexpression of dominant promoters as well as p300/CBP loss disrupted the 3' end expression landscape. Our study demonstrates the crucial impact of TSS choice on the regulation of transcript diversity and tissue identity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Alfonso-Gonzalez
- Max-Planck-Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, 79108 Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Biology, Albert Ludwig University, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; International Max Planck Research School for Molecular and Cellular Biology (IMPRS-MCB), 79108 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ivano Legnini
- Laboratory for Systems Biology of Gene Regulatory Elements, Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sarah Holec
- Max-Planck-Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, 79108 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Laura Arrigoni
- Max-Planck-Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, 79108 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hasan Can Ozbulut
- Max-Planck-Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, 79108 Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Biology, Albert Ludwig University, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Fernando Mateos
- Max-Planck-Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, 79108 Freiburg, Germany
| | - David Koppstein
- Max-Planck-Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, 79108 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Agnieszka Rybak-Wolf
- Organoid Platform, Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrike Bönisch
- Max-Planck-Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, 79108 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nikolaus Rajewsky
- Laboratory for Systems Biology of Gene Regulatory Elements, Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 10115 Berlin, Germany; Charité - Universitätsmedizin, Charitépl. 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany; German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany; NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Berlin, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK); National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Valérie Hilgers
- Max-Planck-Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, 79108 Freiburg, Germany; Signalling Research Centre CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 18, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.
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34
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Lim WF, Rinaldi C. RNA Transcript Diversity in Neuromuscular Research. J Neuromuscul Dis 2023:JND221601. [PMID: 37182892 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-221601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Three decades since the Human Genome Project began, scientists have now identified more then 25,000 protein coding genes in the human genome. The vast majority of the protein coding genes (> 90%) are multi-exonic, with the coding DNA being interrupted by intronic sequences, which are removed from the pre-mRNA transcripts before being translated into proteins, a process called splicing maturation. Variations in this process, i.e. by exon skipping, intron retention, alternative 5' splice site (5'ss), 3' splice site (3'ss), or polyadenylation usage, lead to remarkable transcriptome and proteome diversity in human tissues. Given its critical biological importance, alternative splicing is tightly regulated in a tissue- and developmental stage-specific manner. The central nervous system and skeletal muscle are amongst the tissues with the highest number of differentially expressed alternative exons, revealing a remarkable degree of transcriptome complexity. It is therefore not surprising that splicing mis-regulation is causally associated with a myriad of neuromuscular diseases, including but not limited to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), and myotonic dystrophy type 1 and 2 (DM1, DM2). A gene's transcript diversity has since become an integral and an important consideration for drug design, development and therapy. In this review, we will discuss transcript diversity in the context of neuromuscular diseases and current approaches to address splicing mis-regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wooi Fang Lim
- Department of Paediatrics and Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Carlo Rinaldi
- Department of Paediatrics and Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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35
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Geisberg JV, Moqtaderi Z, Struhl K. Condition-specific 3' mRNA isoform half-lives and stability elements in yeast. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2301117120. [PMID: 37094136 PMCID: PMC10161003 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2301117120] [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: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Alternative polyadenylation generates numerous 3' mRNA isoforms that can differ in their stability, structure, and function. These isoforms can be used to map mRNA stabilizing and destabilizing elements within 3' untranslated regions (3'UTRs). Here, we examine how environmental conditions affect 3' mRNA isoform turnover and structure in yeast cells on a transcriptome scale. Isoform stability broadly increases when cells grow more slowly, with relative half-lives of most isoforms being well correlated across multiple conditions. Surprisingly, dimethyl sulfate probing reveals that individual 3' isoforms have similar structures across different conditions, in contrast to the extensive structural differences that can exist between closely related isoforms in an individual condition. Unexpectedly, most mRNA stabilizing and destabilizing elements function only in a single growth condition. The genes associated with some classes of condition-specific stability elements are enriched for different functional categories, suggesting that regulated mRNA stability might contribute to adaptation to different growth environments. Condition-specific stability elements do not result in corresponding condition-specific changes in steady-state mRNA isoform levels. This observation is consistent with a compensatory mechanism between polyadenylation and stability, and it suggests that condition-specific mRNA stability elements might largely reflect condition-specific regulation of mRNA 3' end formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph V. Geisberg
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02115
| | - Zarmik Moqtaderi
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02115
| | - Kevin Struhl
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02115
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36
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Shen Y, Qin Z, Ren G, Deng P, Ji W, Jiao C, Wu L. Complexity and regulation of age-dependent alternative splicing in Brachypodium distachyon. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2023:kiad223. [PMID: 37067917 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiad223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Alternative splicing (AS) is a gene regulatory mechanism that generates multiple transcripts of the same gene precursor by the spliceosome complex, promoting messenger RNA complexity and proteome diversity. Although AS is extensively studied in response to environmental stresses, whether it mediates age-dependent development and how it is adjusted by growth transitions are largely unknown. Here, we comprehensively explored the AS landscape at different development stages in the grass model plant Brachypodium (Brachypodium distachyon). We identified abundant coding genes and non-coding transcripts subject to dynamic AS regulation during juvenile, adult, and reproductive transitions. Moreover, we revealed that SC35-LIKE SPLICING FACTOR 33 (SCL33), a serine/arginine-rich splicing factor in spliceosomes, plays a redundant and antagonistic role with its putative paralog, SCL33L, in regulating intron assembly across distinct developmental stages. In addition, we determined global AS variations in microRNA156 (miR156)-overproducing plants, in which growth transitions are delayed, and found that SPLs were regulated by miR156 in intron retention alteration in addition to mRNA clearance and translation inhibition manners. Finally, we demonstrated a complex regulatory process of age-dependent AS events in B. distachyon that were coincidently or separately regulated by miR156 and SCL33/SCL33L. These results illustrate a substantial -machinery of AS that mediates phase transitions in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Shen
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Resources, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
- Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, Hainan Institute, Zhejiang University, Sanya, Hainan, 572000, China
| | - Zhengrui Qin
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Resources, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
- Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, Hainan Institute, Zhejiang University, Sanya, Hainan, 572000, China
| | - Gaojie Ren
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Resources, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Pingchuan Deng
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Resources, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China
| | - Wanquan Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China
| | - Chen Jiao
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Resources, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Liang Wu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Resources, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
- Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, Hainan Institute, Zhejiang University, Sanya, Hainan, 572000, China
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37
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Johnson KC, Corey DR. RNAi in cell nuclei: potential for a new layer of biological regulation and a new strategy for therapeutic discovery. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 29:415-422. [PMID: 36657971 PMCID: PMC10019369 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079500.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference is almost always associated with post-transcriptional silencing in the cytoplasm. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and critical RNAi protein factors like argonaute (AGO) and trinucleotide repeat binding containing 6 protein (TNRC6), however, are also found in cell nuclei, suggesting that nuclear miRNAs may be targets for gene regulation. Designed small duplex RNAs (dsRNAs) can modulate nuclear processes such as transcription and splicing, suggesting that they can also provide leads for therapeutic discovery. The goal of this Perspective is to provide the background on nuclear RNAi necessary to guide discussions on whether nuclear RNAi can play a role in therapeutic development programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystal C Johnson
- UT Southwestern Medical Center, Departments of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Dallas, Texas 75205, USA
| | - David R Corey
- UT Southwestern Medical Center, Departments of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Dallas, Texas 75205, USA
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38
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Ullah F, Jabeen S, Salton M, Reddy ASN, Ben-Hur A. Evidence for the role of transcription factors in the co-transcriptional regulation of intron retention. Genome Biol 2023; 24:53. [PMID: 36949544 PMCID: PMC10031921 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-023-02885-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alternative splicing is a widespread regulatory phenomenon that enables a single gene to produce multiple transcripts. Among the different types of alternative splicing, intron retention is one of the least explored despite its high prevalence in both plants and animals. The recent discovery that the majority of splicing is co-transcriptional has led to the finding that chromatin state affects alternative splicing. Therefore, it is plausible that transcription factors can regulate splicing outcomes. RESULTS We provide evidence for the hypothesis that transcription factors are involved in the regulation of intron retention by studying regions of open chromatin in retained and excised introns. Using deep learning models designed to distinguish between regions of open chromatin in retained introns and non-retained introns, we identified motifs enriched in IR events with significant hits to known human transcription factors. Our model predicts that the majority of transcription factors that affect intron retention come from the zinc finger family. We demonstrate the validity of these predictions using ChIP-seq data for multiple zinc finger transcription factors and find strong over-representation for their peaks in intron retention events. CONCLUSIONS This work opens up opportunities for further studies that elucidate the mechanisms by which transcription factors affect intron retention and other forms of splicing. AVAILABILITY Source code available at https://github.com/fahadahaf/chromir.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahad Ullah
- Department of Computer Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Saira Jabeen
- Department of Computer Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Maayan Salton
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Anireddy S N Reddy
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, The Hebrew University Faculty of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Asa Ben-Hur
- Department of Computer Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
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39
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Walter DM, Gladstein AC, Doerig KR, Natesan R, Baskaran SG, Gudiel AA, Adler KM, Acosta JO, Wallace DC, Asangani IA, Feldser DM. Setd2 inactivation sensitizes lung adenocarcinoma to inhibitors of oxidative respiration and mTORC1 signaling. Commun Biol 2023; 6:255. [PMID: 36899051 PMCID: PMC10006211 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04618-3] [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: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
SETD2 is a tumor suppressor that is frequently inactivated in several cancer types. The mechanisms through which SETD2 inactivation promotes cancer are unclear, and whether targetable vulnerabilities exist in these tumors is unknown. Here we identify heightened mTORC1-associated gene expression programs and functionally higher levels of oxidative metabolism and protein synthesis as prominent consequences of Setd2 inactivation in KRAS-driven mouse models of lung adenocarcinoma. Blocking oxidative respiration and mTORC1 signaling abrogates the high rates of tumor cell proliferation and tumor growth specifically in SETD2-deficient tumors. Our data nominate SETD2 deficiency as a functional marker of sensitivity to clinically actionable therapeutics targeting oxidative respiration and mTORC1 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Walter
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amy C Gladstein
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Katherine R Doerig
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ramakrishnan Natesan
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Saravana G Baskaran
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - A Andrea Gudiel
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Keren M Adler
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jonuelle O Acosta
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Douglas C Wallace
- Center for Mitochondrial and Epigenomic Medicine, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Irfan A Asangani
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - David M Feldser
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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40
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Montez M, Majchrowska M, Krzyszton M, Bokota G, Sacharowski S, Wrona M, Yatusevich R, Massana F, Plewczynski D, Swiezewski S. Promoter-pervasive transcription causes RNA polymerase II pausing to boost DOG1 expression in response to salt. EMBO J 2023; 42:e112443. [PMID: 36705062 PMCID: PMC9975946 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2022112443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotic genomes are pervasively transcribed by RNA polymerase II. Yet, the molecular and biological implications of such a phenomenon are still largely puzzling. Here, we describe noncoding RNA transcription upstream of the Arabidopsis thaliana DOG1 gene, which governs salt stress responses and is a key regulator of seed dormancy. We find that expression of the DOG1 gene is induced by salt stress, thereby causing a delay in seed germination. We uncover extensive transcriptional activity on the promoter of the DOG1 gene, which produces a variety of lncRNAs. These lncRNAs, named PUPPIES, are co-directionally transcribed and extend into the DOG1 coding region. We show that PUPPIES RNAs respond to salt stress and boost DOG1 expression, resulting in delayed germination. This positive role of pervasive PUPPIES transcription on DOG1 gene expression is associated with augmented pausing of RNA polymerase II, slower transcription and higher transcriptional burst size. These findings highlight the positive role of upstream co-directional transcription in controlling transcriptional dynamics of downstream genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Montez
- Laboratory of Seeds Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and BiophysicsPolish Academy of SciencesWarsawPoland
| | - Maria Majchrowska
- Laboratory of Seeds Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and BiophysicsPolish Academy of SciencesWarsawPoland
| | - Michal Krzyszton
- Laboratory of Seeds Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and BiophysicsPolish Academy of SciencesWarsawPoland
| | - Grzegorz Bokota
- Laboratory of Functional and Structural Genomics, Centre of New TechnologiesUniversity of WarsawWarsawPoland
| | - Sebastian Sacharowski
- Laboratory of Seeds Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and BiophysicsPolish Academy of SciencesWarsawPoland
| | - Magdalena Wrona
- Laboratory of Seeds Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and BiophysicsPolish Academy of SciencesWarsawPoland
| | - Ruslan Yatusevich
- Laboratory of Seeds Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and BiophysicsPolish Academy of SciencesWarsawPoland
| | - Ferran Massana
- Laboratory of Seeds Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and BiophysicsPolish Academy of SciencesWarsawPoland
| | - Dariusz Plewczynski
- Laboratory of Functional and Structural Genomics, Centre of New TechnologiesUniversity of WarsawWarsawPoland
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Computational Genomics, Faculty of Mathematics and Information ScienceWarsaw University of TechnologyWarsawPoland
| | - Szymon Swiezewski
- Laboratory of Seeds Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and BiophysicsPolish Academy of SciencesWarsawPoland
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41
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Elucidation of the Landscape of Alternatively Spliced Genes and Features in the Dorsal Striatum of Aggressive/Aggression-Deprived Mice in the Model of Chronic Social Conflicts. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14030599. [PMID: 36980872 PMCID: PMC10048575 DOI: 10.3390/genes14030599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Both aggressive and aggression-deprived (AD) individuals represent pathological cases extensively studied in psychiatry and substance abuse disciplines. We employed the animal model of chronic social conflicts curated in our laboratory for over 30 years. In the study, we pursued the task of evaluation of the key events in the dorsal striatum transcriptomes of aggression-experienced mice and AD species, as compared with the controls, using RNA-seq profiling. We evaluated the alternative splicing-mediated transcriptome dynamics based on the RNA-seq data. We confined our attention to the exon skipping (ES) events as the major AS type for animals. We report the concurrent posttranscriptional and posttranslational regulation of the ES events observed in the phosphorylation cycles (in phosphoproteins and their targets) in the neuron-specific genes of the striatum. Strikingly, we found that major neurospecific splicing factors (Nova1, Ptbp1, 2, Mbnl1, 2, and Sam68) related to the alternative splicing regulation of cAMP genes (Darpp-32, Grin1, Ptpn5, Ppp3ca, Pde10a, Prkaca, Psd95, and Adora1) are upregulated specifically in aggressive individuals as compared with the controls and specifically AD animals, assuming intense switching between isoforms in the cAMP-mediated (de)phosphorylation signaling cascade. We found that the coding alternative splicing events were mostly attributed to synaptic plasticity and neural development-related proteins, while the nonsense-mediated decay-associated splicing events are mostly attributed to the mRNA processing of genes, including the spliceosome and splicing factors. In addition, considering the gene families, the transporter (Slc) gene family manifested most of the ES events. We found out that the major molecular systems employing AS for their plasticity are the ‘spliceosome’, ‘chromatin rearrangement complex’, ‘synapse’, and ‘neural development/axonogenesis’ GO categories. Finally, we state that approximately 35% of the exon skipping variants in gene coding regions manifest the noncoding variants subject to nonsense-mediated decay, employed as a homeostasis-mediated expression regulation layer and often associated with the corresponding gene expression alteration.
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42
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Alternative Splicing in the Regulatory Circuit of Plant Temperature Response. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043878. [PMID: 36835290 PMCID: PMC9962249 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
As sessile organisms, plants have evolved complex mechanisms to rapidly respond to ever-changing ambient temperatures. Temperature response in plants is modulated by a multilayer regulatory network, including transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulations. Alternative splicing (AS) is an essential post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism. Extensive studies have confirmed its key role in plant temperature response, from adjustment to diurnal and seasonal temperature changes to response to extreme temperatures, which has been well documented by previous reviews. As a key node in the temperature response regulatory network, AS can be modulated by various upstream regulations, such as chromatin modification, transcription rate, RNA binding proteins, RNA structure and RNA modifications. Meanwhile, a number of downstream mechanisms are affected by AS, such as nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) pathway, translation efficiency and production of different protein variants. In this review, we focus on the links between splicing regulation and other mechanisms in plant temperature response. Recent advances regarding how AS is regulated and the following consequences in gene functional modulation in plant temperature response will be discussed. Substantial evidence suggests that a multilayer regulatory network integrating AS in plant temperature response has been unveiled.
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Song E, Hwang S, Munasingha PR, Seo YS, Kang J, Kang C, Hohng S. Transcriptional pause extension benefits the stand-by rather than catch-up Rho-dependent termination. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:2778-2789. [PMID: 36762473 PMCID: PMC10085680 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcriptional pause is essential for all types of termination. In this single-molecule study on bacterial Rho factor-dependent terminators, we confirm that the three Rho-dependent termination routes operate compatibly together in a single terminator, and discover that their termination efficiencies depend on the terminational pauses in unexpected ways. Evidently, the most abundant route is that Rho binds nascent RNA first and catches up with paused RNA polymerase (RNAP) and this catch-up Rho mediates simultaneous releases of transcript RNA and template DNA from RNAP. The fastest route is that the catch-up Rho effects RNA-only release and leads to 1D recycling of RNAP on DNA. The slowest route is that the RNAP-prebound stand-by Rho facilitates only the simultaneous rather than sequential releases. Among the three routes, only the stand-by Rho's termination efficiency positively correlates with pause duration, contrary to a long-standing speculation, invariably in the absence or presence of NusA/NusG factors, competitor RNAs or a crowding agent. Accordingly, the essential terminational pause does not need to be long for the catch-up Rho's terminations, and long pauses benefit only the stand-by Rho's terminations. Furthermore, the Rho-dependent termination of mgtA and ribB riboswitches is controlled mainly by modulation of the stand-by rather than catch-up termination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunho Song
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, and Institute of Applied Physics, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Seungha Hwang
- Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Palinda Ruvan Munasingha
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon-Soo Seo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Young Kang
- Correspondence may also be addressed to Jin Young Kang. Tel: +82 42 350 2831;
| | - Changwon Kang
- Correspondence may also be addressed to Changwon Kang. Tel: +82 42 350 2610;
| | - Sungchul Hohng
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +82 2 880 6593;
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Iannone C, Kainov Y, Zhuravskaya A, Hamid F, Nojima T, Makeyev EV. PTBP1-activated co-transcriptional splicing controls epigenetic status of pluripotent stem cells. Mol Cell 2023; 83:203-218.e9. [PMID: 36626906 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2022.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Many spliceosomal introns are excised from nascent transcripts emerging from RNA polymerase II (RNA Pol II). The extent of cell-type-specific regulation and possible functions of such co-transcriptional events remain poorly understood. We examined the role of the RNA-binding protein PTBP1 in this process using an acute depletion approach followed by the analysis of chromatin- and RNA Pol II-associated transcripts. We show that PTBP1 activates the co-transcriptional excision of hundreds of introns, a surprising effect given that this protein is known to promote intron retention. Importantly, some co-transcriptionally activated introns fail to complete their splicing without PTBP1. In a striking example, retention of a PTBP1-dependent intron triggers nonsense-mediated decay of transcripts encoding DNA methyltransferase DNMT3B. We provide evidence that this regulation facilitates the natural decline in DNMT3B levels in developing neurons and protects differentiation-specific genes from ectopic methylation. Thus, PTBP1-activated co-transcriptional splicing is a widespread phenomenon mediating epigenetic control of cellular identity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Iannone
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Yaroslav Kainov
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Anna Zhuravskaya
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Fursham Hamid
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Takayuki Nojima
- Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Eugene V Makeyev
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK.
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45
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Apostolidi M, Stamatopoulou V. Aberrant splicing in human cancer: An RNA structural code point of view. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1137154. [PMID: 36909167 PMCID: PMC9995731 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1137154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing represents an essential process that occurs widely in eukaryotes. In humans, most genes undergo alternative splicing to ensure transcriptome and proteome diversity reflecting their functional complexity. Over the last decade, aberrantly spliced transcripts due to mutations in cis- or trans-acting splicing regulators have been tightly associated with cancer development, largely drawing scientific attention. Although a plethora of single proteins, ribonucleoproteins, complexed RNAs, and short RNA sequences have emerged as nodal contributors to the splicing cascade, the role of RNA secondary structures in warranting splicing fidelity has been underestimated. Recent studies have leveraged the establishment of novel high-throughput methodologies and bioinformatic tools to shed light on an additional layer of splicing regulation in the context of RNA structural elements. This short review focuses on the most recent available data on splicing mechanism regulation on the basis of RNA secondary structure, emphasizing the importance of the complex RNA G-quadruplex structures (rG4s), and other specific RNA motifs identified as splicing silencers or enhancers. Moreover, it intends to provide knowledge on newly established techniques that allow the identification of RNA structural elements and highlight the potential to develop new RNA-oriented therapeutic strategies against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Apostolidi
- Agilent Laboratories, Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, CA, United States
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46
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Chen X, Tang YY, Yin H, Sun X, Zhang X, Xu N. A survey of the full-length transcriptome of Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis using single-molecule long-read sequencing. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 22:597. [PMID: 36536287 PMCID: PMC9762032 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-022-03992-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Posttranscriptional processing of precursor mRNAs contributes to transcriptome and protein diversity and gene regulatory mechanisms in eukaryotes. However, this posttranscriptional mechanism has not been studied in the marine macroalgae Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis, which is the most cultivated red seaweed species in China. RESULTS In the present study, third-generation sequencing (Pacific Biosciences single-molecule real-time long-read sequencing, SMRT-Seq) was used to sequence the full-length transcriptome of G. lemaneiformis to identify alternatively spliced transcripts and alternative polyadenylation (APA) sites in this species. RNAs were isolated from G. lemaneiformis under various treatments including abiotic stresses and exogenous phytohormones, and then equally pooled for SMRT-Seq. In summary, 346,544 full-length nonchimeric reads were generated, from which 13,630 unique full-length transcripts were obtained in G. lemaneiformis. Compared with the known splicing events in the gene models, more than 3000 new alternative splicing (AS) events were identified in the SMRT-Seq reads. Additionally, 810 genes were found to have poly (A) sites and 91 microRNAs (miRNAs), 961 long noncoding RNAs and 1721 novel genes were identified in G. lemaneiformis. Moreover, validation experiments showed that abiotic stresses and phytohormones could induce some specific AS events, especially intron retain isoforms, cause some alterations to the relative ratios of transcripts annotated to the same gene, and generate novel 3' ends because of differential APA. The growth of G. lemaneiformis was inhibited by Cu stress, while this inhibition was alleviated by ACC treatment. RNA-Seq analysis further revealed that 211 differential alternative splicing (DAS) events and 142 DAS events was obtained in CK vs Cu and Cu vs Cu + ACC, respectively, suggesting that AS of functional genes could be regulated by Cu stress and ACC. Compared with Cu stress, the expression of transcripts with DAS events mainly involved in the carbon fixation in photosynthetic organisms and oxidative phosphorylation pathway was upregulated in Cu + ACC treatment, revealing that ACC alleviated the growth inhibition by Cu stress by increasing carbon fixation and oxidative phosphorylation. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide the first comprehensive picture of the full-length transcriptome and posttranscriptional mechanism in red macroalgae, including transcripts that appeared in the presence of common abiotic stresses and phytohormones, which will improve the gene annotations of Gracilariopsis and contribute to the study of gene regulation in this important cultivated seaweed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojiao Chen
- Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Zhejiang Province, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yue Yao Tang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Zhejiang Province, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, Zhejiang, China
| | - Haodong Yin
- Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Zhejiang Province, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xue Sun
- Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Zhejiang Province, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaoqian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Zhejiang Province, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, Zhejiang, China
| | - Nianjun Xu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Zhejiang Province, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, Zhejiang, China.
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47
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Kerschbamer E, Arnoldi M, Tripathi T, Pellegrini M, Maturi S, Erdin S, Salviato E, Di Leva F, Sebestyén E, Dassi E, Zarantonello G, Benelli M, Campos E, Basson M, Gusella J, Gustincich S, Piazza S, Demichelis F, Talkowski M, Ferrari F, Biagioli M. CHD8 suppression impacts on histone H3 lysine 36 trimethylation and alters RNA alternative splicing. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:12809-12828. [PMID: 36537238 PMCID: PMC9825192 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac1134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Disruptive mutations in the chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 8 gene (CHD8) have been recurrently associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Here we investigated how chromatin reacts to CHD8 suppression by analyzing a panel of histone modifications in induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural progenitors. CHD8 suppression led to significant reduction (47.82%) in histone H3K36me3 peaks at gene bodies, particularly impacting on transcriptional elongation chromatin states. H3K36me3 reduction specifically affects highly expressed, CHD8-bound genes and correlates with altered alternative splicing patterns of 462 genes implicated in 'regulation of RNA splicing' and 'mRNA catabolic process'. Mass spectrometry analysis uncovered a novel interaction between CHD8 and the splicing regulator heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein L (hnRNPL), providing the first mechanistic insights to explain the CHD8 suppression-derived splicing phenotype, partly implicating SETD2, a H3K36me3 methyltransferase. In summary, our results point toward broad molecular consequences of CHD8 suppression, entailing altered histone deposition/maintenance and RNA processing regulation as important regulatory processes in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Kerschbamer
- NeuroEpigenetics laboratory, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, (CIBIO) University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Michele Arnoldi
- NeuroEpigenetics laboratory, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, (CIBIO) University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Takshashila Tripathi
- NeuroEpigenetics laboratory, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, (CIBIO) University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Miguel Pellegrini
- NeuroEpigenetics laboratory, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, (CIBIO) University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Samuele Maturi
- NeuroEpigenetics laboratory, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, (CIBIO) University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Serkan Erdin
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Elisa Salviato
- IFOM, the FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Di Leva
- NeuroEpigenetics laboratory, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, (CIBIO) University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Endre Sebestyén
- IFOM, the FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Erik Dassi
- Laboratory of RNA Regulatory Networks, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Giulia Zarantonello
- NeuroEpigenetics laboratory, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, (CIBIO) University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Matteo Benelli
- Bioinformatics Unit, Hospital of Prato, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Prato, Italy
| | - Eric Campos
- Genetics & Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - M Albert Basson
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology and MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, UK
| | - James F Gusella
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stefano Gustincich
- Central RNA Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Genova, Italy
| | - Silvano Piazza
- Bioinformatic facility, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO) University of Trento, Italy
| | - Francesca Demichelis
- Laboratory of Computational and Functional Oncology, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Michael E Talkowski
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Francesco Ferrari
- IFOM, the FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
- CNR Institute of Molecular Genetics ‘Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza’, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marta Biagioli
- NeuroEpigenetics laboratory, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, (CIBIO) University of Trento, Trento, Italy
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Wang Q, Xiong F, Wu G, Liu W, Chen J, Wang B, Chen Y. Gene body methylation in cancer: molecular mechanisms and clinical applications. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:154. [PMID: 36443876 PMCID: PMC9706891 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-022-01382-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is an important epigenetic mechanism that regulates gene expression. To date, most DNA methylation studies have focussed on CpG islands in the gene promoter region, and the mechanism of methylation and the regulation of gene expression after methylation have been clearly elucidated. However, genome-wide methylation studies have shown that DNA methylation is widespread not only in promoters but also in gene bodies. Gene body methylation is widely involved in the expression regulation of many genes and is closely related to the occurrence and progression of malignant tumours. This review focusses on the formation of gene body methylation patterns, its regulation of transcription, and its relationship with tumours, providing clues to explore the mechanism of gene body methylation in regulating gene transcription and its significance and application in the field of oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wang
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430074 Hubei Province China
| | - Fei Xiong
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430074 Hubei Province China
| | - Guanhua Wu
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430074 Hubei Province China
| | - Wenzheng Liu
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430074 Hubei Province China
| | - Junsheng Chen
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430074 Hubei Province China
| | - Bing Wang
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430074 Hubei Province China
| | - Yongjun Chen
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430074 Hubei Province China
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49
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Isaac R, Vinik Y, Mikl M, Nadav-Eliyahu S, Shatz-Azoulay H, Yaakobi A, DeForest N, Majithia AR, Webster NJ, Shav-Tal Y, Elhanany E, Zick Y. A seven-transmembrane protein-TM7SF3, resides in nuclear speckles and regulates alternative splicing. iScience 2022; 25:105270. [PMID: 36304109 PMCID: PMC9593240 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105270] [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: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The seven-transmembrane superfamily member 3 protein (TM7SF3) is a p53-regulated homeostatic factor that attenuates cellular stress and the unfolded protein response. Here we show that TM7SF3 localizes to nuclear speckles; eukaryotic nuclear bodies enriched in splicing factors. This unexpected location for a trans -membranal protein enables formation of stable complexes between TM7SF3 and pre-mRNA splicing factors including DHX15, LARP7, HNRNPU, RBM14, and HNRNPK. Indeed, TM7SF3 regulates alternative splicing of >330 genes, mainly at the 3'end of introns by directly modulating the activity of splicing factors such as HNRNPK. These effects are observed both in cell lines and primary human pancreatic islets. Accordingly, silencing of TM7SF3 results in differential expression of 1465 genes (about 7% of the human genome); with 844 and 621 genes being up- or down-regulated, respectively. Our findings implicate TM7SF3, as a resident protein of nuclear speckles and suggest a role for seven-transmembrane proteins as regulators of alternative splicing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roi Isaac
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Yaron Vinik
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Martin Mikl
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
- Department of Biology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Shani Nadav-Eliyahu
- The Mina & Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and the Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Hadas Shatz-Azoulay
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Adi Yaakobi
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Natalie DeForest
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Amit R. Majithia
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Nicholas J.G. Webster
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Yaron Shav-Tal
- The Mina & Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and the Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Eytan Elhanany
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Yehiel Zick
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
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Kajitani N, Schwartz S. The role of RNA-binding proteins in the processing of mRNAs produced by carcinogenic papillomaviruses. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:482-496. [PMID: 35181475 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are epitheliotropic DNA tumor viruses that are prevalent in the human population. A subset of the HPVs termed high-risk HPVs (HR-HPVs) are causative agents of anogenital cancers and head-and-neck cancers. Cancer is the result of persistent high-risk HPV infections that have not been cleared by the immune system of the host. These infections are characterized by dysregulated HPV gene expression, in particular constitutive high expression of the HPV E6 and E7 oncogenes and absence of the highly immunogenic viral L1 and L2 capsid proteins. HPVs make extensive use of alternative mRNA splicing to express its genes and are therefore highly dependent on cellular RNA-binding proteins for proper gene expression. Levels of RNA-binding proteins are altered in HPV-containing premalignant cervical lesions and in cervical cancer. Here we review our current knowledge of RNA-binding proteins that control HPV gene expression. We focus on RNA-binding proteins that control expression of the E6 and E7 oncogenes since they initiate and drive development of cancer and on the immunogenic L1 and L2 proteins as there silencing may contribute to immune evasion during carcinogenesis. Furthermore, cellular RNA-binding proteins are essential for HPV gene expression and as such may be targets for therapy to HPV infections and HPV-driven cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoko Kajitani
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology (IMBIM), Uppsala University, BMC-B9, 751 23, Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, BMC-B13, 221 84, Lund, Sweden
| | - Stefan Schwartz
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology (IMBIM), Uppsala University, BMC-B9, 751 23, Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, BMC-B13, 221 84, Lund, Sweden.
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