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Long Q, Xiang M, Xiao L, Wang J, Guan X, Liu J, Liao C. The Biological Significance of AFF4: Promoting Transcription Elongation, Osteogenic Differentiation and Tumor Progression. Comb Chem High Throughput Screen 2024; 27:1403-1412. [PMID: 37815186 DOI: 10.2174/0113862073241079230920082056] [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: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
As a member of the AF4/FMR2 (AFF) family, AFF4 is a scaffold protein in the superelongation complex (SEC). In this mini-view, we discuss the role of AFF4 as a transcription elongation factor that mediates HIV activation and replication and stem cell osteogenic differentiation. AFF4 also promotes the progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, leukemia, breast cancer, bladder cancer and other malignant tumors. The biological function of AFF4 is largely achieved through SEC assembly, regulates SRY-box transcription factor 2 (SOX2), MYC, estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1), inhibitor of differentiation 1 (ID1), c-Jun and noncanonical nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) transcription and combines with fusion in sarcoma (FUS), unique regulatory cyclins (CycT1), or mixed lineage leukemia (MLL). We explore the prospects of using AFF4 as a therapeutic in Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and malignant tumors and its potential as a stemness regulator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Long
- Department of Orthodontics II, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China
- Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563006, China
| | - Mingli Xiang
- Department of Orthodontics II, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China
- Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563006, China
| | - Linlin Xiao
- Department of Orthodontics II, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China
- Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563006, China
| | - Jiajia Wang
- Department of Orthodontics II, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China
- Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563006, China
| | - Xiaoyan Guan
- Department of Orthodontics II, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China
- Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563006, China
| | - Jianguo Liu
- Department of Orthodontics II, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China
- Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563006, China
| | - Chengcheng Liao
- Department of Orthodontics II, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China
- Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563006, China
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2
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Thompson VF, Wieland DR, Mendoza-Leon V, Janis HI, Lay MA, Harrell LM, Schwartz JC. Binding of the nuclear ribonucleoprotein family member FUS to RNA prevents R-loop RNA:DNA hybrid structures. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105237. [PMID: 37690693 PMCID: PMC10556777 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The protein FUS (FUSed in sarcoma) is a metazoan RNA-binding protein that influences RNA production by all three nuclear polymerases. FUS also binds nascent transcripts, RNA processing factors, RNA polymerases, and transcription machinery. Here, we explored the role of FUS binding interactions for activity during transcription. In vitro run-off transcription assays revealed FUS-enhanced RNA produced by a non-eukaryote polymerase. The activity also reduced the formation of R-loops between RNA products and their DNA template. Analysis by domain mutation and deletion indicated RNA-binding was required for activity. We interpret that FUS binds and sequesters nascent transcripts to prevent R-loops from forming with nearby DNA. DRIP-seq analysis showed that a knockdown of FUS increased R-loop enrichment near expressed genes. Prevention of R-loops by FUS binding to nascent transcripts has the potential to affect transcription by any RNA polymerase, highlighting the broad impact FUS can have on RNA metabolism in cells and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valery F Thompson
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA; University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Daniel R Wieland
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Vivian Mendoza-Leon
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Helen I Janis
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Michelle A Lay
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA; University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, Arizona, USA; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Lucas M Harrell
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Jacob C Schwartz
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA; University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, Arizona, USA.
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3
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Ay S, Di Nunzio F. HIV-Induced CPSF6 Condensates. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:168094. [PMID: 37061085 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168094] [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: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
Viruses are obligate parasites that rely on their host's cellular machinery for replication. To facilitate their replication cycle, many viruses have been shown to remodel the cellular architecture by inducing the formation of membraneless organelles (MLOs). Eukaryotic cells have evolved MLOs that are highly dynamic, self-organizing microenvironments that segregate biological processes and increase the efficiency of reactions by concentrating enzymes and substrates. In the context of viral infections, MLOs can be utilized by viruses to complete their replication cycle. This review focuses on the pathway used by the HIV-1 virus to remodel the nuclear landscape of its host, creating viral/host niches that enable efficient viral replication. Specifically, we discuss how the interaction between the HIV-1 capsid and the cellular factor CPSF6 triggers the formation of nuclear MLOs that support nuclear reverse transcription and viral integration in favored regions of the host chromatin. This review compiles current knowledge on the origin of nuclear HIV-MLOs and their role in early post-nuclear entry steps of the HIV-1 replication cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selen Ay
- Advanced Molecular Virology Unit, Department of Virology, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Francesca Di Nunzio
- Advanced Molecular Virology Unit, Department of Virology, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, 75015 Paris, France.
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4
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Di Nunzio F, Uversky VN, Mouland AJ. Biomolecular condensates: insights into early and late steps of the HIV-1 replication cycle. Retrovirology 2023; 20:4. [PMID: 37029379 PMCID: PMC10081342 DOI: 10.1186/s12977-023-00619-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
A rapidly evolving understanding of phase separation in the biological and physical sciences has led to the redefining of virus-engineered replication compartments in many viruses with RNA genomes. Condensation of viral, host and genomic and subgenomic RNAs can take place to evade the innate immunity response and to help viral replication. Divergent viruses prompt liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) to invade the host cell. During HIV replication there are several steps involving LLPS. In this review, we characterize the ability of individual viral and host partners that assemble into biomolecular condensates (BMCs). Of note, bioinformatic analyses predict models of phase separation in line with several published observations. Importantly, viral BMCs contribute to function in key steps retroviral replication. For example, reverse transcription takes place within nuclear BMCs, called HIV-MLOs while during late replication steps, retroviral nucleocapsid acts as a driver or scaffold to recruit client viral components to aid the assembly of progeny virions. Overall, LLPS during viral infections represents a newly described biological event now appreciated in the virology field, that can also be considered as an alternative pharmacological target to current drug therapies especially when viruses become resistant to antiviral treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Di Nunzio
- Advanced Molecular Virology Unit, Department of Virology, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Vladimir N Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine and USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Andrew J Mouland
- Lady Davis Institute at the Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, QC, H3T 1E2, Canada.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada.
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada.
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5
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Bhattarai K, Holcik M. Diverse roles of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins in viral life cycle. FRONTIERS IN VIROLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fviro.2022.1044652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the host-virus interactions helps to decipher the viral replication strategies and pathogenesis. Viruses have limited genetic content and rely significantly on their host cell to establish a successful infection. Viruses depend on the host for a broad spectrum of cellular RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) throughout their life cycle. One of the major RBP families is the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs) family. hnRNPs are typically localized in the nucleus, where they are forming complexes with pre-mRNAs and contribute to many aspects of nucleic acid metabolism. hnRNPs contain RNA binding motifs and frequently function as RNA chaperones involved in pre-mRNA processing, RNA splicing, and export. Many hnRNPs shuttle between the nucleus and the cytoplasm and influence cytoplasmic processes such as mRNA stability, localization, and translation. The interactions between the hnRNPs and viral components are well-known. They are critical for processing viral nucleic acids and proteins and, therefore, impact the success of the viral infection. This review discusses the molecular mechanisms by which hnRNPs interact with and regulate each stage of the viral life cycle, such as replication, splicing, translation, and assembly of virus progeny. In addition, we expand on the role of hnRNPs in the antiviral response and as potential targets for antiviral drug research and development.
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6
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Yang X, Zhao X, Zhu Y, Xun J, Wen Q, Pan H, Yang J, Wang J, Liang Z, Shen X, Liang Y, Lin Q, Liang H, Li M, Chen J, Jiang S, Xu J, Lu H, Zhu H. FBXO34 promotes latent HIV-1 activation by post-transcriptional modulation. Emerg Microbes Infect 2022; 11:2785-2799. [PMID: 36285453 PMCID: PMC9665091 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2022.2140605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) cannot be completely cured, mainly due to the existence of a latent HIV-1 reservoir. However, our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the establishment and maintenance of HIV-1 latent reservoir is not comprehensive. Here, using a genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 activation library screening, we identified E3 ubiquitin ligase F-box protein 34 (FBXO34) and the substrate of FBXO34, heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein U (hnRNP U) was identified by affinity purification mass spectrometry, as new host factors related to HIV-1 latent maintenance. Overexpression of FBXO34 or knockout of hnRNP U can activate latent HIV-1 in multiple latent cell lines. FBXO34 mainly promotes hnRNP U ubiquitination, which leads to hnRNP U degradation and abolishment of the interaction between hnRNP U and HIV-1 mRNA. In a latently infected cell line, hnRNP U interacts with the ReV region of HIV-1 mRNA through amino acids 1-339 to hinder HIV-1 translation, thereby, promoting HIV-1 latency. Importantly, we confirmed the role of the FBXO34/hnRNP U axis in the primary CD4+ T lymphocyte model, and detected differences in hnRNP U expression levels in samples from patients treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART) and healthy people, which further suggests that the FBXO34/hnRNP U axis is a new pathway involved in HIV-1 latency. These results provide mechanistic insights into the critical role of ubiquitination and hnRNP U in HIV-1 latency. This novel FBXO34/hnRNP U axis in HIV transcription may be directly targeted to control HIV reservoirs in patients in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Xiaying Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Yuqi Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Jingna Xun
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
- Scientific Research Center, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qin Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Hanyu Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Jinlong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Zhimin Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Xiaoting Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Yue Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Qinru Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Huitong Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Min Li
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Jun Chen
- Scientific Research Center, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shibo Jiang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministry of Education/Health, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianqing Xu
- Department of Infectious Disease, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministry of Education/Health, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongzhou Lu
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huanzhang Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
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7
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Ruggiero E, Frasson I, Tosoni E, Scalabrin M, Perrone R, Marušič M, Plavec J, Richter SN. Fused in Liposarcoma Protein, a New Player in the Regulation of HIV-1 Transcription, Binds to Known and Newly Identified LTR G-Quadruplexes. ACS Infect Dis 2022; 8:958-968. [PMID: 35502456 PMCID: PMC9112328 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.1c00508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
HIV-1 integrated long terminal repeat (LTR) promoter activity is modulated by folding of its G-rich region into non-canonical nucleic acids structures, such as G-quadruplexes (G4s), and their interaction with cellular proteins. Here, by a combined pull-down/mass spectrometry/Western-blot approach, we identified the fused in liposarcoma (FUS) protein and found it to preferentially bind and stabilize the least stable and bulged LTR G4, especially in the cell environment. The outcome of this interaction is the down-regulation of viral transcription, as assessed in a reporter assay with LTR G4 mutants in FUS-silencing conditions. These data indicate that the complexity and dynamics of HIV-1 LTR G4s are much greater than previously envisaged. The G-rich LTR region, with its diverse G4 landscape and multiple cell protein interactions, stands out as prime sensing center for the fine regulation of viral transcription. This region thus represents a rational antiviral target for inhibiting both the actively transcribing and latent viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Ruggiero
- Department
of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, via Aristide Gabelli 63, Padua 35121, Italy
| | - Ilaria Frasson
- Department
of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, via Aristide Gabelli 63, Padua 35121, Italy
| | - Elena Tosoni
- Department
of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, via Aristide Gabelli 63, Padua 35121, Italy
| | - Matteo Scalabrin
- Department
of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, via Aristide Gabelli 63, Padua 35121, Italy
| | - Rosalba Perrone
- Buck
Institute for Research on Aging, 8001 Redwood Boulevard, Novato, California 94945, United States
| | - Maja Marušič
- Slovenian
NMR Center, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova, 19, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia
| | - Janez Plavec
- Slovenian
NMR Center, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova, 19, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia
| | - Sara N. Richter
- Department
of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, via Aristide Gabelli 63, Padua 35121, Italy
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8
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Krasnopolsky S, Novikov A, Kuzmina A, Taube R. CRISPRi-mediated depletion of Spt4 and Spt5 reveals a role for DSIF in the control of HIV latency. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2020; 1864:194656. [PMID: 33333262 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2020.194656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Pivotal studies on the control of HIV transcription has laid the foundations for our understanding of how metazoan transcription is executed, and what are the factors that control this step. Part of this work established a role for DRB Sensitivity Inducing Factor (DSIF), consisting of Spt4 and Spt5, in promoting pause-release of RNA Polymerase II (Pol II) for optimal elongation. However, while there has been substantial progress in understanding the role of DSIF in mediating HIV gene transcription, its involvement in establishing viral latency has not been explored. Moreover, the effects of depleting Spt4 or Spt5, or simultaneously knocking down both subunits of DSIF have not been examined. In this study, we employed CRISPR interference (CRIPSRi) to knockdown the expression of Spt4, Spt5 or the entire DSIF complex, and monitored effects on HIV transcription and viral latency. Knocking down DSIF, or each of its subunits, inhibited HIV transcription, primarily at the step of Tat transactivation. This was accompanied by a decrease in promoter occupancy of Pol II and Cdk9, and to a lesser extent, AFF4. Interestingly, targeting the expression of one subunit of DSIF, reduced the protein stability of its counterpart partner. Moreover, depletion of Spt4, Spt5 or DSIF complex impaired cell growth, but did not cause cell death. Finally, knockdown of Spt4, Spt5 or DSIF, facilitated entry of HIV into latency. We conclude that each DSIF subunit plays a role in maintaining the stability of its other partner, achieving optimal function of the DSIF to enhance viral gene transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Krasnopolsky
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology Immunology and Genetics Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel
| | - Alex Novikov
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology Immunology and Genetics Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel
| | - Alona Kuzmina
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology Immunology and Genetics Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel
| | - Ran Taube
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology Immunology and Genetics Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel.
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9
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Müller-Schiffmann A, Trossbach SV, Lingappa VR, Korth C. Viruses as 'Truffle Hounds': Molecular Tools for Untangling Brain Cellular Pathology. Trends Neurosci 2020; 44:352-365. [PMID: 33317827 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2020.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The ability of viruses to evolve several orders of magnitude faster than their host cells has enabled them to exploit host cellular machinery by selectively recruiting multiprotein complexes (MPCs) for their catalyzed assembly and replication. This hijacking may depend on alternative, 'moonlighting' functions of host proteins that deviate from their canonical functions thereby inducing cellular pathology. Here, we posit that if virus-induced cellular pathology is similar to that of other, unknown (non-viral) causes, the identification and molecular characterization of the host proteins involved in virus-mediated cellular pathology can be leveraged to decipher the non-viral disease-relevant mechanisms. We focus on how virus-induced aberrant proteostasis and protein aggregation resemble the cellular pathology of sporadic neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) and how this can be exploited for drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Müller-Schiffmann
- Department of Neuropathology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstrasse 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Svenja V Trossbach
- Department of Neuropathology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstrasse 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | - Carsten Korth
- Department of Neuropathology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstrasse 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
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10
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Guo K, Gong W, Wang Q, Gu G, Zheng T, Li Y, Li W, Fang M, Xie H, Yue C, Yang J, Zhu Z. LINC01106 drives colorectal cancer growth and stemness through a positive feedback loop to regulate the Gli family factors. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:869. [PMID: 33067422 PMCID: PMC7567881 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-03026-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are essential contributors to the progression of various human cancers. Long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 1106 is a member of lncRNAs family. Until now, the specific role of LINC01106 in CRC remains undefined. The aim the current study was to unveil the functions of LINC01106 and explore its potential molecular mechanism in CRC. Based on the data of online database GEPIA, we determined that LINC01106 was expressed at a high level in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) tissues compared to normal colon tissues. More importantly, high level of LINC01106 had negative correlation with the overall survival of COAD patients. Additionally, we also determined the low level of LINC01106 in normal colon tissues based on UCSC database. Through qRT-PCR, we identified that LINC01106 was highly expressed in CRC tissues compared to adjacent normal ones. Similarly, we detected the expression of LINC01106 and confirmed that LINC01106 was expressed higher in CRC cells than that in normal cells. Subsequently, LINC01106 was mainly distributed in the cytoplasm. LINC01106 induced the proliferation, migration, and stem-like phenotype of CRC cells. Mechanistically, cytoplasmic LINC01106 positively modulated Gli4 in CRC cells by serving as a miR-449b-5p sponge. Furthermore, nuclear LINC01106 could activate the transcription of Gli1 and Gli2 through recruiting FUS to Gli1 and Gli2 promoters. Mechanism of investigation unveiled that Gli2 was a transcription activator of LINC01106. In conclusion, Gli2-induced upregulation of LINC01106 aggravates CRC progression through upregulating Gli2, Gli2, and Gli4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Guo
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, 230001, Hefei, Anhui Province, P. R. China
| | - Wenbin Gong
- Department of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, 210009, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, P. R. China
| | - Qin Wang
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, Jiangsu Health Vocational College, 211800, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, P. R. China
| | - Guosheng Gu
- Department of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 210002, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, P. R. China
| | - Tao Zheng
- Department of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 210002, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, P. R. China
| | - Ying Li
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, Anhui Province, P. R. China
| | - Weijie Li
- Department of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 210002, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, P. R. China
| | - Miao Fang
- Department of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 210002, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, P. R. China
| | - Haohao Xie
- Department of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 210002, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, P. R. China
| | - Chao Yue
- Department of General Surgery, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research & The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 210009, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, P. R. China.
| | - Jianbo Yang
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, 230001, Hefei, Anhui Province, P. R. China.
| | - Zhiqiang Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, 230001, Hefei, Anhui Province, P. R. China.
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Genome-wide CRISPR knockout screen identifies ZNF304 as a silencer of HIV transcription that promotes viral latency. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008834. [PMID: 32956422 PMCID: PMC7529202 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the widespread use of anti-retroviral therapy, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) still persists in an infected cell reservoir that harbors transcriptionally silent yet replication-competent proviruses. While significant progress has been made in understanding how the HIV reservoir is established, transcription repression mechanisms that are enforced on the integrated viral promoter have not been fully revealed. In this study, we performed a whole-genome CRISPR knockout screen in HIV infected T cells to identify host genes that potentially promote HIV latency. Of several top candidates, the KRAB-containing zinc finger protein, ZNF304, was identified as the top hit. ZNF304 silences HIV gene transcription through associating with TRIM28 and recruiting to the viral promoter heterochromatin-inducing methyltransferases, including the polycomb repression complex (PRC) and SETB1. Depletion of ZNF304 expression reduced levels of H3K9me3, H3K27me3 and H2AK119ub repressive histone marks on the HIV promoter as well as SETB1 and TRIM28, ultimately enhancing HIV gene transcription. Significantly, ZNF304 also promoted HIV latency, as its depletion delayed the entry of HIV infected cells into latency. In primary CD4+ cells, ectopic expression of ZNF304 silenced viral transcription. We conclude that by associating with TRIM28 and recruiting host transcriptional repressive complexes, SETB1 and PRC, to the HIV promoter, ZNF304 silences HIV gene transcription and promotes viral latency. Antiretroviral therapy has significantly decreased the morbidity and mortality associated with HIV infection. However, a complete cure remains out of reach, as HIV persists in a cell reservoir that is highly stable in the face of therapy. While developing novel therapeutic strategies to eliminate the reservoir is a well-recognized goal, knowledge of the molecular events that establish HIV latency is still not complete. To obtain insights into the silencing mechanisms of HIV gene transcription and the establishment of viral latency, a genome-wide CRISPR screen was employed to identify host factors that control viral latency. We identified zinc-finger protein 304 (ZNF304) and showed that through association with TRIM28, it recruits the histone methyltransferases SETB1 and PRC to deposit repressive marks on chromatin of the HIV promoter, thereby facilitating the silencing of viral gene transcription. Moreover, we found that depletion of ZNF304 expression activated HIV gene expression, while ZNF304 overexpression repressed viral gene transcription both in a T cell line and in primary CD4+ cells. Finally, our study showed that ZNF304 is also involved in modulating HIV latency, as its depletion delayed entry of the virus into a latency state. Our results offer an additional mechanistic explanation for how host histone repression complexes are tethered to the HIV promoter to promote chromatin compaction, thereby defining a potentially new target for perturbing the establishment of the viral reservoir.
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12
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Anisenko A, Kan M, Shadrina O, Brattseva A, Gottikh M. Phosphorylation Targets of DNA-PK and Their Role in HIV-1 Replication. Cells 2020; 9:E1907. [PMID: 32824372 PMCID: PMC7464883 DOI: 10.3390/cells9081907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The DNA dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) is a trimeric nuclear complex consisting of a large protein kinase and the Ku heterodimer. The kinase activity of DNA-PK is required for efficient repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) by non-homologous end joining (NHEJ). We also showed that the kinase activity of DNA-PK is essential for post-integrational DNA repair in the case of HIV-1 infection. Besides, DNA-PK is known to participate in such cellular processes as protection of mammalian telomeres, transcription, and some others where the need for its phosphorylating activity is not clearly elucidated. We carried out a systematic search and analysis of DNA-PK targets described in the literature and identified 67 unique DNA-PK targets phosphorylated in response to various in vitro and/or in vivo stimuli. A functional enrichment analysis of DNA-PK targets and determination of protein-protein associations among them were performed. For 27 proteins from these 67 DNA-PK targets, their participation in the HIV-1 life cycle was demonstrated. This information may be useful for studying the functioning of DNA-PK in various cellular processes, as well as in various stages of HIV-1 replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey Anisenko
- Chemistry Department and Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119234, Russia; (O.S.); (M.G.)
- Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119234, Russia;; (M.K.); (A.B.)
| | - Marina Kan
- Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119234, Russia;; (M.K.); (A.B.)
| | - Olga Shadrina
- Chemistry Department and Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119234, Russia; (O.S.); (M.G.)
- Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119234, Russia;; (M.K.); (A.B.)
| | - Anna Brattseva
- Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119234, Russia;; (M.K.); (A.B.)
| | - Marina Gottikh
- Chemistry Department and Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119234, Russia; (O.S.); (M.G.)
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13
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AFF4 regulates osteogenic differentiation of human dental follicle cells. Int J Oral Sci 2020; 12:20. [PMID: 32606293 PMCID: PMC7327054 DOI: 10.1038/s41368-020-0083-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
As a member of the AFF (AF4/FMR2) family, AFF4 is a transcription elongation factor that is a component of the super elongation complex. AFF4 serves as a scaffolding protein that connects transcription factors and promotes gene transcription through elongation and chromatin remodelling. Here, we investigated the effect of AFF4 on human dental follicle cells (DFCs) in osteogenic differentiation. In this study, we found that small interfering RNA-mediated depletion of AFF4 resulted in decreased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and impaired mineralization. In addition, the expression of osteogenic-related genes (DLX5, SP7, RUNX2 and BGLAP) was significantly downregulated. In contrast, lentivirus-mediated overexpression of AFF4 significantly enhanced the osteogenic potential of human DFCs. Mechanistically, we found that both the mRNA and protein levels of ALKBH1, a critical regulator of epigenetics, changed in accordance with AFF4 expression levels. Overexpression of ALKBH1 in AFF4-depleted DFCs partially rescued the impairment of osteogenic differentiation. Our data indicated that AFF4 promoted the osteogenic differentiation of DFCs by upregulating the transcription of ALKBH1.
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Basu S, Nandy A, Biswas D. Keeping RNA polymerase II on the run: Functions of MLL fusion partners in transcriptional regulation. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2020; 1863:194563. [PMID: 32348849 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2020.194563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Since the identification of key MLL fusion partners as transcription elongation factors regulating expression of HOX cluster genes during hematopoiesis, extensive work from the last decade has resulted in significant progress in our overall mechanistic understanding of role of MLL fusion partner proteins in transcriptional regulation of diverse set of genes beyond just the HOX cluster. In this review, we are going to detail overall understanding of role of MLL fusion partner proteins in transcriptional regulation and thus provide mechanistic insights into possible MLL fusion protein-mediated transcriptional misregulation leading to aberrant hematopoiesis and leukemogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subham Basu
- Laboratory of Transcription Biology, Molecular Genetics Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata 32, India
| | - Arijit Nandy
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Debabrata Biswas
- Laboratory of Transcription Biology, Molecular Genetics Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata 32, India.
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15
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Pan T, Li YG, Li KY, Chen C, Xu K, Yuan DY, Zou B, Meng Z. Identification of a novel fusion gene, TRIM52-RACK1, in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Mol Cell Probes 2020; 52:101568. [PMID: 32251686 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2020.101568] [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: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Gene fusion is caused by the linkage of previously separate genes or sequences. Recently, an increasing number of novel fusion genes have been identified and associated with tumor progression, and several of them have been suggested as promising targets for tumor therapy. However, there are hardly any studies reporting the association of fusion genes with the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). In this study, we identified a total of 11 fused genes in OSCC cells. We further analyzed the structure of one fused gene, TRIM52-RACK1, and detected its function in tumor progression in vitro. We found that TRIM52-RACK1 was caused by a deletion of 181,257,187-181,247,386 at 5q35.3 and it promoted OSCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Therefore, TRIM52-RACK1 can be a promising target for tumor therapy in OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Pan
- Key Lab of Precision Biomedicine & Department of Stomatology, Liaocheng People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shandong First Medical University, China
| | - Yong-Guo Li
- Key Lab of Precision Biomedicine & Department of Stomatology, Liaocheng People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shandong First Medical University, China; Medical College, Liaocheng University, China
| | - Ke-Yi Li
- Key Lab of Precision Biomedicine & Department of Stomatology, Liaocheng People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shandong First Medical University, China; Medical College, Liaocheng University, China
| | - Cheng Chen
- Key Lab of Precision Biomedicine & Department of Stomatology, Liaocheng People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shandong First Medical University, China; Medical College, Liaocheng University, China
| | - Kai Xu
- Key Lab of Precision Biomedicine & Department of Stomatology, Liaocheng People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shandong First Medical University, China; Medical College, Liaocheng University, China
| | - Dao-Ying Yuan
- Key Lab of Precision Biomedicine & Department of Stomatology, Liaocheng People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shandong First Medical University, China; Medical College, Liaocheng University, China
| | - Bo Zou
- Key Lab of Precision Biomedicine & Department of Stomatology, Liaocheng People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shandong First Medical University, China.
| | - Zhen Meng
- Key Lab of Precision Biomedicine & Department of Stomatology, Liaocheng People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shandong First Medical University, China; Medical College, Liaocheng University, China.
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