1
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Xu D, Tang L, Zhou J, Wang F, Cao H, Huang Y, Kapranov P. Evidence for widespread existence of functional novel and non-canonical human transcripts. BMC Biol 2023; 21:271. [PMID: 38001496 PMCID: PMC10675921 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01753-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fraction of functional sequence in the human genome remains a key unresolved question in Biology and the subject of vigorous debate. While a plethora of studies have connected a significant fraction of human DNA to various biochemical processes, the classical definition of function requires evidence of effects on cellular or organismal fitness that such studies do not provide. Although multiple high-throughput reverse genetics screens have been developed to address this issue, they are limited to annotated genomic elements and suffer from non-specific effects, arguing for a strong need to develop additional functional genomics approaches. RESULTS In this work, we established a high-throughput lentivirus-based insertional mutagenesis strategy as a forward genetics screen tool in aneuploid cells. Application of this approach to human cell lines in multiple phenotypic screens suggested the presence of many yet uncharacterized functional elements in the human genome, represented at least in part by novel exons of known and novel genes. The novel transcripts containing these exons can be massively, up to thousands-fold, induced by specific stresses, and at least some can represent bi-cistronic protein-coding mRNAs. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, these results argue that many unannotated and non-canonical human transcripts, including those that appear as aberrant splice products, have biological relevance under specific biological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongyang Xu
- Institute of Genomics, School of Medicine, Huaqiao University, 668 Jimei Road, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Lu Tang
- Institute of Genomics, School of Medicine, Huaqiao University, 668 Jimei Road, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Junjun Zhou
- Institute of Genomics, School of Medicine, Huaqiao University, 668 Jimei Road, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Institute of Genomics, School of Medicine, Huaqiao University, 668 Jimei Road, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Huifen Cao
- Institute of Genomics, School of Medicine, Huaqiao University, 668 Jimei Road, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Yu Huang
- Institute of Genomics, School of Medicine, Huaqiao University, 668 Jimei Road, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Philipp Kapranov
- Institute of Genomics, School of Medicine, Huaqiao University, 668 Jimei Road, Xiamen, 361021, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China.
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2
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Morselli Gysi D, Barabási AL. Noncoding RNAs improve the predictive power of network medicine. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2301342120. [PMID: 37906646 PMCID: PMC10636370 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2301342120] [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: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Network medicine has improved the mechanistic understanding of disease, offering quantitative insights into disease mechanisms, comorbidities, and novel diagnostic tools and therapeutic treatments. Yet, most network-based approaches rely on a comprehensive map of protein-protein interactions (PPI), ignoring interactions mediated by noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs). Here, we systematically combine experimentally confirmed binding interactions mediated by ncRNA with PPI, constructing a comprehensive network of all physical interactions in the human cell. We find that the inclusion of ncRNA expands the number of genes in the interactome by 46% and the number of interactions by 107%, significantly enhancing our ability to identify disease modules. Indeed, we find that 132 diseases lacked a statistically significant disease module in the protein-based interactome but have a statistically significant disease module after inclusion of ncRNA-mediated interactions, making these diseases accessible to the tools of network medicine. We show that the inclusion of ncRNAs helps unveil disease-disease relationships that were not detectable before and expands our ability to predict comorbidity patterns between diseases. Taken together, we find that including noncoding interactions improves both the breath and the predictive accuracy of network medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deisy Morselli Gysi
- Network Science Institute, Northeastern University, Boston, MA02115
- Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, MA02115
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02115
- US Department of Veteran Affairs, Boston, MA02130
| | - Albert-László Barabási
- Network Science Institute, Northeastern University, Boston, MA02115
- Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, MA02115
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02115
- US Department of Veteran Affairs, Boston, MA02130
- Department of Network and Data Science, Central European University, Budapest1051, Hungary
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3
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Jara E, Peñagaricano F, Armstrong E, Menezes C, Tardiz L, Rodons G, Iriarte A. Identification of Long Noncoding RNAs Involved in Eyelid Pigmentation of Hereford Cattle. Front Genet 2022; 13:864567. [PMID: 35601493 PMCID: PMC9114348 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.864567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Several ocular pathologies in cattle, such as ocular squamous cell carcinoma and infectious keratoconjunctivitis, have been associated with low pigmentation of the eyelids. The main objective of this study was to analyze the transcriptome of eyelid skin in Hereford cattle using strand-specific RNA sequencing technology to characterize and identify long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). We compared the expression of lncRNAs between pigmented and unpigmented eyelids and analyzed the interaction of lncRNAs and putative target genes to reveal the genetic basis underlying eyelid pigmentation in cattle. We predicted 4,937 putative lncRNAs mapped to the bovine reference genome, enriching the catalog of lncRNAs in Bos taurus. We found 27 differentially expressed lncRNAs between pigmented and unpigmented eyelids, suggesting their involvement in eyelid pigmentation. In addition, we revealed potential links between some significant differentially expressed lncRNAs and target mRNAs involved in the immune response and pigmentation. Overall, this study expands the catalog of lncRNAs in cattle and contributes to a better understanding of the biology of eyelid pigmentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenio Jara
- Unidad de Genética y Mejora Animal, Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de La República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Francisco Peñagaricano
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Eileen Armstrong
- Unidad de Genética y Mejora Animal, Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de La República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Claudia Menezes
- Laboratorio de Endocrinología y Metabolismo Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de La República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Lucía Tardiz
- Unidad de Genética y Mejora Animal, Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de La República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Gastón Rodons
- Unidad de Genética y Mejora Animal, Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de La República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Andrés Iriarte
- Laboratorio de Biología Computacional, Departamento de Desarrollo Biotecnológico, Instituto de Higiene, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de La República, Montevideo, Uruguay
- *Correspondence: Andrés Iriarte,
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4
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Akhlaghpour H. An RNA-Based Theory of Natural Universal Computation. J Theor Biol 2021; 537:110984. [PMID: 34979104 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2021.110984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Life is confronted with computation problems in a variety of domains including animal behavior, single-cell behavior, and embryonic development. Yet we currently do not know of a naturally existing biological system that is capable of universal computation, i.e., Turing-equivalent in scope. Generic finite-dimensional dynamical systems (which encompass most models of neural networks, intracellular signaling cascades, and gene regulatory networks) fall short of universal computation, but are assumed to be capable of explaining cognition and development. I present a class of models that bridge two concepts from distant fields: combinatory logic (or, equivalently, lambda calculus) and RNA molecular biology. A set of basic RNA editing rules can make it possible to compute any computable function with identical algorithmic complexity to that of Turing machines. The models do not assume extraordinarily complex molecular machinery or any processes that radically differ from what we already know to occur in cells. Distinct independent enzymes can mediate each of the rules and RNA molecules solve the problem of parenthesis matching through their secondary structure. In the most plausible of these models all of the editing rules can be implemented with merely cleavage and ligation operations at fixed positions relative to predefined motifs. This demonstrates that universal computation is well within the reach of molecular biology. It is therefore reasonable to assume that life has evolved - or possibly began with - a universal computer that yet remains to be discovered. The variety of seemingly unrelated computational problems across many scales can potentially be solved using the same RNA-based computation system. Experimental validation of this theory may immensely impact our understanding of memory, cognition, development, disease, evolution, and the early stages of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hessameddin Akhlaghpour
- Laboratory of Integrative Brain Function, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, 10065, USA
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5
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Konina D, Sparber P, Viakhireva I, Filatova A, Skoblov M. Investigation of LINC00493/SMIM26 Gene Suggests Its Dual Functioning at mRNA and Protein Level. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168477. [PMID: 34445188 PMCID: PMC8395196 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The amount of human long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) genes is comparable to protein-coding; however, only a small number of lncRNAs are functionally annotated. Previously, it was shown that lncRNAs can participate in many key cellular processes, including regulation of gene expression at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. The lncRNA genes can contain small open reading frames (sORFs), and recent studies demonstrated that some of the resulting short proteins could play an important biological role. In the present study, we investigate the widely expressed lncRNA LINC00493. We determine the structure of the LINC00493 transcript, its cell localization and influence on cell physiology. Our data demonstrate that LINC00493 has an influence on cell viability in a cell-type-specific manner. Furthermore, it was recently shown that LINC00493 has a sORF that is translated into small protein SMIM26. The results of our knockdown and overexpression experiments suggest that both LINC00493/SMIM26 transcript and protein affect cell viability, but in the opposite manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Konina
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Phystech School of Biological and Medical Physics, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
- Research Centre of Medical Genetics, Laboratory of Functional Genomics, 115478 Moscow, Russia; (P.S.); (I.V.); (M.S.)
- Correspondence: (D.K.); (A.F.)
| | - Peter Sparber
- Research Centre of Medical Genetics, Laboratory of Functional Genomics, 115478 Moscow, Russia; (P.S.); (I.V.); (M.S.)
| | - Iuliia Viakhireva
- Research Centre of Medical Genetics, Laboratory of Functional Genomics, 115478 Moscow, Russia; (P.S.); (I.V.); (M.S.)
| | - Alexandra Filatova
- Research Centre of Medical Genetics, Laboratory of Functional Genomics, 115478 Moscow, Russia; (P.S.); (I.V.); (M.S.)
- Correspondence: (D.K.); (A.F.)
| | - Mikhail Skoblov
- Research Centre of Medical Genetics, Laboratory of Functional Genomics, 115478 Moscow, Russia; (P.S.); (I.V.); (M.S.)
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6
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Blokhin IO, Khorkova O, Saveanu RV, Wahlestedt C. Molecular mechanisms of psychiatric diseases. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 146:105136. [PMID: 33080337 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.105136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
For most psychiatric diseases, pathogenetic concepts as well as paradigms underlying neuropsychopharmacologic approaches currently revolve around neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. However, despite the fact that several generations of neurotransmitter-based psychotropics including atypical antipsychotics, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors are available, the effectiveness of these medications is limited, and relapse rates in psychiatric diseases are relatively high, indicating potential involvement of other pathogenetic pathways. Indeed, recent high-throughput studies in genetics and molecular biology have shown that pathogenesis of major psychiatric illnesses involves hundreds of genes and numerous pathways via such fundamental processes as DNA methylation, transcription, and splicing. Current review summarizes these and other molecular mechanisms of such psychiatric illnesses as schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, and alcohol use disorder and suggests a conceptual framework for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilya O Blokhin
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States of America; Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Olga Khorkova
- OPKO Health Inc., Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Radu V Saveanu
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Claes Wahlestedt
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States of America.
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7
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Ren X, Yang R, Li L, Xu X, Liang S. Long non coding RNAs involved in MAPK pathway mechanism mediates diabetic neuropathic pain. Cell Biol Int 2020; 44:2372-2379. [PMID: 32844535 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes is the largest global epidemic of the 21st century, and the cost of diabetes and its complications comprise about 12% of global health expenditure. Diabetic neuropathy is the most common complication of diabetes, affecting up to 50% of patients over the course of their disease. Among them, 30%-50% develop neuropathic pain, which has typical symptoms that originate from the toes and progress to foot ulcers and seriously influence quality of life. The pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP) is complicated and incompletely understood and there is no effective treatment except supportive treatment. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), a class of noncoding RNAs exceeding 200 nucleotides in length, have been shown to play key roles in fundamental cellular processes, and are considered to be potential targets for treatment. Recent research indicates that lncRNA is involved in the pathogenesis of DNP. Certain overexpressed lncRNAs can enhance the purinergic receptor-mediated neuropathic pain in peripheral ganglia and inflammatory cytokines are released due to receptors activated by adenosine triphosphate. In recent years, our laboratory also has been exploring the relationship and pathogenesis between lncRNAs and DNP. In this review, we focus on the recent progress in functional lncRNAs associated with DNP and investigate their roles related to respective receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinlu Ren
- Queen Mary University of London Joint Programme, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Runan Yang
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory of Physiology Department, Basic Medical School of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China.,Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Autonomic Nervous Function and Disease, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
| | - Lin Li
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory of Physiology Department, Basic Medical School of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China.,Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Autonomic Nervous Function and Disease, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
| | - Xiumei Xu
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory of Physiology Department, Basic Medical School of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China.,Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Autonomic Nervous Function and Disease, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
| | - Shangdong Liang
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory of Physiology Department, Basic Medical School of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China.,Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Autonomic Nervous Function and Disease, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
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8
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Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) represent a major fraction of the transcriptome in multicellular organisms. Although a handful of well-studied lncRNAs are broadly recognized as biologically meaningful, the fraction of such transcripts out of the entire collection of lncRNAs remains a subject of vigorous debate. Here we review the evidence for and against biological functionalities of lncRNAs and attempt to arrive at potential modes of lncRNA functionality that would reconcile the contradictory conclusions. Finally, we discuss different strategies of phenotypic analyses that could be used to investigate such modes of lncRNA functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Gao
- Institute of Genomics, School of Biomedical Sciences, Huaqiao University, 201 Pan-Chinese S & T Building, 668 Jimei Road, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Ye Cai
- Institute of Genomics, School of Biomedical Sciences, Huaqiao University, 201 Pan-Chinese S & T Building, 668 Jimei Road, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Philipp Kapranov
- Institute of Genomics, School of Biomedical Sciences, Huaqiao University, 201 Pan-Chinese S & T Building, 668 Jimei Road, Xiamen, 361021, China.
| | - Dongyang Xu
- Institute of Genomics, School of Biomedical Sciences, Huaqiao University, 201 Pan-Chinese S & T Building, 668 Jimei Road, Xiamen, 361021, China.
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9
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Turner AW, Wong D, Khan MD, Dreisbach CN, Palmore M, Miller CL. Multi-Omics Approaches to Study Long Non-coding RNA Function in Atherosclerosis. Front Cardiovasc Med 2019; 6:9. [PMID: 30838214 PMCID: PMC6389617 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2019.00009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a complex inflammatory disease of the vessel wall involving the interplay of multiple cell types including vascular smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, and macrophages. Large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and the advancement of next generation sequencing technologies have rapidly expanded the number of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) transcripts predicted to play critical roles in the pathogenesis of the disease. In this review, we highlight several lncRNAs whose functional role in atherosclerosis is well-documented through traditional biochemical approaches as well as those identified through RNA-sequencing and other high-throughput assays. We describe novel genomics approaches to study both evolutionarily conserved and divergent lncRNA functions and interactions with DNA, RNA, and proteins. We also highlight assays to resolve the complex spatial and temporal regulation of lncRNAs. Finally, we summarize the latest suite of computational tools designed to improve genomic and functional annotation of these transcripts in the human genome. Deep characterization of lncRNAs is fundamental to unravel coronary atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases, as these regulatory molecules represent a new class of potential therapeutic targets and/or diagnostic markers to mitigate both genetic and environmental risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam W. Turner
- Center for Public Health Genomics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Doris Wong
- Center for Public Health Genomics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Mohammad Daud Khan
- Center for Public Health Genomics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Caitlin N. Dreisbach
- Center for Public Health Genomics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- School of Nursing, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- Data Science Institute, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Meredith Palmore
- Center for Public Health Genomics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Clint L. Miller
- Center for Public Health Genomics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- Data Science Institute, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
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10
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Blokhin I, Khorkova O, Hsiao J, Wahlestedt C. Developments in lncRNA drug discovery: where are we heading? Expert Opin Drug Discov 2018; 13:837-849. [PMID: 30078338 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2018.1501024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The central dogma of molecular biology, which states that the only role of long RNA transcripts is to convey information from gene to protein, was brought into question in recent years due to discovery of the extensive presence and complex roles of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). Furthermore, lncRNAs were found to be involved in pathogenesis of multiple diseases and thus represent a new class of therapeutic targets. Translational efforts in the lncRNA field have been augmented by progress in optimizing the chemistry and delivery platforms of lncRNA-targeting modalities, including oligonucleotide-based drugs and CRISPR-Cas9. Areas covered: This review covers the current advances in characterizing diversity and biological functions of lncRNA focusing on their therapeutic potential in selected therapeutic areas. Expert opinion: Due to accelerating parallel progress in lncRNA biology and lncRNA-compatible therapeutic modalities, it is likely that lncRNA-dependent mechanisms of pathogenesis will soon be targeted in various disorders, including neurological, psychiatric, cardiovascular, infectious diseases, and cancer. Significant efforts, however, are still required to better understand the biology of both lncRNAs and lncRNA-targeting drugs. Further work is needed in the areas of lncRNA nomenclature, database representation, intra/interfield communication, and education of the community at large.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilya Blokhin
- a Center for Therapeutic Innovation and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences , University of Miami Miller School of Medicine , Miami , FL , USA
| | | | | | - Claes Wahlestedt
- a Center for Therapeutic Innovation and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences , University of Miami Miller School of Medicine , Miami , FL , USA
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11
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Abstract
Biomedical data science has experienced an explosion of new data over the past decade. Abundant genetic and genomic data are increasingly available in large, diverse data sets due to the maturation of modern molecular technologies. Along with these molecular data, dense, rich phenotypic data are also available on comprehensive clinical data sets from health care provider organizations, clinical trials, population health registries, and epidemiologic studies. The methods and approaches for interrogating these large genetic/genomic and clinical data sets continue to evolve rapidly, as our understanding of the questions and challenges continue to emerge. In this review, the state-of-the-art methodologies for genetic/genomic analysis along with complex phenomics will be discussed. This field is changing and adapting to the novel data types made available, as well as technological advances in computation and machine learning. Thus, I will also discuss the future challenges in this exciting and innovative space. The promises of precision medicine rely heavily on the ability to marry complex genetic/genomic data with clinical phenotypes in meaningful ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marylyn D. Ritchie
- Department of Genetics and Institute for Biomedical Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
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12
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Peedicayil J, Grayson DR. Some implications of an epigenetic-based omnigenic model of psychiatric disorders. J Theor Biol 2018; 452:81-84. [PMID: 29775682 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2018.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Peedicayil
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India.
| | - Dennis R Grayson
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, The Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Chicago, USA.
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13
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Steri M, Idda ML, Whalen MB, Orrù V. Genetic variants in mRNA untranslated regions. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2018; 9:e1474. [PMID: 29582564 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Revised: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS) have mapped thousands of genetic variants associated with complex disease risk and regulating quantitative traits, thus exploiting an unprecedented high-resolution genetic characterization of the human genome. A small fraction (3.7%) of the identified associations is located in untranslated regions (UTRs), and the molecular mechanism has been elucidated for few of them. Genetic variations at UTRs may modify regulatory elements affecting the interaction of the UTRs with proteins and microRNAs. The overall functional consequences include modulation of messenger RNA (mRNA) transcription, secondary structure, stability, localization, translation, and access to regulators like microRNAs (miRNAs) and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). Alterations of these regulatory mechanisms are known to modify molecular pathways and cellular processes, potentially leading to disease processes. Here, we analyze some examples of genetic risk variants mapping in the UTR regulatory elements. We describe a recently identified genetic variant localized in the 3'UTR of the TNFSF13B gene, associated with autoimmunity risk and responsible of an increased stability and translation of TNFSF13B mRNA. We discuss how the correct use and interpretation of public GWAS repositories could lead to a better understanding of etiopathogenetic mechanisms and the generation of robust biological hypothesis as starting point for further functional studies. This article is categorized under: RNA Structure and Dynamics > RNA Structure, Dynamics and Chemistry RNA Evolution and Genomics > Computational Analyses of RNA RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maristella Steri
- Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - M Laura Idda
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, National Institute on Aging, National Institute of Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Michael B Whalen
- Istituto di Biofisica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Trento, Italy
| | - Valeria Orrù
- Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
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14
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Prologue. MOLECULAR BASIS OF RESILIENCE 2018. [PMCID: PMC7120650 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-98164-2_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
All living things are associated with a boundary defined ecological niche. Steady state conditions are rarely constant but evolutionary adaptation is too slow to adapt to daily threats so a surrogate variation mechanism is necessary. The genome defines the most basic instructions for life so that a molecular biology perspective provides the foundation for understanding resilience. Variations in the expression of RNA offers rapid variation and this book proposes this is the basis of resilience. This book attempts to illuminate mechanisms of resilience beginning with elaborating threats leading to disruption in steady state conditions. Recognition of threats and defense systems are described followed by adaptive changes in gene expression that refine responses. Finally, environmental conditions are discussed that serve to dampen the adaptive response oscillator to disruptive threats at the level of RNA expression. This prologue is intended to acquaint the reader with my background and the genesis of optimism for an idea that the benefit of transcriptome plasticity is resilience. I grew up in several National Parks, remote regions of the United States that are set aside to preserve natural environments. I attended 12 schools by the time I graduated from high school, a fact that forced me to develop personal resilience. My career path as a scientist followed a path from ecologist to pharmacologist to molecular biologist. I was a professor that transitioned to biotechnology ensuring research subjects involving very diverse in subject matter so I appreciate the value of plasticity.
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15
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van Son M, Kent MP, Grove H, Agarwal R, Hamland H, Lien S, Grindflek E. Fine mapping of a QTL affecting levels of skatole on pig chromosome 7. BMC Genet 2017; 18:85. [PMID: 29020941 PMCID: PMC5637327 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-017-0549-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies in the Norwegian pig breeds Landrace and Duroc have revealed a QTL for levels of skatole located in the region 74.7-80.5 Mb on SSC7. Skatole is one of the main components causing boar taint, which gives an undesirable smell and taste to the pig meat when heated. Surgical castration of boars is a common practice to reduce the risk of boar taint, however, a selection for boars genetically predisposed for low levels of taint would help eliminating the need for castration and be advantageous for both economic and welfare reasons. In order to identify the causal mutation(s) for the QTL and/or identify genetic markers for selection purposes we performed a fine mapping of the SSC7 skatole QTL region. RESULTS A dense set of markers on SSC7 was obtained by whole genome re-sequencing of 24 Norwegian Landrace and 23 Duroc boars. Subsets of 126 and 157 SNPs were used for association analyses in Landrace and Duroc, respectively. Significant single markers associated with skatole spanned a large 4.4 Mb region from 75.9-80.3 Mb in Landrace, with the highest test scores found in a region between the genes NOVA1 and TGM1 (p < 0.001). The same QTL was obtained in Duroc and, although less significant, with associated SNPs spanning a 1.2 Mb region from 78.9-80.1 Mb (p < 0.01). The highest test scores in Duroc were found in genes of the granzyme family (GZMB and GZMH-like) and STXBP6. Haplotypes associated with levels of skatole were identified in Landrace but not in Duroc, and a haplotype block was found to explain 2.3% of the phenotypic variation for skatole. The SNPs in this region were not associated with levels of sex steroids. CONCLUSIONS Fine mapping of a QTL for skatole on SSC7 confirmed associations of this region with skatole levels in pigs. The QTL region was narrowed down to 4.4 Mb in Landrace and haplotypes explaining 2.3% of the phenotypic variance for skatole levels were identified. Results confirmed that sex steroids are not affected by this QTL region, making these markers attractive for selection against boar taint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maren van Son
- Topigs Norsvin, Storhamargata 44, 2317, Hamar, Norway.
| | - Matthew P Kent
- Centre for Integrative Genetics (CIGENE), Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Faculty of Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P. O. Box 5003, 1432, Ås, Norway
| | - Harald Grove
- Centre for Integrative Genetics (CIGENE), Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Faculty of Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P. O. Box 5003, 1432, Ås, Norway
| | - Rahul Agarwal
- Centre for Integrative Genetics (CIGENE), Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Faculty of Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P. O. Box 5003, 1432, Ås, Norway
| | - Hanne Hamland
- Topigs Norsvin, Storhamargata 44, 2317, Hamar, Norway
| | - Sigbjørn Lien
- Centre for Integrative Genetics (CIGENE), Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Faculty of Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P. O. Box 5003, 1432, Ås, Norway
| | - Eli Grindflek
- Topigs Norsvin, Storhamargata 44, 2317, Hamar, Norway
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Transcriptional and Post-transcriptional Gene Regulation by Long Non-coding RNA. GENOMICS PROTEOMICS & BIOINFORMATICS 2017; 15:177-186. [PMID: 28529100 PMCID: PMC5487525 DOI: 10.1016/j.gpb.2016.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 566] [Impact Index Per Article: 80.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Revised: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 12/25/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Advances in genomics technology over recent years have led to the surprising discovery that the genome is far more pervasively transcribed than was previously appreciated. Much of the newly-discovered transcriptome appears to represent long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), a heterogeneous group of largely uncharacterised transcripts. Understanding the biological function of these molecules represents a major challenge and in this review we discuss some of the progress made to date. One major theme of lncRNA biology seems to be the existence of a network of interactions with microRNA (miRNA) pathways. lncRNA has been shown to act as both a source and an inhibitory regulator of miRNA. At the transcriptional level, a model is emerging whereby lncRNA bridges DNA and protein by binding to chromatin and serving as a scaffold for modifying protein complexes. Such a mechanism can bridge promoters to enhancers or enhancer-like non-coding genes by regulating chromatin looping, as well as conferring specificity on histone modifying complexes by directing them to specific loci.
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Annalora AJ, Marcus CB, Iversen PL. Alternative Splicing in the Cytochrome P450 Superfamily Expands Protein Diversity to Augment Gene Function and Redirect Human Drug Metabolism. Drug Metab Dispos 2017; 45:375-389. [DOI: 10.1124/dmd.116.073254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
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Reyes-Gibby CC, Wang J, Silvas MRT, Yu RK, Hanna EY, Shete S. Genome-wide association study suggests common variants within RP11-634B7.4 gene influencing severe pre-treatment pain in head and neck cancer patients. Sci Rep 2016; 6:34206. [PMID: 27670397 PMCID: PMC5037456 DOI: 10.1038/srep34206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pain is often one of the first signs of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC). Pain at diagnosis is an important prognostic marker for the development of chronic pain, and importantly, for the overall survival time. To identify variants influencing severe pre-treatment pain in 1,368 patients newly diagnosed with HNSCC, we conducted a genome-wide association study based on 730,525 tagging SNPs. The patients were all previously untreated for cancer. About 15% of the patients had severe pre-treatment pain, defined as pain score ≥7 (0 = “no pain” and 10 = “worst pain”). We identified 3 common genetic variants in high linkage disequilibrium for severe pre-treatment pain, representing one genomic region at 1q44 (rs3862188, P = 3.45 × 10−8; rs880143, P = 3.45 × 10−8; and rs7526880, P = 4.92 × 10−8), which maps to the RP11-634B7.4 gene, a novel antisense gene to three olfactory receptor genes. Olfactory receptor genes, upstream effectors of the MAPK signaling cascade, might be novel target genes for pain in HNSCC patients. Future experimental validation to explore biological mechanisms will be key to defining the role of the intronic variants and non-coding RNA for pain in patients with HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cielito C Reyes-Gibby
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Mary Rose T Silvas
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Robert K Yu
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Ehab Y Hanna
- Department of Head &Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Sanjay Shete
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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Dragani TA, Castells A, Kulasingam V, Diamandis EP, Earl H, Iams WT, Lovly CM, Sedelaar JPM, Schalken JA. Major milestones in translational oncology. BMC Med 2016; 14:110. [PMID: 27469586 PMCID: PMC4964079 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-016-0654-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Translational oncology represents a bridge between basic research and clinical practice in cancer medicine. Today, translational research in oncology benefits from an abundance of knowledge resulting from genome-scale studies regarding the molecular pathways involved in tumorigenesis. In this Forum article, we highlight the state of the art of translational oncology in five major cancer types. We illustrate the use of molecular profiling to subtype colorectal cancer for both diagnosis and treatment, and summarize the results of a nationwide screening program for ovarian cancer based on detection of a tumor biomarker in serum. Additionally, we discuss how circulating tumor DNA can be assayed to safely monitor breast cancer over the course of treatment, and report on how therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors is proving effective in advanced lung cancer. Finally, we summarize efforts to use molecular profiling of prostate cancer biopsy specimens to support treatment decisions. Despite encouraging early successes, we cannot disregard the complex genetics of individual susceptibility to cancer nor the enormous complexity of the somatic changes observed in tumors, which urge particular attention to the development of personalized therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso A. Dragani
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via G.A. Amadeo 42, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Antoni Castells
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERehd, Barcelona, Catalonia Spain
| | - Vathany Kulasingam
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario Canada
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario Canada
| | - Eleftherios P. Diamandis
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario Canada
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario Canada
| | - Helena Earl
- Deptartment of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Wade T. Iams
- Department of Medicine Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN USA
| | - Christine M. Lovly
- Department of Medicine Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN USA
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN USA
| | | | - Jack A. Schalken
- Department of Urology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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20
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St Laurent G, Vyatkin Y, Antonets D, Ri M, Qi Y, Saik O, Shtokalo D, de Hoon MJL, Kawaji H, Itoh M, Lassmann T, Arner E, Forrest ARR, Nicolas E, McCaffrey TA, Carninci P, Hayashizaki Y, Wahlestedt C, Kapranov P. Functional annotation of the vlinc class of non-coding RNAs using systems biology approach. Nucleic Acids Res 2016; 44:3233-52. [PMID: 27001520 PMCID: PMC4838384 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkw162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Functionality of the non-coding transcripts encoded by the human genome is the coveted goal of the modern genomics research. While commonly relied on the classical methods of forward genetics, integration of different genomics datasets in a global Systems Biology fashion presents a more productive avenue of achieving this very complex aim. Here we report application of a Systems Biology-based approach to dissect functionality of a newly identified vast class of very long intergenic non-coding (vlinc) RNAs. Using highly quantitative FANTOM5 CAGE dataset, we show that these RNAs could be grouped into 1542 novel human genes based on analysis of insulators that we show here indeed function as genomic barrier elements. We show that vlinc RNAs genes likely function in cisto activate nearby genes. This effect while most pronounced in closely spaced vlinc RNA-gene pairs can be detected over relatively large genomic distances. Furthermore, we identified 101 vlinc RNA genes likely involved in early embryogenesis based on patterns of their expression and regulation. We also found another 109 such genes potentially involved in cellular functions also happening at early stages of development such as proliferation, migration and apoptosis. Overall, we show that Systems Biology-based methods have great promise for functional annotation of non-coding RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georges St Laurent
- St. Laurent Institute, 317 New Boston St., Suite 201, Woburn, MA 01801, USA Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Yuri Vyatkin
- St. Laurent Institute, 317 New Boston St., Suite 201, Woburn, MA 01801, USA AcademGene Ltd., 6, Acad. Lavrentjev ave., Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Denis Antonets
- AcademGene Ltd., 6, Acad. Lavrentjev ave., Novosibirsk 630090, Russia State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology 'Vector', Novosibirsk, Russia A. P. Ershov Institute of Informatics Systems SB RAS, 6, Acad. Lavrentjev ave., Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Maxim Ri
- St. Laurent Institute, 317 New Boston St., Suite 201, Woburn, MA 01801, USA AcademGene Ltd., 6, Acad. Lavrentjev ave., Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Yao Qi
- Institute of Genomics, School of Biomedical Sciences, Huaqiao University, 668 Jimei Road, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Olga Saik
- St. Laurent Institute, 317 New Boston St., Suite 201, Woburn, MA 01801, USA AcademGene Ltd., 6, Acad. Lavrentjev ave., Novosibirsk 630090, Russia Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics SB RAS, 10, Acad. Lavrentjev ave., Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Dmitry Shtokalo
- St. Laurent Institute, 317 New Boston St., Suite 201, Woburn, MA 01801, USA AcademGene Ltd., 6, Acad. Lavrentjev ave., Novosibirsk 630090, Russia A. P. Ershov Institute of Informatics Systems SB RAS, 6, Acad. Lavrentjev ave., Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Michiel J L de Hoon
- RIKEN Omics Science Center (OSC), 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan RIKEN Center for Life Science Technologies, Division of Genomic Technologies, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Hideya Kawaji
- RIKEN Omics Science Center (OSC), 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan RIKEN Center for Life Science Technologies, Division of Genomic Technologies, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan RIKEN Preventive Medicine and Diagnosis Innovation Program (PMI), 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako-shi, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Masayoshi Itoh
- RIKEN Omics Science Center (OSC), 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan RIKEN Center for Life Science Technologies, Division of Genomic Technologies, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan RIKEN Preventive Medicine and Diagnosis Innovation Program (PMI), 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako-shi, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Timo Lassmann
- RIKEN Omics Science Center (OSC), 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan RIKEN Center for Life Science Technologies, Division of Genomic Technologies, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, 100 Roberts Road, Subiaco, Subiaco, 6008, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Erik Arner
- RIKEN Omics Science Center (OSC), 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan RIKEN Center for Life Science Technologies, Division of Genomic Technologies, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Alistair R R Forrest
- RIKEN Omics Science Center (OSC), 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan RIKEN Center for Life Science Technologies, Division of Genomic Technologies, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
| | | | - Estelle Nicolas
- LBCMCP, Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, France
| | - Timothy A McCaffrey
- The George Washington University Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Genomic Medicine, 2300 I St. NW, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Piero Carninci
- RIKEN Omics Science Center (OSC), 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan RIKEN Center for Life Science Technologies, Division of Genomic Technologies, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Yoshihide Hayashizaki
- RIKEN Omics Science Center (OSC), 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan RIKEN Preventive Medicine and Diagnosis Innovation Program (PMI), 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako-shi, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Claes Wahlestedt
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1501 NW 10th Ave., Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Philipp Kapranov
- Institute of Genomics, School of Biomedical Sciences, Huaqiao University, 668 Jimei Road, Xiamen 361021, China St. Laurent Institute, 317 New Boston St., Suite 201, Woburn, MA 01801, USA
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21
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Brække Norheim K, Imgenberg-Kreuz J, Jonsdottir K, Janssen EAM, Syvänen AC, Sandling JK, Nordmark G, Omdal R. Epigenome-wide DNA methylation patterns associated with fatigue in primary Sjögren's syndrome. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2016; 55:1074-82. [PMID: 26966136 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kew008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Chronic fatigue is a common, disabling and poorly understood phenomenon. Recent studies indicate that epigenetic mechanisms may be involved in the expression of fatigue, a prominent feature of primary SS (pSS). The aim of this study was to investigate whether DNA methylation profiles of whole blood are associated with fatigue in patients with pSS. METHODS Forty-eight pSS patients with high (n = 24) or low (n = 24) fatigue as measured by a visual analogue scale were included. Genome-wide DNA methylation was investigated using the Illumina HumanMethylation450 BeadChip array. After quality control, a total of 383 358 Cytosine-phosphate-Guanine (CpG) sites remained for further analysis. Age, sex and differential cell count estimates were included as covariates in the association model. A false discovery rate-corrected P < 0.05 was considered significant, and a cut-off of 3% average difference in methylation levels between high- and low-fatigue patients was applied. RESULTS A total of 251 differentially methylated CpG sites were associated with fatigue. The CpG site with the most pronounced hypomethylation in pSS high fatigue annotated to the SBF2-antisense RNA1 gene. The most distinct hypermethylation was observed at a CpG site annotated to the lymphotoxin alpha gene. Functional pathway analysis of genes with differently methylated CpG sites in subjects with high vs low fatigue revealed enrichment in several pathways associated with innate and adaptive immunity. CONCLUSION Some genes involved in regulation of the immune system and in inflammation are differently methylated in pSS patients with high vs low fatigue. These findings point to functional networks that may underlie fatigue. Epigenetic changes could constitute a fatigue-regulating mechanism in pSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrine Brække Norheim
- Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Juliana Imgenberg-Kreuz
- Molecular Medicine and Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kristin Jonsdottir
- Department of Pathology, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Emiel A M Janssen
- Department of Pathology, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Ann-Christine Syvänen
- Molecular Medicine and Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Johanna K Sandling
- Molecular Medicine and Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden Rheumatology, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Gunnel Nordmark
- Rheumatology, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Roald Omdal
- Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
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22
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Noncoding Genomics in Gastric Cancer and the Gastric Precancerous Cascade: Pathogenesis and Biomarkers. DISEASE MARKERS 2015; 2015:503762. [PMID: 26379360 PMCID: PMC4563069 DOI: 10.1155/2015/503762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2015] [Revised: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 07/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Gastric cancer is the fifth most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related death, whose patterns vary among geographical regions and ethnicities. It is a multifactorial disease, and its development depends on infection by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), host genetic factors, and environmental factors. The heterogeneity of the disease has begun to be unraveled by a comprehensive mutational evaluation of primary tumors. The low-abundance of mutations suggests that other mechanisms participate in the evolution of the disease, such as those found through analyses of noncoding genomics. Noncoding genomics includes single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), regulation of gene expression through DNA methylation of promoter sites, miRNAs, other noncoding RNAs in regulatory regions, and other topics. These processes and molecules ultimately control gene expression. Potential biomarkers are appearing from analyses of noncoding genomics. This review focuses on noncoding genomics and potential biomarkers in the context of gastric cancer and the gastric precancerous cascade.
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23
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Engelhardt J, Stadler PF. Evolution of the unspliced transcriptome. BMC Evol Biol 2015; 15:166. [PMID: 26289325 PMCID: PMC4546029 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-015-0437-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite their abundance, unspliced EST data have received little attention as a source of information on non-coding RNAs. Very little is know, therefore, about the genomic distribution of unspliced non-coding transcripts and their relationship with the much better studied regularly spliced products. In particular, their evolution has remained virtually unstudied. RESULTS We systematically study the evidence on unspliced transcripts available in EST annotation tracks for human and mouse, comprising 104,980 and 66,109 unspliced EST clusters, respectively. Roughly one third of these are located totally inside introns of known genes (TINs) and another third overlaps exonic regions (PINs). Eleven percent are "intergenic", far away from any annotated gene. Direct evidence for the independent transcription of many PINs and TINs is obtained from CAGE tag and chromatin data. We predict more than 2000 3'UTR-associated RNA candidates for each human and mouse. Fifteen to twenty percent of the unspliced EST cluster are conserved between human and mouse. With the exception of TINs, the sequences of unspliced EST clusters evolve significantly slower than genomic background. Furthermore, like spliced lincRNAs, they show highly tissue-specific expression patterns. CONCLUSIONS Unspliced long non-coding RNAs are an important, rapidly evolving, component of mammalian transcriptomes. Their analysis is complicated by their preferential association with complex transcribed loci that usually also harbor a plethora of spliced transcripts. Unspliced EST data, although typically disregarded in transcriptome analysis, can be used to gain insights into this rarely investigated transcriptome component. The frequently postulated connection between lack of splicing and nuclear retention and the surprising overlap of chromatin-associated transcripts suggests that this class of transcripts might be involved in chromatin organization and possibly other mechanisms of epigenetic control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Engelhardt
- Bioinformatics Group, Department of Computer Science, and Interdisciplinary Center for Bioinformatics, University of Leipzig, Haertelstraße 16-18, Leipzig, D-04107, Germany.
| | - Peter F Stadler
- Bioinformatics Group, Department of Computer Science, and Interdisciplinary Center for Bioinformatics, University of Leipzig, Haertelstraße 16-18, Leipzig, D-04107, Germany.
- Max Planck Institute for Mathematics in the Sciences, Inselstraße 22, Leipzig, D-04103, Germany.
- Fraunhofer Institut for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Perlickstraße 1, Leipzig, D-04103, Germany.
- Institute for Theoretical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währingerstrasse 17, Vienna, A-1090, Austria.
- Center for non-coding RNA in Technology and Health, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 3, Frederiksberg, 1870, Denmark.
- Santa Fe Institute, 1399 Hyde Park Rd., Santa Fe, 87501, NM, USA.
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24
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Khorkova O, Hsiao J, Wahlestedt C. Basic biology and therapeutic implications of lncRNA. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2015; 87:15-24. [PMID: 26024979 PMCID: PMC4544752 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2015.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 246] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Revised: 05/11/2015] [Accepted: 05/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA), a class of non-coding RNA molecules recently identified largely due to the efforts of FANTOM, and later GENCODE and ENCODE consortia, have been a subject of intense investigation in the past decade. Extensive efforts to get deeper understanding of lncRNA biology have yielded evidence of their diverse structural and regulatory roles in protecting chromosome integrity, maintaining genomic architecture, X chromosome inactivation, imprinting, transcription, translation and epigenetic regulation. Here we will briefly review the recent studies in the field of lncRNA biology focusing mostly on mammalian species and discuss their therapeutic implications.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Chromosomal Instability
- Epigenesis, Genetic
- Evolution, Molecular
- Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects
- Gene Expression Regulation/genetics
- Genetic Diseases, Inborn/diagnosis
- Genetic Diseases, Inborn/genetics
- Genetic Diseases, Inborn/therapy
- Humans
- Neoplasms/diagnosis
- Neoplasms/genetics
- Neoplasms/therapy
- Oligonucleotides, Antisense/administration & dosage
- Oligonucleotides, Antisense/therapeutic use
- RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional
- RNA, Long Noncoding/blood
- RNA, Long Noncoding/genetics
- RNA, Long Noncoding/urine
- Species Specificity
- Telomere/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- O Khorkova
- OPKO Health Inc., 10320 USA Today Way, Miramar, FL 33025, USA
| | - J Hsiao
- OPKO Health Inc., 10320 USA Today Way, Miramar, FL 33025, USA
| | - C Wahlestedt
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation and the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1501 NW 10th Avenue, Miami 33136, FL, USA.
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25
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Raabe CA, Brosius J. Does every transcript originate from a gene? Ann N Y Acad Sci 2015; 1341:136-48. [PMID: 25847549 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.12741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2014] [Revised: 02/05/2015] [Accepted: 02/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Outdated gene definitions favored regions corresponding to mature messenger RNAs, in particular, the open reading frame. In eukaryotes, the intergenic space was widely regarded nonfunctional and devoid of RNA transcription. Original concepts were based on the assumption that RNA expression was restricted to known protein-coding genes and a few so-called structural RNA genes, such as ribosomal RNAs or transfer RNAs. With the discovery of introns and, more recently, sensitive techniques for monitoring genome-wide transcription, this view had to be substantially modified. Tiling microarrays and RNA deep sequencing revealed myriads of transcripts, which cover almost entire genomes. The tremendous complexity of non-protein-coding RNA transcription has to be integrated into novel gene definitions. Despite an ever-growing list of functional RNAs, questions concerning the mass of identified transcripts are under dispute. Here, we examined genome-wide transcription from various angles, including evolutionary considerations, and suggest, in analogy to novel alternative splice variants that do not persist, that the vast majority of transcripts represent raw material for potential, albeit rare, exaptation events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten A Raabe
- Institute of Experimental Pathology, ZMBE, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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St Laurent G, Wahlestedt C, Kapranov P. The Landscape of long noncoding RNA classification. Trends Genet 2015; 31:239-51. [PMID: 25869999 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2015.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 810] [Impact Index Per Article: 90.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2015] [Revised: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Advances in the depth and quality of transcriptome sequencing have revealed many new classes of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). lncRNA classification has mushroomed to accommodate these new findings, even though the real dimensions and complexity of the noncoding transcriptome remain unknown. Although evidence of functionality of specific lncRNAs continues to accumulate, conflicting, confusing, and overlapping terminology has fostered ambiguity and lack of clarity in the field in general. The lack of fundamental conceptual unambiguous classification framework results in a number of challenges in the annotation and interpretation of noncoding transcriptome data. It also might undermine integration of the new genomic methods and datasets in an effort to unravel the function of lncRNA. Here, we review existing lncRNA classifications, nomenclature, and terminology. Then, we describe the conceptual guidelines that have emerged for their classification and functional annotation based on expanding and more comprehensive use of large systems biology-based datasets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georges St Laurent
- St. Laurent Institute, 317 New Boston St., Suite 201, Woburn, MA 01801 USA; Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, 185 Meeting Street, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Claes Wahlestedt
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1501 NW 10th Ave, Miami, FL 33136 USA.
| | - Philipp Kapranov
- Institute of Genomics, School of Biomedical Sciences, Huaqiao Univerisity, 668 Jimei Road, Xiamen, China 361021; St. Laurent Institute, 317 New Boston St., Suite 201, Woburn, MA 01801 USA.
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Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a large and diverse group of RNAs that are often lineage-specific and that regulate multiple biological functions. Many are nuclear and are essential parts of ribonucleoprotein complexes that modify chromatin segments and establish active or repressive chromatin states; others are cytosolic and regulate the stability of mRNA or act as microRNA sponges. This Review summarizes the current knowledge of lncRNAs as regulators of the endocrine system, with a focus on the identification and mode of action of several endocrine-important lncRNAs. We highlight lncRNAs that have a role in the development and function of pancreatic β cells, white and brown adipose tissue, and other endocrine organs, and discuss the involvement of these molecules in endocrine dysfunction (for example, diabetes mellitus). We also address the associations of lncRNAs with nuclear receptors involved in major hormonal signalling pathways, such as estrogen and androgen receptors, and the relevance of these associations in certain endocrine cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marko Knoll
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 9 Cambridge Center, MA 02142, USA
| | - Harvey F Lodish
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 9 Cambridge Center, MA 02142, USA
| | - Lei Sun
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders, Duke-National University of Singapore Graduate Medical School, 8 College Road, 169857, Singapore
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