1
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Vorobeva MA, Skvortsov DA, Pervouchine DD. Cooperation and Competition of RNA Secondary Structure and RNA-Protein Interactions in the Regulation of Alternative Splicing. Acta Naturae 2023; 15:23-31. [PMID: 38234601 PMCID: PMC10790352 DOI: 10.32607/actanaturae.26826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The regulation of alternative splicing in eukaryotic cells is carried out through the coordinated action of a large number of factors, including RNA-binding proteins and RNA structure. The RNA structure influences alternative splicing by blocking cis-regulatory elements, or bringing them closer or farther apart. In combination with RNA-binding proteins, it generates transcript conformations that help to achieve the necessary splicing outcome. However, the binding of regulatory proteins depends on RNA structure and, vice versa, the formation of RNA structure depends on the interaction with regulators. Therefore, RNA structure and RNA-binding proteins are inseparable components of common regulatory mechanisms. This review highlights examples of alternative splicing regulation by RNA-binding proteins, the regulation through local and long-range RNA structures, as well as how these elements work together, cooperate, and compete.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. A. Vorobeva
- M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119192 Russian Federation
| | - D. A. Skvortsov
- M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119192 Russian Federation
| | - D. D. Pervouchine
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, 121205 Russian Federation
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2
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Zhang S, Yang X, Dong H, Xu B, Wu L, Zhang J, Li G, Guo P, Li L, Fu Y, Du Y, Zhu Y, Shi J, Shi F, Huang J, He H, Jin Y. Cis mutagenesis in vivo reveals extensive noncanonical functions of Dscam1 isoforms in neuronal wiring. PNAS NEXUS 2023; 2:pgad135. [PMID: 37152679 PMCID: PMC10156172 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgad135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Drosophila Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule 1 (Dscam1) encodes tens of thousands of cell recognition molecules via alternative splicing, which are required for neural function. A canonical self-avoidance model seems to provide a central mechanistic basis for Dscam1 functions in neuronal wiring. Here, we reveal extensive noncanonical functions of Dscam1 isoforms in neuronal wiring. We generated a series of allelic cis mutations in Dscam1, encoding a normal number of isoforms, but with an altered isoform composition. Despite normal dendritic self-avoidance and self-/nonself-discrimination in dendritic arborization (da) neurons, which is consistent with the canonical self-avoidance model, these mutants exhibited strikingly distinct spectra of phenotypic defects in the three types of neurons: up to ∼60% defects in mushroom bodies, a significant increase in branching and growth in da neurons, and mild axonal branching defects in mechanosensory neurons. Remarkably, the altered isoform composition resulted in increased dendrite growth yet inhibited axon growth. Moreover, reducing Dscam1 dosage exacerbated axonal defects in mushroom bodies and mechanosensory neurons but reverted dendritic branching and growth defects in da neurons. This splicing-tuned regulation strategy suggests that axon and dendrite growth in diverse neurons cell-autonomously require Dscam1 isoform composition. These findings provide important insights into the functions of Dscam1 isoforms in neuronal wiring.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Haiyang Dong
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou ZJ310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Bingbing Xu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou ZJ310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Lili Wu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou ZJ310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Zhang
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou ZJ310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Guo Li
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou ZJ310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Pengjuan Guo
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou ZJ310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Li
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou ZJ310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Fu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou ZJ310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiwen Du
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou ZJ310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanda Zhu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou ZJ310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Jilong Shi
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou ZJ310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Shi
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou ZJ310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianhua Huang
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou ZJ310058, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haihuai He
- To whom correspondence should be addressed: (H.H.); (Y.J.)
| | - Yongfeng Jin
- To whom correspondence should be addressed: (H.H.); (Y.J.)
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3
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Hou S, Li G, Xu B, Dong H, Zhang S, Fu Y, Shi J, Li L, Fu J, Shi F, Meng Y, Jin Y. Trans-splicing facilitated by RNA pairing greatly expands sDscam isoform diversity but not homophilic binding specificity. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabn9458. [PMID: 35857463 PMCID: PMC9258826 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abn9458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule 1 (Dscam1) gene can generate tens of thousands of isoforms via alternative splicing, which is essential for nervous and immune functions. Chelicerates generate approximately 50 to 100 shortened Dscam (sDscam) isoforms by alternative promoters, similar to mammalian protocadherins. Here, we reveal that trans-splicing markedly increases the repository of sDscamβ isoforms in Tetranychus urticae. Unexpectedly, every variable exon cassette engages in trans-splicing with constant exons from another cluster. Moreover, we provide evidence that competing RNA pairing not only governs alternative cis-splicing but also facilitates trans-splicing. Trans-spliced sDscam isoforms mediate cell adhesion ability but exhibit the same homophilic binding specificity as their cis-spliced counterparts. Thus, we reveal a single sDscam locus that generates diverse adhesion molecules through cis- and trans-splicing coupled with alternative promoters. These findings expand understanding of the mechanism underlying molecular diversity and have implications for the molecular control of neuronal and/or immune specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shouqing Hou
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, P. R. China
| | - Guo Li
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, P. R. China
| | - Bingbing Xu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, P. R. China
| | - Haiyang Dong
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, P. R. China
| | - Shixin Zhang
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, P. R. China
| | - Ying Fu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, P. R. China
| | - Jilong Shi
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, P. R. China
| | - Lei Li
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, P. R. China
| | - Jiayan Fu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, P. R. China
| | - Feng Shi
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, P. R. China
| | - Yijun Meng
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310018, P. R. China
| | - Yongfeng Jin
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, P. R. China
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4
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Xu B, Zhu Y, Cao C, Chen H, Jin Q, Li G, Ma J, Yang SL, Zhao J, Zhu J, Ding Y, Fang X, Jin Y, Kwok CK, Ren A, Wan Y, Wang Z, Xue Y, Zhang H, Zhang QC, Zhou Y. Recent advances in RNA structurome. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2022; 65:1285-1324. [PMID: 35717434 PMCID: PMC9206424 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-021-2116-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
RNA structures are essential to support RNA functions and regulation in various biological processes. Recently, a range of novel technologies have been developed to decode genome-wide RNA structures and novel modes of functionality across a wide range of species. In this review, we summarize key strategies for probing the RNA structurome and discuss the pros and cons of representative technologies. In particular, these new technologies have been applied to dissect the structural landscape of the SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome. We also summarize the functionalities of RNA structures discovered in different regulatory layers-including RNA processing, transport, localization, and mRNA translation-across viruses, bacteria, animals, and plants. We review many versatile RNA structural elements in the context of different physiological and pathological processes (e.g., cell differentiation, stress response, and viral replication). Finally, we discuss future prospects for RNA structural studies to map the RNA structurome at higher resolution and at the single-molecule and single-cell level, and to decipher novel modes of RNA structures and functions for innovative applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingbing Xu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yanda Zhu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Changchang Cao
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Qiongli Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Guangnan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Junfeng Ma
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Siwy Ling Yang
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jieyu Zhao
- Department of Chemistry, and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jianghui Zhu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology and Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yiliang Ding
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UH, United Kingdom.
| | - Xianyang Fang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| | - Yongfeng Jin
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Chun Kit Kwok
- Department of Chemistry, and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Shenzhen Research Institute of City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518057, China.
| | - Aiming Ren
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Yue Wan
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Zhiye Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Yuanchao Xue
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Huakun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of the Ministry of Education, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, China.
| | - Qiangfeng Cliff Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology and Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, 100084, China.
| | - Yu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China.
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5
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Moussalem D, Augé B, Di Stefano L, Osman D, Gobert V, Haenlin M. Two Isoforms of serpent Containing Either One or Two GATA Zinc Fingers Provide Functional Diversity During Drosophila Development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:795680. [PMID: 35178397 PMCID: PMC8844375 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.795680] [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: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
GATA transcription factors play crucial roles in various developmental processes in organisms ranging from flies to humans. In mammals, GATA factors are characterized by the presence of two highly conserved domains, the N-terminal (N-ZnF) and the C-terminal (C-ZnF) zinc fingers. The Drosophila GATA factor Serpent (Srp) is produced in different isoforms that contains either both N-ZnF and C-ZnF (SrpNC) or only the C-ZnF (SrpC). Here, we investigated the functional roles ensured by each of these isoforms during Drosophila development. Using the CRISPR/Cas9 technique, we generated new mutant fly lines deleted for one (ΔsrpNC) or the other (ΔsrpC) encoded isoform, and a third one with a single point mutation in the N-ZnF that alters its interaction with its cofactor, the Drosophila FOG homolog U-shaped (Ush). Analysis of these mutants revealed that the Srp zinc fingers are differentially required for Srp to fulfill its functions. While SrpC is essential for embryo to adult viability, SrpNC, which is the closest conserved isoform to that of vertebrates, is not. However, to ensure its specific functions in larval hematopoiesis and fertility, Srp requires the presence of both N- and C-ZnF (SrpNC) and interaction with its cofactor Ush. Our results also reveal that in vivo the presence of N-ZnF restricts rather than extends the ability of GATA factors to regulate the repertoire of C-ZnF bound target genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douaa Moussalem
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Department (MCD), Center for Integrative Biology (CBI), University of Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Benoit Augé
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Department (MCD), Center for Integrative Biology (CBI), University of Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Luisa Di Stefano
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Department (MCD), Center for Integrative Biology (CBI), University of Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Dani Osman
- Faculty of Sciences III, Lebanese University, Tripoli, Lebanon.,Azm Center for Research in Biotechnology and Its Applications, LBA3B, EDST, Lebanese University, Tripoli, Lebanon
| | - Vanessa Gobert
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Department (MCD), Center for Integrative Biology (CBI), University of Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Marc Haenlin
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Department (MCD), Center for Integrative Biology (CBI), University of Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, France
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6
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Dong H, Xu B, Guo P, Zhang J, Yang X, Li L, Fu Y, Shi J, Zhang S, Zhu Y, Shi Y, Zhou F, Bian L, You W, Shi F, Yang X, Huang J, He H, Jin Y. Hidden RNA pairings counteract the "first-come, first-served" splicing principle to drive stochastic choice in Dscam1 splice variants. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabm1763. [PMID: 35080968 PMCID: PMC8791459 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abm1763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Drosophila melanogaster Dscam1 encodes 38,016 isoforms via mutually exclusive splicing; however, the regulatory mechanism behind this is not fully understood. Here, we found a set of hidden RNA secondary structures that balance the stochastic choice of Dscam1 splice variants (designated balancer RNA secondary structures). In vivo mutational analyses revealed the dual function of these balancer interactions in driving the stochastic choice of splice variants, through enhancement of the inclusion of distal exon 6s by cooperating with docking site–selector pairing to form a stronger multidomain pre-mRNA structure and through simultaneous repression of the inclusion of proximal exon 6s by antagonizing their docking site–selector pairings. Thus, we provide an elegant molecular model based on competition and cooperation between two sets of docking site–selector and balancer pairings, which counteracts the “first-come, first-served” principle. Our findings provide conceptual and mechanistic insight into the dynamics and functions of long-range RNA secondary structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyang Dong
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bingbing Xu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Pengjuan Guo
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xi Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu China
| | - Lei Li
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ying Fu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jilong Shi
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shixin Zhang
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yanda Zhu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yang Shi
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fengyan Zhou
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lina Bian
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wendong You
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Feng Shi
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaofeng Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianhua Huang
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haihuai He
- Department of Neurosurgery and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu China
| | - Yongfeng Jin
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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7
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Williams DL, Sikora VM, Hammer MA, Amin S, Brinjikji T, Brumley EK, Burrows CJ, Carrillo PM, Cromer K, Edwards SJ, Emri O, Fergle D, Jenkins MJ, Kaushik K, Maydan DD, Woodard W, Clowney EJ. May the Odds Be Ever in Your Favor: Non-deterministic Mechanisms Diversifying Cell Surface Molecule Expression. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:720798. [PMID: 35087825 PMCID: PMC8787164 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.720798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
How does the information in the genome program the functions of the wide variety of cells in the body? While the development of biological organisms appears to follow an explicit set of genomic instructions to generate the same outcome each time, many biological mechanisms harness molecular noise to produce variable outcomes. Non-deterministic variation is frequently observed in the diversification of cell surface molecules that give cells their functional properties, and is observed across eukaryotic clades, from single-celled protozoans to mammals. This is particularly evident in immune systems, where random recombination produces millions of antibodies from only a few genes; in nervous systems, where stochastic mechanisms vary the sensory receptors and synaptic matching molecules produced by different neurons; and in microbial antigenic variation. These systems employ overlapping molecular strategies including allelic exclusion, gene silencing by constitutive heterochromatin, targeted double-strand breaks, and competition for limiting enhancers. Here, we describe and compare five stochastic molecular mechanisms that produce variety in pathogen coat proteins and in the cell surface receptors of animal immune and neuronal cells, with an emphasis on the utility of non-deterministic variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donnell L. Williams
- MCDB 464 – Cellular Diversity in the Immune and Nervous Systems, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Veronica Maria Sikora
- MCDB 464 – Cellular Diversity in the Immune and Nervous Systems, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Max A. Hammer
- MCDB 464 – Cellular Diversity in the Immune and Nervous Systems, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Sayali Amin
- MCDB 464 – Cellular Diversity in the Immune and Nervous Systems, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Taema Brinjikji
- MCDB 464 – Cellular Diversity in the Immune and Nervous Systems, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Emily K. Brumley
- MCDB 464 – Cellular Diversity in the Immune and Nervous Systems, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Connor J. Burrows
- MCDB 464 – Cellular Diversity in the Immune and Nervous Systems, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Paola Michelle Carrillo
- MCDB 464 – Cellular Diversity in the Immune and Nervous Systems, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Kirin Cromer
- MCDB 464 – Cellular Diversity in the Immune and Nervous Systems, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Summer J. Edwards
- MCDB 464 – Cellular Diversity in the Immune and Nervous Systems, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Olivia Emri
- MCDB 464 – Cellular Diversity in the Immune and Nervous Systems, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Daniel Fergle
- MCDB 464 – Cellular Diversity in the Immune and Nervous Systems, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - M. Jamal Jenkins
- MCDB 464 – Cellular Diversity in the Immune and Nervous Systems, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Krishangi Kaushik
- MCDB 464 – Cellular Diversity in the Immune and Nervous Systems, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Daniella D. Maydan
- MCDB 464 – Cellular Diversity in the Immune and Nervous Systems, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Wrenn Woodard
- MCDB 464 – Cellular Diversity in the Immune and Nervous Systems, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - E. Josephine Clowney
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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8
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Hong W, Zhang J, Dong H, Shi Y, Ma H, Zhou F, Xu B, Fu Y, Zhang S, Hou S, Li G, Wu Y, Chen S, Zhu X, You W, Shi F, Yang X, Gong Z, Huang J, Jin Y. Intron-targeted mutagenesis reveals roles for Dscam1 RNA pairing architecture-driven splicing bias in neuronal wiring. Cell Rep 2021; 36:109373. [PMID: 34260933 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Drosophila melanogaster Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule (Dscam1) can generate 38,016 different isoforms through largely stochastic, yet highly biased, alternative splicing. These isoforms are required for nervous functions. However, the functional significance of splicing bias remains unknown. Here, we provide evidence that Dscam1 splicing bias is required for mushroom body (MB) axonal wiring. We generate mutant flies with normal overall protein levels and an identical number but global changes in exon 4 and 9 isoform bias (DscamΔ4D-/- and DscamΔ9D-/-), respectively. In contrast to DscamΔ4D-/-, DscamΔ9D-/- exhibits remarkable MB defects, suggesting a variable domain-specific requirement for isoform bias. Importantly, changes in isoform bias cause axonal defects but do not influence the self-avoidance of axonal branches. We conclude that, in contrast to the isoform number that provides the molecular basis for neurite self-avoidance, isoform bias may play a role in MB axonal wiring by influencing non-repulsive signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiling Hong
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, China
| | - Haiyang Dong
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, China
| | - Yang Shi
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, China
| | - Hongru Ma
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, China
| | - Fengyan Zhou
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, China
| | - Bingbing Xu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, China
| | - Ying Fu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, China
| | - Shixin Zhang
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, China
| | - Shouqing Hou
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, China
| | - Guo Li
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, China
| | - Yandan Wu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, China
| | - Shuo Chen
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, China
| | - Xiaohua Zhu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, China
| | - Wendong You
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, China
| | - Feng Shi
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, China
| | - Xiaofeng Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, China
| | - Zhefeng Gong
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, China
| | - Jianhua Huang
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, China
| | - Yongfeng Jin
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, China; Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, China.
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9
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Dong H, Li L, Zhu X, Shi J, Fu Y, Zhang S, Shi Y, Xu B, Zhang J, Shi F, Jin Y. Complex RNA Secondary Structures Mediate Mutually Exclusive Splicing of Coleoptera Dscam1. Front Genet 2021; 12:644238. [PMID: 33859670 PMCID: PMC8042237 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.644238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutually exclusive splicing is an important mechanism for expanding protein diversity. An extreme example is the Down syndrome cell adhesion molecular (Dscam1) gene of insects, containing four clusters of variable exons (exons 4, 6, 9, and 17), which potentially generates tens of thousands of protein isoforms through mutually exclusive splicing, of which regulatory mechanisms are still elusive. Here, we systematically analyzed the variable exon 4, 6, and 9 clusters of Dscam1 in Coleoptera species. Through comparative genomics and RNA secondary structure prediction, we found apparent evidence that the evolutionarily conserved RNA base pairing mediates mutually exclusive splicing in the Dscam1 exon 4 cluster. In contrast to the fly exon 6, most exon 6 selector sequences in Coleoptera species are partially located in the variable exon region. Besides, bidirectional RNA–RNA interactions are predicted to regulate the mutually exclusive splicing of variable exon 9 of Dscam1. Although the docking sites in exon 4 and 9 clusters are clade specific, the docking sites-selector base pairing is conserved in secondary structure level. In short, our result provided a mechanistic framework for the application of long-range RNA base pairings in regulating the mutually exclusive splicing of Coleoptera Dscam1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyang Dong
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis, Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lei Li
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis, Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohua Zhu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis, Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jilong Shi
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis, Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ying Fu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis, Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shixin Zhang
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis, Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yang Shi
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis, Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bingbing Xu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis, Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis, Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Feng Shi
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis, Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yongfeng Jin
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis, Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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10
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Kalinina M, Skvortsov D, Kalmykova S, Ivanov T, Dontsova O, Pervouchine D. Multiple competing RNA structures dynamically control alternative splicing in the human ATE1 gene. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:479-490. [PMID: 33330934 PMCID: PMC7797038 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa1208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian Ate1 gene encodes an arginyl transferase enzyme with tumor suppressor function that depends on the inclusion of one of the two mutually exclusive exons (MXE), exons 7a and 7b. We report that the molecular mechanism underlying MXE splicing in Ate1 involves five conserved regulatory intronic elements R1-R5, of which R1 and R4 compete for base pairing with R3, while R2 and R5 form an ultra-long-range RNA structure spanning 30 Kb. In minigenes, single and double mutations that disrupt base pairings in R1R3 and R3R4 lead to the loss of MXE splicing, while compensatory triple mutations that restore RNA structure revert splicing to that of the wild type. In the endogenous Ate1 pre-mRNA, blocking the competing base pairings by LNA/DNA mixmers complementary to R3 leads to the loss of MXE splicing, while the disruption of R2R5 interaction changes the ratio of MXE. That is, Ate1 splicing is controlled by two independent, dynamically interacting, and functionally distinct RNA structure modules. Exon 7a becomes more included in response to RNA Pol II slowdown, however it fails to do so when the ultra-long-range R2R5 interaction is disrupted, indicating that exon 7a/7b ratio depends on co-transcriptional RNA folding. In sum, these results demonstrate that splicing is coordinated both in time and in space over very long distances, and that the interaction of these components is mediated by RNA structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Kalinina
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Center of Life Sciences, Moscow 143026, Russia
| | - Dmitry Skvortsov
- Moscow State University, Faculty of Chemistry, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Svetlana Kalmykova
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Center of Life Sciences, Moscow 143026, Russia
| | - Timofei Ivanov
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Center of Life Sciences, Moscow 143026, Russia
| | - Olga Dontsova
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Center of Life Sciences, Moscow 143026, Russia
- Moscow State University, Faculty of Chemistry, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Dmitri D Pervouchine
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Center of Life Sciences, Moscow 143026, Russia
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11
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Xu B, Meng Y, Jin Y. RNA structures in alternative splicing and back-splicing. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2020; 12:e1626. [PMID: 32929887 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Alternative splicing greatly expands the transcriptomic and proteomic diversities related to physiological and developmental processes in higher eukaryotes. Splicing of long noncoding RNAs, and back- and trans- splicing further expanded the regulatory repertoire of alternative splicing. RNA structures were shown to play an important role in regulating alternative splicing and back-splicing. Application of novel sequencing technologies made it possible to identify genome-wide RNA structures and interaction networks, which might provide new insights into RNA splicing regulation in vitro to in vivo. The emerging transcription-folding-splicing paradigm is changing our understanding of RNA alternative splicing regulation. Here, we review the insights into the roles and mechanisms of RNA structures in alternative splicing and back-splicing, as well as how disruption of these structures affects alternative splicing and then leads to human diseases. This article is categorized under: RNA Processing > Splicing Regulation/Alternative Splicing RNA Structure and Dynamics > Influence of RNA Structure in Biological Systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingbing Xu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yijun Meng
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Zhejiang, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yongfeng Jin
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, Hangzhou, China
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12
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Hong W, Shi Y, Xu B, Jin Y. RNA secondary structures in Dscam1 mutually exclusive splicing: unique evolutionary signature from the midge. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2020; 26:1086-1093. [PMID: 32471818 PMCID: PMC7430681 DOI: 10.1261/rna.075259.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The Drosophila melanogaster gene Dscam1 potentially generates 38,016 distinct isoforms via mutually exclusive splicing, which are required for both nervous and immune functions. However, the mechanism underlying splicing regulation remains obscure. Here we show apparent evolutionary signatures characteristic of competing RNA secondary structures in exon clusters 6 and 9 of Dscam1 in the two midge species (Belgica antarctica and Clunio marinus). Surprisingly, midge Dscam1 encodes only ∼6000 different isoforms through mutually exclusive splicing. Strikingly, the docking site of the exon 6 cluster is conserved in almost all insects and crustaceans but is specific in the midge; however, the docking site-selector base-pairings are conserved. Moreover, the docking site is complementary to all predicted selector sequences downstream from every variable exon 9 of the midge Dscam1, which is in accordance with the broad spectrum of their isoform expression. This suggests that these cis-elements mainly function through the formation of long-range base-pairings. This study provides a vital insight into the evolution and mechanism of Dscam1 alternative splicing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiling Hong
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, ZJ310058, China
| | - Yang Shi
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, ZJ310058, China
| | - Bingbing Xu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, ZJ310058, China
| | - Yongfeng Jin
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, ZJ310058, China
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13
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Ng TH, Kurtz J. Dscam in immunity: A question of diversity in insects and crustaceans. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 105:103539. [PMID: 31734281 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2019.103539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In insects and crustaceans, thousands of Down syndrome cell adhesion molecules (Dscam) can be generated by alternative splicing of variable exons from a single-locus gene, Dscam-hv. This extraordinarily versatile gene (38,016 protein isoforms produced in Drosophila) was first proposed to be involved in exon guidance and subsequently implicated in immunity as a hypervariable immune molecule. Almost 20 y after discovery of Dscam-hv, there have been many studies in insects and crustaceans regarding roles of Dscam in immunity, with many similarities and concurrently, many differences. Here, we review the current status of Dscam-hv, presented as a comparison of similarities and differences in insects and crustaceans and discuss hypotheses of Dscam functions in immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tze Hann Ng
- Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Münster, Hüfferstrasse 1, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Joachim Kurtz
- Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Münster, Hüfferstrasse 1, 48149, Münster, Germany.
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14
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Abstract
RNA molecules fold into complex three-dimensional structures that sample alternate conformations ranging from minor differences in tertiary structure dynamics to major differences in secondary structure. This allows them to form entirely different substructures with each population potentially giving rise to a distinct biological outcome. The substructures can be partitioned along an existing energy landscape given a particular static cellular cue or can be shifted in response to dynamic cues such as ligand binding. We review a few key examples of RNA molecules that sample alternate conformations and how these are capitalized on for control of critical regulatory functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Teng-Pei Wu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
| | - Victoria D'Souza
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
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15
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Xu B, Shi Y, Wu Y, Meng Y, Jin Y. Role of RNA secondary structures in regulating Dscam alternative splicing. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2019; 1862:194381. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2019.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 04/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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16
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Bartys N, Kierzek R, Lisowiec-Wachnicka J. The regulation properties of RNA secondary structure in alternative splicing. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2019; 1862:194401. [PMID: 31323437 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2019.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The RNA secondary structure is important for many functional processes in the cell. The secondary and tertiary structures of cellular RNAs are essential for the activity of these molecules in processes such as transcription, splicing, translation, and localization. New high-throughput analytical methods, including next generation sequencing, have allowed for the in-depth characterization of the 'RNA structurome': a new term describing how the RNA structure controls the activity of RNA by itself and how it regulates the expression of genes. In this review, we present many examples of the influence of structural motifs of RNA, long range interactions and global RNA structure on the alternative splicing processes. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: RNA structure and splicing regulation edited by Francisco Baralle, Ravindra Singh and Stefan Stamm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Bartys
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Z. Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznań, Poland
| | - Ryszard Kierzek
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Z. Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznań, Poland
| | - Jolanta Lisowiec-Wachnicka
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Z. Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznań, Poland.
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17
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Andrews RJ, Moss WN. Computational approaches for the discovery of splicing regulatory RNA structures. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2019; 1862:194380. [PMID: 31048028 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2019.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Global RNA structure and local functional motifs mediate interactions important in determining the rates and patterns of mRNA splicing. In this review, we overview approaches for the computational prediction of RNA secondary structure with a special emphasis on the discovery of motifs important to RNA splicing. The process of identifying and modeling potential splicing regulatory structures is illustrated using a recently-developed approach for RNA structural motif discovery, the ScanFold pipeline, which is applied to the identification of a known splicing regulatory structure in influenza virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J Andrews
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, 2437 Pammel Drive, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Walter N Moss
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, 2437 Pammel Drive, Ames, IA 50011, USA.
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18
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Jin Y, Li H. Revisiting Dscam diversity: lessons from clustered protocadherins. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:667-680. [PMID: 30343321 PMCID: PMC11105660 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2951-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Revised: 10/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The complexity of neuronal wiring relies on the extraordinary recognition diversity of cell surface molecules. Drosophila Dscam1 and vertebrate clustered protocadherins (Pcdhs) are two classic examples of the striking diversity from a complex genomic locus, wherein the former encodes more than 10,000 distinct isoforms via alternative splicing, while the latter employs alternative promoters to attain isoform diversity. These structurally unrelated families show remarkably striking molecular parallels and even similar functions. Recent studies revealed a novel Dscam gene family with tandemly arrayed 5' cassettes in Chelicerata (e.g., the scorpion Mesobuthus martensii and the tick Ixodes scapularis), similar to vertebrate clustered Pcdhs. Likewise, octopus shows a more remarkable expansion of the Pcdh isoform repertoire than human. These discoveries of Dscam and Pcdh diversification reshape the evolutionary landscape of recognition molecule diversity and provide a greater understanding of convergent molecular strategies for isoform diversity. This article reviews new insights into the evolution, regulatory mechanisms, and functions of Dscam and Pcdh isoform diversity. In particular, the convergence of clustered Dscams and Pcdhs is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongfeng Jin
- Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang (ZJ), People's Republic of China.
| | - Hao Li
- Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang (ZJ), People's Republic of China
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19
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Pan H, Shi Y, Chen S, Yang Y, Yue Y, Zhan L, Dai L, Dong H, Hong W, Shi F, Jin Y. Competing RNA pairings in complex alternative splicing of a 3' variable region. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2018; 24:1466-1480. [PMID: 30065023 PMCID: PMC6191721 DOI: 10.1261/rna.066225.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Alternative pre-mRNA splicing remarkably expands protein diversity in eukaryotes. Drosophila PGRP-LC can generate three major 3' splice isoforms that exhibit distinct innate immune recognition and defenses against various microbial infections. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying the uniquely biased splicing pattern at the 3' variable region remain unclear. Here we show that competing RNA pairings control the unique splicing of the 3' variable region of Drosophila PGRP-LC pre-mRNA. We reveal three roles by which these RNA pairings jointly regulate the 3' variant selection through activating the proximal 3' splice site and concurrently masking the intron-proximal 5' splice site, in combination with physical competition of RNA pairing. We also reveal that competing RNA pairings regulate alternative splicing of the highly complex 3' variable regions of Drosophila CG42235 and Pip Our findings will facilitate a better understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of highly complex alternative splicing as well as highly variable 3' processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huawei Pan
- Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, ZJ310058, P.R. China
| | - Yang Shi
- Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, ZJ310058, P.R. China
| | - Shuo Chen
- Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, ZJ310058, P.R. China
| | - Yun Yang
- Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, ZJ310058, P.R. China
| | - Yuan Yue
- Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, ZJ310058, P.R. China
| | - Leilei Zhan
- Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, ZJ310058, P.R. China
| | - Lanzhi Dai
- Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, ZJ310058, P.R. China
| | - Haiyang Dong
- Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, ZJ310058, P.R. China
| | - Weiling Hong
- Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, ZJ310058, P.R. China
| | - Feng Shi
- Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, ZJ310058, P.R. China
| | - Yongfeng Jin
- Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, ZJ310058, P.R. China
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20
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An Evolutionary Mechanism for the Generation of Competing RNA Structures Associated with Mutually Exclusive Exons. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:genes9070356. [PMID: 30018239 PMCID: PMC6071210 DOI: 10.3390/genes9070356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Revised: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing is a commonly-used mechanism of diversifying gene products. Mutually exclusive exons (MXE) represent a particular type of alternative splicing, in which one and only one exon from an array is included in the mature RNA. A number of genes with MXE do so by using a mechanism that depends on RNA structure. Transcripts of these genes contain multiple sites called selector sequences that are all complementary to a regulatory element called the docking site; only one of the competing base pairings can form at a time, which exposes one exon from the cluster to the spliceosome. MXE tend to have similar lengths and sequence content and are believed to originate through tandem genomic duplications. Here, we report that pre-mRNAs of this class of exons have an increased capacity to fold into competing secondary structures. We propose an evolutionary mechanism for the generation of such structures via duplications that affect not only exons, but also their adjacent introns with stem-loop structures. If one of the two arms of a stem-loop is duplicated, it will generate two selector sequences that compete for the same docking site, a pattern that is associated with MXE splicing. A similar partial duplication of two independent stem-loops produces a pattern that is consistent with the so-called bidirectional pairing model. These models explain why tandem exon duplications frequently result in mutually exclusive splicing.
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21
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Pervouchine DD. Towards Long-Range RNA Structure Prediction in Eukaryotic Genes. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:genes9060302. [PMID: 29914113 PMCID: PMC6027157 DOI: 10.3390/genes9060302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability to form an intramolecular structure plays a fundamental role in eukaryotic RNA biogenesis. Proximate regions in the primary transcripts fold into a local secondary structure, which is then hierarchically assembled into a tertiary structure that is stabilized by RNA-binding proteins and long-range intramolecular base pairings. While the local RNA structure can be predicted reasonably well for short sequences, long-range structure at the scale of eukaryotic genes remains problematic from the computational standpoint. The aim of this review is to list functional examples of long-range RNA structures, to summarize current comparative methods of structure prediction, and to highlight their advances and limitations in the context of long-range RNA structures. Most comparative methods implement the “first-align-then-fold” principle, i.e., they operate on multiple sequence alignments, while functional RNA structures often reside in non-conserved parts of the primary transcripts. The opposite “first-fold-then-align” approach is currently explored to a much lesser extent. Developing novel methods in both directions will improve the performance of comparative RNA structure analysis and help discover novel long-range structures, their higher-order organization, and RNA⁻RNA interactions across the transcriptome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitri D Pervouchine
- Skolkovo Institute for Science and Technology, Ulitsa Nobelya 3, Moscow 121205, Russia.
- The Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Moscow State University 1-73, Moscow 119899, Russia.
- Faculty of Computer Science, Higher School of Economics, Kochnovskiy Proyezd 3, Moscow 125319, Russia.
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22
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Jin Y, Dong H, Shi Y, Bian L. Mutually exclusive alternative splicing of pre-mRNAs. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2018; 9:e1468. [PMID: 29423937 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2017] [Revised: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Pre-mRNA alternative splicing is an important mechanism used to expand protein diversity in higher eukaryotes, and mutually exclusive splicing is a specific type of alternative splicing in which only one of the exons in a cluster is included in functional transcripts. The most extraordinary example of this is the Drosophila melanogaster Down's syndrome cell adhesion molecule gene (Dscam), which potentially encodes 38,016 different isoforms through mutually exclusive splicing. Mutually exclusive splicing is a unique and challenging model that can be used to elucidate the evolution, regulatory mechanism, and function of alternative splicing. The use of new approaches has not only greatly expanded the mutually exclusive exome, but has also enabled the systematic analyses of single-cell alternative splicing during development. Furthermore, the identification of long-range RNA secondary structures provides a mechanistic framework for the regulation of mutually exclusive splicing (i.e., Dscam splicing). This article reviews recent insights into the identification, underlying mechanism, and roles of mutually exclusive splicing. This article is categorized under: RNA Processing > Splicing Regulation/Alternative Splicing RNA Structure and Dynamics > Influence of RNA Structure in Biological Systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongfeng Jin
- Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haiyang Dong
- Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yang Shi
- Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lina Bian
- Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Ramanouskaya TV, Grinev VV. The determinants of alternative RNA splicing in human cells. Mol Genet Genomics 2017; 292:1175-1195. [PMID: 28707092 DOI: 10.1007/s00438-017-1350-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Alternative splicing represents an important level of the regulation of gene function in eukaryotic organisms. It plays a critical role in virtually every biological process within an organism, including regulation of cell division and cell death, differentiation of tissues in the embryo and the adult organism, as well as in cellular response to diverse environmental factors. In turn, studies of the last decade have shown that alternative splicing itself is controlled by different mechanisms. Unfortunately, there is no clear understanding of how these diverse mechanisms, or determinants, regulate and constrain the set of alternative RNA species produced from any particular gene in every cell of the human body. Here, we provide a consolidated overview of alternative splicing determinants including RNA-protein interactions, epigenetic regulation via chromatin remodeling, coupling of transcription-to-alternative splicing, effect of secondary structures in pre-RNA, and function of the RNA quality control systems. We also extensively and critically discuss some mechanistic insights on coordinated inclusion/exclusion of exons during the formation of mature RNA molecules. We conclude that the final structure of RNA is pre-determined by a complex interplay between cis- and trans-acting factors. Altogether, currently available empirical data significantly expand our understanding of the functioning of the alternative splicing machinery of cells in normal and pathological conditions. On the other hand, there are still many blind spots that require further deep investigations.
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Yue Y, Hou S, Wang X, Zhan L, Cao G, Li G, Shi Y, Zhang P, Hong W, Lin H, Liu B, Shi F, Yang Y, Jin Y. Role and convergent evolution of competing RNA secondary structures in mutually exclusive splicing. RNA Biol 2017; 14:1399-1410. [PMID: 28277933 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2017.1294308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Exon or cassette duplication is an important means of expanding protein and functional diversity through mutually exclusive splicing. However, the mechanistic basis of this process in non-arthropod species remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that MRP1 genes underwent tandem exon duplication in Nematoda, Platyhelminthes, Annelida, Mollusca, Arthropoda, Echinodermata, and early-diverging Chordata but not in late-diverging vertebrates. Interestingly, these events were of independent origin in different phyla, suggesting convergent evolution of alternative splicing. Furthermore, we showed that multiple sets of clade-conserved RNA pairings evolved to guide species-specific mutually exclusive splicing in Arthropoda. Importantly, we also identified a similar structural code in MRP exon clusters of the annelid, Capitella teleta, and chordate, Branchiostoma belcheri, suggesting an evolutionarily conserved competing pairing-guided mechanism in bilaterians. Taken together, these data reveal the molecular determinants and RNA pairing-guided evolution of species-specific mutually exclusive splicing spanning more than 600 million years of bilaterian evolution. These findings have a significant impact on our understanding of the evolution of and mechanism underpinning isoform diversity and complex gene structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Yue
- a Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou , Zhejiang , P.R. China
| | - Shouqing Hou
- a Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou , Zhejiang , P.R. China
| | - Xiu Wang
- a Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou , Zhejiang , P.R. China.,b Institute of Ecology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou , Zhejiang , P.R. China
| | - Leilei Zhan
- a Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou , Zhejiang , P.R. China
| | - Guozheng Cao
- a Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou , Zhejiang , P.R. China
| | - Guoli Li
- a Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou , Zhejiang , P.R. China
| | - Yang Shi
- a Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou , Zhejiang , P.R. China
| | - Peng Zhang
- a Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou , Zhejiang , P.R. China
| | - Weiling Hong
- a Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou , Zhejiang , P.R. China
| | - Hao Lin
- a Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou , Zhejiang , P.R. China
| | - Baoping Liu
- a Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou , Zhejiang , P.R. China
| | - Feng Shi
- a Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou , Zhejiang , P.R. China
| | - Yun Yang
- a Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou , Zhejiang , P.R. China
| | - Yongfeng Jin
- a Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou , Zhejiang , P.R. China
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