1
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D'Ordine AM, Jogl G, Sedivy JM. Identification and characterization of small molecule inhibitors of the LINE-1 retrotransposon endonuclease. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3883. [PMID: 38719805 PMCID: PMC11078990 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48066-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The long interspersed nuclear element-1 (LINE-1 or L1) retrotransposon is the only active autonomously replicating retrotransposon in the human genome. L1 harms the cell by inserting new copies, generating DNA damage, and triggering inflammation. Therefore, L1 inhibition could be used to treat many diseases associated with these processes. Previous research has focused on inhibition of the L1 reverse transcriptase due to the prevalence of well-characterized inhibitors of related viral enzymes. Here we present the L1 endonuclease as another target for reducing L1 activity. We characterize structurally diverse small molecule endonuclease inhibitors using computational, biochemical, and biophysical methods. We also show that these inhibitors reduce L1 retrotransposition, L1-induced DNA damage, and inflammation reinforced by L1 in senescent cells. These inhibitors could be used for further pharmacological development and as tools to better understand the life cycle of this element and its impact on disease processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra M D'Ordine
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Center on the Biology of Aging, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Gerwald Jogl
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
- Center on the Biology of Aging, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
| | - John M Sedivy
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
- Center on the Biology of Aging, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
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2
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Beltrán-Velasco AI, Reiriz M, Uceda S, Echeverry-Alzate V. Lactiplantibacillus (Lactobacillus) plantarum as a Complementary Treatment to Improve Symptomatology in Neurodegenerative Disease: A Systematic Review of Open Access Literature. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3010. [PMID: 38474254 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25053010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
This systematic review addresses the use of Lactiplantibacillus (Lactobacillus) plantarum in the symptomatological intervention of neurodegenerative disease. The existence of gut microbiota dysbiosis has been associated with systemic inflammatory processes present in neurodegenerative disease, creating the opportunity for new treatment strategies. This involves modifying the strains that constitute the gut microbiota to enhance synaptic function through the gut-brain axis. Recent studies have evaluated the beneficial effects of the use of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum on motor and cognitive symptomatology, alone or in combination. This systematic review includes 20 research articles (n = 3 in human and n = 17 in animal models). The main result of this research was that the use of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum alone or in combination produced improvements in symptomatology related to neurodegenerative disease. However, one of the studies included reported negative effects after the administration of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum. This systematic review provides current and relevant information about the use of this probiotic in pathologies that present neurodegenerative processes such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and Multiple Sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manuel Reiriz
- Psychology Department, School of Life and Nature Sciences, Nebrija University, 28240 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Uceda
- Psychology Department, School of Life and Nature Sciences, Nebrija University, 28240 Madrid, Spain
| | - Víctor Echeverry-Alzate
- Psychology Department, School of Life and Nature Sciences, Nebrija University, 28240 Madrid, Spain
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3
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Sullivan AC, Zuniga G, Ramirez P, Fernandez R, Wang CP, Li J, Davila L, Pelton K, Gomez S, Sohn C, Gonzalez E, Lopez-Cruzan M, Gonzalez DA, Parker A, Zilli E, de Erausquin GA, Seshadri S, Espinoza S, Musi N, Frost B. A pilot study to investigate the safety and feasibility of antiretroviral therapy for Alzheimer's disease (ART-AD). MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.02.26.24303316. [PMID: 38464267 PMCID: PMC10925371 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.26.24303316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Retrotransposons are viral-like DNA sequences that constitute approximately 41% of the human genome. Studies in Drosophila, mice, cultured cells, and human brain indicate that retrotransposons are activated in settings of tauopathy, including Alzheimer's disease, and causally drive neurodegeneration. The anti-retroviral medication 3TC (lamivudine), a nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor, limits retrotransposon activation and suppresses neurodegeneration in tau transgenic Drosophila, two mouse models of tauopathy, and in brain assembloids derived from patients with sporadic Alzheimer's disease. We performed a 24-week phase 2a open-label clinical trial of 300 mg daily oral 3TC (NCT04552795) in 12 participants aged 52-83 years with a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment due to suspected Alzheimer's disease. Primary outcomes included feasibility, blood brain barrier penetration, effects of 3TC on reverse transcriptase activity in the periphery, and safety. Secondary outcomes included changes in cognition and fluid-based biomarkers of neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. All participants completed the six-month trial; one event of gastrointestinal bleeding due to a peptic ulcer was reported. 3TC was detected in blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of all participants, suggestive of adherence to study drug and effective brain penetration. Cognitive measures remained stable throughout the study. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) (P=0.03) and Flt1 (P=0.05) were significantly reduced in CSF over the treatment period; Aβ42/40 (P=0.009) and IL-15 (P=0.006) were significantly elevated in plasma. While this is an open label study of small sample size, the significant decrease of some neurodegeneration- and neuroinflammation-related biomarkers in CSF, significantly elevated levels of plasma Aβ42/40, and a trending decrease of CSF NfL after six months of 3TC exposure suggest a beneficial effect on subjects with mild cognitive impairment due to suspected Alzheimer's disease. Feasibility, safety, tolerability, and central nervous system (CNS) penetration assessments further support clinical evaluation of 3TC in a larger placebo-controlled, multi-dose clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Campbell Sullivan
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health San Antonio
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Health San Antonio
| | - Gabrielle Zuniga
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health San Antonio
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, University of Texas Health San Antonio
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health San Antonio
| | - Paulino Ramirez
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health San Antonio
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, University of Texas Health San Antonio
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health San Antonio
| | - Roman Fernandez
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health San Antonio
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Texas Health San Antonio
| | - Chen-Pin Wang
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health San Antonio
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Texas Health San Antonio
| | - Ji Li
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, University of Texas Health San Antonio
| | - Lisa Davila
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health San Antonio
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, University of Texas Health San Antonio
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health San Antonio
| | - Kristine Pelton
- Brown University Center for Alzheimer’s Disease Research, Providence, RI
| | - Sandra Gomez
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, University of Texas Health San Antonio
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
| | - Claira Sohn
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health San Antonio
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, University of Texas Health San Antonio
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health San Antonio
| | - Elias Gonzalez
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health San Antonio
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, University of Texas Health San Antonio
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health San Antonio
| | - Marisa Lopez-Cruzan
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, University of Texas Health San Antonio
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health San Antonio
| | - David A. Gonzalez
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health San Antonio
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Health San Antonio
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center
| | - Alicia Parker
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health San Antonio
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Health San Antonio
| | - Eduardo Zilli
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health San Antonio
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Health San Antonio
| | - Gabriel A. de Erausquin
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health San Antonio
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Health San Antonio
| | - Sudha Seshadri
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health San Antonio
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Health San Antonio
| | | | - Nicolas Musi
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
| | - Bess Frost
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health San Antonio
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, University of Texas Health San Antonio
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health San Antonio
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4
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Xu J, Erlendsson S, Singh M, Holling GA, Regier M, Ibiricu I, Einstein J, Hantak MP, Day GS, Piquet AL, Smith TL, Clardy SL, Whiteley AM, Feschotte C, Briggs JAG, Shepherd JD. PNMA2 forms immunogenic non-enveloped virus-like capsids associated with paraneoplastic neurological syndrome. Cell 2024; 187:831-845.e19. [PMID: 38301645 PMCID: PMC10922747 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.01.009] [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: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
The paraneoplastic Ma antigen (PNMA) proteins are associated with cancer-induced paraneoplastic syndromes that present with an autoimmune response and neurological symptoms. Why PNMA proteins are associated with this severe autoimmune disease is unclear. PNMA genes are predominantly expressed in the central nervous system and are ectopically expressed in some tumors. We show that PNMA2, which has been co-opted from a Ty3 retrotransposon, encodes a protein that is released from cells as non-enveloped virus-like capsids. Recombinant PNMA2 capsids injected into mice induce autoantibodies that preferentially bind external "spike" PNMA2 capsid epitopes, whereas a capsid-assembly-defective PNMA2 protein is not immunogenic. PNMA2 autoantibodies in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with anti-Ma2 paraneoplastic disease show similar preferential binding to spike capsid epitopes. PNMA2 capsid-injected mice develop learning and memory deficits. These observations suggest that PNMA2 capsids act as an extracellular antigen, capable of generating an autoimmune response that results in neurological deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Xu
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Simon Erlendsson
- The Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, UK; Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Manvendra Singh
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - G Aaron Holling
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Matthew Regier
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Iosune Ibiricu
- Department of Cell and Virus Structure, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Jenifer Einstein
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Michael P Hantak
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Gregory S Day
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Amanda L Piquet
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Tammy L Smith
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah and George E Wahlen VA Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Stacey L Clardy
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah and George E Wahlen VA Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | - Cédric Feschotte
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - John A G Briggs
- The Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, UK; Department of Cell and Virus Structure, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Jason D Shepherd
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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5
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Takahashi Ueda M. Retrotransposon-derived transcripts and their functions in immunity and disease. Genes Genet Syst 2024; 98:305-319. [PMID: 38199240 DOI: 10.1266/ggs.23-00187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Retrotransposons, which account for approximately 42% of the human genome, have been increasingly recognized as "non-self" pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) due to their virus-like sequences. In abnormal conditions such as cancer and viral infections, retrotransposons that are aberrantly expressed due to impaired epigenetic suppression display PAMPs, leading to their recognition by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) of the innate immune system and triggering inflammation. This viral mimicry mechanism has been observed in various human diseases, including aging and autoimmune disorders. However, recent evidence suggests that retrotransposons possess highly regulated immune reactivity and play important roles in the development and function of the immune system. In this review, I discuss a wide range of retrotransposon-derived transcripts, their role as targets in immune recognition, and the diseases associated with retrotransposon activity. Furthermore, I explore the implications of chimeric transcripts formed between retrotransposons and known gene mRNAs, which have been previously underestimated, for the increase of immune-related gene isoforms and their influence on immune function. Retrotransposon-derived transcripts have profound and multifaceted effects on immune system function. The aim of this comprehensive review is to provide a better understanding of the complex relationship between retrotransposon transcripts and immune defense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahoko Takahashi Ueda
- Department of Genomic Function and Diversity, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University
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6
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Guo Y, Li TD, Modzelewski AJ, Siomi H. Retrotransposon renaissance in early embryos. Trends Genet 2024; 40:39-51. [PMID: 37949723 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2023.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Despite being the predominant genetic elements in mammalian genomes, retrotransposons were often dismissed as genomic parasites with ambiguous biological significance. However, recent studies reveal their functional involvement in early embryogenesis, encompassing crucial processes such as zygotic genome activation (ZGA) and cell fate decision. This review underscores the paradigm shift in our understanding of retrotransposon roles during early preimplantation development, as well as their rich functional reservoir that is exploited by the host to provide cis-regulatory elements, noncoding RNAs, and functional proteins. The rapid advancement in long-read sequencing, low input multiomics profiling, advanced in vitro systems, and precise gene editing techniques encourages further dissection of retrotransposon functions that were once obscured by the intricacies of their genomic footprints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youjia Guo
- Department of Molecular Biology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Ten D Li
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4539, USA
| | - Andrew J Modzelewski
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4539, USA.
| | - Haruhiko Siomi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Human Biology Microbiome Quantum Research Center (WPI-Bio2Q), Keio University, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
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7
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Scopa C, Barnada SM, Cicardi ME, Singer M, Trotti D, Trizzino M. JUN upregulation drives aberrant transposable element mobilization, associated innate immune response, and impaired neurogenesis in Alzheimer's disease. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8021. [PMID: 38049398 PMCID: PMC10696058 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43728-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult neurogenic decline, inflammation, and neurodegeneration are phenotypic hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Mobilization of transposable elements (TEs) in heterochromatic regions was recently reported in AD, but the underlying mechanisms are still underappreciated. Combining functional genomics with the differentiation of familial and sporadic AD patient derived-iPSCs into hippocampal progenitors, CA3 neurons, and cerebral organoids, we found that the upregulation of the AP-1 subunit, c-Jun, triggers decondensation of genomic regions containing TEs. This leads to the cytoplasmic accumulation of HERVK-derived RNA-DNA hybrids, the activation of the cGAS-STING cascade, and increased levels of cleaved caspase-3, suggesting the initiation of programmed cell death in AD progenitors and neurons. Notably, inhibiting c-Jun effectively blocks all these downstream molecular processes and rescues neuronal death and the impaired neurogenesis phenotype in AD progenitors. Our findings open new avenues for identifying therapeutic strategies and biomarkers to counteract disease progression and diagnose AD in the early, pre-symptomatic stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Scopa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Jefferson Weinberg ALS Center, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Samantha M Barnada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Maria E Cicardi
- Jefferson Weinberg ALS Center, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mo Singer
- Jefferson Weinberg ALS Center, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Davide Trotti
- Jefferson Weinberg ALS Center, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Marco Trizzino
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK.
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8
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Mucke HAM. Drug Repurposing Patent Applications April-June 2023. Assay Drug Dev Technol 2023; 21:288-295. [PMID: 37668595 DOI: 10.1089/adt.2023.081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
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9
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Cornec A, Poirier EZ. Interplay between RNA interference and transposable elements in mammals. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1212086. [PMID: 37475864 PMCID: PMC10354258 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1212086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) plays pleiotropic roles in animal cells, from the post-transcriptional control of gene expression via the production of micro-RNAs, to the inhibition of RNA virus infection. We discuss here the role of RNAi in regulating the expression of self RNAs, and particularly transposable elements (TEs), which are genomic sequences capable of influencing gene expression and disrupting genome architecture. Dicer proteins act as the entry point of the RNAi pathway by detecting and degrading RNA of TE origin, ultimately leading to TE silencing. RNAi similarly targets cellular RNAs such as repeats transcribed from centrosomes. Dicer proteins are thus nucleic acid sensors that recognize self RNA in the form of double-stranded RNA, and trigger a silencing RNA interference response.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Enzo Z. Poirier
- Stem Cell Immunity Team, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, INSERM U932, Paris, France
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10
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Sun B, Kim H, Mello CC, Priess JR. The CERV protein of Cer1, a C. elegans LTR retrotransposon, is required for nuclear export of viral genomic RNA and can form giant nuclear rods. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1010804. [PMID: 37384599 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Retroviruses and closely related LTR retrotransposons export full-length, unspliced genomic RNA (gRNA) for packaging into virions and to serve as the mRNA encoding GAG and POL polyproteins. Because gRNA often includes splice acceptor and donor sequences used to splice viral mRNAs, retroelements must overcome host mechanisms that retain intron-containing RNAs in the nucleus. Here we examine gRNA expression in Cer1, an LTR retrotransposon in C. elegans which somehow avoids silencing and is highly expressed in germ cells. Newly exported Cer1 gRNA associates rapidly with the Cer1 GAG protein, which has structural similarity with retroviral GAG proteins. gRNA export requires CERV (C. elegans regulator of viral expression), a novel protein encoded by a spliced Cer1 mRNA. CERV phosphorylation at S214 is essential for gRNA export, and phosphorylated CERV colocalizes with nuclear gRNA at presumptive sites of transcription. By electron microscopy, tagged CERV proteins surround clusters of distinct, linear fibrils that likely represent gRNA molecules. Single fibrils, or groups of aligned fibrils, also localize near nuclear pores. During the C. elegans self-fertile period, when hermaphrodites fertilize oocytes with their own sperm, CERV concentrates in two nuclear foci that are coincident with gRNA. However, as hermaphrodites cease self-fertilization, and can only produce cross-progeny, CERV undergoes a remarkable transition to form giant nuclear rods or cylinders that can be up to 5 microns in length. We propose a novel mechanism of rod formation, in which stage-specific changes in the nucleolus induce CERV to localize to the nucleolar periphery in flattened streaks of protein and gRNA; these streaks then roll up into cylinders. The rods are a widespread feature of Cer1 in wild strains of C. elegans, but their function is not known and might be limited to cross-progeny. We speculate that the adaptive strategy Cer1 uses for the identical self-progeny of a host hermaphrodite might differ for heterozygous cross-progeny sired by males. For example, mating introduces male chromosomes which can have different, or no, Cer1 elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Sun
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester,United States of America
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Haram Kim
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Craig C Mello
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester,United States of America
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland, United States of America
| | - James R Priess
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
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11
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Krupp S, Tam O, Hammell MG, Dubnau J. TDP-43 pathology in Drosophila induces glial-cell type specific toxicity that can be ameliorated by knock-down of SF2/SRSF1. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.04.539439. [PMID: 37205372 PMCID: PMC10187300 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.04.539439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Accumulation of cytoplasmic inclusions of TAR-DNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43) is seen in both neurons and glia in a range of neurodegenerative disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Disease progression involves non-cell autonomous interactions among multiple cell types, including neurons, microglia and astrocytes. We investigated the effects in Drosophila of inducible, glial cell type-specific TDP-43 overexpression, a model that causes TDP-43 protein pathology including loss of nuclear TDP-43 and accumulation of cytoplasmic inclusions. We report that TDP-43 pathology in Drosophila is sufficient to cause progressive loss of each of the 5 glial sub-types. But the effects on organismal survival were most pronounced when TDP-43 pathology was induced in the perineural glia (PNG) or astrocytes. In the case of PNG, this effect is not attributable to loss of the glial population, because ablation of these glia by expression of pro-apoptotic reaper expression has relatively little impact on survival. To uncover underlying mechanisms, we used cell-type-specific nuclear RNA sequencing to characterize the transcriptional changes induced by pathological TDP-43 expression. We identified numerous glial cell-type specific transcriptional changes. Notably, SF2/SRSF1 levels were found to be decreased in both PNG and in astrocytes. We found that further knockdown of SF2/SRSF1 in either PNG or astrocytes lessens the detrimental effects of TDP-43 pathology on lifespan, but extends survival of the glial cells. Thus TDP-43 pathology in astrocytes or PNG causes systemic effects that shorten lifespan and SF2/SRSF1 knockdown rescues the loss of these glia, and also reduces their systemic toxicity to the organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Krupp
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, NY 11794, USA
| | - O Tam
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Bungtown road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY.,11794
| | - M Gale Hammell
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Bungtown road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY.,11794
| | - J Dubnau
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, NY 11794, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook School of Medicine, NY 11794, USA
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12
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Yushkova E, Moskalev A. Transposable elements and their role in aging. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 86:101881. [PMID: 36773759 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.101881] [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: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) are an important part of eukaryotic genomes. The role of somatic transposition in aging, carcinogenesis, and other age-related diseases has been determined. This review discusses the fundamental properties of TEs and their complex interactions with cellular processes, which are crucial for understanding the diverse effects of their activity on the genetics and epigenetics of the organism. The interactions of TEs with recombination, replication, repair, and chromosomal regulation; the ability of TEs to maintain a balance between their own activity and repression, the involvement of TEs in the creation of new or alternative genes, the expression of coding/non-coding RNA, and the role in DNA damage and modification of regulatory networks are reviewed. The contribution of the derepressed TEs to age-dependent effects in individual cells/tissues in different organisms was assessed. Conflicting information about TE activity under stress as well as theories of aging mechanisms related to TEs is discussed. On the one hand, transposition activity in response to stressors can lead to organisms acquiring adaptive innovations of great importance for evolution at the population level. On the other hand, the TE expression can cause decreased longevity and stress tolerance at the individual level. The specific features of TE effects on aging processes in germline and soma and the ways of their regulation in cells are highlighted. Recent results considering somatic mutations in normal human and animal tissues are indicated, with the emphasis on their possible functional consequences. In the context of aging, the correlation between somatic TE activation and age-related changes in the number of proteins required for heterochromatin maintenance and longevity regulation was analyzed. One of the original features of this review is a discussion of not only effects based on the TEs insertions and the associated consequences for the germline cell dynamics and somatic genome, but also the differences between transposon- and retrotransposon-mediated structural genome changes and possible phenotypic characteristics associated with aging and various age-related pathologies. Based on the analysis of published data, a hypothesis about the influence of the species-specific features of number, composition, and distribution of TEs on aging dynamics of different animal genomes was formulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Yushkova
- Laboratory of Geroprotective and Radioprotective Technologies, Institute of Biology, Komi Science Center, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 28 Kommunisticheskaya st., 167982 Syktyvkar, Russian Federation
| | - Alexey Moskalev
- Laboratory of Geroprotective and Radioprotective Technologies, Institute of Biology, Komi Science Center, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 28 Kommunisticheskaya st., 167982 Syktyvkar, Russian Federation; Laboratory of Genetics and Epigenetics of Aging, Russian Clinical Research Center for Gerontology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow 129226, Russian Federation; Longaevus Technologies, London, UK.
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13
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Wang H, Wang LS, Schellenberg G, Lee WP. The role of structural variations in Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 14:1073905. [PMID: 36846102 PMCID: PMC9944073 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.1073905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Dozens of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to Alzheimer's disease (AD) have been discovered by large scale genome-wide association studies (GWASs). However, only a small portion of the genetic component of AD can be explained by SNPs observed from GWAS. Structural variation (SV) can be a major contributor to the missing heritability of AD; while SV in AD remains largely unexplored as the accurate detection of SVs from the widely used array-based and short-read technology are still far from perfect. Here, we briefly summarized the strengths and weaknesses of available SV detection methods. We reviewed the current landscape of SV analysis in AD and SVs that have been found associated with AD. Particularly, the importance of currently less explored SVs, including insertions, inversions, short tandem repeats, and transposable elements in neurodegenerative diseases were highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Penn Neurodegeneration Genomics Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Li-San Wang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Penn Neurodegeneration Genomics Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Gerard Schellenberg
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Penn Neurodegeneration Genomics Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Wan-Ping Lee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Penn Neurodegeneration Genomics Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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14
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Ahn HW, Worman ZF, Lechsinska A, Payer LM, Wang T, Malik N, Li W, Burns KH, Nath A, Levin HL. Retrotransposon insertions associated with risk of neurologic and psychiatric diseases. EMBO Rep 2023; 24:e55197. [PMID: 36367221 PMCID: PMC9827563 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202255197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) are active in neuronal cells raising the question whether TE insertions contribute to risk of neuropsychiatric disease. While genome-wide association studies (GWAS) serve as a tool to discover genetic loci associated with neuropsychiatric diseases, unfortunately GWAS do not directly detect structural variants such as TEs. To examine the role of TEs in psychiatric and neurologic disease, we evaluated 17,000 polymorphic TEs and find 76 are in linkage disequilibrium with disease haplotypes (P < 10-6 ) defined by GWAS. From these 76 polymorphic TEs, we identify potentially causal candidates based on having insertions in genomic regions of regulatory chromatin and on having associations with altered gene expression in brain tissues. We show that lead candidate insertions have regulatory effects on gene expression in human neural stem cells altering the activity of a minimal promoter. Taken together, we identify 10 polymorphic TE insertions that are potential candidates on par with other variants for having a causal role in neurologic and psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyo Won Ahn
- Division of Molecular and Cellular BiologyEunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaMDUSA
| | - Zelia F Worman
- Division of Molecular and Cellular BiologyEunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaMDUSA
- Present address:
Seven BridgesCharlestownMAUSA
| | - Arianna Lechsinska
- Division of Molecular and Cellular BiologyEunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaMDUSA
| | - Lindsay M Payer
- Department of PathologyJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Tongguang Wang
- Translational Neuroscience CenterNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaMDUSA
| | - Nasir Malik
- Translational Neuroscience CenterNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaMDUSA
| | - Wenxue Li
- Section of Infections of the Nervous SystemNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaMDUSA
| | - Kathleen H Burns
- Department of Oncologic PathologyDana‐Farber Cancer InstituteBostonMAUSA
| | - Avindra Nath
- Translational Neuroscience CenterNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaMDUSA
- Section of Infections of the Nervous SystemNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaMDUSA
| | - Henry L Levin
- Division of Molecular and Cellular BiologyEunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaMDUSA
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15
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Zhang L, Xia J. N6-Methyladenosine Methylation of mRNA in Cell Senescence. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:27-36. [PMID: 34767142 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-021-01168-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Cell senescence is the growth arrest caused by the accumulation of irreparable cell damage, which is involved in physiological and pathological processes and regulated by the post-transcriptional level. This regulation is performed by transcriptional regulators and driven by aging-related small RNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and RNA-binding proteins. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common chemical modification in eukaryotic mRNA, which can enhance or reduce the binding of transcriptional regulators. Increasing studies have confirmed the crucial role of m6A in controlling mRNA in various physiological processes. Remarkably, recent reports have indicated that abnormal methylation of m6A-related RNA may affect cell senescence. In this review, we clarified the association between m6A modification and cell senescence and analyzed the limitations of the current research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Xia
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China. .,Clinical Research Center for Cerebrovascular Disease of Hunan Province, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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16
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Wang L, Tracy L, Su W, Yang F, Feng Y, Silverman N, Zhang ZZZ. Retrotransposon activation during Drosophila metamorphosis conditions adult antiviral responses. Nat Genet 2022; 54:1933-1945. [PMID: 36396707 PMCID: PMC9795486 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-022-01214-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Retrotransposons are one type of mobile genetic element that abundantly reside in the genomes of nearly all animals. Their uncontrolled activation is linked to sterility, cancer and other pathologies, thereby being largely considered detrimental. Here we report that, within a specific time window of development, retrotransposon activation can license the host's immune system for future antiviral responses. We found that the mdg4 (also known as Gypsy) retrotransposon selectively becomes active during metamorphosis at the Drosophila pupal stage. At this stage, mdg4 activation educates the host's innate immune system by inducing the systemic antiviral function of the nuclear factor-κB protein Relish in a dSTING-dependent manner. Consequently, adult flies with mdg4, Relish or dSTING silenced at the pupal stage are unable to clear exogenous viruses and succumb to viral infection. Altogether, our data reveal that hosts can establish a protective antiviral response that endows a long-term benefit in pathogen warfare due to the developmental activation of mobile genetic elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
| | - Lauren Tracy
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Weijia Su
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Fu Yang
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Yu Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Neal Silverman
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Z Z Zhao Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
- Duke Regeneration Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
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17
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Human Endogenous Retroviruses: Friends and Foes in Urology Clinics. Int Neurourol J 2022; 26:275-287. [PMID: 36599336 PMCID: PMC9816444 DOI: 10.5213/inj.2244284.142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are originated from ancient exogenous retroviruses, which infected human germ line cells millions of years ago. HERVs have generally lost their replication and retrotransposition abilities, but adopted physiological roles in human biology. Though mostly inactive, HERVs can be reactivated by internal and external factors such as inflammations and environmental conditions. Their aberrant expression can participate in various human malignancies with complex etiology. This review describes the features and functions of HERVs in urological subjects, such as urological cancers and human reproduction. It provides the current knowledge of the HERVs and useful insights helping practice in urology clinics.
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18
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Savage AL, Iacoangeli A, Schumann GG, Rubio-Roldan A, Garcia-Perez JL, Al Khleifat A, Koks S, Bubb VJ, Al-Chalabi A, Quinn JP. Characterisation of retrotransposon insertion polymorphisms in whole genome sequencing data from individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Gene 2022; 843:146799. [PMID: 35963498 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146799] [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: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The genetics of an individual is a crucial factor in understanding the risk of developing the neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). There is still a large proportion of the heritability of ALS, particularly in sporadic cases, to be understood. Among others, active transposable elements drive inter-individual variability, and in humans long interspersed element 1 (LINE1, L1), Alu and SINE-VNTR-Alu (SVA) retrotransposons are a source of polymorphic insertions in the population. We undertook a pilot study to characterise the landscape of non-reference retrotransposon insertion polymorphisms (non-ref RIPs) in 15 control and 15 ALS individuals' whole genomes from Project MinE, an international project to identify potential genetic causes of ALS. The combination of two bioinformatics tools (mobile element locator tool (MELT) and TEBreak) identified on average 1250 Alu, 232 L1 and 77 SVA non-ref RIPs per genome across the 30 analysed. Further PCR validation of individual polymorphic retrotransposon insertions showed a similar level of accuracy for MELT and TEBreak. Our preliminary study did not identify a specific RIP or a significant difference in the total number of non-ref RIPs in ALS compared to control genomes. The use of multiple bioinformatic tools improved the accuracy of non-ref RIP detection and our study highlights the potential importance of studying these elements further in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail L Savage
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK
| | - Alfredo Iacoangeli
- Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 9RT, UK; Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Gerald G Schumann
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen 63225, Germany
| | - Alejandro Rubio-Roldan
- Department of Genomic Medicine and Department of Oncology, GENYO, Centre for Genomics & Oncology, PTS Granada, 18007, Spain
| | - Jose L Garcia-Perez
- Department of Genomic Medicine and Department of Oncology, GENYO, Centre for Genomics & Oncology, PTS Granada, 18007, Spain; MRC-HGU Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Ahmad Al Khleifat
- Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 9RT, UK
| | - Sulev Koks
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia; Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia 6150, Australia
| | - Vivien J Bubb
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK
| | - Ammar Al-Chalabi
- Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 9RT, UK; Department of Neurology, King's College Hospital, London SE5 9RS, UK
| | - John P Quinn
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK.
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19
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Yushkova EA. The effects of transpositions of functional I retrotransposons depend on the conditions and dose of parental exposure. Int J Radiat Biol 2022; 99:737-749. [PMID: 36318749 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2023.2142978] [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: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Transposable elements (TEs) cause destabilization of animal genomes. I retrotransposons of Drosophila melanogaster, as well as human LINE1 retrotransposons, are sources of intra- and interindividual diversity and responses to the action of internal and external factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the response to irradiation for the offspring of Drosophila melanogaster with the increased activity of inherited functional I elements. MATERIALS AND METHODS The material used was dysgenic Drosophila females with active I retrotransposons obtained as a result of crossing irradiated/non-irradiated parents of a certain genotype. Non-dysgenic females (without functional I elements) were used as controls. The effects of different conditions (irradiation of both parents simultaneously or separately) and doses (1-100 Gy) of parental irradiation have been assessed by analyzing SF-sterility, DNA damage and lifespan. The presence of full-size I retrotransposons was determined by PCR analysis. RESULTS The maternal exposure and exposure of both parents are efficient in contrast with paternal exposure. Irradiation of mothers reduces the reproductive potential and viability of their female offspring which undergo high activity of functional I retrotransposons. Though I retrotranspositions negatively affect the female gonads, irradiation of the paternal line can increase the lifespan of SF-sterile females. Radiation stress in the range of 1-100 Gy increases DNA fragmentation in both somatic and germ cells of the ovaries with high I-retrotransposition. CONCLUSIONS These results allow for the specificity of the radiation-induced behavior of I retrotransposons and their role in survival under conditions of strong radiation stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena A Yushkova
- Institute of Biology of Komi Scientific Centre of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, Syktyvkar, Russia
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20
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Epigenetic regulation of aging: implications for interventions of aging and diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:374. [PMID: 36336680 PMCID: PMC9637765 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01211-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is accompanied by the decline of organismal functions and a series of prominent hallmarks, including genetic and epigenetic alterations. These aging-associated epigenetic changes include DNA methylation, histone modification, chromatin remodeling, non-coding RNA (ncRNA) regulation, and RNA modification, all of which participate in the regulation of the aging process, and hence contribute to aging-related diseases. Therefore, understanding the epigenetic mechanisms in aging will provide new avenues to develop strategies to delay aging. Indeed, aging interventions based on manipulating epigenetic mechanisms have led to the alleviation of aging or the extension of the lifespan in animal models. Small molecule-based therapies and reprogramming strategies that enable epigenetic rejuvenation have been developed for ameliorating or reversing aging-related conditions. In addition, adopting health-promoting activities, such as caloric restriction, exercise, and calibrating circadian rhythm, has been demonstrated to delay aging. Furthermore, various clinical trials for aging intervention are ongoing, providing more evidence of the safety and efficacy of these therapies. Here, we review recent work on the epigenetic regulation of aging and outline the advances in intervention strategies for aging and age-associated diseases. A better understanding of the critical roles of epigenetics in the aging process will lead to more clinical advances in the prevention of human aging and therapy of aging-related diseases.
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21
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SoloTE for improved analysis of transposable elements in single-cell RNA-Seq data using locus-specific expression. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1063. [PMID: 36202992 PMCID: PMC9537157 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04020-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Transposable Elements (TEs) contribute to the repetitive fraction in almost every eukaryotic genome known to date, and their transcriptional activation can influence the expression of neighboring genes in healthy and disease states. Single cell RNA-Seq (scRNA-Seq) is a technical advance that allows the study of gene expression on a cell-by-cell basis. Although a current computational approach is available for the single cell analysis of TE expression, it omits their genomic location. Here we show SoloTE, a pipeline that outperforms the previous approach in terms of computational resources and by allowing the inclusion of locus-specific TE activity in scRNA-Seq expression matrixes. We then apply SoloTE to several datasets to reveal the repertoire of TEs that become transcriptionally active in different cell groups, and based on their genomic location, we predict their potential impact on gene expression. As our tool takes as input the resulting files from standard scRNA-Seq processing pipelines, we expect it to be widely adopted in single cell studies to help researchers discover patterns of cellular diversity associated with TE expression.
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22
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Di Stefano L. All Quiet on the TE Front? The Role of Chromatin in Transposable Element Silencing. Cells 2022; 11:cells11162501. [PMID: 36010577 PMCID: PMC9406493 DOI: 10.3390/cells11162501] [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: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile genetic elements that constitute a sizeable portion of many eukaryotic genomes. Through their mobility, they represent a major source of genetic variation, and their activation can cause genetic instability and has been linked to aging, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Accordingly, tight regulation of TE transcription is necessary for normal development. Chromatin is at the heart of TE regulation; however, we still lack a comprehensive understanding of the precise role of chromatin marks in TE silencing and how chromatin marks are established and maintained at TE loci. In this review, I discuss evidence documenting the contribution of chromatin-associated proteins and histone marks in TE regulation across different species with an emphasis on Drosophila and mammalian systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Di Stefano
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Department (MCD), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), University of Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, 31062 Toulouse, France
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23
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Fueyo R, Judd J, Feschotte C, Wysocka J. Roles of transposable elements in the regulation of mammalian transcription. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2022; 23:481-497. [PMID: 35228718 PMCID: PMC10470143 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-022-00457-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) comprise about half of the mammalian genome. TEs often contain sequences capable of recruiting the host transcription machinery, which they use to express their own products and promote transposition. However, the regulatory sequences carried by TEs may affect host transcription long after the TEs have lost the ability to transpose. Recent advances in genome analysis and engineering have facilitated systematic interrogation of the regulatory activities of TEs. In this Review, we discuss diverse mechanisms by which TEs contribute to transcription regulation. Notably, TEs can donate enhancer and promoter sequences that influence the expression of host genes, modify 3D chromatin architecture and give rise to novel regulatory genes, including non-coding RNAs and transcription factors. We discuss how TEs spur regulatory evolution and facilitate the emergence of genetic novelties in mammalian physiology and development. By virtue of their repetitive and interspersed nature, TEs offer unique opportunities to dissect the effects of mutation and genomic context on the function and evolution of cis-regulatory elements. We argue that TE-centric studies hold the key to unlocking general principles of transcription regulation and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Fueyo
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Julius Judd
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Cedric Feschotte
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
| | - Joanna Wysocka
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
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24
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Lee HJ, Hou Y, Maeng JH, Shah NM, Chen Y, Lawson HA, Yang H, Yue F, Wang T. Epigenomic analysis reveals prevalent contribution of transposable elements to cis-regulatory elements, tissue-specific expression, and alternative promoters in zebrafish. Genome Res 2022; 32:1424-1436. [PMID: 35649578 PMCID: PMC9341505 DOI: 10.1101/gr.276052.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) encode regulatory elements that impact gene expression in multiple species, yet a comprehensive analysis of zebrafish TEs in the context of gene regulation is lacking. Here, we systematically investigate the epigenomic and transcriptomic landscape of TEs across 11 adult zebrafish tissues using multidimensional sequencing data. We find that TEs contribute substantially to a diverse array of regulatory elements in the zebrafish genome and that 37% of TEs are positioned in active regulatory states in adult zebrafish tissues. We identify TE subfamilies enriched in highly specific regulatory elements among different tissues. We use transcript assembly to discover TE-derived transcriptional units expressed across tissues. Finally, we show that novel TE-derived promoters can initiate tissue-specific transcription of alternate gene isoforms. This work provides a comprehensive profile of TE activity across normal zebrafish tissues, shedding light on mechanisms underlying the regulation of gene expression in this widely used model organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyung Joo Lee
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA;,Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - Yiran Hou
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA;,Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - Ju Heon Maeng
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA;,Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - Nakul M. Shah
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA;,Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - Yujie Chen
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA;,Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - Heather A. Lawson
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - Hongbo Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
| | - Feng Yue
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA;,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA;,Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA;,McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63108, USA
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25
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Lin X, Yang Y, Melton PE, Singh V, Simpson-Yap S, Burdon KP, Taylor BV, Zhou Y. Integrating Genetic Structural Variations and Whole-Genome Sequencing Into Clinical Neurology. Neurol Genet 2022. [DOI: 10.1212/nxg.0000000000200005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Advances in genome sequencing technologies have unlocked new possibilities in identifying disease-associated and causative genetic markers, which may in turn enhance disease diagnosis and improve prognostication and management strategies. With the capability of examining genetic variations ranging from single-nucleotide mutations to large structural variants, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is an increasingly adopted approach to dissect the complex genetic architecture of neurologic diseases. There is emerging evidence for different structural variants and their roles in major neurologic and neurodevelopmental diseases. This review first describes different structural variants and their implicated roles in major neurologic and neurodevelopmental diseases, and then discusses the clinical relevance of WGS applications in neurology. Notably, WGS-based detection of structural variants has shown promising potential in enhancing diagnostic power of genetic tests in clinical settings. Ongoing WGS-based research in structural variations and quantifying mutational constraints can also yield clinical benefits by improving variant interpretation and disease diagnosis, while supporting biomarker discovery and therapeutic development. As a result, wider integration of WGS technologies into health care will likely increase diagnostic yields in difficult-to-diagnose conditions and define potential therapeutic targets or intervention points for genome-editing strategies.
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26
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Shridharan RV, Kalakuntla N, Chirmule N, Tiwari B. The Happy Hopping of Transposons: The Origins of V(D)J Recombination in Adaptive Immunity. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.836066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nearly 50% of the human genome is derived from transposable elements (TEs). Though dysregulated transposons are deleterious to humans and can lead to diseases, co-opted transposons play an important role in generating alternative or new DNA sequence combinations to perform novel cellular functions. The appearance of an adaptive immune system in jawed vertebrates, wherein the somatic rearrangement of T and B cells generates a repertoire of antibodies and receptors, is underpinned by Class II TEs. This review follows the evolution of recombination activation genes (RAGs), components of adaptive immunity, from TEs, focusing on the structural and mechanistic similarities between RAG recombinases and DNA transposases. As evolution occurred from a transposon precursor, DNA transposases developed a more targeted and constrained mechanism of mobilization. As DNA repair is integral to transposition and recombination, we note key similarities and differences in the choice of DNA repair pathways following these processes. Understanding the regulation of V(D)J recombination from its evolutionary origins may help future research to specifically target RAG proteins to rectify diseases associated with immune dysregulation.
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27
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Pfaff AL, Bubb VJ, Quinn JP, Koks S. Locus specific reduction of L1 expression in the cortices of individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Mol Brain 2022; 15:25. [PMID: 35346298 PMCID: PMC8961898 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-022-00914-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The activation and dysregulation of retrotransposons has been identified in the CNS of individuals with the fatal neurodegenerative disorder Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This includes elements from multiple different families and subfamilies of retrotransposons, however there is limited knowledge of the specific loci from which this expression occurs in ALS. The long interspersed element-1 (L1) is the only autonomous retrotransposon in the human genome and members of this family of elements maintain the ability to mobilise. Despite L1s contributing to 17% of the human genome only 80-100 L1s encode the required proteins for mobilisation and are retrotransposition competent. Identifying the specific loci from which L1 expression occurs will inform on the potential functional consequences of their expression, such as the potential for somatic retrotransposition or DNA damage caused by the endonuclease activity of the ORF2 protein of the L1. Here we characterised L1 loci expression using the L1EM tool ( https://github.com/FenyoLab/L1EM ) in RNA sequencing data from 518 samples across four tissues (motor cortex, frontal cortex, cerebellum and cervical spinal cord) in the Target ALS cohort obtained from the New York Genome Center. There was a significant reduction in total intact L1 expression (those that encode functional proteins) in two brain regions of individuals with ALS compared to controls and clustering of the ALS brain regions occurred based on their intact L1 expression profile. Although overall the levels of L1 expression were reduced in ALS/ALS with other neurological disorder (ND) there were individuals in which L1s were expressed at much higher levels than the rest of the ALS/ALSND cohort. Expressed L1 loci were more frequently located in introns compared to those not expressed and the level of L1 expression positively correlated with the expression of the gene in which it was located. Significant differences were observed in the expression profiles of L1s in ALS and specific features of these elements, such as location in the genome and whether or not they are intact, were significantly associated with those that were expressed in the cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail L. Pfaff
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, 8 Verdun Street, Nedlands, WA 6009 Australia
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA Australia
| | - Vivien J. Bubb
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - John P. Quinn
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Sulev Koks
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, 8 Verdun Street, Nedlands, WA 6009 Australia
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA Australia
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28
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Fernandes AO, Barros GS, Batista MVA. Metatranscriptomics Analysis Reveals Diverse Viral RNA in Cutaneous Papillomatous Lesions of Cattle. Evol Bioinform Online 2022; 18:11769343221083960. [PMID: 35633934 PMCID: PMC9133864 DOI: 10.1177/11769343221083960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine papillomavirus (BPV) is associated with bovine papillomatosis, a disease that forms benign warts in epithelial tissues, as well as malignant lesions. Previous studies have detected a co-infection between BPV and other viruses, making it likely that these co-infections could influence disease progression. Therefore, this study aimed to identify and annotate viral genes in cutaneous papillomatous lesions of cattle. Sequences were obtained from the GEO database, and an RNA-seq computational pipeline was used to analyze 3 libraries from bovine papillomatous lesions. In total, 25 viral families were identified, including Poxviridae, Retroviridae, and Herpesviridae. All libraries shared similarities in the viruses and genes found. The viral genes shared similarities with BPV genes, especially for functions as virion entry pathway, malignant progression by apoptosis suppression and immune system control. Therefore, this study presents relevant data extending the current knowledge regarding the viral microbiome in BPV lesions and how other viruses could affect this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana O Fernandes
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology (GMBio), Department of Biology, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Brazil
| | - Gerlane S Barros
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology (GMBio), Department of Biology, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Brazil
| | - Marcus VA Batista
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology (GMBio), Department of Biology, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Brazil
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29
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Peze-Heidsieck E, Bonnifet T, Znaidi R, Ravel-Godreuil C, Massiani-Beaudoin O, Joshi RL, Fuchs J. Retrotransposons as a Source of DNA Damage in Neurodegeneration. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 13:786897. [PMID: 35058771 PMCID: PMC8764243 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.786897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The etiology of aging-associated neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), such as Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), still remains elusive and no curative treatment is available. Age is the major risk factor for PD and AD, but the molecular link between aging and neurodegeneration is not fully understood. Aging is defined by several hallmarks, some of which partially overlap with pathways implicated in NDs. Recent evidence suggests that aging-associated epigenetic alterations can lead to the derepression of the LINE-1 (Long Interspersed Element-1) family of transposable elements (TEs) and that this derepression might have important implications in the pathogenesis of NDs. Almost half of the human DNA is composed of repetitive sequences derived from TEs and TE mobility participated in shaping the mammalian genomes during evolution. Although most TEs are mutated and no longer mobile, more than 100 LINE-1 elements have retained their full coding potential in humans and are thus retrotransposition competent. Uncontrolled activation of TEs has now been reported in various models of neurodegeneration and in diseased human brain tissues. We will discuss in this review the potential contribution of LINE-1 elements in inducing DNA damage and genomic instability, which are emerging pathological features in NDs. TEs might represent an important molecular link between aging and neurodegeneration, and a potential target for urgently needed novel therapeutic disease-modifying interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenie Peze-Heidsieck
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), CNRS, INSERM, Collège de France, Université PSL, Paris, France
| | - Tom Bonnifet
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), CNRS, INSERM, Collège de France, Université PSL, Paris, France
| | - Rania Znaidi
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), CNRS, INSERM, Collège de France, Université PSL, Paris, France
| | - Camille Ravel-Godreuil
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), CNRS, INSERM, Collège de France, Université PSL, Paris, France
| | - Olivia Massiani-Beaudoin
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), CNRS, INSERM, Collège de France, Université PSL, Paris, France
| | - Rajiv L Joshi
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), CNRS, INSERM, Collège de France, Université PSL, Paris, France
| | - Julia Fuchs
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), CNRS, INSERM, Collège de France, Université PSL, Paris, France
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30
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Casale AM, Liguori F, Ansaloni F, Cappucci U, Finaurini S, Spirito G, Persichetti F, Sanges R, Gustincich S, Piacentini L. Transposable element activation promotes neurodegeneration in a Drosophila model of Huntington's disease. iScience 2022; 25:103702. [PMID: 35036881 PMCID: PMC8752904 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant disorder with progressive motor dysfunction and cognitive decline. The disease is caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the IT15 gene, which elongates a polyglutamine stretch of the HD protein, Huntingtin. No therapeutic treatments are available, and new pharmacological targets are needed. Retrotransposons are transposable elements (TEs) that represent 40% and 30% of the human and Drosophila genomes and replicate through an RNA intermediate. Mounting evidence suggests that mammalian TEs are active during neurogenesis and may be involved in diseases of the nervous system. Here we show that TE expression and mobilization are increased in a Drosophila melanogaster HD model. By inhibiting TE mobilization with Reverse Transcriptase inhibitors, polyQ-dependent eye neurodegeneration and genome instability in larval brains are rescued and fly lifespan is increased. These results suggest that TE activation may be involved in polyQ-induced neurotoxicity and a potential pharmacological target. Transposable elements: new pathogenic players in Huntington's disease polyQ-Htt expression leads to widespread heterochromatin relaxation Reverse transcriptase inhibitors rescue HD-induced neurodegeneration
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Affiliation(s)
- Assunta Maria Casale
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Liguori
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Federico Ansaloni
- Area of Neuroscience, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| | - Ugo Cappucci
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Finaurini
- Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Giovanni Spirito
- Area of Neuroscience, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Remo Sanges
- Area of Neuroscience, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Trieste, Italy.,Central RNA Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | | | - Lucia Piacentini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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31
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Floreani L, Ansaloni F, Mangoni D, Agostoni E, Sanges R, Persichetti F, Gustincich S. Analysis of LINE1 Retrotransposons in Huntington’s Disease. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 15:743797. [PMID: 35095420 PMCID: PMC8795916 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.743797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile genetic elements that made up about half the human genome. Among them, the autonomous non-LTR retrotransposon long interspersed nuclear element-1 (L1) is the only currently active TE in mammals and covers about 17% of the mammalian genome. L1s exert their function as structural elements in the genome, as transcribed RNAs to influence chromatin structure and as retrotransposed elements to shape genomic variation in somatic cells. L1s activity has been shown altered in several diseases of the nervous system. Huntington disease (HD) is a dominantly inherited neurodegenerative disorder caused by an expansion of a CAG repeat in the HTT gene which leads to a gradual loss of neurons most prominently in the striatum and, to a lesser extent, in cortical brain regions. The length of the expanded CAG tract is related to age at disease onset, with longer repeats leading to earlier onset. Here we carried out bioinformatic analysis of public RNA-seq data of a panel of HD mouse models showing that a decrease of L1 RNA expression recapitulates two hallmarks of the disease: it correlates to CAG repeat length and it occurs in the striatum, the site of neurodegeneration. Results were then experimentally validated in HttQ111 knock-in mice. The expression of L1-encoded proteins was independent from L1 RNA levels and differentially regulated in time and tissues. The pattern of expression L1 RNAs in human HD post-mortem brains showed similarity to mouse models of the disease. This work suggests the need for further study of L1s in HD and adds support to the current hypothesis that dysregulation of TEs may be involved in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavinia Floreani
- Area of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| | - Federico Ansaloni
- Area of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
- Central RNA Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia—IIT, Genova, Italy
| | - Damiano Mangoni
- Central RNA Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia—IIT, Genova, Italy
| | - Elena Agostoni
- Area of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| | - Remo Sanges
- Area of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
- Central RNA Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia—IIT, Genova, Italy
- *Correspondence: Remo Sanges,
| | - Francesca Persichetti
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale “ A. Avogadro,”Novara, Italy
- Francesca Persichetti,
| | - Stefano Gustincich
- Area of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
- Central RNA Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia—IIT, Genova, Italy
- Stefano Gustincich,
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32
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Abdelhamid RF, Ogawa K, Beck G, Ikenaka K, Takeuchi E, Yasumizu Y, Jinno J, Kimura Y, Baba K, Nagai Y, Okada Y, Saito Y, Murayama S, Mochizuki H, Nagano S. piRNA/PIWI Protein Complex as a Potential Biomarker in Sporadic Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:1693-1705. [PMID: 35015250 PMCID: PMC8882100 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02686-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The pathological hallmark of the majority of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) cases is the mislocalization and aggregation of TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43), an RNA-binding protein. Several studies have attributed disease processes of ALS to abnormal RNA metabolism. However, dysregulated biogenesis of RNA, especially non-coding RNA (ncRNA), is poorly understood. To resolve it, RNA-Seq, biochemical, and immunohistochemical analyses were performed on the pyramidal tract of the medulla oblongata of sporadic ALS (sALS) and control postmortem brain samples. Here, we report perturbation of ncRNA biogenesis in PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA) in several sALS brain samples associated with TDP-43 pathology. In addition, we confirmed the dysregulation of two PIWI homologs, PIWI-like-mediated gene silencing 1 (PIWIL1) and PIWIL4, which bind to piRNAs to regulate their expression. PIWIL1 was mislocalized and co-localized with TDP-43 in motor neurons of sporadic ALS lumbar cords. Our results imply that dysregulation of piRNA, PIWIL1, and PIWIL4 is linked to pathogenesis of ALS. Based on these results, piRNAs and PIWI proteins are potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rehab F Abdelhamid
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,Department of Neurotherapeutics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kotaro Ogawa
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,Department of Statistical Genetics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Goichi Beck
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kensuke Ikenaka
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Eriko Takeuchi
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Yasumizu
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,Department of Experimental Immunology, Osaka University Immunology Frontier Research Center, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Jyunki Jinno
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yasuyoshi Kimura
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kousuke Baba
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Nagai
- Department of Neurotherapeutics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Kindai University, Osakasayama, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yukinori Okada
- Department of Statistical Genetics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuko Saito
- Department of Neuropathology (Brain Bank for Aging Research), Tokyo Metropolitan Geriatric Hospital and Institute of Gerontology, Itabashi, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shigeo Murayama
- Department of Neuropathology (Brain Bank for Aging Research), Tokyo Metropolitan Geriatric Hospital and Institute of Gerontology, Itabashi, Tokyo, Japan.,Brain Bank for Neurodevelopmental, Molecular Research Center for Children's Mental Development, Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders, Osaka University United Graduate School of Child Development, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hideki Mochizuki
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Seiichi Nagano
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan. .,Department of Neurotherapeutics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan.
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33
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Neuron-specific chromosomal megadomain organization is adaptive to recent retrotransposon expansions. Nat Commun 2021; 12:7243. [PMID: 34903713 PMCID: PMC8669064 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26862-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulatory mechanisms associated with repeat-rich sequences and chromosomal conformations in mature neurons remain unexplored. Here, we map cell-type specific chromatin domain organization in adult mouse cerebral cortex and report strong enrichment of Endogenous Retrovirus 2 (ERV2) repeat sequences in the neuron-specific heterochromatic B2NeuN+ megabase-scaling subcompartment. Single molecule long-read sequencing and comparative Hi-C chromosomal contact mapping in wild-derived SPRET/EiJ (Mus spretus) and laboratory inbred C57BL/6J (Mus musculus) reveal neuronal reconfigurations tracking recent ERV2 expansions in the murine germline, with significantly higher B2NeuN+ contact frequencies at sites with ongoing insertions in Mus musculus. Neuronal ablation of the retrotransposon silencer Kmt1e/Setdb1 triggers B2NeuN+ disintegration and rewiring with open chromatin domains enriched for cellular stress response genes, along with severe neuroinflammation and proviral assembly with infiltration of dendrites . We conclude that neuronal megabase-scale chromosomal architectures include an evolutionarily adaptive heterochromatic organization which, upon perturbation, results in transcriptional dysregulation and unleashes ERV2 proviruses with strong neuronal tropism.
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34
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Phan K, He Y, Fu Y, Dzamko N, Bhatia S, Gold J, Rowe D, Ke YD, Ittner LM, Hodges JR, Piguet O, Kiernan MC, Halliday GM, Kim WS. Pathological manifestation of human endogenous retrovirus K in frontotemporal dementia. COMMUNICATIONS MEDICINE 2021; 1:60. [PMID: 35083468 PMCID: PMC8788987 DOI: 10.1038/s43856-021-00060-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) is a common form of younger-onset dementia with a proportion of cases overlapping pathologically and genetically with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Previous studies have identified that the human endogenous retrovirus K (HERV-K) is elevated in ALS serum and is associated with ALS TDP-43 pathology. In contrast, little is known about HERV-K changes in bvFTD. Here, we investigated the possible role of HERV-K in bvFTD. METHODS We measured the HERV-K env gene in sporadic bvFTD (N = 63), sporadic ALS (N = 89), and control (N = 21) serum by ddPCR. We also analyzed HERV-K env, by qPCR, and the HERV-K reverse transcriptase protein, by confocal immunofluorescence microscopy, in the disease-affected superior frontal cortex of bvFTD with TDP-43 pathology. RESULTS Here, we show that HERV-K env levels are significantly elevated (P = 3.5 × 10-6) in bvFTD compared to control serum, differentiating cases with an AUC value of 0.867. HERV-K env levels are also specifically elevated in the superior frontal cortex of bvFTD with TDP-43 pathology, with the HERV-K reverse transcriptase protein and TDP-43 deposit localized to the neuronal cytoplasm. Furthermore, in a neuronal cell line overexpression of TDP-43 induces HERV-K env transcription. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that manifestation of HERV-K is associated with bvFTD TDP-43 pathology. Analysis of HERV-K in bvFTD may provide insight into an unrecognized but targetable perturbed pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Phan
- grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XThe University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney, NSW Australia ,grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XThe University of Sydney, School of Medical Sciences, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Ying He
- grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XThe University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney, NSW Australia ,grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XThe University of Sydney, School of Medical Sciences, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - YuHong Fu
- grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XThe University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney, NSW Australia ,grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XThe University of Sydney, School of Medical Sciences, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Nicolas Dzamko
- grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XThe University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney, NSW Australia ,grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XThe University of Sydney, School of Medical Sciences, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Surabhi Bhatia
- grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XThe University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney, NSW Australia ,grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XThe University of Sydney, School of Medical Sciences, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Julian Gold
- grid.452312.30000 0004 0644 0381The University of Sydney, The Albion Centre, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Dominic Rowe
- grid.1004.50000 0001 2158 5405Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Yazi D. Ke
- grid.1004.50000 0001 2158 5405Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Lars M. Ittner
- grid.1004.50000 0001 2158 5405Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - John R. Hodges
- grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XThe University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Olivier Piguet
- grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XThe University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney, NSW Australia ,grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XThe University of Sydney, School of Psychology, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Matthew C. Kiernan
- grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XThe University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney, NSW Australia ,grid.413249.90000 0004 0385 0051Institute of Clinical Neurosciences, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Glenda M. Halliday
- grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XThe University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney, NSW Australia ,grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XThe University of Sydney, School of Medical Sciences, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Woojin Scott Kim
- The University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia. .,The University of Sydney, School of Medical Sciences, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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35
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Senft AD, Macfarlan TS. Transposable elements shape the evolution of mammalian development. Nat Rev Genet 2021; 22:691-711. [PMID: 34354263 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-021-00385-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) promote genetic innovation but also threaten genome stability. Despite multiple layers of host defence, TEs actively shape mammalian-specific developmental processes, particularly during pre-implantation and extra-embryonic development and at the maternal-fetal interface. Here, we review how TEs influence mammalian genomes both directly by providing the raw material for genetic change and indirectly via co-evolving TE-binding Krüppel-associated box zinc finger proteins (KRAB-ZFPs). Throughout mammalian evolution, individual activities of ancient TEs were co-opted to enable invasive placentation that characterizes live-born mammals. By contrast, the widespread activity of evolutionarily young TEs may reflect an ongoing co-evolution that continues to impact mammalian development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna D Senft
- The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, The National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Todd S Macfarlan
- The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, The National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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36
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Li M, Larsen PA. Primate-specific retrotransposons and the evolution of circadian networks in the human brain. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 131:988-1004. [PMID: 34592258 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.09.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The circadian rhythm of the human brain is attuned to sleep-wake cycles that entail global alterations in neuronal excitability. This periodicity involves a highly coordinated regulation of gene expression. A growing number of studies are documenting a fascinating connection between primate-specific retrotransposons (Alu elements) and key epigenetic regulatory processes in the primate brain. Collectively, these studies indicate that Alu elements embedded in the human neuronal genome mediate post-transcriptional processes that unite human-specific neuroepigenetic landscapes and circadian rhythm. Here, we review evidence linking Alu retrotransposon-mediated posttranscriptional pathways to circadian gene expression. We hypothesize that Alu retrotransposons participate in the organization of circadian brain function through multidimensional neuroepigenetic pathways. We anticipate that these pathways are closely tied to the evolution of human cognition and their perturbation contributes to the manifestation of human-specific neurological diseases. Finally, we address current challenges and accompanying opportunities in studying primate- and human-specific transposable elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manci Li
- University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, 55108, United States
| | - Peter A Larsen
- University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, 55108, United States.
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37
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Grundman J, Spencer B, Sarsoza F, Rissman RA. Transcriptome analyses reveal tau isoform-driven changes in transposable element and gene expression. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0251611. [PMID: 34587152 PMCID: PMC8480850 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing of the gene MAPT produces several isoforms of tau protein. Overexpression of these isoforms is characteristic of tauopathies, which are currently untreatable neurodegenerative diseases. Though non-canonical functions of tau have drawn interest, the role of tau isoforms in these diseases has not been fully examined and may reveal new details of tau-driven pathology. In particular, tau has been shown to promote activation of transposable elements-highly regulated nucleotide sequences that replicate throughout the genome and can promote immunologic responses and cellular stress. This study examined tau isoforms' roles in promoting cell damage and dysregulation of genes and transposable elements at a family-specific and locus-specific level. We performed immunofluorescence, Western blot and cytotoxicity assays, along with paired-end RNA sequencing on differentiated SH-SY5Y cells infected with lentiviral constructs of tau isoforms and treated with amyloid-beta oligomers. Our transcriptomic findings were validated using publicly available RNA-sequencing data from Alzheimer's disease, progressive supranuclear palsy and control human samples from the Accelerating Medicine's Partnership for AD (AMP-AD). Significance for biochemical assays was determined using Wilcoxon ranked-sum tests and false discovery rate. Transcriptome analysis was conducted through DESeq2 and the TEToolkit suite available from the Hammell lab at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. Our analyses show overexpression of different tau isoforms and their interactions with amyloid-beta in SH-SY5Y cells result in isoform-specific changes in the transcriptome, with locus-specific transposable element dysregulation patterns paralleling those seen in patients with Alzheimer's disease and progressive supranuclear palsy. Locus-level transposable element expression showed increased dysregulation of L1 and Alu sites, which have been shown to drive pathology in other neurological diseases. We also demonstrated differences in rates of cell death in SH-SY5Y cells depending on tau isoform overexpression. These results demonstrate the importance of examining tau isoforms' role in neurodegeneration and of further examining transposable element dysregulation in tauopathies and its role in activating the innate immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Grundman
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Brian Spencer
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Floyd Sarsoza
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States of America
| | - Robert A. Rissman
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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38
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Fonseca Cabral G, Schaan AP, Cavalcante GC, Sena-dos-Santos C, de Souza TP, Souza Port’s NM, dos Santos Pinheiro JA, Ribeiro-dos-Santos Â, Vidal AF. Nuclear and Mitochondrial Genome, Epigenome and Gut Microbiome: Emerging Molecular Biomarkers for Parkinson's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9839. [PMID: 34576000 PMCID: PMC8471599 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parkinson's disease (PD) is currently the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, burdening about 10 million elderly individuals worldwide. The multifactorial nature of PD poses a difficult obstacle for understanding the mechanisms involved in its onset and progression. Currently, diagnosis depends on the appearance of clinical signs, some of which are shared among various neurologic disorders, hindering early diagnosis. There are no effective tools to prevent PD onset, detect the disease in early stages or accurately report the risk of disease progression. Hence, there is an increasing demand for biomarkers that may identify disease onset and progression, as treatment-based medicine may not be the best approach for PD. Over the last few decades, the search for molecular markers to predict susceptibility, aid in accurate diagnosis and evaluate the progress of PD have intensified, but strategies aimed to improve individualized patient care have not yet been established. CONCLUSIONS Genomic variation, regulation by epigenomic mechanisms, as well as the influence of the host gut microbiome seem to have a crucial role in the onset and progress of PD, thus are considered potential biomarkers. As such, the human nuclear and mitochondrial genome, epigenome, and the host gut microbiome might be the key elements to the rise of personalized medicine for PD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gleyce Fonseca Cabral
- Laboratório de Genética Humana e Médica, Universidade Federal do Pará, R. Augusto Correa, Belém 66075-110, Brazil; (G.F.C.); (A.P.S.); (G.C.C.); (C.S.-d.-S.); (T.P.d.S.); (J.A.d.S.P.)
| | - Ana Paula Schaan
- Laboratório de Genética Humana e Médica, Universidade Federal do Pará, R. Augusto Correa, Belém 66075-110, Brazil; (G.F.C.); (A.P.S.); (G.C.C.); (C.S.-d.-S.); (T.P.d.S.); (J.A.d.S.P.)
| | - Giovanna C. Cavalcante
- Laboratório de Genética Humana e Médica, Universidade Federal do Pará, R. Augusto Correa, Belém 66075-110, Brazil; (G.F.C.); (A.P.S.); (G.C.C.); (C.S.-d.-S.); (T.P.d.S.); (J.A.d.S.P.)
| | - Camille Sena-dos-Santos
- Laboratório de Genética Humana e Médica, Universidade Federal do Pará, R. Augusto Correa, Belém 66075-110, Brazil; (G.F.C.); (A.P.S.); (G.C.C.); (C.S.-d.-S.); (T.P.d.S.); (J.A.d.S.P.)
| | - Tatiane Piedade de Souza
- Laboratório de Genética Humana e Médica, Universidade Federal do Pará, R. Augusto Correa, Belém 66075-110, Brazil; (G.F.C.); (A.P.S.); (G.C.C.); (C.S.-d.-S.); (T.P.d.S.); (J.A.d.S.P.)
| | - Natacha M. Souza Port’s
- Laboratório de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil;
| | - Jhully Azevedo dos Santos Pinheiro
- Laboratório de Genética Humana e Médica, Universidade Federal do Pará, R. Augusto Correa, Belém 66075-110, Brazil; (G.F.C.); (A.P.S.); (G.C.C.); (C.S.-d.-S.); (T.P.d.S.); (J.A.d.S.P.)
| | - Ândrea Ribeiro-dos-Santos
- Laboratório de Genética Humana e Médica, Universidade Federal do Pará, R. Augusto Correa, Belém 66075-110, Brazil; (G.F.C.); (A.P.S.); (G.C.C.); (C.S.-d.-S.); (T.P.d.S.); (J.A.d.S.P.)
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Oncologia, Universidade Federal do Pará–R. dos Mundurucus, Belém 66073-000, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Pará, R. Augusto Correa, Belém 66075-110, Brazil
| | - Amanda F. Vidal
- Laboratório de Genética Humana e Médica, Universidade Federal do Pará, R. Augusto Correa, Belém 66075-110, Brazil; (G.F.C.); (A.P.S.); (G.C.C.); (C.S.-d.-S.); (T.P.d.S.); (J.A.d.S.P.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Pará, R. Augusto Correa, Belém 66075-110, Brazil
- ITVDS—Instituto Tecnológico Vale Desenvolvimento Sustentável–R. Boaventura da Silva, Belém 66055-090, Brazil
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39
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Playfoot CJ, Duc J, Sheppard S, Dind S, Coudray A, Planet E, Trono D. Transposable elements and their KZFP controllers are drivers of transcriptional innovation in the developing human brain. Genome Res 2021; 31:1531-1545. [PMID: 34400477 PMCID: PMC8415367 DOI: 10.1101/gr.275133.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) account for more than 50% of the human genome and many have been co-opted throughout evolution to provide regulatory functions for gene expression networks. Several lines of evidence suggest that these networks are fine-tuned by the largest family of TE controllers, the KRAB-containing zinc finger proteins (KZFPs). One tissue permissive for TE transcriptional activation (termed "transposcription") is the adult human brain, however comprehensive studies on the extent of this process and its potential contribution to human brain development are lacking. To elucidate the spatiotemporal transposcriptome of the developing human brain, we have analyzed two independent RNA-seq data sets encompassing 16 brain regions from eight weeks postconception into adulthood. We reveal a distinct KZFP:TE transcriptional profile defining the late prenatal to early postnatal transition, and the spatiotemporal and cell type-specific activation of TE-derived alternative promoters driving the expression of neurogenesis-associated genes. Long-read sequencing confirmed these TE-driven isoforms as significant contributors to neurogenic transcripts. We also show experimentally that a co-opted antisense L2 element drives temporal protein relocalization away from the endoplasmic reticulum, suggestive of novel TE dependent protein function in primate evolution. This work highlights the widespread dynamic nature of the spatiotemporal KZFP:TE transcriptome and its importance throughout TE mediated genome innovation and neurotypical human brain development. To facilitate interactive exploration of these spatiotemporal gene and TE expression dynamics, we provide the "Brain TExplorer" web application freely accessible for the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Playfoot
- School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Julien Duc
- School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Shaoline Sheppard
- School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sagane Dind
- School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alexandre Coudray
- School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Evarist Planet
- School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Didier Trono
- School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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40
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Rasmussen J, Ewing AD, Bodea LG, Bodea GO, Gearing M, Faulkner GJ. An early proinflammatory transcriptional response to tau pathology is age-specific and foreshadows reduced tau burden. Brain Pathol 2021; 32:e13018. [PMID: 34463402 PMCID: PMC9048516 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.13018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Age is one of the strongest risk factors for the development of neurodegenerative diseases, the majority of which involve misfolded protein aggregates in the brain. These protein aggregates are thought to drive pathology and are attractive targets for the development of new therapies. However, it is unclear how age influences the onset of pathology and the accompanying molecular response. To address this knowledge gap, we used a model of seeded tau pathology to profile the transcriptomic changes in 3 and 12 month old mice in response to developing tau hyperphosphorylation and aggregation. First, we found the burden of hyperphosphorylated tau pathology in mice injected at 12 months of age was moderately reduced compared to animals injected at 3 months. On a molecular level, we found an inflammation-related subset of genes, including C3 and the disease-associated microglia genes Ctsd, Cst7, and Clec7a, were more expressed early in disease in 12 but not 3 month old mice. These findings provide evidence of an early, age-specific response to tau pathology, which could serve as a marker for the severity of downstream pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay Rasmussen
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Adam D Ewing
- Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Liviu-Gabriel Bodea
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Gabriela O Bodea
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Marla Gearing
- Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Geoffrey J Faulkner
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
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41
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Jones AR, Iacoangeli A, Adey BN, Bowles H, Shatunov A, Troakes C, Garson JA, McCormick AL, Al-Chalabi A. A HML6 endogenous retrovirus on chromosome 3 is upregulated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis motor cortex. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14283. [PMID: 34253796 PMCID: PMC8275748 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93742-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) play a significant role in central nervous system diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Studies of ALS have consistently identified retroviral enzyme reverse transcriptase activity in patients. Evidence indicates that ERVs are the cause of reverse transcriptase activity in ALS, but it is currently unclear whether this is due to a specific ERV locus or a family of ERVs. We employed a combination of bioinformatic methods to identify whether specific ERVs or ERV families are associated with ALS. Using the largest post-mortem RNA-sequence datasets available we selectively identified ERVs that closely resembled full-length proviruses. In the discovery dataset there was one ERV locus (HML6_3p21.31c) that showed significant increased expression in post-mortem motor cortex tissue after multiple-testing correction. Using six replication post-mortem datasets we found HML6_3p21.31c was consistently upregulated in ALS in motor cortex and cerebellum tissue. In addition, HML6_3p21.31c showed significant co-expression with cytokine binding and genes involved in EBV, HTLV-1 and HIV type-1 infections. There were no significant differences in ERV family expression between ALS and controls. Our results support the hypothesis that specific ERV loci are involved in ALS pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley R. Jones
- grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, SE5 9NU UK
| | - Alfredo Iacoangeli
- grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, SE5 9NU UK ,grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK ,grid.451056.30000 0001 2116 3923National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre and Dementia Unit at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Brett N. Adey
- grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK ,grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764Social Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK ,grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764NIHR Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre, South London and Maudsley NHS Trust, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Harry Bowles
- grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, SE5 9NU UK ,grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK ,grid.451056.30000 0001 2116 3923National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre and Dementia Unit at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College London, London, UK ,grid.451056.30000 0001 2116 3923National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Aleksey Shatunov
- grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, SE5 9NU UK
| | - Claire Troakes
- grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764MRC London Neurodegenerative Diseases Brain Bank, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Jeremy A. Garson
- grid.83440.3b0000000121901201Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | - Adele L. McCormick
- grid.12896.340000 0000 9046 8598School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London, UK
| | - Ammar Al-Chalabi
- grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, SE5 9NU UK
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42
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Impact of Repetitive DNA Elements on Snake Genome Biology and Evolution. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071707. [PMID: 34359877 PMCID: PMC8303610 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The distinctive biology and unique evolutionary features of snakes make them fascinating model systems to elucidate how genomes evolve and how variation at the genomic level is interlinked with phenotypic-level evolution. Similar to other eukaryotic genomes, large proportions of snake genomes contain repetitive DNA, including transposable elements (TEs) and satellite repeats. The importance of repetitive DNA and its structural and functional role in the snake genome, remain unclear. This review highlights the major types of repeats and their proportions in snake genomes, reflecting the high diversity and composition of snake repeats. We present snakes as an emerging and important model system for the study of repetitive DNA under the impact of sex and microchromosome evolution. We assemble evidence to show that certain repetitive elements in snakes are transcriptionally active and demonstrate highly dynamic lineage-specific patterns as repeat sequences. We hypothesize that particular TEs can trigger different genomic mechanisms that might contribute to driving adaptive evolution in snakes. Finally, we review emerging approaches that may be used to study the expression of repetitive elements in complex genomes, such as snakes. The specific aspects presented here will stimulate further discussion on the role of genomic repeats in shaping snake evolution.
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43
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Identification of inflammatory subgroups of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder patients with HERV-W ENV antigenemia by unsupervised cluster analysis. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:377. [PMID: 34230451 PMCID: PMC8260666 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01499-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are remnants of infections that took place several million years ago and represent around 8% of the human genome. Despite evidence implicating increased expression of HERV type W envelope (HERV-W ENV) in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, it remains unknown whether such expression is associated with distinct clinical or biological characteristics and symptoms. Accordingly, we performed unsupervised two-step clustering of a multivariate data set that included HERV-W ENV protein antigenemia, serum cytokine levels, childhood trauma scores, and clinical data of cohorts of patients with schizophrenia (n = 29), bipolar disorder (n = 43) and healthy controls (n = 32). We found that subsets of patients with schizophrenia (~41%) and bipolar disorder (~28%) show positive antigenemia for HERV-W ENV protein, whereas the large majority (96%) of controls was found to be negative for ENV protein. Unsupervised cluster analysis identified the presence of two main clusters of patients, which were best predicted by the presence or absence of HERV-W ENV protein. HERV-W expression was associated with increased serum levels of inflammatory cytokines and higher childhood maltreatment scores. Furthermore, patients with schizophrenia who were positive for HERV-W ENV protein showed more manic symptoms and higher daily chlorpromazine (CPZ) equivalents, whereas HERV-W ENV positive patients with bipolar disorder were found to have an earlier disease onset than those who were negative for HERV-W ENV protein. Taken together, our study suggest that HERV-W ENV protein antigenemia and cytokines can be used to stratify patients with major mood and psychotic disorders into subgroups with differing inflammatory and clinical profiles.
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44
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Mangiavacchi A, Liu P, Della Valle F, Orlando V. New insights into the functional role of retrotransposon dynamics in mammalian somatic cells. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:5245-5256. [PMID: 33990851 PMCID: PMC8257530 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03851-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Retrotransposons are genetic elements present across all eukaryotic genomes. While their role in evolution is considered as a potentially beneficial natural source of genetic variation, their activity is classically considered detrimental due to their potentially harmful effects on genome stability. However, studies are increasingly shedding light on the regulatory function and beneficial role of somatic retroelement reactivation in non-pathological contexts. Here, we review recent findings unveiling the regulatory potential of retrotransposons, including their role in noncoding RNA transcription, as modulators of mammalian transcriptional and epigenome landscapes. We also discuss technical challenges in deciphering the multifaceted activity of retrotransposable elements, highlighting an unforeseen central role of this neglected portion of the genome both in early development and in adult life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Mangiavacchi
- Biological Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Peng Liu
- Biological Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Francesco Della Valle
- Biological Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Valerio Orlando
- Biological Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia.
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45
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Jansz N, Faulkner GJ. Endogenous retroviruses in the origins and treatment of cancer. Genome Biol 2021; 22:147. [PMID: 33971937 PMCID: PMC8108463 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-021-02357-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are emerging as promising therapeutic targets in cancer. As remnants of ancient retroviral infections, ERV-derived regulatory elements coordinate expression from gene networks, including those underpinning embryogenesis and immune cell function. ERV activation can promote an interferon response, a phenomenon termed viral mimicry. Although ERV expression is associated with cancer, and provisionally with autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases, ERV-mediated inflammation is being explored as a way to sensitize tumors to immunotherapy. Here we review ERV co-option in development and innate immunity, the aberrant contribution of ERVs to tumorigenesis, and the wider biomedical potential of therapies directed at ERVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Jansz
- Mater Research Institute - University of Queensland, TRI Building, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia.
| | - Geoffrey J Faulkner
- Mater Research Institute - University of Queensland, TRI Building, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia. .,Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia.
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46
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Padmanabhan Nair V, Liu H, Ciceri G, Jungverdorben J, Frishman G, Tchieu J, Cederquist GY, Rothenaigner I, Schorpp K, Klepper L, Walsh RM, Kim TW, Cornacchia D, Ruepp A, Mayer J, Hadian K, Frishman D, Studer L, Vincendeau M. Activation of HERV-K(HML-2) disrupts cortical patterning and neuronal differentiation by increasing NTRK3. Cell Stem Cell 2021; 28:1566-1581.e8. [PMID: 33951478 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2021.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The biological function and disease association of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are largely elusive. HERV-K(HML-2) has been associated with neurotoxicity, but there is no clear understanding of its role or mechanistic basis. We addressed the physiological functions of HERV-K(HML-2) in neuronal differentiation using CRISPR engineering to activate or repress its expression levels in a human-pluripotent-stem-cell-based system. We found that elevated HERV-K(HML-2) transcription is detrimental for the development and function of cortical neurons. These effects are cell-type-specific, as dopaminergic neurons are unaffected. Moreover, high HERV-K(HML-2) transcription alters cortical layer formation in forebrain organoids. HERV-K(HML-2) transcriptional activation leads to hyperactivation of NTRK3 expression and other neurodegeneration-related genes. Direct activation of NTRK3 phenotypically resembles HERV-K(HML-2) induction, and reducing NTRK3 levels in context of HERV-K(HML-2) induction restores cortical neuron differentiation. Hence, these findings unravel a cell-type-specific role for HERV-K(HML-2) in cortical neuron development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hengyuan Liu
- Department of Genome-Oriented Bioinformatics, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gabriele Ciceri
- Developmental Biology and Center for Stem Cell Biology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Johannes Jungverdorben
- Developmental Biology and Center for Stem Cell Biology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Goar Frishman
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Jason Tchieu
- Developmental Biology and Center for Stem Cell Biology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gustav Y Cederquist
- Developmental Biology and Center for Stem Cell Biology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ina Rothenaigner
- Assay Development and Screening Platform, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Kenji Schorpp
- Assay Development and Screening Platform, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Lena Klepper
- Institute of Virology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Ryan M Walsh
- Developmental Biology and Center for Stem Cell Biology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tae Wan Kim
- Developmental Biology and Center for Stem Cell Biology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Daniela Cornacchia
- Developmental Biology and Center for Stem Cell Biology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Andreas Ruepp
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Jens Mayer
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Kamyar Hadian
- Assay Development and Screening Platform, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Dmitrij Frishman
- Department of Genome-Oriented Bioinformatics, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Lorenz Studer
- Developmental Biology and Center for Stem Cell Biology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michelle Vincendeau
- Institute of Virology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany; Developmental Biology and Center for Stem Cell Biology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
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Page NF, Gandal MJ, Estes ML, Cameron S, Buth J, Parhami S, Ramaswami G, Murray K, Amaral DG, Van de Water JA, Schumann CM, Carter CS, Bauman MD, McAllister AK, Geschwind DH. Alterations in Retrotransposition, Synaptic Connectivity, and Myelination Implicated by Transcriptomic Changes Following Maternal Immune Activation in Nonhuman Primates. Biol Psychiatry 2021; 89:896-910. [PMID: 33386132 PMCID: PMC8052273 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2020.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal immune activation (MIA) is a proposed risk factor for multiple neuropsychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia. However, the molecular mechanisms through which MIA imparts risk remain poorly understood. A recently developed nonhuman primate model of exposure to the viral mimic poly:ICLC during pregnancy shows abnormal social and repetitive behaviors and elevated striatal dopamine, a molecular hallmark of human psychosis, providing an unprecedented opportunity for studying underlying molecular correlates. METHODS We performed RNA sequencing across psychiatrically relevant brain regions (prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate, hippocampus) and primary visual cortex for comparison from 3.5- to 4-year-old male MIA-exposed and control offspring-an age comparable to mid adolescence in humans. RESULTS We identify 266 unique genes differentially expressed in at least one brain region, with the greatest number observed in hippocampus. Co-expression networks identified region-specific alterations in synaptic signaling and oligodendrocytes. Although we observed temporal and regional differences, transcriptomic changes were shared across first- and second-trimester exposures, including for the top differentially expressed genes-PIWIL2 and MGARP. In addition to PIWIL2, several other regulators of retrotransposition and endogenous transposable elements were dysregulated following MIA, potentially connecting MIA to retrotransposition. CONCLUSIONS Together, these results begin to elucidate the brain-level molecular processes through which MIA may impart risk for psychiatric disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas F Page
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Los Angeles, California; Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Michael J Gandal
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Los Angeles, California
| | - Myka L Estes
- Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Scott Cameron
- Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Jessie Buth
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Los Angeles, California; Program in Neurobehavioral Genetics, Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Los Angeles, California
| | - Sepideh Parhami
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Los Angeles, California; Program in Neurobehavioral Genetics, Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Los Angeles, California
| | - Gokul Ramaswami
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Los Angeles, California; Program in Neurobehavioral Genetics, Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Los Angeles, California
| | - Karl Murray
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - David G Amaral
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Judy A Van de Water
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Cynthia M Schumann
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Cameron S Carter
- Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Melissa D Bauman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - A Kimberley McAllister
- Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Daniel H Geschwind
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Los Angeles, California; Program in Neurobehavioral Genetics, Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Los Angeles, California; Department of Neurology, Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Los Angeles, California; Department of Human Genetics, Semel Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.
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48
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Arancio W, Coronnello C. Repetitive sequences in aging. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:10816-10817. [PMID: 33895726 PMCID: PMC8109129 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Walter Arancio
- Advanced Data Analysis Group, Fondazione Ri.MED, Palermo, 90133, Italy
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Hantak MP, Einstein J, Kearns RB, Shepherd JD. Intercellular Communication in the Nervous System Goes Viral. Trends Neurosci 2021; 44:248-259. [PMID: 33485691 PMCID: PMC8041237 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2020.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Viruses and transposable elements are major drivers of evolution and make up over half the sequences in the human genome. In some cases, these elements are co-opted to perform biological functions for the host. Recent studies made the surprising observation that the neuronal gene Arc forms virus-like protein capsids that can transfer RNA between neurons to mediate a novel intercellular communication pathway. Phylogenetic analyses showed that mammalian Arc is derived from an ancient retrotransposon of the Ty3/gypsy family and contains homology to the retroviral Gag polyproteins. The Drosophila Arc homologs, which are independently derived from the same family of retrotransposons, also mediate cell-to-cell signaling of RNA at the neuromuscular junction; a striking example of convergent evolution. Here we propose an Arc 'life cycle', based on what is known about retroviral Gag, and discuss how elucidating these biological processes may lead to novel insights into brain plasticity and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Hantak
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Jenifer Einstein
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Rachel B Kearns
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Jason D Shepherd
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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Römer C. Viruses and Endogenous Retroviruses as Roots for Neuroinflammation and Neurodegenerative Diseases. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:648629. [PMID: 33776642 PMCID: PMC7994506 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.648629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Many neurodegenerative diseases are associated with chronic inflammation in the brain and periphery giving rise to a continuous imbalance of immune processes. Next to inflammation markers, activation of transposable elements, including long intrespersed nuclear elements (LINE) elements and endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), has been identified during neurodegenerative disease progression and even correlated with the clinical severity of the disease. ERVs are remnants of viral infections in the human genome acquired during evolution. Upon activation, they produce transcripts and the phylogenetically youngest ones are still able to produce viral-like particles. In addition, ERVs can bind transcription factors and modulate immune response. Being between own and foreign, ERVs are reviewed in the context of viral infections of the central nervous system, in aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, this review tests the hypothesis that viral infection may be a trigger at the onset of neuroinflammation and that ERVs sustain the inflammatory imbalance by summarizing existing data of neurodegenerative diseases associated with viruses and/or ERVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Römer
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, The Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Berlin, Germany
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