1
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Khanal S, de Cruz M, Strickland B, Mansfield K, Lai E, Flynt A. A tailed mirtron promotes longevity in Drosophila. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:1080-1089. [PMID: 38048325 PMCID: PMC10853799 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad1158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Thousands of atypical microRNAs (miRNAs) have been described in the genomes of animals; however, it is unclear if many of these non-canonical miRNAs can measurably influence phenotypes. Mirtrons are the largest class of non-canonical miRNAs that are produced from hairpins excised by splicing, which after debranching become substrates for Dicer and load into RISC. Most mirtrons require additional processing after splicing to remove 'tail' residues interposed between one of the host intron splice sites and base of the hairpin precursor structure. Despite most mirtrons requiring tail removal no function has been elucidated for a tailed species, indeed for all mirtrons identified function has only been assigned to a single species. Here we study miR-1017, a mirtron with a 3' tail, which is well expressed and conserved in Drosophila species. We found that miR-1017 can extend lifespan when ectopically expressed in the neurons, which seems partly due to this miRNA targeting its host transcript, acetylcholine receptor Dα2. Unexpectedly we found that not only did miR-1017 function in trans but also in cis by affecting splicing of Dα2. This suggests a mechanism for mirtron evolution where initial roles of structural elements in splicing lead to secondary acquisition of trans-regulatory function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sweta Khanal
- Cellular and Molecular Biology, School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences University of Southern Mississippi, USA
| | - Matthew de Cruz
- Cellular and Molecular Biology, School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences University of Southern Mississippi, USA
| | - Britton Strickland
- Cellular and Molecular Biology, School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences University of Southern Mississippi, USA
| | - Kody Mansfield
- Cellular and Molecular Biology, School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences University of Southern Mississippi, USA
| | - Eric C Lai
- Department of Developmental Biology, Sloan Kettering Institute, USA
| | - Alex Flynt
- Cellular and Molecular Biology, School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences University of Southern Mississippi, USA
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2
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Gao J, Pang X, Zhang L, Li S, Qin Z, Xie X, Liu J. Transcriptome analysis reveals the neuroprotective effect of Dlg4 against fastigial nucleus stimulation-induced ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats. BMC Neurosci 2023; 24:40. [PMID: 37525090 PMCID: PMC10391810 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-023-00811-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have demonstrated that electrical stimulation of the cerebellar fastigial nucleus (FNS) can considerably decrease infarction volume and improve neurofunction restoration following cerebral ischemia. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanism of the neuroprotective effect of FNS is still vague. METHODS In this study, we developed a rat model of ischemia/reperfusion that included 1 h FNS followed by reperfusion for 3, 6, 12, 24, and 72 h. The expression profile of molecular alterations in brain tissues was obtained by transcriptome sequencing at five different time points. The function and pathway of miRNA expression pattern and core genes were annotated by Allen Brain Atlas, STRING database and Cytoscape software, so as to explore the mechanism of FNS-mediated neuroprotection. RESULTS The results indicated that FNS is associated with the neurotransmitter cycle pathway. FNS may regulate the release of monoamine neurotransmitters in synaptic vesicles by targeting the corresponding miRNAs through core Dlg4 gene, stimulate the Alternative polyadenylation (APA) incident's anti -apoptosis effect on the brain, and stimulate the interaction activation of neurons in cerebellum, cortex/thalamus and other brain regions, regulate neurovascular coupling, and reduce cerebral damage. CONCLUSION FNS may activate neuronal and neurovascular coupling by regulating the release of neurotransmitters in synaptic vesicles through the methylation of core Dlg4 gene and the corresponding transcription factors and protein kinases, inducing the anti-apoptotic mechanism of APA events. The findings from our investigation offer a new perspective on the way brain tissue responds to FNS-driven neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinggui Gao
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xiaomin Pang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Shenghua Li
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Zhenxiu Qin
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xiaoyun Xie
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Jingli Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.
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3
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Exosomes induce neurogenesis of pluripotent P19 cells. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2023:10.1007/s12015-023-10512-6. [PMID: 36811747 PMCID: PMC10366297 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-023-10512-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Exosomes play a role in tissue/organ development and differentiation. Retinoic acid induces differentiation of P19 cells (UD-P19) to P19 neurons (P19N) that behave like cortical neurons and express characteristic neuronal genes such as NMDA receptor subunits. Here we report P19N exosome-mediated differentiation of UD-P19 to P19N. Both UD-P19 and P19N released exosomes with characteristic exosome morphology, size, and common protein markers. P19N internalized significantly higher number of Dil-P19N exosomes as compared to UD-P19 with accumulation in the perinuclear region. Continuous exposure of UD-P19 to P19N exosomes for six days induced formation of small-sized embryoid bodies that differentiated into MAP2-/GluN2B-positive neurons recapitulating RA-induction of neurogenesis. Incubation with UD-P19 exosomes for six days did not affect UD-P19. Small RNA-seq identified enrichment of P19N exosomes with pro-neurogenic non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) such as miR-9, let-7, MALAT1 and depleted with ncRNAs involved in maintenance of stem cell characteristics. UD-P19 exosomes were rich with ncRNAs required for maintenance of stemness. P19N exosomes provide an alternative method to genetic modifications for cellular differentiation of neurons. Our novel findings on exosomes-mediated differentiation of UD-P19 to P19 neurons provide tools to study pathways directing neuron development/differentiation and develop novel therapeutic strategies in neuroscience.
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4
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Rojas-Pirela M, Andrade-Alviárez D, Medina L, Castillo C, Liempi A, Guerrero-Muñoz J, Ortega Y, Maya JD, Rojas V, Quiñones W, Michels PA, Kemmerling U. MicroRNAs: master regulators in host-parasitic protist interactions. Open Biol 2022; 12:210395. [PMID: 35702995 PMCID: PMC9198802 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.210395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of small non-coding RNAs present in a wide diversity of organisms. MiRNAs regulate gene expression at a post-transcriptional level through their interaction with the 3' untranslated regions of target mRNAs, inducing translational inhibition or mRNA destabilization and degradation. Thus, miRNAs regulate key biological processes, such as cell death, signal transduction, development, cellular proliferation and differentiation. The dysregulation of miRNAs biogenesis and function is related to the pathogenesis of diseases, including parasite infection. Moreover, during host-parasite interactions, parasites and host miRNAs determine the probability of infection and progression of the disease. The present review is focused on the possible role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of diseases of clinical interest caused by parasitic protists. In addition, the potential role of miRNAs as targets for the design of drugs and diagnostic and prognostic markers of parasitic diseases is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maura Rojas-Pirela
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile 8380453, Chile,Instituto de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2373223, Chile,Facultad de Farmacia y Bioanálisis, Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida, Venezuela
| | - Diego Andrade-Alviárez
- Laboratorio de Enzimología de Parásitos, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida, Venezuela
| | - Lisvaneth Medina
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile 8380453, Chile
| | - Christian Castillo
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile 8380453, Chile,Núcleo de Investigación Aplicada en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Agronomía, Universidad de Las Américas, Chile
| | - Ana Liempi
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile 8380453, Chile
| | - Jesús Guerrero-Muñoz
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile 8380453, Chile
| | - Yessica Ortega
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile 8380453, Chile,Facultad de Farmacia y Bioanálisis, Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida, Venezuela
| | - Juan Diego Maya
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile 8380453, Chile
| | - Verónica Rojas
- Instituto de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2373223, Chile
| | - Wilfredo Quiñones
- Laboratorio de Enzimología de Parásitos, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida, Venezuela
| | - Paul A. Michels
- Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution and Centre for Translational and Chemical Biology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Ulrike Kemmerling
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile 8380453, Chile
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5
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Lio CT, Kacprowski T, Klaedtke M, Jensen LR, Bouter Y, Bayer TA, Kuss AW. Small RNA Sequencing in the Tg4–42 Mouse Model Suggests the Involvement of snoRNAs in the Etiology of Alzheimer’s Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2022; 87:1671-1681. [DOI: 10.3233/jad-220110] [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
Background: The Tg4-42 mouse model for sporadic Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has unique features, as the neuronal expression of wild type N-truncated Aβ4–42 induces an AD-typical neurological phenotype in the absence of plaques. It is one of the few models developing neuron death in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. As such, it could serve as a powerful tool for preclinical drug testing and identification of the underlying molecular pathways that drive the pathology of AD. Objective: The aim of this study was to use a differential co-expression analysis approach for analyzing a small RNA sequencing dataset from a well-established murine model in order to identify potentially new players in the etiology of AD. Methods: To investigate small nucleolar RNAs in the hippocampus of Tg4-42 mice, we used RNA-Seq data from this particular tissue and, instead of analyzing the data at single gene level, employed differential co-expression analysis, which takes the comparison to gene pair level and thus affords a new angle to the interpretation of these data. Results: We identified two clusters of differentially correlated small RNAs, including Snord55, Snord57, Snord49a, Snord12, Snord38a, Snord99, Snord87, Mir1981, Mir106b, Mir30d, Mir598, and Mir99b. Interestingly, some of them have been reported to be functionally relevant in AD pathogenesis, as AD biomarkers, regulating tau phosphorylation, TGF-β receptor function or Aβ metabolism. Conclusion: The majority of snoRNAs for which our results suggest a potential role in the etiology of AD were so far not conspicuously implicated in the context of AD pathogenesis and could thus point towards interesting new avenues of research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chit Tong Lio
- Chair of Experimental Bioinformatics, TechnicalUniversity of Munich, Freising, Germany
- Chair of Computational Systems Biology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tim Kacprowski
- Division Data Science in Biomedicine, Peter L. Reichertz Institute for Medical Informatics of TU Braunschweig and Hannover Medical School, Braunschweig, Germany
- Braunschweig Integrated Centre of Systems Biology (BRICS), TU Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Maik Klaedtke
- Department of Functional Genomics, Human Molecular Genetics Group, Interfaculty Institute for Genetics and Functional Genomics, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Lars R. Jensen
- Department of Functional Genomics, Human Molecular Genetics Group, Interfaculty Institute for Genetics and Functional Genomics, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Yvonne Bouter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Division of Molecular Psychiatry, University Medical Center Goettingen (UMG), Georg-August-University, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Thomas A. Bayer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Division of Molecular Psychiatry, University Medical Center Goettingen (UMG), Georg-August-University, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Andreas W. Kuss
- Department of Functional Genomics, Human Molecular Genetics Group, Interfaculty Institute for Genetics and Functional Genomics, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
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6
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Bi Y, Chen S, Shen Q, Guo Z, Ren D, Yuan F, Niu W, Ji L, Liu L, Han K, Yu T, Yang F, Wu X, Wang L, Li X, Yu S, Xu Y, He L, Shi Y, Zhang J, Li W, He G. Upregulation of DGCR8, a Candidate Predisposing to Schizophrenia in Han Chinese, Contributes to Phenotypic Deficits and Neuronal Migration Delay. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:873873. [PMID: 35492695 PMCID: PMC9051063 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.873873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
DiGeorge Syndrome Critical Region Gene 8 (DGCR8) is a key component of the microprocessor complex governing the maturation of most microRNAs, some of which participate in schizophrenia and neural development. Previous studies have found that the 22q11.2 locus, containing DGCR8, confers a risk of schizophrenia. However, the role of DGCR8 in schizophrenia and the early stage of neural development has remained unknown. In the present study, we try to identify the role of DGCR8 in schizophrenia from human samples and animal models. We found that the G allele and GG genotype of rs3757 in DGCR8 conferred a higher risk of schizophrenia, which likely resulted from higher expression of DGCR8 according to our test of dual-luciferase reporter system. Employed overexpression model in utero and adult mice, we also revealed that the aberrant increase of Dgcr8 delayed neuronal migration during embryological development and consequently triggered abnormal behaviors in adult mice. Together, these results demonstrate that DGCR8 may play a role in the etiology of schizophrenia through regulating neural development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Bi
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shiqing Chen
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Shen
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenming Guo
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Decheng Ren
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fan Yuan
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weibo Niu
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Ji
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liangjie Liu
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ke Han
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Yu
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fengping Yang
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi Wu
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xingwang Li
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shunying Yu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yifeng Xu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin He
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Shi
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Weidong Li
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guang He
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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7
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Xu H, Liu X, Li W, Xi Y, Su P, Meng B, Shao X, Tang B, Yang Q, Mao Z. p38 MAPK-mediated loss of nuclear RNase III enzyme Drosha underlies amyloid beta-induced neuronal stress in Alzheimer's disease. Aging Cell 2021; 20:e13434. [PMID: 34528746 PMCID: PMC8521488 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs ubiquitously expressed in the brain and regulate gene expression at the post‐transcriptional level. The nuclear RNase III enzyme Drosha initiates the maturation process of miRNAs in the nucleus. Strong evidence suggests that dysregulation of miRNAs is involved in many neurological disorders including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Dysfunction of miRNA biogenesis components may be involved in the processes of those diseases. However, the role of Drosha in AD remains unknown. By using immunohistochemistry, biochemistry, and subcellular fractionation methods, we show here that the level of Drosha protein was significantly lower in the postmortem brain of human AD patients as well as in the transgenic rat model of AD. Interestingly, Drosha level was specifically reduced in neurons of the cortex and hippocampus but not in the cerebellum in the AD brain samples. In primary cortical neurons, amyloid‐beta (Aβ) oligomers caused a p38 MAPK‐dependent phosphorylation of Drosha, leading to its redistribution from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and a decrease in its level. This loss of Drosha function preceded Aβ‐induced neuronal death. Importantly, inhibition of p38 MAPK activity or overexpression of Drosha protected neurons from Aβ oligomers‐induced apoptosis. Taken together, these results establish a role for p38 MAPK‐Drosha pathway in modulating neuronal viability under Aβ oligomers stress condition and implicate loss of Drosha as a key molecular change in the pathogenesis of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haidong Xu
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology Emory University School of Medicine Atlanta Georgia USA
| | - Xiaolei Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology Emory University School of Medicine Atlanta Georgia USA
| | - Wenming Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology Emory University School of Medicine Atlanta Georgia USA
| | - Ye Xi
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology Emory University School of Medicine Atlanta Georgia USA
| | - Peng Su
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology Emory University School of Medicine Atlanta Georgia USA
| | - Bo Meng
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology Emory University School of Medicine Atlanta Georgia USA
| | - Xiaoyun Shao
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology Emory University School of Medicine Atlanta Georgia USA
| | - Beisha Tang
- Department of Neurology Xiangya Hospital Central South University Changsha China
| | - Qian Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery Tangdu Hospital The Fourth Military Medical University Xi'an China
| | - Zixu Mao
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology Emory University School of Medicine Atlanta Georgia USA
- Department of Neurology Emory University School of Medicine Atlanta Georgia USA
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8
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Emerging Functions for snoRNAs and snoRNA-Derived Fragments. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910193. [PMID: 34638533 PMCID: PMC8508363 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The widespread implementation of mass sequencing has revealed a diverse landscape of small RNAs derived from larger precursors. Whilst many of these are likely to be byproducts of degradation, there are nevertheless metabolically stable fragments derived from tRNAs, rRNAs, snoRNAs, and other non-coding RNA, with a number of examples of the production of such fragments being conserved across species. Coupled with specific interactions to RNA-binding proteins and a growing number of experimentally reported examples suggesting function, a case is emerging whereby the biological significance of small non-coding RNAs extends far beyond miRNAs and piRNAs. Related to this, a similarly complex picture is emerging of non-canonical roles for the non-coding precursors, such as for snoRNAs that are also implicated in such areas as the silencing of gene expression and the regulation of alternative splicing. This is in addition to a body of literature describing snoRNAs as an additional source of miRNA-like regulators. This review seeks to highlight emerging roles for such non-coding RNA, focusing specifically on “new” roles for snoRNAs and the small fragments derived from them.
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9
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Suster I, Feng Y. Multifaceted Regulation of MicroRNA Biogenesis: Essential Roles and Functional Integration in Neuronal and Glial Development. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22136765. [PMID: 34201807 PMCID: PMC8269442 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs that function as endogenous gene silencers. Soon after the discovery of miRNAs, a subset of brain-enriched and brain-specific miRNAs were identified and significant advancements were made in delineating miRNA function in brain development. However, understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate miRNA biogenesis in normal and diseased brains has become a prevailing challenge. Besides transcriptional regulation of miRNA host genes, miRNA processing intermediates are subjected to multifaceted regulation by canonical miRNA processing enzymes, RNA binding proteins (RBPs) and epitranscriptomic modifications. Further still, miRNA activity can be regulated by the sponging activity of other non-coding RNA classes, namely circular RNAs (circRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Differential abundance of these factors in neuronal and glial lineages partly underlies the spatiotemporal expression and function of lineage-specific miRNAs. Here, we review the continuously evolving understanding of the regulation of neuronal and glial miRNA biogenesis at the transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels and the cooperativity of miRNA species in targeting key mRNAs to drive lineage-specific development. In addition, we review dysregulation of neuronal and glial miRNAs and the detrimental impacts which contribute to developmental brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yue Feng
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-404-727-0351
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10
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Chen W, Cui Y, Ning M, Zhang H, Yin C, He Z. The mechanisms and functions of microRNAs in mediating the fate determinations of human spermatogonial stem cells and Sertoli cells. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 121:32-39. [PMID: 34034987 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Human spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) and Sertoli cells might have the applications in reproduction and regenerative medicine. Abnormal spermatogenesis results in male infertility, which seriously affects human reproduction and health. Spermatogenesis depends on the epigenetic and genetic regulation of male germ cells and somatic cells. A number of microRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified in human testicular tissues, and they are closely related to male fertility. Significantly, we and peers have recently demonstrated that numerous miRNAs are essential for regulating the self-renewal and apoptosis of human SSCs and Sertoli cells through controlling their mRNA and lncRNA targets. In this review, we critically discuss these findings regarding the important functions and mechanisms of miRNAs in mediating the fate determinations of human SSCs and Sertoli cells. Meanwhile, we illustrate the regulatory networks for miRNAs by forming the upstream and downstream regulators of mRNAs and lncRNAs in human SSCs, and we address that miRNAs regulate the decisions of Sertoli cells by targeting genes and via N6-methyladenosine (m6A). We also point out the future directions for further studies on this field. This review could offer an update on novel molecular targets for treating male infertility and new insights into epigenetic regulation of human spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, 371 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Yinghong Cui
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, 371 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Minqi Ning
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, 371 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Haorui Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, 371 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Chenjun Yin
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, 371 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Zuping He
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, 371 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China.
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11
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Swahari V, Nakamura A, Hollville E, Stroud H, Simon JM, Ptacek TS, Beck MV, Flowers C, Guo J, Plestant C, Liang J, Kurtz CL, Kanke M, Hammond SM, He YW, Anton ES, Sethupathy P, Moy SS, Greenberg ME, Deshmukh M. MicroRNA-29 is an essential regulator of brain maturation through regulation of CH methylation. Cell Rep 2021; 35:108946. [PMID: 33826889 PMCID: PMC8103628 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.108946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Although embryonic brain development and neurodegeneration have received considerable attention, the events that govern postnatal brain maturation are less understood. Here, we identify the miR-29 family to be strikingly induced during the late stages of brain maturation. Brain maturation is associated with a transient, postnatal period of de novo non-CG (CH) DNA methylation mediated by DNMT3A. We examine whether an important function of miR-29 during brain maturation is to restrict the period of CH methylation via its targeting of Dnmt3a. Deletion of miR-29 in the brain, or knockin mutations preventing miR-29 to specifically target Dnmt3a, result in increased DNMT3A expression, higher CH methylation, and repression of genes associated with neuronal activity and neuropsychiatric disorders. These mouse models also develop neurological deficits and premature lethality. Our results identify an essential role for miR-29 in restricting CH methylation in the brain and illustrate the importance of CH methylation regulation for normal brain maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Swahari
- Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Ayumi Nakamura
- Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Neurobiology Curriculum, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Emilie Hollville
- Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Hume Stroud
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jeremy M Simon
- Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Travis S Ptacek
- Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Matthew V Beck
- Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Cornelius Flowers
- Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jiami Guo
- Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Jie Liang
- Department of Immunology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - C Lisa Kurtz
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Matt Kanke
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Scott M Hammond
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - You-Wen He
- Department of Immunology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - E S Anton
- Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Neurobiology Curriculum, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Praveen Sethupathy
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Sheryl S Moy
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Mohanish Deshmukh
- Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Neurobiology Curriculum, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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12
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Peixoto da Silva S, Caires HR, Bergantim R, Guimarães JE, Vasconcelos MH. miRNAs mediated drug resistance in hematological malignancies. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 83:283-302. [PMID: 33757848 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Despite improvements in the therapeutic approaches for hematological malignancies in the last decades, refractory disease still occurs, and cancer drug resistance still remains a major hurdle in the clinical management of these cancer patients. The investigation of this problem has been extensive and different mechanism and molecules have been associated with drug resistance. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been described as having an important action in the emergence of cancer, including hematological tumors, and as being major players in their progression, aggressiveness and response to treatments. Moreover, miRNAs have been strongly associated with cancer drug resistance and with the modulation of the sensitivity of cancer cells to a wide array of anticancer drugs. Furthermore, this role has also been reported for miRNAs packaged into extracellular vesicles (EVs-miRNAs), which in turn have been described as essential for the horizontal transfer of drug resistance to sensitive cells. Several studies have been suggesting the use of miRNAs as biomarkers for drug response and clinical outcome prediction, as well as promising therapeutic tools in hematological diseases. Indeed, the combination of miRNA-based therapeutic tools with conventional drugs contributes to overcome drug resistance. This review addresses the role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of hematological malignances, namely multiple myeloma, leukemias and lymphomas, highlighting their important action (either in their cell-free circulating form or within circulating EVs) in drug resistance and their potential clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Peixoto da Silva
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Cancer Drug Resistance Group, IPATIMUP - Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
| | - Hugo R Caires
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Cancer Drug Resistance Group, IPATIMUP - Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Bergantim
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Cancer Drug Resistance Group, IPATIMUP - Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal; Clinical Hematology, Hospital São João, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal; Clinical Hematology, FMUP - Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal
| | - José E Guimarães
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Cancer Drug Resistance Group, IPATIMUP - Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal; Clinical Hematology, FMUP - Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal; Instituto Universitário de Ciências da Saúde, Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário, IUCSCESPU, 4585-116, Gandra, Paredes, Portugal
| | - M Helena Vasconcelos
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Cancer Drug Resistance Group, IPATIMUP - Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal; Department of Biological Sciences, FFUP - Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.
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13
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Morishita A, Oura K, Tadokoro T, Fujita K, Tani J, Masaki T. MicroRNAs in the Pathogenesis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Review. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13030514. [PMID: 33572780 PMCID: PMC7866004 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13030514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most frequently occurring cancers, and the prognosis for late-stage HCC remains poor. A better understanding of the pathogenesis of HCC is expected to improve outcomes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, noncoding, single-stranded RNAs that regulate the expression of various target genes, including those in cancer-associated genomic regions or fragile sites in various human cancers. We summarize the central roles of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of HCC and discuss their potential utility as valuable biomarkers and new therapeutic agents for HCC. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the seventh most frequent cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Despite substantial advances in therapeutic strategies, the prognosis of late-stage HCC remains dismal because of the high recurrence rate. A better understanding of the etiology of HCC is therefore necessary to improve outcomes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, endogenous, noncoding, single-stranded RNAs that modulate the expression of their target genes at the posttranscriptional and translational levels. Aberrant expression of miRNAs has frequently been detected in cancer-associated genomic regions or fragile sites in various human cancers and has been observed in both HCC cells and tissues. The precise patterns of aberrant miRNA expression differ depending on disease etiology, including various causes of hepatocarcinogenesis, such as viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. However, little is known about the underlying mechanisms and the association of miRNAs with the pathogenesis of HCC of various etiologies. In the present review, we summarize the key mechanisms of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of HCC and emphasize their potential utility as valuable diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, as well as innovative therapeutic targets, in HCC diagnosis and treatment.
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14
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Boscher E, Hernandez-Rapp J, Petry S, Keraudren R, Rainone S, Loiselle A, Goupil C, Turgeon A, St-Amour I, Planel E, Hébert SS. Advances and Challenges in Understanding MicroRNA Function in Tauopathies: A Case Study of miR-132/212. Front Neurol 2020; 11:578720. [PMID: 33117266 PMCID: PMC7553085 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.578720] [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: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In the past decade, several groups have reported that microRNAs (miRNAs) can participate in the regulation of tau protein at different levels, including its expression, alternative splicing, phosphorylation, and aggregation. These observations are significant, since the abnormal regulation and deposition of tau is associated with nearly 30 neurodegenerative disorders. Interestingly, miRNA profiles go awry in tauopathies such as Alzheimer's disease, progressive supranuclear palsy, and frontotemporal dementia. Understanding the role and impact of miRNAs on tau biology could therefore provide important insights into disease risk, diagnostics, and perhaps therapeutics. In this Perspective article, we discuss recent advances in miRNA research related to tau. While proof-of-principle studies hold promise, physiological validation remains limited. To help fill this gap, we describe herein a pure tauopathy mouse model deficient for the miR-132/212 cluster. This miRNA family is strongly downregulated in human tauopathies and shown to regulate tau in vitro and in vivo. No significant differences in survival, motor deficits or body weight were observed in PS19 mice lacking miR-132/212. Age-specific effects were seen on tau expression and phosphorylation but not aggregation. Moreover, various miR-132/212 targets previously implicated in tau modulation were unaffected (GSK-3β, Foxo3a, Mapk1, p300) or, unexpectedly, reduced (Mapk3, Foxo1, p300, Calpain 2) in miR-132/212-deficient PS19 mice. These observations highlight the challenges of miRNA research in living models, and current limitations of transgenic tau mouse models lacking functional miRNA binding sites. Based on these findings, we finally recommend different strategies to better understand the role of miRNAs in tau physiology and pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuelle Boscher
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Département de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Julia Hernandez-Rapp
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Département de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Serena Petry
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Département de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Remi Keraudren
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Département de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Sara Rainone
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Département de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Andréanne Loiselle
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Département de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Claudia Goupil
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Département de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Andréanne Turgeon
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Département de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Isabelle St-Amour
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Département de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Emmanuel Planel
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Département de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Sébastien S Hébert
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Département de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
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15
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Dori M, Cavalli D, Lesche M, Massalini S, Alieh LHA, de Toledo BC, Khudayberdiev S, Schratt G, Dahl A, Calegari F. MicroRNA profiling of mouse cortical progenitors and neurons reveals miR-486-5p as a regulator of neurogenesis. Development 2020; 147:dev.190520. [PMID: 32273274 DOI: 10.1242/dev.190520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short (∼22 nt) single-stranded non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Over recent years, many studies have extensively characterized the involvement of miRNA-mediated regulation in neurogenesis and brain development. However, a comprehensive catalog of cortical miRNAs expressed in a cell-specific manner in progenitor types of the developing mammalian cortex is still missing. Overcoming this limitation, here we exploited a double reporter mouse line previously validated by our group to allow the identification of the transcriptional signature of neurogenic commitment and provide the field with the complete atlas of miRNA expression in proliferating neural stem cells, neurogenic progenitors and newborn neurons during corticogenesis. By extending the currently known list of miRNAs expressed in the mouse brain by over twofold, our study highlights the power of cell type-specific analyses for the detection of transcripts that would otherwise be diluted out when studying bulk tissues. We further exploited our data by predicting putative miRNAs and validated the power of our approach by providing evidence for the involvement of miR-486 in brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Dori
- CRTD - Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, School of Medicine, TU Dresden, Fetcherstrasse 105, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Daniel Cavalli
- CRTD - Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, School of Medicine, TU Dresden, Fetcherstrasse 105, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Mathias Lesche
- DRESDEN-concept Genome Center c/o Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Technische Universität Dresden, Fetcherstrasse 105, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Simone Massalini
- CRTD - Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, School of Medicine, TU Dresden, Fetcherstrasse 105, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Leila Haj Abdullah Alieh
- CRTD - Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, School of Medicine, TU Dresden, Fetcherstrasse 105, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Beatriz Cardoso de Toledo
- CRTD - Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, School of Medicine, TU Dresden, Fetcherstrasse 105, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Sharof Khudayberdiev
- Institute for Physiological Chemistry, Biochemical-Pharmacological Center Marburg, Philipps-University of Marburg, Karl-von-Frisch-Strasse 2, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Gerhard Schratt
- Institute for Physiological Chemistry, Biochemical-Pharmacological Center Marburg, Philipps-University of Marburg, Karl-von-Frisch-Strasse 2, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Dahl
- DRESDEN-concept Genome Center c/o Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Technische Universität Dresden, Fetcherstrasse 105, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Federico Calegari
- CRTD - Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, School of Medicine, TU Dresden, Fetcherstrasse 105, 01307 Dresden, Germany
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16
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Zaporozhchenko IA, Rykova EY, Laktionov PP. The Fundamentals of miRNA Biology: Structure, Biogenesis, and Regulatory Functions. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2020. [DOI: 10.1134/s106816202001015x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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17
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Matsuyama H, Suzuki HI. Systems and Synthetic microRNA Biology: From Biogenesis to Disease Pathogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 21:ijms21010132. [PMID: 31878193 PMCID: PMC6981965 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21010132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 12/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are approximately 22-nucleotide-long, small non-coding RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression. The biogenesis of miRNAs involves multiple steps, including the transcription of primary miRNAs (pri-miRNAs), nuclear Drosha-mediated processing, cytoplasmic Dicer-mediated processing, and loading onto Argonaute (Ago) proteins. Further, miRNAs control diverse biological and pathological processes via the silencing of target mRNAs. This review summarizes recent findings regarding the quantitative aspects of miRNA homeostasis, including Drosha-mediated pri-miRNA processing, Ago-mediated asymmetric miRNA strand selection, and modifications of miRNA pathway components, as well as the roles of RNA modifications (epitranscriptomics), epigenetics, transcription factor circuits, and super-enhancers in miRNA regulation. These recent advances have facilitated a system-level understanding of miRNA networks, as well as the improvement of RNAi performance for both gene-specific targeting and genome-wide screening. The comprehensive understanding and modeling of miRNA biogenesis and function have been applied to the design of synthetic gene circuits. In addition, the relationships between miRNA genes and super-enhancers provide the molecular basis for the highly biased cell type-specific expression patterns of miRNAs and the evolution of miRNA–target connections, while highlighting the importance of alterations of super-enhancer-associated miRNAs in a variety of human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hironori Matsuyama
- Fujii Memorial Research Institute, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-11-1 Karasaki, Otsu-shi, Shiga 520-0106, Japan;
| | - Hiroshi I. Suzuki
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-6172-536-457
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18
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Potential Impact of MicroRNA Gene Polymorphisms in the Pathogenesis of Diabetes and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease. J Pers Med 2019; 9:jpm9040051. [PMID: 31775219 PMCID: PMC6963792 DOI: 10.3390/jpm9040051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous, small (18–23 nucleotides), non-coding RNA molecules. They regulate the posttranscriptional expression of their target genes. MiRNAs control vital physiological processes such as metabolism, development, differentiation, cell cycle and apoptosis. The control of the gene expression by miRNAs requires efficient binding between the miRNA and their target mRNAs. Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have suggested the association of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with certain diseases in various populations. Gene polymorphisms of miRNA target sites have been implicated in diseases such as cancers, diabetes, cardiovascular and Parkinson’s disease. Likewise, gene polymorphisms of miRNAs have been reported to be associated with diseases. In this review, we discuss the SNPs in miRNA genes that have been associated with diabetes and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in different populations. We also discuss briefly the potential underlining mechanisms through which these SNPs increase the risk of developing these diseases.
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19
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El Wazan L, Urrutia-Cabrera D, Wong RCB. Using transcription factors for direct reprogramming of neurons in vitro. World J Stem Cells 2019; 11:431-444. [PMID: 31396370 PMCID: PMC6682505 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v11.i7.431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell therapy offers great promises in replacing the neurons lost due to neurodegenerative diseases or injuries. However, a key challenge is the cellular source for transplantation which is often limited by donor availability. Direct reprogramming provides an exciting avenue to generate specialized neuron subtypes in vitro, which have the potential to be used for autologous transplantation, as well as generation of patient-specific disease models in the lab for drug discovery and testing gene therapy. Here we present a detailed review on transcription factors that promote direct reprogramming of specific neuronal subtypes with particular focus on glutamatergic, GABAergic, dopaminergic, sensory and retinal neurons. We will discuss the developmental role of master transcriptional regulators and specification factors for neuronal subtypes, and summarize their use in promoting direct reprogramming into different neuronal subtypes. Furthermore, we will discuss up-and-coming technologies that advance the cell reprogramming field, including the use of computational prediction of reprogramming factors, opportunity of cellular reprogramming using small chemicals and microRNA, as well as the exciting potential for applying direct reprogramming in vivo as a novel approach to promote neuro-regeneration within the body. Finally, we will highlight the clinical potential of direct reprogramming and discuss the hurdles that need to be overcome for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Layal El Wazan
- Cellular Reprogramming Unit, Centre for Eye Research Australia, Melbourne 3004, Australia
| | - Daniel Urrutia-Cabrera
- Cellular Reprogramming Unit, Centre for Eye Research Australia, Melbourne 3004, Australia
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20
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Motahari Z, Moody SA, Maynard TM, LaMantia AS. In the line-up: deleted genes associated with DiGeorge/22q11.2 deletion syndrome: are they all suspects? J Neurodev Disord 2019; 11:7. [PMID: 31174463 PMCID: PMC6554986 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-019-9267-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 04/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS), a copy number variation (CNV) disorder, occurs in approximately 1:4000 live births due to a heterozygous microdeletion at position 11.2 (proximal) on the q arm of human chromosome 22 (hChr22) (McDonald-McGinn and Sullivan, Medicine 90:1-18, 2011). This disorder was known as DiGeorge syndrome, Velo-cardio-facial syndrome (VCFS) or conotruncal anomaly face syndrome (CTAF) based upon diagnostic cardiovascular, pharyngeal, and craniofacial anomalies (McDonald-McGinn and Sullivan, Medicine 90:1-18, 2011; Burn et al., J Med Genet 30:822-4, 1993) before this phenotypic spectrum was associated with 22q11.2 CNVs. Subsequently, 22q11.2 deletion emerged as a major genomic lesion associated with vulnerability for several clinically defined behavioral deficits common to a number of neurodevelopmental disorders (Fernandez et al., Principles of Developmental Genetics, 2015; Robin and Shprintzen, J Pediatr 147:90-6, 2005; Schneider et al., Am J Psychiatry 171:627-39, 2014). RESULTS The mechanistic relationships between heterozygously deleted 22q11.2 genes and 22q11DS phenotypes are still unknown. We assembled a comprehensive "line-up" of the 36 protein coding loci in the 1.5 Mb minimal critical deleted region on hChr22q11.2, plus 20 protein coding loci in the distal 1.5 Mb that defines the 3 Mb typical 22q11DS deletion. We categorized candidates based upon apparent primary cell biological functions. We analyzed 41 of these genes that encode known proteins to determine whether haploinsufficiency of any single 22q11.2 gene-a one gene to one phenotype correspondence due to heterozygous deletion restricted to that locus-versus complex multigenic interactions can account for single or multiple 22q11DS phenotypes. CONCLUSIONS Our 22q11.2 functional genomic assessment does not support current theories of single gene haploinsufficiency for one or all 22q11DS phenotypes. Shared molecular functions, convergence on fundamental cell biological processes, and related consequences of individual 22q11.2 genes point to a matrix of multigenic interactions due to diminished 22q11.2 gene dosage. These interactions target fundamental cellular mechanisms essential for development, maturation, or homeostasis at subsets of 22q11DS phenotypic sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Motahari
- The Institute for Neuroscience, and Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington DC, 20037 USA
| | - Sally Ann Moody
- The Institute for Neuroscience, and Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington DC, 20037 USA
| | - Thomas Michael Maynard
- The Institute for Neuroscience, and Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington DC, 20037 USA
| | - Anthony-Samuel LaMantia
- The Institute for Neuroscience, and Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington DC, 20037 USA
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21
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Guo WT, Wang Y. Dgcr8 knockout approaches to understand microRNA functions in vitro and in vivo. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:1697-1711. [PMID: 30694346 PMCID: PMC11105204 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03020-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Revised: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Biologic function of the majority of microRNAs (miRNAs) is still unknown. Uncovering the function of miRNAs is hurdled by redundancy among different miRNAs. The deletion of Dgcr8 leads to the deficiency in producing all canonical miRNAs, therefore, overcoming the redundancy issue. Dgcr8 knockout strategy has been instrumental in understanding the function of miRNAs in a variety of cells in vitro and in vivo. In this review, we will first give a brief introduction about miRNAs, miRNA biogenesis pathway and the role of Dgcr8 in miRNA biogenesis. We will then summarize studies performed with Dgcr8 knockout cell models with a focus on embryonic stem cells. After that, we will summarize results from various in vivo Dgcr8 knockout models. Given significant phenotypic differences in various tissues between Dgcr8 and Dicer knockout, we will also briefly review current progresses on understanding miRNA-independent functions of miRNA biogenesis factors. Finally, we will discuss the potential use of a new strategy to stably express miRNAs in Dgcr8 knockout cells. In future, Dgcr8 knockout approaches coupled with innovations in miRNA rescue strategy may provide further insights into miRNA functions in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Ting Guo
- Central Laboratory, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, No. 1 Shuaifuyuan, Beijing, 100730, People's Republic of China
| | - Yangming Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, People's Republic of China.
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22
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Treiber T, Treiber N, Meister G. Regulation of microRNA biogenesis and its crosstalk with other cellular pathways. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2018; 20:5-20. [DOI: 10.1038/s41580-018-0059-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 628] [Impact Index Per Article: 104.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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23
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Winick-Ng W, Rylett RJ. Into the Fourth Dimension: Dysregulation of Genome Architecture in Aging and Alzheimer's Disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2018. [PMID: 29541020 PMCID: PMC5835833 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by synapse dysfunction and cognitive impairment. Understanding the development and progression of AD is challenging, as the disease is highly complex and multifactorial. Both environmental and genetic factors play a role in AD pathogenesis, highlighted by observations of complex DNA modifications at the single gene level, and by new evidence that also implicates changes in genome architecture in AD patients. The four-dimensional structure of chromatin in space and time is essential for context-dependent regulation of gene expression in post-mitotic neurons. Dysregulation of epigenetic processes have been observed in the aging brain and in patients with AD, though there is not yet agreement on the impact of these changes on transcription. New evidence shows that proteins involved in genome organization have altered expression and localization in the AD brain, suggesting that the genomic landscape may play a critical role in the development of AD. This review discusses the role of the chromatin organizers and epigenetic modifiers in post-mitotic cells, the aging brain, and in the development and progression of AD. How these new insights can be used to help determine disease risk and inform treatment strategies will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warren Winick-Ng
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.,Molecular Medicine Research Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - R Jane Rylett
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.,Molecular Medicine Research Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
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24
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Ghibaudi M, Boido M, Vercelli A. Functional integration of complex miRNA networks in central and peripheral lesion and axonal regeneration. Prog Neurobiol 2017; 158:69-93. [PMID: 28779869 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2017.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Revised: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
New players are emerging in the game of peripheral and central nervous system injury since their physiopathological mechanisms remain partially elusive. These mechanisms are characterized by several molecules whose activation and/or modification following a trauma is often controlled at transcriptional level. In this scenario, microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) have been identified as main actors in coordinating important molecular pathways in nerve or spinal cord injury (SCI). miRNAs are small non-coding RNAs whose functionality at network level is now emerging as a new level of complexity. Indeed they can act as an organized network to provide a precise control of several biological processes. Here we describe the functional synergy of some miRNAs in case of SCI and peripheral damage. In particular we show how several small RNAs can cooperate in influencing simultaneously the molecular pathways orchestrating axon regeneration, inflammation, apoptosis and remyelination. We report about the networks for which miRNA-target bindings have been experimentally demonstrated or inferred based on target prediction data: in both cases, the connection between one miRNA and its downstream pathway is derived from a validated observation or is predicted from the literature. Hence, we discuss the importance of miRNAs in some pathological processes focusing on their functional structure as participating in a cooperative and/or convergence network.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ghibaudi
- Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Torino, Italian Institute of Neuroscience, Italy.
| | - M Boido
- Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Torino, Italian Institute of Neuroscience, Italy
| | - A Vercelli
- Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Torino, Italian Institute of Neuroscience, Italy
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25
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Rajman M, Schratt G. MicroRNAs in neural development: from master regulators to fine-tuners. Development 2017; 144:2310-2322. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.144337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The proper formation and function of neuronal networks is required for cognition and behavior. Indeed, pathophysiological states that disrupt neuronal networks can lead to neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, schizophrenia or intellectual disability. It is well-established that transcriptional programs play major roles in neural circuit development. However, in recent years, post-transcriptional control of gene expression has emerged as an additional, and probably equally important, regulatory layer. In particular, it has been shown that microRNAs (miRNAs), an abundant class of small regulatory RNAs, can regulate neuronal circuit development, maturation and function by controlling, for example, local mRNA translation. It is also becoming clear that miRNAs are frequently dysregulated in neurodevelopmental disorders, suggesting a role for miRNAs in the etiology and/or maintenance of neurological disease states. Here, we provide an overview of the most prominent regulatory miRNAs that control neural development, highlighting how they act as ‘master regulators’ or ‘fine-tuners’ of gene expression, depending on context, to influence processes such as cell fate determination, cell migration, neuronal polarization and synapse formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Rajman
- Biochemisch-Pharmakologisches Centrum, Institut für Physiologische Chemie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg 35043, Germany
| | - Gerhard Schratt
- Biochemisch-Pharmakologisches Centrum, Institut für Physiologische Chemie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg 35043, Germany
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26
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Paces J, Nic M, Novotny T, Svoboda P. Literature review of baseline information to support the risk assessment of RNAi‐based GM plants. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [PMCID: PMC7163844 DOI: 10.2903/sp.efsa.2017.en-1246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Paces
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic (IMG)
| | | | | | - Petr Svoboda
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic (IMG)
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27
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Marinaro F, Marzi MJ, Hoffmann N, Amin H, Pelizzoli R, Niola F, Nicassio F, De Pietri Tonelli D. MicroRNA-independent functions of DGCR8 are essential for neocortical development and TBR1 expression. EMBO Rep 2017; 18:603-618. [PMID: 28232627 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201642800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Revised: 01/16/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence indicates that the miRNA biogenesis factors DROSHA, DGCR8, and DICER exert non-overlapping functions, and have also roles in miRNA-independent regulatory mechanisms. However, it is currently unknown whether miRNA-independent functions of DGCR8 play any role in the maintenance of neuronal progenitors and during corticogenesis. Here, by phenotypic comparison of cortices from conditional Dgcr8 and Dicer knockout mice, we show that Dgcr8 deletion, in contrast to Dicer depletion, leads to premature differentiation of neural progenitor cells and overproduction of TBR1-positive neurons. Remarkably, depletion of miRNAs upon DCGR8 loss is reduced compared to DICER loss, indicating that these phenotypic differences are mediated by miRNA-independent functions of DGCR8. We show that Dgcr8 mutations induce an earlier and stronger phenotype in the developing nervous system compared to Dicer mutants and that miRNA-independent functions of DGCR8 are critical for corticogenesis. Finally, our data also suggest that the Microprocessor complex, with DROSHA and DGCR8 as core components, directly regulates the Tbr1 transcript, containing evolutionarily conserved hairpins that resemble miRNA precursors, independently of miRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Marinaro
- Neuroscience and Brain Technologies Department, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Matteo J Marzi
- Center for Genomic Science of IIT@SEMM, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy
| | - Nadin Hoffmann
- Neuroscience and Brain Technologies Department, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Hayder Amin
- Neuroscience and Brain Technologies Department, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Roberta Pelizzoli
- Neuroscience and Brain Technologies Department, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesco Niola
- Neuroscience and Brain Technologies Department, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesco Nicassio
- Center for Genomic Science of IIT@SEMM, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy
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28
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Quinlan S, Kenny A, Medina M, Engel T, Jimenez-Mateos EM. MicroRNAs in Neurodegenerative Diseases. MIRNAS IN AGING AND CANCER 2017; 334:309-343. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2017.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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29
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Liu Z, Zhang C, Khodadadi-Jamayran A, Dang L, Han X, Kim K, Li H, Zhao R. Canonical microRNAs Enable Differentiation, Protect Against DNA Damage, and Promote Cholesterol Biosynthesis in Neural Stem Cells. Stem Cells Dev 2016; 26:177-188. [PMID: 27762676 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2016.0259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural stem cells (NSCs) have the capacity to differentiate into neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes, and therefore represent a promising donor tissue source for treating neurodegenerative diseases and repairing injuries of the nervous system. However, it remains unclear how canonical microRNAs (miRNAs), the subset of miRNAs requiring the Drosha-Dgcr8 microprocessor and the type III RNase Dicer for biogenesis, regulate NSCs. In this study, we established and characterized Dgcr8-/- NSCs from conditionally Dgcr8-disrupted mouse embryonic brain. RNA-seq analysis demonstrated that disruption of Dgcr8 in NSCs causes a complete loss of canonical miRNAs and an accumulation of pri-miRNAs. Dgcr8-/- NSCs can be stably propagated in vitro, but progress through the cell cycle at reduced rates. When induced for differentiation, Dgcr8-/- NSCs failed to differentiate into neurons, astrocytes, or oligodendrocytes under permissive conditions. Compared to Dgcr8+/- NSCs, Dgcr8-/- NSCs exhibit significantly increased DNA damage. Comparative RNA-seq analysis and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) revealed that Dgcr8-/- NSCs significantly downregulate genes associated with neuronal differentiation, cell cycle progression, DNA replication, protein translation, and DNA damage repair. Furthermore, we discovered that Dgcr8-/- NSCs significantly downregulate genes responsible for cholesterol biosynthesis and demonstrated that Dgcr8-/- NSCs contain lower levels of cholesterol. Together, our data demonstrate that canonical miRNAs play essential roles in enabling lineage specification, protecting DNA against damage, and promoting cholesterol biosynthesis in NSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong Liu
- 1 Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Stem Cell Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Cheng Zhang
- 2 Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Center for Individualized Medicine , Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Alireza Khodadadi-Jamayran
- 1 Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Stem Cell Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Lam Dang
- 3 Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Center for Cell Engineering, Center for Stem Cell Biology, Sloan-Kettering Institute, Cell and Developmental Biology Program, Weill Medical College of Cornell University , New York, New York
| | - Xiaosi Han
- 4 Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Kitai Kim
- 3 Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Center for Cell Engineering, Center for Stem Cell Biology, Sloan-Kettering Institute, Cell and Developmental Biology Program, Weill Medical College of Cornell University , New York, New York
| | - Hu Li
- 2 Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Center for Individualized Medicine , Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Rui Zhao
- 1 Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Stem Cell Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham, Alabama
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30
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Rao YS, Pak TR. microRNAs and the adolescent brain: Filling the knowledge gap. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 70:313-322. [PMID: 27328787 PMCID: PMC5074866 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2016] [Revised: 06/09/2016] [Accepted: 06/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Over two decades ago the discovery of microRNAs (miRNA) broadened our understanding of the diverse molecular pathways mediating post-transcriptional control over gene expression. These small non-coding RNAs dynamically fluctuate, temporally and spatially, throughout the lifespan of all organisms. The fundamental role that miRNAs have in shaping embryonic neurodevelopment provides strong evidence that adolescent brain remodeling could be rooted in the changing miRNA landscape of the cell. Few studies have directly measured miRNA gene expression changes in the brain across pubertal development, and even less is known about the functional impact of those miRNAs on the maturational processes that occur in the developing adolescent brain. This review summarizes miRNA biogenesis and function in the brain in the context of normal (i.e. not diseased) physiology. These landmark studies can guide predictions about the role of miRNAs in facilitating maturation of the adolescent brain. However, there are clear indicators that adolescence/puberty is a unique life stage, suggesting miRNA function during adolescence is distinct from those in any other previously described system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yathindar S Rao
- Loyola University Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine, Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, United States
| | - Toni R Pak
- Loyola University Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine, Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, United States.
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31
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Radhakrishnan B, Alwin Prem Anand A. Role of miRNA-9 in Brain Development. J Exp Neurosci 2016; 10:101-120. [PMID: 27721656 PMCID: PMC5053108 DOI: 10.4137/jen.s32843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Revised: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small regulatory RNAs involved in gene regulation. The regulation is effected by either translational inhibition or transcriptional silencing. In vertebrates, the importance of miRNA in development was discovered from mice and zebrafish dicer knockouts. The miRNA-9 (miR-9) is one of the most highly expressed miRNAs in the early and adult vertebrate brain. It has diverse functions within the developing vertebrate brain. In this article, the role of miR-9 in the developing forebrain (telencephalon and diencephalon), midbrain, hindbrain, and spinal cord of vertebrate species is highlighted. In the forebrain, miR-9 is necessary for the proper development of dorsoventral telencephalon by targeting marker genes expressed in the telencephalon. It regulates proliferation in telencephalon by regulating Foxg1, Pax6, Gsh2, and Meis2 genes. The feedback loop regulation between miR-9 and Nr2e1/Tlx helps in neuronal migration and differentiation. Targeting Foxp1 and Foxp2, and Map1b by miR-9 regulates the radial migration of neurons and axonal development. In the organizers, miR-9 is inversely regulated by hairy1 and Fgf8 to maintain zona limitans interthalamica and midbrain–hindbrain boundary (MHB). It maintains the MHB by inhibiting Fgf signaling genes and is involved in the neurogenesis of the midbrain–hindbrain by regulating Her genes. In the hindbrain, miR-9 modulates progenitor proliferation and differentiation by regulating Her genes and Elav3. In the spinal cord, miR-9 modulates the regulation of Foxp1 and Onecut1 for motor neuron development. In the forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain, miR-9 is necessary for proper neuronal progenitor maintenance, neurogenesis, and differentiation. In vertebrate brain development, miR-9 is involved in regulating several region-specific genes in a spatiotemporal pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - A Alwin Prem Anand
- Institute of Clinical Anatomy and Cell Analysis, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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32
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Napoli M, Venkatanarayan A, Raulji P, Meyers BA, Norton W, Mangala LS, Sood AK, Rodriguez-Aguayo C, Lopez-Berestein G, Vin H, Duvic M, Tetzlaff MB, Curry JL, Rook AH, Abbas HA, Coarfa C, Gunaratne PH, Tsai KY, Flores ER. ΔNp63/DGCR8-Dependent MicroRNAs Mediate Therapeutic Efficacy of HDAC Inhibitors in Cancer. Cancer Cell 2016; 29:874-888. [PMID: 27300436 PMCID: PMC4908836 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2016.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Revised: 12/04/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
ΔNp63 is an oncogenic member of the p53 family and acts to inhibit the tumor-suppressive activities of the p53 family. By performing a chemical library screen, we identified histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) as agents reducing ΔNp63 protein stability through the E3 ubiquitin ligase, Fbw7. ΔNp63 inhibition decreases the levels of its transcriptional target, DGCR8, and the maturation of let-7d and miR-128, which we found to be critical for HDACi function in vitro and in vivo. Our work identified Fbw7 as a predictive marker for HDACi response in squamous cell carcinomas and lymphomas, and unveiled let-7d and miR-128 as specific targets to bypass tumor resistance to HDACi treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Napoli
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Avinashnarayan Venkatanarayan
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Payal Raulji
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Brooke A Meyers
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - William Norton
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Lingegowda S Mangala
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Anil K Sood
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Cristian Rodriguez-Aguayo
- Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Gabriel Lopez-Berestein
- Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Harina Vin
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Madeleine Duvic
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Michael B Tetzlaff
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jonathan L Curry
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Alain H Rook
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Hussein A Abbas
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Cristian Coarfa
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Preethi H Gunaratne
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
| | - Kenneth Y Tsai
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Dermatology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Elsa R Flores
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Butkytė S, Čiupas L, Jakubauskienė E, Vilys L, Mocevicius P, Kanopka A, Vilkaitis G. Splicing-dependent expression of microRNAs of mirtron origin in human digestive and excretory system cancer cells. Clin Epigenetics 2016; 8:33. [PMID: 27019673 PMCID: PMC4807562 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-016-0200-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background An abundant class of intronic microRNAs (miRNAs) undergoes atypical Drosha-independent biogenesis in which the spliceosome governs the excision of hairpin miRNA precursors, called mirtrons. Although nearly 500 splicing-dependent miRNA candidates have been recently predicted via bioinformatic analysis of human RNA-Seq datasets, only a few of them have been experimentally validated. The detailed mechanism of miRNA processing by the splicing machinery and the roles of mirtronic miRNAs in cancer are yet to be uncovered. Methods We experimentally examined whether biogenesis of certain miRNAs is under a splicing control by analyzing their expression levels in response to alterations in the 5′- and 3′-splice sites of a series of intron-containing minigenes carrying appropriate miRNAs. The expression levels of the miRNAs processed from mirtrons were determined by quantitative real-time PCR in five digestive tract (pancreas PANC-1, SU.86.86, T3M4, stomach KATOIII, colon HCT116) and two excretory system (kidney CaKi-1, 786-O) carcinoma cell lines as well as in pancreatic, stomach, and colorectal tumors. Transiently expressed SRSF1 and SRSF2 splicing factors were quantified by western blotting in the nuclear fractions of HCT116 cells. Results We found that biogenesis of the human hsa-miR-1227-3p, hsa-miR-1229-3p, and hsa-miR-1236-3p is splicing-dependent; therefore, these miRNAs can be assigned to the class of miRNAs processed by a non-canonical mirtron pathway. The expression analysis revealed a differential regulation of human mirtronic miRNAs in various cancer cell lines and tumors. In particular, hsa-miR-1229-3p is selectively upregulated in the pancreatic and stomach cancer cell lines derived from metastatic sites. Compared with the healthy controls, the expression of hsa-miR-1226-3p was significantly higher in stomach tumors but extensively downregulated in colorectal tumors. Furthermore, we provided evidence that overexpression of SRSF1 or SRSF2 can upregulate the processing of individual mirtronic miRNAs in HCT116 cells. Conclusions An interplay of different splicing factors, such as SRSF1 or SRSF2, may alter the levels of miRNAs of mirtron origin in a cell. Our findings underline the specific expression profiles of mirtronic miRNAs in colorectal, stomach, and pancreatic cancer. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13148-016-0200-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stasė Butkytė
- Department of Biological DNA Modification, Institute of Biotechnology, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Laurynas Čiupas
- Department of Biological DNA Modification, Institute of Biotechnology, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Eglė Jakubauskienė
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Laurynas Vilys
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Paulius Mocevicius
- Institute for Digestive Research, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Arvydas Kanopka
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Giedrius Vilkaitis
- Department of Biological DNA Modification, Institute of Biotechnology, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
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Yu AM, Tian Y, Tu MJ, Ho PY, Jilek JL. MicroRNA Pharmacoepigenetics: Posttranscriptional Regulation Mechanisms behind Variable Drug Disposition and Strategy to Develop More Effective Therapy. Drug Metab Dispos 2016; 44:308-19. [PMID: 26566807 PMCID: PMC4767381 DOI: 10.1124/dmd.115.067470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 11/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Knowledge of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) or pharmacokinetics properties is essential for drug development and safe use of medicine. Varied or altered ADME may lead to a loss of efficacy or adverse drug effects. Understanding the causes of variations in drug disposition and response has proven critical for the practice of personalized or precision medicine. The rise of noncoding microRNA (miRNA) pharmacoepigenetics and pharmacoepigenomics has come with accumulating evidence supporting the role of miRNAs in the modulation of ADME gene expression and then drug disposition and response. In this article, we review the advances in miRNA pharmacoepigenetics including the mechanistic actions of miRNAs in the modulation of Phase I and II drug-metabolizing enzymes, efflux and uptake transporters, and xenobiotic receptors or transcription factors after briefly introducing the characteristics of miRNA-mediated posttranscriptional gene regulation. Consequently, miRNAs may have significant influence on drug disposition and response. Therefore, research on miRNA pharmacoepigenetics shall not only improve mechanistic understanding of variations in pharmacotherapy but also provide novel insights into developing more effective therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Ming Yu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California
| | - Ye Tian
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California
| | - Mei-Juan Tu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California
| | - Pui Yan Ho
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California
| | - Joseph L Jilek
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California
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Davis GM, Haas MA, Pocock R. MicroRNAs: Not "Fine-Tuners" but Key Regulators of Neuronal Development and Function. Front Neurol 2015; 6:245. [PMID: 26635721 PMCID: PMC4656843 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2015.00245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of short non-coding RNAs that operate as prominent post-transcriptional regulators of eukaryotic gene expression. miRNAs are abundantly expressed in the brain of most animals and exert diverse roles. The anatomical and functional complexity of the brain requires the precise coordination of multilayered gene regulatory networks. The flexibility, speed, and reversibility of miRNA function provide precise temporal and spatial gene regulatory capabilities that are crucial for the correct functioning of the brain. Studies have shown that the underlying molecular mechanisms controlled by miRNAs in the nervous systems of invertebrate and vertebrate models are remarkably conserved in humans. We endeavor to provide insight into the roles of miRNAs in the nervous systems of these model organisms and discuss how such information may be used to inform regarding diseases of the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory M. Davis
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Matilda A. Haas
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Roger Pocock
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Analysis of Nearly One Thousand Mammalian Mirtrons Reveals Novel Features of Dicer Substrates. PLoS Comput Biol 2015; 11:e1004441. [PMID: 26325366 PMCID: PMC4556696 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1004441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2015] [Accepted: 07/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mirtrons are microRNA (miRNA) substrates that utilize the splicing machinery to bypass the necessity of Drosha cleavage for their biogenesis. Expanding our recent efforts for mammalian mirtron annotation, we use meta-analysis of aggregate datasets to identify ~500 novel mouse and human introns that confidently generate diced small RNA duplexes. These comprise nearly 1000 total loci distributed in four splicing-mediated biogenesis subclasses, with 5'-tailed mirtrons as, by far, the dominant subtype. Thus, mirtrons surprisingly comprise a substantial fraction of endogenous Dicer substrates in mammalian genomes. Although mirtron-derived small RNAs exhibit overall expression correlation with their host mRNAs, we observe a subset with substantial differences that suggest regulated processing or accumulation. We identify characteristic sequence, length, and structural features of mirtron loci that distinguish them from bulk introns, and find that mirtrons preferentially emerge from genes with larger numbers of introns. While mirtrons generate miRNA-class regulatory RNAs, we also find that mirtrons exhibit many features that distinguish them from canonical miRNAs. We observe that conventional mirtron hairpins are substantially longer than Drosha-generated pre-miRNAs, indicating that the characteristic length of canonical pre-miRNAs is not a general feature of Dicer substrate hairpins. In addition, mammalian mirtrons exhibit unique patterns of ordered 5' and 3' heterogeneity, which reveal hidden complexity in miRNA processing pathways. These include broad 3'-uridylation of mirtron hairpins, atypically heterogeneous 5' termini that may result from exonucleolytic processing, and occasionally robust decapitation of the 5' guanine (G) of mirtron-5p species defined by splicing. Altogether, this study reveals that this extensive class of non-canonical miRNA bears a multitude of characteristic properties, many of which raise general mechanistic questions regarding the processing of endogenous hairpin transcripts.
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Lin HP, Oksuz I, Hurley E, Wrabetz L, Awatramani R. Microprocessor complex subunit DiGeorge syndrome critical region gene 8 (Dgcr8) is required for schwann cell myelination and myelin maintenance. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:24294-307. [PMID: 26272614 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.636407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
We investigated the role of a key component of the Microprocessor complex, DGCR8, in the regulation of myelin formation and maintenance. We found that conditionally ablating Dgcr8 in Schwann cells (SCs) during development results in an arrest of SC differentiation. Dgcr8 conditional knock-out (cKO) SCs fail to form 1:1 relationships with axons or, having achieved this, fail to form myelin sheaths. The expression of genes normally found in immature SCs, such as sex-determining region Y-box 2 (Sox2), is increased in Dgcr8 cKO SCs, whereas the expression of myelin-related genes, including the master regulatory transcription factor early growth response 2 (Egr2), is decreased. Additionally, expression of a novel gene expression program involving sonic hedgehog (Shh), activated de novo in injured nerves, is elevated in Dgcr8 cKOs but not in Egr2 null mice, a model of SC differentiation arrest, suggesting that the injury-related gene expression program in Dgcr8 cKOs cannot be attributed to differentiation arrest. Inducible ablation of Dgcr8 in adult SCs results in gene expression changes similar to those found in cKOs, including an increase in the expression of Sox2 and Shh. Analyses of these nerves mainly reveal normal myelin thickness and axon size distribution but some dedifferentiated SCs and increased macrophage infiltration. Together our data suggest that Dgcr8 is responsible for modulation of gene expression programs underlying myelin formation and maintenance as well as suppression of an injury-related gene expression program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Pin Lin
- From the Department of Neurology and Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611 and
| | - Idil Oksuz
- From the Department of Neurology and Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611 and
| | - Edward Hurley
- Hunter James Kelly Research Institute, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York 14203
| | - Lawrence Wrabetz
- Hunter James Kelly Research Institute, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York 14203
| | - Rajeshwar Awatramani
- From the Department of Neurology and Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611 and
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Abdelfattah AM, Park C, Choi MY. Update on non-canonical microRNAs. Biomol Concepts 2015; 5:275-87. [PMID: 25372759 DOI: 10.1515/bmc-2014-0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2014] [Accepted: 07/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-canonical microRNAs are a recently-discovered subset of microRNAs. They structurally and functionally resemble canonical miRNAs, but were found to follow distinct maturation pathways, typically bypassing one or more steps of the classic canonical biogenesis pathway. Non-canonical miRNAs were found to have diverse origins, including introns, snoRNAs, endogenous shRNAs and tRNAs. Our knowledge about their functions remains relatively primitive; however, many interesting discoveries have taken place in the past few years. They have been found to take part in several cellular processes, such as immune response and stem cell proliferation. Adversely, their deregulation has pathologic effects on several different tissues, which strongly suggests an integral role for non-canonical miRNAs in disease pathogenesis. In this review, we discuss the recently-discovered functional characteristics of non-canonical miRNAs and illustrate their principal maturation pathways as well as debating their potential role in multiple cellular processes.
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Weiß K, Antoniou A, Schratt G. Non-coding mechanisms of local mRNA translation in neuronal dendrites. Eur J Cell Biol 2015; 94:363-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2015.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
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Abstract
The modENCODE (Model Organism Encyclopedia of DNA Elements) Consortium aimed to map functional elements-including transcripts, chromatin marks, regulatory factor binding sites, and origins of DNA replication-in the model organisms Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans. During its five-year span, the consortium conducted more than 2,000 genome-wide assays in developmentally staged animals, dissected tissues, and homogeneous cell lines. Analysis of these data sets provided foundational insights into genome, epigenome, and transcriptome structure and the evolutionary turnover of regulatory pathways. These studies facilitated a comparative analysis with similar data types produced by the ENCODE Consortium for human cells. Genome organization differs drastically in these distant species, and yet quantitative relationships among chromatin state, transcription, and cotranscriptional RNA processing are deeply conserved. Of the many biological discoveries of the modENCODE Consortium, we highlight insights that emerged from integrative studies. We focus on operational and scientific lessons that may aid future projects of similar scale or aims in other, emerging model systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- James B Brown
- Department of Statistics, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720;
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Aksoy-Aksel A, Zampa F, Schratt G. MicroRNAs and synaptic plasticity--a mutual relationship. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2015; 369:rstb.2013.0515. [PMID: 25135976 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2013.0515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are rapidly emerging as central regulators of gene expression in the postnatal mammalian brain. Initial studies mostly focused on the function of specific miRNAs during the development of neuronal connectivity in culture, using classical gain- and loss-of-function approaches. More recently, first examples have documented important roles of miRNAs in plastic processes in intact neural circuits in the rodent brain related to higher cognitive abilities and neuropsychiatric disease. At the same time, evidence is accumulating that miRNA function itself is subjected to sophisticated control mechanisms engaged by the activity of neural circuits. In this review, we attempt to pay tribute to this mutual relationship between miRNAs and synaptic plasticity. In particular, in the first part, we summarize how neuronal activity influences each step in the lifetime of miRNAs, including the regulation of transcription, maturation, gene regulatory function and turnover in mammals. In the second part, we discuss recent examples of miRNA function in synaptic plasticity in rodent models and their implications for higher cognitive function and neurological disorders, with a special emphasis on epilepsy as a disorder of abnormal nerve cell activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayla Aksoy-Aksel
- Institut für Physiologische Chemie, Biochemisch-Pharmakologisches Centrum Marburg, Philipps-Universität Marburg, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Federico Zampa
- Institut für Physiologische Chemie, Biochemisch-Pharmakologisches Centrum Marburg, Philipps-Universität Marburg, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Gerhard Schratt
- Institut für Physiologische Chemie, Biochemisch-Pharmakologisches Centrum Marburg, Philipps-Universität Marburg, 35032 Marburg, Germany
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42
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Qureshi IA, Mehler MF. An evolving view of epigenetic complexity in the brain. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2015; 369:rstb.2013.0506. [PMID: 25135967 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2013.0506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent scientific advances have revolutionized our understanding of classical epigenetic mechanisms and the broader landscape of molecular interactions and cellular functions that are inextricably linked to these processes. Our current view of epigenetics includes an increasing appreciation for the dynamic nature of DNA methylation, active mechanisms for DNA demethylation, differential functions of 5-methylcytosine and its oxidized derivatives, the intricate regulatory logic of histone post-translational modifications, the incorporation of histone variants into chromatin, nucleosome occupancy and dynamics, and direct links between cellular signalling pathways and the actions of chromatin 'reader', 'writer' and 'eraser' molecules. We also have an increasing awareness of the seemingly ubiquitous roles played by diverse classes of selectively expressed non-coding RNAs in transcriptional, post-transcriptional, post-translational and local and higher order chromatin modulatory processes. These perspectives are still evolving with novel insights continuing to emerge rapidly (e.g. those related to epigenetic regulation of mobile genetic elements, epigenetic mechanisms in mitochondria, roles in nuclear architecture and 'RNA epigenetics'). The precise functions of these epigenetic factors/phenomena are largely unknown. However, it is unequivocal that they serve as key mediators of brain complexity and flexibility, including neural development and aging, cellular differentiation, homeostasis, stress responses, and synaptic and neural network connectivity and plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irfan A Qureshi
- Roslyn and Leslie Goldstein Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA Institute for Brain Disorders and Neural Regeneration, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA Rose F. Kennedy Center for Research on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Mark F Mehler
- Roslyn and Leslie Goldstein Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA Institute for Brain Disorders and Neural Regeneration, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA Rose F. Kennedy Center for Research on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA Einstein Cancer Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA Ruth S. and David L. Gottesman Stem Cell Institute, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA Center for Epigenomics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA Institute for Aging Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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43
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Smalheiser NR. The RNA-centred view of the synapse: non-coding RNAs and synaptic plasticity. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2015; 369:rstb.2013.0504. [PMID: 25135965 PMCID: PMC4142025 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2013.0504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
If mRNAs were the only RNAs made by a neuron, there would be a simple mapping of mRNAs to proteins. However, microRNAs and other non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs; endo-siRNAs, piRNAs, BC1, BC200, antisense and long ncRNAs, repeat-related transcripts, etc.) regulate mRNAs via effects on protein translation as well as transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms. Not only are genes ON or OFF, but their ability to be translated can be turned ON or OFF at the level of synapses, supporting an enormous increase in information capacity. Here, I review evidence that ncRNAs are expressed pervasively within dendrites in mammalian brain; that some are activity-dependent and highly enriched near synapses; and that synaptic ncRNAs participate in plasticity responses including learning and memory. Ultimately, ncRNAs can be viewed as the post-it notes of the neuron. They have no literal meaning of their own, but derive their functions from where (and to what) they are stuck. This may explain, in part, why ncRNAs differ so dramatically from protein-coding genes, both in terms of the usual indicators of functionality and in terms of evolutionary constraints. ncRNAs do not appear to be direct mediators of synaptic transmission in the manner of neurotransmitters or receptors, yet they orchestrate synaptic plasticity—and may drive species-specific changes in cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil R Smalheiser
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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44
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Jimenez-Mateos EM. Role of MicroRNAs in innate neuroprotection mechanisms due to preconditioning of the brain. Front Neurosci 2015; 9:118. [PMID: 25954143 PMCID: PMC4404827 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2014] [Accepted: 03/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Insults to the brain that are sub-threshold for damage activate endogenous protective pathways, which can temporarily protect the brain against a subsequent harmful episode. This mechanism has been named as tolerance and its protective effects have been shown in experimental models of ischemia and epilepsy. The preconditioning-stimulus can be a short period of ischemia or mild seizures induced by low doses of convulsant drugs. Gene-array profiling has shown that both ischemic and epileptic tolerance feature large-scale gene down-regulation but the mechanism are unknown. MicroRNAs are a class of small non-coding RNAs of ~20-22 nucleotides length which regulate gene expression at a post-transcriptional level via mRNA degradation or inhibition of protein translation. MicroRNAs have been shown to be regulated after non-harmful and harmful stimuli in the brain and to contribute to neuroprotective mechanisms. This review focuses on the role of microRNAs in the development of tolerance following ischemic or epileptic preconditioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva M Jimenez-Mateos
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Dublin, Ireland
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45
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Fiorenza A, Lopez-Atalaya JP, Rovira V, Scandaglia M, Geijo-Barrientos E, Barco A. Blocking miRNA Biogenesis in Adult Forebrain Neurons Enhances Seizure Susceptibility, Fear Memory, and Food Intake by Increasing Neuronal Responsiveness. Cereb Cortex 2015; 26:1619-1633. [PMID: 25595182 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhu332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The RNase Dicer is essential for the maturation of most microRNAs, a molecular system that plays an essential role in fine-tuning gene expression. To gain molecular insight into the role of Dicer and the microRNA system in brain function, we conducted 2 complementary RNA-seq screens in the hippocampus of inducible forebrain-restricted Dicer1 mutants aimed at identifying the microRNAs primarily affected by Dicer loss and their targets, respectively. Functional genomics analyses predicted the main biological processes and phenotypes associated with impaired microRNA maturation, including categories related to microRNA biology, signal transduction, seizures, and synaptic transmission and plasticity. Consistent with these predictions, we found that, soon after recombination, Dicer-deficient mice exhibited an exaggerated seizure response, enhanced induction of immediate early genes in response to different stimuli, stronger and more stable fear memory, hyperphagia, and increased excitability of CA1 pyramidal neurons. In the long term, we also observed slow and progressive excitotoxic neurodegeneration. Overall, our results indicate that interfering with microRNA biogenesis causes an increase in neuronal responsiveness and disrupts homeostatic mechanisms that protect the neuron against overactivation, which may explain both the initial and late phenotypes associated with the loss of Dicer in excitatory neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Fiorenza
- Instituto de Neurociencias (Universidad Miguel Hernández-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas), Av. Santiago Ramón y Cajal s/n., 03550 Sant Joan d'Alacant, Alicante, Spain
| | - Jose P Lopez-Atalaya
- Instituto de Neurociencias (Universidad Miguel Hernández-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas), Av. Santiago Ramón y Cajal s/n., 03550 Sant Joan d'Alacant, Alicante, Spain
| | - Victor Rovira
- Instituto de Neurociencias (Universidad Miguel Hernández-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas), Av. Santiago Ramón y Cajal s/n., 03550 Sant Joan d'Alacant, Alicante, Spain
| | - Marilyn Scandaglia
- Instituto de Neurociencias (Universidad Miguel Hernández-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas), Av. Santiago Ramón y Cajal s/n., 03550 Sant Joan d'Alacant, Alicante, Spain
| | - Emilio Geijo-Barrientos
- Instituto de Neurociencias (Universidad Miguel Hernández-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas), Av. Santiago Ramón y Cajal s/n., 03550 Sant Joan d'Alacant, Alicante, Spain
| | - Angel Barco
- Instituto de Neurociencias (Universidad Miguel Hernández-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas), Av. Santiago Ramón y Cajal s/n., 03550 Sant Joan d'Alacant, Alicante, Spain
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Abstract
Epilepsy is a common, serious neurological disease characterized by recurring seizures. Such abnormal, excessive synchronous firing of neurons arises in part because of imbalances in excitation and inhibition in the brain. The process of epileptogenesis, during which the normal brain is transformed after injury to one capable of generating spontaneous seizures, is associated with large-scale changes in gene expression. These contribute to the remodelling of brain networks that permanently alters excitability. Components of the microRNA (miRNA) biogenesis pathway have been found to be altered in brain tissue from epilepsy patients and experimental epileptogenic insults result in select changes to miRNAs regulating neuronal microstructure, cell death, inflammation, and ion channels. Targeting key miRNAs has been shown to alter brain excitability and suppress or exacerbate seizures, indicating potential for miRNA-based therapeutics in epilepsy. Altered miRNA profiles in biofluids may be potentially useful biomarkers of epileptogenesis. In summary, miRNAs represent an important layer of gene expression control in epilepsy with therapeutic and biomarker potential.
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47
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerhard Schratt
- Biochemisch-Pharmakologisches Centrum, Institut für Physiologische Chemie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, 35032 Marburg, Germany
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48
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Balakrishnan I, Yang X, Brown J, Ramakrishnan A, Torok-Storb B, Kabos P, Hesselberth JR, Pillai MM. Genome-wide analysis of miRNA-mRNA interactions in marrow stromal cells. Stem Cells 2014; 32:662-73. [PMID: 24038734 DOI: 10.1002/stem.1531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2013] [Revised: 06/19/2013] [Accepted: 07/27/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Regulation of hematopoietic stem cell proliferation, lineage commitment, and differentiation in adult vertebrates requires extrinsic signals provided by cells in the marrow microenvironment (ME) located within the bone marrow. Both secreted and cell-surface bound factors critical to this regulation have been identified, yet control of their expression by cells within the ME has not been addressed. Herein we hypothesize that microRNAs (miRNAs) contribute to their controlled expression. MiRNAs are small noncoding RNAs that bind to target mRNAs and downregulate gene expression by either initiating mRNA degradation or preventing peptide translation. Testing the role of miRNAs in downregulating gene expression has been difficult since conventional techniques used to define miRNA-mRNA interactions are indirect and have high false-positive and negative rates. In this report, a genome-wide biochemical technique (high-throughput sequencing of RNA isolated by cross-linking immunoprecipitation or HITS-CLIP) was used to generate unbiased genome-wide maps of miRNA-mRNA interactions in two critical cellular components of the marrow ME: marrow stromal cells and bone marrow endothelial cells. Analysis of these datasets identified miRNAs as direct regulators of JAG1, WNT5A, MMP2, and VEGFA; four factors that are important to ME function. Our results show the feasibility and utility of unbiased genome-wide biochemical techniques in dissecting the role of miRNAs in regulation of complex tissues such as the marrow ME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilango Balakrishnan
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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49
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Role of microRNAs in arbovirus/vector interactions. Viruses 2014; 6:3514-34. [PMID: 25251636 PMCID: PMC4189037 DOI: 10.3390/v6093514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2014] [Revised: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 09/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of microRNAs (miRNAs) as small non-coding RNAs in regulation of gene expression has been recognized. They appear to be involved in regulation of a wide range of cellular pathways that affect several biological processes such as development, the immune system, survival, metabolism and host-pathogen interactions. Arthropod-borne viruses impose great economic and health risks around the world. Recent advances in miRNA biology have shed some light on the role of these small RNAs in vector-virus interactions. In this review, I will reflect on our current knowledge on the role of miRNAs in arbovirus-vector interactions and the potential avenues for their utilization in limiting virus replication and/or transmission.
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50
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Khan IS, Taniguchi RT, Fasano KJ, Anderson MS, Jeker LT. Canonical microRNAs in thymic epithelial cells promote central tolerance. Eur J Immunol 2014; 44:1313-9. [PMID: 24515814 PMCID: PMC4141217 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201344079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2013] [Revised: 01/05/2014] [Accepted: 02/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) facilitate the deletion of developing self-reactive T cells by displaying a diverse repertoire of tissue-specific antigens, a process which largely depends on the expression of the autoimmune regulator (Aire) gene. Mature microRNAs (miRNAs) that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally are generated in a multistep process. The microprocessor complex, including DGCR8, cleaves canonical miRNAs, but alternative DGCR8-independent miRNA biogenesis pathways exist as well. In order to study the role of canonical miRNAs in thymic epithelial cells (TECs), we ablated Dgcr8 using a FoxN1-Cre transgene. We report that DGCR8-deficient TECs are unable to maintain proper thymic architecture and exhibit a dramatic loss of thymic cellularity. Importantly, DGCR8-deficient TECs develop a severe loss of Aire(+) mTECs. Using a novel immunization approach to amplify and detect self-reactive T cells within a polyclonal TCR repertoire, we demonstrate a link between the loss of Aire expression in DGCR8-deficient TECs and the breakdown of negative selection in the thymus. Thus, DGCR8 and canonical miRNAs are important in TECs for supporting central tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imran S. Khan
- Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Kayla J. Fasano
- Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Mark S. Anderson
- Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lukas T. Jeker
- Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Departments of Medicine and Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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