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Zhang X, Yuan L, Zhang W, Zhang Y, Wu Q, Li C, Wu M, Huang Y. Liquid-liquid phase separation in diseases. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e640. [PMID: 39006762 PMCID: PMC11245632 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), an emerging biophysical phenomenon, can sequester molecules to implement physiological and pathological functions. LLPS implements the assembly of numerous membraneless chambers, including stress granules and P-bodies, containing RNA and protein. RNA-RNA and RNA-protein interactions play a critical role in LLPS. Scaffolding proteins, through multivalent interactions and external factors, support protein-RNA interaction networks to form condensates involved in a variety of diseases, particularly neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Modulating LLPS phenomenon in multiple pathogenic proteins for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and cancer could present a promising direction, though recent advances in this area are limited. Here, we summarize in detail the complexity of LLPS in constructing signaling pathways and highlight the role of LLPS in neurodegenerative diseases and cancers. We also explore RNA modifications on LLPS to alter diseases progression because these modifications can influence LLPS of certain proteins or the formation of stress granules, and discuss the possibility of proper manipulation of LLPS process to restore cellular homeostasis or develop therapeutic drugs for the eradication of diseases. This review attempts to discuss potential therapeutic opportunities by elaborating on the connection between LLPS, RNA modification, and their roles in diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Zhang
- College of Life and Health Sciences Northeastern University Shenyang China
| | - Lin Yuan
- Laboratory of Research in Parkinson's Disease and Related Disorders Health Sciences Institute China Medical University Shenyang China
| | - Wanlu Zhang
- College of Life and Health Sciences Northeastern University Shenyang China
| | - Yi Zhang
- College of Life and Health Sciences Northeastern University Shenyang China
| | - Qun Wu
- Department of Pediatrics Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine Shanghai China
| | - Chunting Li
- College of Life and Health Sciences Northeastern University Shenyang China
| | - Min Wu
- Wenzhou Institute University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Wenzhou Zhejiang China
- The Joint Research Center Affiliated Xiangshan Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Ningbo China
| | - Yongye Huang
- College of Life and Health Sciences Northeastern University Shenyang China
- Key Laboratory of Bioresource Research and Development of Liaoning Province College of Life and Health Sciences Northeastern University Shenyang China
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2
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Hu H, Li Z, Xie X, Liao Q, Hu Y, Gong C, Gao N, Yang H, Xiao Y, Chen Y. Insights into the role of RNA m 6A modification in the metabolic process and related diseases. Genes Dis 2024; 11:101011. [PMID: 38560499 PMCID: PMC10978549 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.04.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
According to the latest consensus, many traditional diseases are considered metabolic diseases, such as cancer, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. Currently, metabolic diseases are increasingly prevalent because of the ever-improving living standards and have become the leading threat to human health. Multiple therapy methods have been applied to treat these diseases, which improves the quality of life of many patients, but the overall effect is still unsatisfactory. Therefore, intensive research on the metabolic process and the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases is imperative. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is an important modification of eukaryotic RNAs. It is a critical regulator of gene expression that is involved in different cellular functions and physiological processes. Many studies have indicated that m6A modification regulates the development of many metabolic processes and metabolic diseases. In this review, we summarized recent studies on the role of m6A modification in different metabolic processes and metabolic diseases. Additionally, we highlighted the potential m6A-targeted therapy for metabolic diseases, expecting to facilitate m6A-targeted strategies in the treatment of metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Qiushi Liao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China
| | - Yiyang Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China
| | - Chunli Gong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China
| | - Nannan Gao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China
| | - Huan Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China
| | - Yufeng Xiao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China
| | - Yang Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China
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3
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Albihlal WS, Chan WY, van Werven FJ. Budding yeast as an ideal model for elucidating the role of N 6-methyladenosine in regulating gene expression. Yeast 2024; 41:148-157. [PMID: 38238962 DOI: 10.1002/yea.3925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a highly abundant and evolutionarily conserved messenger RNA (mRNA) modification. This modification is installed on RRACH motifs on mRNAs by a hetero-multimeric holoenzyme known as m6A methyltransferase complex (MTC). The m6A mark is then recognised by a group of conserved proteins known as the YTH domain family proteins which guide the mRNA for subsequent downstream processes that determine its fate. In yeast, m6A is installed on thousands of mRNAs during early meiosis by a conserved MTC and the m6A-modified mRNAs are read by the YTH domain-containing protein Mrb1/Pho92. In this review, we aim to delve into the recent advances in our understanding of the regulation and roles of m6A in yeast meiosis. We will discuss the potential functions of m6A in mRNA translation and decay, unravelling their significance in regulating gene expression. We propose that yeast serves as an exceptional model organism for the study of fundamental molecular mechanisms related to the function and regulation of m6A-modified mRNAs. The insights gained from yeast research not only expand our knowledge of mRNA modifications and their molecular roles but also offer valuable insights into the broader landscape of eukaryotic posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waleed S Albihlal
- The Francis Crick Institute, Cell Fate and Gene Regulation Laboratory, London, UK
| | - Wei Yee Chan
- The Francis Crick Institute, Cell Fate and Gene Regulation Laboratory, London, UK
| | - Folkert J van Werven
- The Francis Crick Institute, Cell Fate and Gene Regulation Laboratory, London, UK
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4
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Peng C, Xiong F, Pu X, Hu Z, Yang Y, Qiao X, Jiang Y, Han M, Wang D, Li X. m 6A methylation modification and immune cell infiltration: implications for targeting the catalytic subunit m 6A-METTL complex in gastrointestinal cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1326031. [PMID: 38187373 PMCID: PMC10768557 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1326031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation modification is a ubiquitous RNA modification involved in the regulation of various cellular processes, including regulation of RNA stability, metabolism, splicing and translation. Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are some of the world's most common and fatal cancers. Emerging evidence has shown that m6A modification is dynamically regulated by a complex network of enzymes and that the catalytic subunit m6A-METTL complex (MAC)-METTL3/14, a core component of m6A methyltransferases, participates in the development and progression of GI cancers. Furthermore, it has been shown that METTL3/14 modulates immune cell infiltration in an m6A-dependent manner in TIME (Tumor immune microenvironment), thereby altering the response of cancer cells to ICIs (Immune checkpoint inhibitors). Immunotherapy has emerged as a promising approach for treating GI cancers. Moreover, targeting the expression of METTL3/14 and its downstream genes may improve patient response to immunotherapy. Therefore, understanding the role of MAC in the pathogenesis of GI cancers and its impact on immune cell infiltration may provide new insights into the development of effective therapeutic strategies for GI cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Peng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Fen Xiong
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xi Pu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhangmin Hu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Yufei Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xuehan Qiao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Yuchun Jiang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Miao Han
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Deqiang Wang
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xiaoqin Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
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Wen T, Li T, Xu Y, Zhang Y, Pan H, Wang Y. The role of m6A epigenetic modifications in tumor coding and non-coding RNA processing. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:355. [PMID: 38102645 PMCID: PMC10722709 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01385-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenetic modifications of RNA significantly contribute to the regulatory processes in tumors and have, thus, received considerable attention. The m6A modification, known as N6-methyladenosine, is the predominant epigenetic alteration found in both eukaryotic mRNAs and ncRNAs. MAIN BODY m6A methylation modifications are dynamically reversible and are catalyzed, removed, and recognized by the complex of m6A methyltransferase (MTases), m6A demethylase, and m6A methyl recognition proteins (MRPs). Published evidence suggests that dysregulated m6A modification results in abnormal biological behavior of mature mRNA, leading to a variety of abnormal physiological processes, with profound implications for tumor development in particular. CONCLUSION Abnormal RNA processing due to dysregulation of m6A modification plays an important role in tumor pathogenesis and potential mechanisms of action. In this review, we comprehensively explored the mechanisms by which m6A modification regulates mRNA and ncRNA processing, focusing on their roles in tumors, and aiming to understand the important regulatory function of m6A modification, a key RNA epigenetic modification, in tumor cells, with a view to providing theoretical support for tumor diagnosis and treatment. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongxuan Wen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110024, P.R. China
| | - Tong Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110024, P.R. China
| | - Yeqiu Xu
- Fourth Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110024, P.R. China
| | - Yuanzhuang Zhang
- Fourth Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110024, P.R. China
| | - Hai Pan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110024, P.R. China.
| | - Yong Wang
- Fourth Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110024, P.R. China.
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Nayak A, Chavarria A, Sanders KN, Ghalei H, Khoshnevis S. Sinefungin, a natural nucleoside analog of S-adenosyl methionine, impairs the pathogenicity of Candida albicans. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.12.562127. [PMID: 37873365 PMCID: PMC10592816 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.12.562127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Candida albicans, an opportunistic fungal human pathogen, is a major threat to the healthcare system due to both infections in immunocompromised individuals and the emergence of antifungal resistance. Fungal infection caused by C. albicans, candidiasis, is a life-threatening condition in immunocompromised patients and the current treatments are mostly restricted to polyenes, azoles, and echinocandins. Use of these antifungals is limited by toxicity, drug-drug interactions, and the emergence of resistance, underscoring the importance of identifying novel therapeutic targets and the need for new treatment approaches. C. albicans can undergo a morphological transition from yeast to hyphae and this transition is central to C. albicans virulence. Here, we determine the impact of sinefungin, a natural nucleoside analog of S-adenosyl methionine, on the virulence of C. albicans strain SC5314 by evaluating treatment effects on the morphological transition, human epithelial cell adhesion, and biofilm formation. Our data indicate that sinefungin impairs pathogenic traits of C. albicans including hyphal lengthening, biofilm formation and the adhesion to the human epithelial cell lines, without adversely affecting human cells, therefore highlighting sinefungin as a potential avenue for therapeutic intervention. We determine that the formation of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is particularly disturbed by sinefungin. More broadly, this study underscores the importance of considering the post-transcriptional control mechanisms of pathogenicity when designing therapeutic solutions to fungal infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anushka Nayak
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Alejandro Chavarria
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Kyla N. Sanders
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Homa Ghalei
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Sohail Khoshnevis
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
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Kozlowski P. Thirty Years with ERH: An mRNA Splicing and Mitosis Factor Only or Rather a Novel Genome Integrity Protector? Cells 2023; 12:2449. [PMID: 37887293 PMCID: PMC10605862 DOI: 10.3390/cells12202449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
ERH is a 100 to about 110 aa nuclear protein with unique primary and three-dimensional structures that are very conserved from simple eukaryotes to humans, albeit some species have lost its gene, with most higher fungi being a noteworthy example. Initially, studies on Drosophila melanogaster implied its function in pyrimidine metabolism. Subsequently, research on Xenopus laevis suggested that it acts as a transcriptional repressor. Finally, studies in humans pointed to a role in pre-mRNA splicing and in mitosis but further research, also in Caenorhabditis elegans and Schizosaccharomyces pombe, demonstrated its much broader activity, namely involvement in the biogenesis of mRNA, and miRNA, piRNA and some other ncRNAs, and in repressive heterochromatin formation. ERH interacts with numerous, mostly taxon-specific proteins, like Mmi1 and Mei2 in S. pombe, PID-3/PICS-1, TOST-1 and PID-1 in C. elegans, and DGCR8, CIZ1, PDIP46/SKAR and SAFB1/2 in humans. There are, however, some common themes in this wide range of processes and partners, such as: (a) ERH homodimerizes to form a scaffold for several complexes involved in the metabolism of nucleic acids, (b) all these RNAs are RNA polymerase II transcripts, (c) pre-mRNAs, whose splicing depends on ERH, are enriched in transcripts of DNA damage response and DNA metabolism genes, and (d) heterochromatin is formed to silence unwanted transcription, e.g., from repetitive elements. Thus, it seems that ERH has been adopted for various pathways that serve to maintain genome integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Kozlowski
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland
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Park ZM, Sporer AJ, Kraft K, Lum KK, Blackman E, Belnap E, Yellman CM, Rose MD. Kar4, the yeast homolog of METTL14, is required for mRNA m6A methylation and meiosis. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1010896. [PMID: 37603553 PMCID: PMC10470960 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010896] [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: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
KAR4, the yeast homolog of the mammalian mRNA N6A-methyltransferase complex component METTL14, is required for two disparate developmental programs in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: mating and meiosis. To understand KAR4's role in yeast mating and meiosis, we used a genetic screen to isolate 25 function-specific mutant alleles, which map to non-overlapping surfaces on a predicted structure of the Kar4 protein (Kar4p). Most of the mating-specific alleles (Mat-) abolish Kar4p's interaction with the transcription factor Ste12p, indicating that Kar4p's mating function is through Ste12p. In yeast, the mRNA methyltransferase complex was previously defined as comprising Ime4p (Kar4p's paralog and the homolog of mammalian METTL3), Mum2p (homolog of mammalian WTAP), and Slz1p (MIS), but not Kar4p. During meiosis, Kar4p interacts with Ime4p, Mum2p, and Slz1p. Moreover, cells lacking Kar4p have highly reduced levels of mRNA methylation during meiosis indicating that Kar4p is a key member of the methyltransferase complex, as it is in humans. Analysis of kar4Δ/Δ and 7 meiosis-specific alleles (Mei-) revealed that Kar4p is required early in meiosis, before initiation of S-phase and meiotic recombination. High copy expression of the meiotic transcriptional activator IME1 rescued the defect of these Mei- alleles. Surprisingly, Kar4p was also found to be required at a second step for the completion of meiosis and sporulation. Over-expression of IME1 in kar4Δ/Δ permits pre-meiotic S-phase, but most cells remained arrested with a monopolar spindle. Analysis of the function-specific mutants revealed that roughly half became blocked after premeiotic DNA synthesis and did not sporulate (Spo-). Loss of Kar4p's Spo function was suppressed by overexpression of RIM4, a meiotic translational regulator. Overexpression of IME1 and RIM4 together allowed sporulation of kar4Δ/Δ cells. Taken together, these data suggest that Kar4p regulates meiosis at multiple steps, presumably reflecting requirements for methylation in different stages of meiotic gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachory M. Park
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - Abigail J. Sporer
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Katherine Kraft
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - Krystal K. Lum
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Edith Blackman
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Ethan Belnap
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington DC, United States of America
| | | | - Mark D. Rose
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington DC, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, United States of America
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Park ZM, Remillard M, Belnap E, Rose MD. Kar4 is required for the normal pattern of meiotic gene expression. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1010898. [PMID: 37639444 PMCID: PMC10491391 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010898] [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: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Kar4p, the yeast homolog of the mammalian methyltransferase subunit METTL14, is required for efficient mRNA m6A methylation, which regulates meiotic entry. Kar4p is also required for a second seemingly non-catalytic function during meiosis. Overexpression of the early meiotic transcription factor, IME1, can bypass the requirement for Kar4p in meiotic entry but the additional overexpression of the translational regulator, RIM4, is required to permit sporulation in kar4Δ/Δ. Using microarray analysis and RNA sequencing, we sought to determine the impact of removing Kar4p and consequently mRNA methylation on the early meiotic transcriptome in a strain background (S288c) that is sensitive to the loss of early meiotic regulators. We found that kar4Δ/Δ mutants have a largely wild type transcriptional profile with the exception of two groups of genes that show delayed and reduced expression: (1) a set of Ime1p-dependent early genes as well as IME1, and (2) a set of late genes dependent on the mid-meiotic transcription factor, Ndt80p. The early gene expression defect is likely the result of the loss of mRNA methylation and is rescued by overexpressing IME1, but the late defect is only suppressed by overexpression of both IME1 and RIM4. The requirement for RIM4 led us to predict that the non-catalytic function of Kar4p, like methyltransferase complex orthologs in other systems, may function at the level of translation. Mass spectrometry analysis identified several genes involved in meiotic recombination with strongly reduced protein levels, but with little to no reduction in transcript levels in kar4Δ/Δ after IME1 overexpression. The low levels of these proteins were rescued by overexpression of RIM4 and IME1, but not by the overexpression of IME1 alone. These data expand our understanding of the role of Kar4p in regulating meiosis and provide key insights into a potential mechanism of Kar4p's later meiotic function that is independent of mRNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachory M. Park
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - Matthew Remillard
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Ethan Belnap
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - Mark D. Rose
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington DC, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, United States of America
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Remines M, Schoonover M, Knox Z, Kenwright K, Hoffert KM, Coric A, Mead J, Ampfer J, Seye S, Strome ED. Profiling The Compendium Of Changes In Saccharomyces cerevisiae Due To Mutations That Alter Availability Of The Main Methyl Donor S-Adenosylmethionine. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.09.544294. [PMID: 37333147 PMCID: PMC10274911 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.09.544294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
The SAM1 and SAM2 genes encode for S-AdenosylMethionine (AdoMet) synthetase enzymes, with AdoMet serving as the main methyl donor. We have previously shown that independent deletion of these genes alters chromosome stability and AdoMet concentrations in opposite ways in S. cerevisiae. To characterize other changes occurring in these mutants, we grew wildtype, sam1∆/sam1∆, and sam2∆/sam2∆ strains in 15 different Phenotypic Microarray plates with different components, equal to 1440 wells, and measured for growth variations. RNA-Sequencing was also carried out on these strains and differential gene expression determined for each mutant. In this study, we explore how the phenotypic growth differences are linked to the altered gene expression, and thereby predict the mechanisms by which loss of the SAM genes and subsequent AdoMet level changes, impact S. cerevisiae pathways and processes. We present six stories, discussing changes in sensitivity or resistance to azoles, cisplatin, oxidative stress, arginine biosynthesis perturbations, DNA synthesis inhibitors, and tamoxifen, to demonstrate the power of this novel methodology to broadly profile changes due to gene mutations. The large number of conditions that result in altered growth, as well as the large number of differentially expressed genes with wide-ranging functionality, speaks to the broad array of impacts that altering methyl donor abundance can impart, even when the conditions tested were not specifically selected as targeting known methyl involving pathways. Our findings demonstrate that some cellular changes are directly related to AdoMet-dependent methyltransferases and AdoMet availability, some are directly linked to the methyl cycle and its role is production of several important cellular components, and others reveal impacts of SAM gene mutations on previously unconnected pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- McKayla Remines
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, KY 41099
| | - Makailyn Schoonover
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, KY 41099
| | - Zoey Knox
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, KY 41099
| | - Kailee Kenwright
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, KY 41099
| | - Kellyn M. Hoffert
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, KY 41099
| | - Amila Coric
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, KY 41099
| | - James Mead
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, KY 41099
| | - Joseph Ampfer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, KY 41099
| | - Serigne Seye
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, KY 41099
| | - Erin D. Strome
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, KY 41099
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11
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Park ZM, Belnap E, Remillard M, Rose MD. Vir1p, the yeast homolog of virilizer, is required for mRNA m6A methylation and meiosis. Genetics 2023; 224:iyad043. [PMID: 36930734 PMCID: PMC10474941 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyad043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) is among the most abundant modifications of eukaryotic mRNAs. mRNA methylation regulates many biological processes including playing an essential role in meiosis. During meiosis in the budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, m6A levels peak early, before the initiation of the meiotic divisions. High-throughput studies suggested, and this work confirms that the uncharacterized protein Ygl036wp interacts with Kar4p, a component of the mRNA m6A-methyltransferase complex. Protein structure programs predict that Ygl036wp folds like VIRMA/Virilizer/VIR, which is involved in mRNA m6A-methylation in higher eukaryotes. In addition, Ygl036wp contains conserved motifs shared with VIRMA/Virilizer/VIR. Accordingly, we propose the name VIR1 for budding yeast ortholog of VIRMA/Virilizer/VIR 1. Vir1p interacts with all other members of the yeast methyltransferase complex and is itself required for mRNA m6A methylation and meiosis. In the absence of Vir1p proteins comprising the methyltransferase complex become unstable, suggesting that Vir1p acts as a scaffold for the complex. The vir1Δ/Δ mutant is defective for the premeiotic S-phase, which is suppressed by overexpression of the early meiotic transcription factor IME1; additional overexpression of the translational regulator RIM4 is required for sporulation. The vir1Δ/Δ mutant exhibits reduced levels of IME1 mRNA, as well as transcripts within Ime1p's regulon. Suppression by IME1 revealed an additional defect in the expression of the middle meiotic transcription factor, Ndt80p (and genes in its regulon), which is rescued by overexpression of RIM4. Together, these data suggest that Vir1p is required for cells to initiate the meiotic program and for progression through the meiotic divisions and spore formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachory M Park
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Ethan Belnap
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Matthew Remillard
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Mark D Rose
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
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Park ZM, Belnap E, Remillard M, Rose MD. Vir1p, the Yeast Homolog of Virilizer, is Required for mRNA m 6 A Methylation and Meiosis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.07.527493. [PMID: 36798303 PMCID: PMC9934557 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.07.527493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
N 6 -Methyladenosine (m 6 A) is one of the most abundant modifications found on eukaryotic mRNAs. mRNA methylation regulates a host of biological processes including meiosis, a specialized diploid cell division program that results in the formation of haploid cells (gametes). During budding yeast meiosis, m 6 A levels peak early, before the initiation of the meiotic divisions. High-throughput studies and work from our lab showed that Ygl036wp, a previously uncharacterized protein interacts with Kar4p, a meiotic protein required for mRNA m 6 A-methylation. Ygl036wp has no discernable domains except for several intrinsically disordered regions. However, protein folding prediction tools showed that Ygl036wp folds like VIRMA/Virilizer/VIR, which is involved in mRNA m 6 A-methylation in higher eukaryotes. In addition, Ygl036wp has several conserved motifs shared with VIRMA/Virilizer/VIR proteins. Accordingly, we propose to call the gene VIR1 for budding yeast ortholog of VIR MA/Virilizer/VIR 1 . In support, Vir1p interacts with all other members of the yeast methyltransferase complex and is required for mRNA m 6 A methylation and meiosis. Vir1p is required for the stability of proteins comprising the methyltransferase complex, suggesting that Vir1p acts as a scaffold to stabilize the complex. The vir1 Δ/Δ mutant is defective for premeiotic S-phase, which is suppressed by overexpression of the early meiotic transcription factor IME1; additional overexpression of the translational regulator RIM4 is required for sporulation. Consistent with IME1 suppression, vir1 Δ/Δ exhibits a defect in the abundance of IME1 mRNA, as well as transcripts within Ime1p's regulon. Suppression by IME1 revealed a defect in the expression of the middle meiotic transcription factor, Ndt80p (and genes in its regulon), which is rescued by additional overexpression of RIM4 . Together, these data suggest that Vir1p is required for cells to initiate the meiotic program and for progression through the meiotic divisions and spore formation. Author Summary Ygl036wp is a previously uncharacterized protein that we propose to name Vir1p (budding yeast ortholog of VIR MA/Virilizer/VIR 1 ). Work from our lab and others initially found an interaction between Vir1p and members of the yeast mRNA methyltransferase complex (Kar4p and Mum2p). We found that Vir1p interacts with all known members of the methyltransferase complex and is required for mRNA methylation. Vir1p is required early in meiosis; vir1 Δ/Δ mutants arrest due to the reduced expression of Ime1p. Lower levels of Ime1p cause severe disruption to the meiotic transcriptome in vir1 Δ/Δ. The vir1 Δ/Δ meiotic defect can be partially suppressed by the overexpression of IME1 ; full suppression requires overexpression of both IME1 and RIM4 . Using recent advances in protein folding predictions, we found that Vir1p is a remote homolog of VIRMA/Virilizer/VIR and shares conserved motifs with the protein from other organisms. Vir1p, like VIRMA/Virilizer/VIR, stabilizes the methyltransferase complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachory M. Park
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington DC, 20057, USA
| | - Ethan Belnap
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington DC, 20057, USA
| | - Matthew Remillard
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544
| | - Mark D. Rose
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington DC, 20057, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544
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Park ZM, Sporer A, Kraft K, Lum K, Blackman E, Belnap E, Yellman C, Rose MD. Kar4, the Yeast Homolog of METTL14, is Required for mRNA m 6 A Methylation and Meiosis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.29.526094. [PMID: 36747717 PMCID: PMC9900893 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.29.526094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
KAR4 , the yeast homolog of the mammalian mRNA N 6 A-methyltransferase complex component METTL14 , is required for two disparate developmental programs in Saccharomyces cerevisiae : mating and meiosis. To understand KAR4 's role in yeast mating and meiosis, we used a genetic screen to isolate 25 function-specific mutant alleles, which map to non-overlapping surfaces on a predicted structure of the Kar4 protein (Kar4p). Most of the mating-specific alleles (Mat - ) abolish Kar4p's interaction with the transcription factor Ste12p, indicating that Kar4p's mating function is through Ste12p. In yeast, the mRNA methyltransferase complex was previously defined as comprising Ime4p (Kar4p's paralog and the homolog of mammalian METTL3), Mum2p (homolog of mammalian WTAP), and Slz1p (MIS), but not Kar4p. During meiosis, Kar4p interacts with Ime4p, Mum2p, and Slz1p. Moreover, cells lacking Kar4p have highly reduced levels of mRNA methylation during meiosis indicating that Kar4p is a key member of the methyltransferase complex, as it is in humans. Analysis of kar4 Δ/Δ and 7 meiosis-specific alleles (Mei - ) revealed that Kar4p is required early in meiosis, before initiation of S-phase and meiotic recombination. High copy expression of the meiotic transcriptional activator IME1 rescued the defect of these Mei- alleles. Surprisingly, Kar4p was also found to be required at a second step for the completion of meiosis and sporulation. Over-expression of IME1 in kar4 Δ/Δ permits pre-meiotic S-phase, but most cells remained arrested with a monopolar spindle. Analysis of the function-specific mutants revealed that roughly half became blocked after premeiotic DNA synthesis and did not sporulate (Spo - ). Loss of Kar4p's Spo function was suppressed by overexpression of RIM4 , a meiotic translational regulator. Overexpression of IME1 and RIM4 together allowed sporulation of kar4 Δ/Δ cells. Taken together, these data suggest that Kar4p regulates meiosis at multiple steps, presumably reflecting requirements for methylation in different stages of meiotic gene expression. Author Summary In yeast, KAR4 is required for mating and meiosis. A genetic screen for function-specific mutations identified 25 alleles that map to different surfaces on a predicted structure of the Kar4 protein (Kar4p). The mating-specific alleles interfere with Kar4p's ability to interact with the transcription factor Ste12p, its known partner in mating. The meiosis-specific alleles revealed an independent function: Kar4p is required for entry into meiosis and initiation of S-phase. During meiosis, Kar4p interacts with all components of the mRNA methyltransferase complex and kar4 Δ/Δ mutants have greatly reduced levels of mRNA methylation. Thus, Kar4p is a member of the yeast methyltransferase complex. Overexpression of the meiotic transcriptional activator IME1 rescued the meiotic entry defect but did not lead to sporulation, implying that Kar4p has more than one meiotic function. Suppression by Ime1p overexpression led to arrest after premeiotic DNA synthesis, but before sporulation. Loss of Kar4's sporulation function can be suppressed by overexpression of a translation regulator, Rim4p. Overexpression of both IME1 and RIM4 allowed sporulation in kar4 Δ/Δ cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachory M. Park
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington DC, 20057, USA
| | - Abigail Sporer
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544
| | - Katherine Kraft
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington DC, 20057, USA
| | - Krystal Lum
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544
| | - Edith Blackman
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544
| | - Ethan Belnap
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington DC, 20057, USA
| | | | - Mark D. Rose
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington DC, 20057, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544
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14
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Park ZM, Remillard M, Rose MD. Kar4 is Required for the Normal Pattern of Meiotic Gene Expression. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.29.526097. [PMID: 36747654 PMCID: PMC9900936 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.29.526097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Kar4p, the yeast homolog of the mammalian methyltransferase subunit METTL14, is required for the initiation of meiosis and has at least two distinct functions in regulating the meiotic program. Cells lacking Kar4p can be driven to sporulate by co-overexpressing the master meiotic transcription factor, IME1 , and the translational regulator, RIM4 , suggesting that Kar4p functions at both the transcriptional and translational level to regulate meiosis. Using microarray analysis and RNA sequencing, we found that kar4 Δ/Δ mutants have a largely wild type transcriptional profile with the exception of two groups of genes that show delayed and reduced expression: (1) a set of Ime1p-dependent early genes as well as IME1 , and (2) a set of late genes dependent on the mid-meiotic transcription factor, Ndt80p. The early gene expression defect is rescued by overexpressing IME1 , but the late defect is only suppressed by overexpression of both IME1 and RIM4 . Mass spectrometry analysis identified several genes involved in meiotic recombination with strongly reduced protein levels, but with little to no reduction in transcript levels in kar4 Δ/Δ after IME1 overexpression. The low levels of these proteins were rescued by overexpression of RIM4 and IME1 , but not by the overexpression of IME1 alone. These data expand our understanding of the role of Kar4p in regulating meiosis and provide key insights into a potential mechanism of Kar4p's later meiotic function that is independent of mRNA methylation. Author Summary Kar4p is required at two stages during meiosis. Cells lacking Kar4p have a severe loss of mRNA methylation and arrest early in the meiotic program, failing to undergo either pre-meiotic DNA synthesis or meiotic recombination. The early block is rescued by overexpression of the meiotic transcription factor, IME1 . The kar4 Δ/Δ cells show delayed and reduced expression of a set of Ime1p-dependent genes expressed early in meiosis as well as a set of later genes that are largely Ndt80p-dependent. Overexpression of IME1 rescues the expression defect of these early genes and expedites the meiotic program in the wild type S288C strain background. However, IME1 overexpression is not sufficient to facilitate sporulation in kar4 Δ/Δ. Completion of meiosis and sporulation requires the additional overexpression of a translational regulator, RIM4 . Analysis of kar4 Δ/Δ's proteome during meiosis with IME1 overexpression revealed that proteins important for meiotic recombination have reduced levels that cannot be explained by equivalent reductions in transcript abundance. IME1 overexpression by itself rescues the defect associated with a catalytic mutant of Ime4p, implying that the early defect reflects mRNA methylation. The residual defects in protein levels likely reflect the loss of a non-catalytic function of Kar4p, and the methylation complex, which requires overexpression of RIM4 to suppress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachory M. Park
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington DC, 20057, USA
| | - Matthew Remillard
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544
| | - Mark D. Rose
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington DC, 20057, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544
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15
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Kisan A, Chhabra R. Modulation of gene expression by YTH domain family (YTHDF) proteins in human physiology and pathology. J Cell Physiol 2023; 238:5-31. [PMID: 36326110 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The advent of high throughput techniques in the past decade has significantly advanced the field of epitranscriptomics. The internal chemical modification of the target RNA at a specific site is a basic feature of epitranscriptomics and is critical for its structural stability and functional property. More than 170 modifications at the transcriptomic level have been reported so far, among which m6A methylation is one of the more conserved internal RNA modifications, abundantly found in eukaryotic mRNAs and frequently involved in enhancing the target messenger RNA's (mRNA) stability and translation. m6A modification of mRNAs is essential for multiple physiological processes including stem cell differentiation, nervous system development and gametogenesis. Any aberration in the m6A modification can often result in a pathological condition. The deregulation of m6A methylation has already been described in inflammation, viral infection, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. The m6A modification is reversible in nature and is carried out by specialized m6A proteins including writers (m6A methyltransferases) that add methyl groups and erasers (m6A demethylases) that remove methyl groups selectively. The fate of m6A-modified mRNA is heavily reliant on the various m6A-binding proteins ("readers") which recognize and generate a functional signal from m6A-modified mRNA. In this review, we discuss the role of a family of reader proteins, "YT521-B homology domain containing family" (YTHDF) proteins, in human physiology and pathology. In addition, we critically evaluate the potential of YTHDF proteins as therapeutic targets in human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aju Kisan
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Ravindresh Chhabra
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
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16
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Fan Y, Lv X, Chen Z, Peng Y, Zhang M. m6A methylation: Critical roles in aging and neurological diseases. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1102147. [PMID: 36896007 PMCID: PMC9990872 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1102147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant internal RNA modification in eukaryotic cells, which participates in the functional regulation of various biological processes. It regulates the expression of targeted genes by affecting RNA translocation, alternative splicing, maturation, stability, and degradation. As recent evidence shows, of all organs, brain has the highest abundance of m6A methylation of RNAs, which indicates its regulating role in central nervous system (CNS) development and the remodeling of the cerebrovascular system. Recent studies have shown that altered m6A levels are crucial in the aging process and the onset and progression of age-related diseases. Considering that the incidence of cerebrovascular and degenerative neurologic diseases increase with aging, the importance of m6A in neurological manifestations cannot be ignored. In this manuscript, we focus on the role of m6A methylation in aging and neurological manifestations, hoping to provide a new direction for the molecular mechanism and novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yishu Fan
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xinyi Lv
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhuohui Chen
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yanyi Peng
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Mengqi Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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17
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Xu Y, Yu X, Guo W, He Y. Emerging role of interaction between m6A and main ncRNAs in gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1129298. [PMID: 36875073 PMCID: PMC9982029 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1129298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
As a prevalent epigenetic modification, the role of m6A has been increasingly highlighted in the alteration of numerous RNAs implicated with multiple biological processes, such as formation, export, translation, and degradation. With further the understanding of m6A, accumulating evidence shows that m6A modification similarly affects metabolic process of non-coding genes. But the specifical interplay of m6A and ncRNAs (non-coding RNAs) in gastrointestinal cancers still lacks complete discussion. Thus, we analyzed and summarized how ncRNAs affect the regulators of m6A and by what means the expression of ncRNAs is altered via m6A in gastrointestinal cancers. We focused on the effect of the interaction of m6A and ncRNAs on the molecular mechanisms of malignant behavior in gastrointestinal cancers, revealing more possibilities of ncRNAs for diagnosis and treatment in term of epigenetic modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yating Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Open and Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiao Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Open and Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wenzhi Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Open and Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yuting He
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Open and Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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18
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Varier RA, Sideri T, Capitanchik C, Manova Z, Calvani E, Rossi A, Edupuganti RR, Ensinck I, Chan VWC, Patel H, Kirkpatrick J, Faull P, Snijders AP, Vermeulen M, Ralser M, Ule J, Luscombe NM, van Werven FJ. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) reader Pho92 is recruited co-transcriptionally and couples translation to mRNA decay to promote meiotic fitness in yeast. eLife 2022; 11:e84034. [PMID: 36422864 PMCID: PMC9731578 DOI: 10.7554/elife.84034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
N6- methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification impacts mRNA fate primarily via reader proteins, which dictate processes in development, stress, and disease. Yet little is known about m6A function in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which occurs solely during early meiosis. Here, we perform a multifaceted analysis of the m6A reader protein Pho92/Mrb1. Cross-linking immunoprecipitation analysis reveals that Pho92 associates with the 3'end of meiotic mRNAs in both an m6A-dependent and independent manner. Within cells, Pho92 transitions from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, and associates with translating ribosomes. In the nucleus Pho92 associates with target loci through its interaction with transcriptional elongator Paf1C. Functionally, we show that Pho92 promotes and links protein synthesis to mRNA decay. As such, the Pho92-mediated m6A-mRNA decay is contingent on active translation and the CCR4-NOT complex. We propose that the m6A reader Pho92 is loaded co-transcriptionally to facilitate protein synthesis and subsequent decay of m6A modified transcripts, and thereby promotes meiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Alice Rossi
- The Francis Crick InstituteLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Raghu R Edupuganti
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Oncode Institute, Radboud University NijmegenNijmegenNetherlands
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Biomedical Research BuildingMiamiUnited States
| | | | | | | | | | - Peter Faull
- The Francis Crick InstituteLondonUnited Kingdom
- Biological Mass Spectrometry Facility, The University of Texas at AustinAustinUnited States
| | | | - Michiel Vermeulen
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Oncode Institute, Radboud University NijmegenNijmegenNetherlands
| | - Markus Ralser
- The Francis Crick InstituteLondonUnited Kingdom
- Department of Biochemistry, Charité Universitätsmedizin BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Jernej Ule
- The Francis Crick InstituteLondonUnited Kingdom
- Dementia Research Institute, King's College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Nicholas M Luscombe
- The Francis Crick InstituteLondonUnited Kingdom
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, UCL Genetics InstituteLondonUnited Kingdom
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate UniversityOkinawaJapan
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19
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Wang S, Zhang L, Xuan R, Li Q, Ji Z, Chao T, Wang J, Zhang C. Identification and functional analysis of m6A in the mammary gland tissues of dairy goats at the early and peak lactation stages. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:945202. [PMID: 36330333 PMCID: PMC9623301 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.945202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common reversible epigenetic RNA modification in the mRNA of all higher eukaryotic organisms and plays an important role in the regulation of gene expression and cell function. In this study, m6A-modified methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-seq) and transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) were used to identify the key genes with m6A modification during mammary gland development and lactation in dairy goats. The results showed that m6A methylation occurred at 3,927 loci, which were significantly enriched in the 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) and the termination codon region. In the early stage and peak stage of lactation, m6A methylation occurred extensively in mammary tissues, and a total of 725 differentially expressed m6A-modified genes were obtained, all negatively correlated with mRNA expression. In addition, Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis showed that different methylated genes were mainly involved in the growth and apoptosis of mammary epithelial cells through signaling pathways, such as the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phospholipase D pathways, and then affected the development and lactation of mammary gland. All in all, we identified and analyzed the methylation events related to the development and lactation regulation of mammary gland at the early and peak lactation stages, and provided a theoretical basis to reveal the physiological regulatory system of mammary gland development and lactation in dairy goats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujun Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, China
| | - Rong Xuan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, China
| | - Qing Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, China
| | - Zhibin Ji
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, China
- *Correspondence: Zhibin Ji,
| | - Tianle Chao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, China
| | - Jianmin Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, China
| | - Chunlan Zhang
- College of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Weifang University, Weifang, China
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20
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Luan J, Kopp JB, Zhou H. N6-methyladenine RNA Methylation Epigenetic Modification and Kidney Diseases. Kidney Int Rep 2022; 8:36-50. [PMID: 36644366 PMCID: PMC9831943 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2022.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA methylation modification is a rapidly developing field in epigenetics. N6-methyladensine (m6A) is the most common internal modification in eukaryotic mRNA. m6A group regulates RNA splicing, stability, translocation, and translation. Enzymes catalyzing this process were termed as writers, erasers, and readers. Recent studies have focused on exploring the role of RNA methylation in human diseases. RNA methylation modifications, particularly m6A, play important roles in the pathogenesis of kidney diseases. In this review, we provide a brief description of m6A and summarize the impact of m6A on acute and chronic kidney disease (CKD) and possible future study directions for this research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjun Luan
- Department of Nephrology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jeffrey B. Kopp
- Kidney Disease Section, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases/National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA,Jeffrey B. Kopp, Kidney Disease Section, Kidney Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases/National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, 3N116, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1268, USA.
| | - Hua Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China,Correspondence: Hua Zhou, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36 Sanhao Street, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, China.
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21
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Scutenaire J, Plassard D, Matelot M, Villa T, Zumsteg J, Libri D, Séraphin B. The S. cerevisiae m6A-reader Pho92 promotes timely meiotic recombination by controlling key methylated transcripts. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 51:517-535. [PMID: 35934316 PMCID: PMC9881176 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
N6-Methyladenosine (m6A), one of the most abundant internal modification of eukaryotic mRNAs, participates in the post-transcriptional control of gene expression through recruitment of specific m6A readers. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the m6A methyltransferase Ime4 is expressed only during meiosis and its deletion impairs this process. To elucidate how m6A control gene expression, we investigated the function of the budding yeast m6A reader Pho92. We show that Pho92 is an early meiotic factor that promotes timely meiotic progression. High-throughput RNA sequencing and mapping of Pho92-binding sites following UV-crosslinking reveal that Pho92 is recruited to specific mRNAs in an m6A-dependent manner during the meiotic prophase, preceding their down-regulation. Strikingly, point mutations altering m6A sites in mRNAs targeted by Pho92 are sufficient to delay their down-regulation and, in one case, to slow down meiotic progression. Altogether, our results indicate that Pho92 facilitate the meiotic progression by accelerating the down-regulation of timely-regulated mRNAs during meiotic recombination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérémy Scutenaire
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), 67400 Illkirch, France,Centre National de Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR 7104, 67400 Illkirch, France,Institut National de Santé et de Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1258, 67400 Illkirch, France,Université de Strasbourg, 67400 Illkirch, France
| | - Damien Plassard
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), 67400 Illkirch, France,Centre National de Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR 7104, 67400 Illkirch, France,Institut National de Santé et de Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1258, 67400 Illkirch, France,Université de Strasbourg, 67400 Illkirch, France
| | - Mélody Matelot
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), 67400 Illkirch, France,Centre National de Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR 7104, 67400 Illkirch, France,Institut National de Santé et de Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1258, 67400 Illkirch, France,Université de Strasbourg, 67400 Illkirch, France
| | - Tommaso Villa
- Université de Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Julie Zumsteg
- Institut de Biologie Moléculaire des Plantes, CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Domenico Libri
- Université de Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Bertrand Séraphin
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +33 3 88 65 33 36; Fax: +33 3 88 65 32 01;
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22
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Dvoran M, Nemcova L, Kalous J. An Interplay between Epigenetics and Translation in Oocyte Maturation and Embryo Development: Assisted Reproduction Perspective. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10071689. [PMID: 35884994 PMCID: PMC9313063 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10071689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Germ cell quality is a key prerequisite for successful fertilization and early embryo development. The quality is determined by the fine regulation of transcriptomic and proteomic profiles, which are prone to alteration by assisted reproduction technology (ART)-introduced in vitro methods. Gaining evidence shows the ART can influence preset epigenetic modifications within cultured oocytes or early embryos and affect their developmental competency. The aim of this review is to describe ART-determined epigenetic changes related to the oogenesis, early embryogenesis, and further in utero development. We confront the latest epigenetic, related epitranscriptomic, and translational regulation findings with the processes of meiotic maturation, fertilization, and early embryogenesis that impact the developmental competency and embryo quality. Post-ART embryo transfer, in utero implantation, and development (placentation, fetal development) are influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors. The review is emphasizing their epigenetic and ART contribution to fetal development. An epigenetic parallel among mouse, porcine, and bovine animal models and human ART is drawn to illustrate possible future mechanisms of infertility management as well as increase the awareness of the underlying mechanisms governing oocyte and embryo developmental complexity under ART conditions.
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23
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Hernández-Elvira M, Sunnerhagen P. Post-transcriptional regulation during stress. FEMS Yeast Res 2022; 22:6585650. [PMID: 35561747 PMCID: PMC9246287 DOI: 10.1093/femsyr/foac025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
To remain competitive, cells exposed to stress of varying duration, rapidity of onset, and intensity, have to balance their expenditure on growth and proliferation versus stress protection. To a large degree dependent on the time scale of stress exposure, the different levels of gene expression control: transcriptional, post-transcriptional and post-translational, will be engaged in stress responses. The post-transcriptional level is appropriate for minute-scale responses to transient stress, and for recovery upon return to normal conditions. The turnover rate, translational activity, covalent modifications, and subcellular localisation of RNA species are regulated under stress by multiple cellular pathways. The interplay between these pathways is required to achieve the appropriate signalling intensity and prevent undue triggering of stress-activated pathways at low stress levels, avoid overshoot, and down-regulate the response in a timely fashion. As much of our understanding of post-transcriptional regulation has been gained in yeast, this review is written with a yeast bias, but attempts to generalise to other eukaryotes. It summarises aspects of how post-transcriptional events in eukaryotes mitigate short-term environmental stresses, and how different pathways interact to optimise the stress response under shifting external conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Hernández-Elvira
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, Lundberg Laboratory, University of Gothenburg, P.O. Box 462, S-405 30 Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Per Sunnerhagen
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, Lundberg Laboratory, University of Gothenburg, P.O. Box 462, S-405 30 Göteborg, Sweden
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24
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Nsengimana B, Khan FA, Ngowi EE, Zhou X, Jin Y, Jia Y, Wei W, Ji S. Processing body (P-body) and its mediators in cancer. Mol Cell Biochem 2022; 477:1217-1238. [PMID: 35089528 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-022-04359-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, processing bodies (P-bodies) formed by liquid-liquid phase separation, have attracted growing scientific attention due to their involvement in numerous cellular activities, including the regulation of mRNAs decay or storage. These cytoplasmic dynamic membraneless granules contain mRNA storage and decay components such as deadenylase and decapping factors. In addition, different mRNA metabolic regulators, including m6A readers and gene-mediated miRNA-silencing, are also associated with such P-bodies. Cancerous cells may profit from these mRNA decay shredders by up-regulating the expression level of oncogenes and down-regulating tumor suppressor genes. The main challenges of cancer treatment are drug resistance, metastasis, and cancer relapse likely associated with cancer stem cells, heterogeneity, and plasticity features of different tumors. The mRNA metabolic regulators based on P-bodies play a great role in cancer development and progression. The dysregulation of P-bodies mediators affects mRNA metabolism. However, less is known about the relationship between P-bodies mediators and cancerous behavior. The current review summarizes the recent studies on P-bodies mediators, their contribution to tumor development, and their potential in the clinical setting, particularly highlighting the P-bodies as potential drug-carriers such as exosomes to anticancer in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Nsengimana
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Henan, 475004, People's Republic of China
| | - Faiz Ali Khan
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Henan, 475004, People's Republic of China
| | - Ebenezeri Erasto Ngowi
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Henan, 475004, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuefeng Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Dongtai Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Dongtai, 224200, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Jin
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Henan, 475004, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuting Jia
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Henan, 475004, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenqiang Wei
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Henan, 475004, People's Republic of China.
| | - Shaoping Ji
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Henan, 475004, People's Republic of China.
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25
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Advances in the functional roles of N6-methyladenosine modification in cancer progression: mechanisms and clinical implications. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:4929-4941. [PMID: 35025029 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07126-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the methylation targeting the N6 position of adenosine, is the most common internal modification of mRNA in eukaryotes. Considering the roles of m6A in regulating gene expression, the investigation of m6A roles in the biological processes including cell renewal, differentiation, apoptosis, and invasion of cancer cells has become a hot research topic. There are three kinds of protein involved in m6A regulation. The methyltransferases and demethylases cooperatively regulate the m6A levels, while the m6A reading proteins recognize the m6A sites and mediate multiple m6A-dependent biological functions including mRNA splicing, transfer, translation, and degradation. At present, a large number of studies have found that the changes of m6A levels in tumor cells play a very important role in the occurrence and development of tumors, as well as metastasis and invasion of tumor cells. This review summarizes the different roles of m6A modification in the occurrence and development of various cancers, and discusses the possibility of choosing the m6A related proteins as potential therapeutic targets.
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26
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Zhao Y, Peng H. The Role of N 6-Methyladenosine (m 6A) Methylation Modifications in Hematological Malignancies. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14020332. [PMID: 35053496 PMCID: PMC8774242 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14020332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Recently, despite the common application of various novel therapies (e.g., immunotherapy and stem cell transplantation) in hematologic tumors, hematologic malignancies remain suboptimal and have a worse prognosis due to the lack of donors and their high heterogeneity. Among them, epigenetic alterations (e.g., the abnormal modification of m6A) are essential to facilitate the progression of tumors and drug resistance. Our purpose in this study is to pinpoint the molecular targets of pathogenesis, as well as to analyze the oncogenic characteristics of m6A modifications. In this article, we, therefore, elaborate on the mechanisms of m6A modification and its role in normal hematopoietic regulation and malignant tumorigenesis, thus contributing to the refinement of molecularly targeted therapies. Abstract Epigenetics is identified as the study of heritable modifications in gene expression and regulation that do not involve DNA sequence alterations, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, etc. Importantly, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation modification is one of the most common epigenetic modifications of eukaryotic messenger RNA (mRNA), which plays a key role in various cellular processes. It can not only mediate various RNA metabolic processes such as RNA splicing, translation, and decay under the catalytic regulation of related enzymes but can also affect the normal development of bone marrow hematopoiesis by regulating the self-renewal, proliferation, and differentiation of pluripotent stem cells in the hematopoietic microenvironment of bone marrow. In recent years, numerous studies have demonstrated that m6A methylation modifications play an important role in the development and progression of hematologic malignancies (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma, myelodysplastic syndromes [MDS], multiple myeloma [MM], etc.). Targeting the inhibition of m6A-associated factors can contribute to increased susceptibility of patients with hematologic malignancies to therapeutic agents. Therefore, this review elaborates on the biological characteristics and normal hematopoietic regulatory functions of m6A methylation modifications and their role in the pathogenesis of hematologic malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhao
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Hematology, Department of Hematology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China;
- Institute of Hematology, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Hongling Peng
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Hematology, Department of Hematology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China;
- Institute of Hematology, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Tumor Models and Individualized Medicine, Changsha 410011, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-731-85295296
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27
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Zhou M, Liu W, Zhang J, Sun N. RNA m 6A Modification in Immunocytes and DNA Repair: The Biological Functions and Prospects in Clinical Application. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:794754. [PMID: 34988083 PMCID: PMC8722703 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.794754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As the most prevalent internal modification in mRNA, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) plays broad biological functions via fine-tuning gene expression at the post-transcription level. Such modifications are deposited by methyltransferases (i.e., m6A Writers), removed by demethylases (i.e., m6A Erasers), and recognized by m6A binding proteins (i.e., m6A Readers). The m6A decorations regulate the stability, splicing, translocation, and translation efficiency of mRNAs, and exert crucial effects on proliferation, differentiation, and immunologic functions of immunocytes, such as T lymphocyte, B lymphocyte, dendritic cell (DC), and macrophage. Recent studies have revealed the association of dysregulated m6A modification machinery with various types of diseases, including AIDS, cancer, autoimmune disease, and atherosclerosis. Given the crucial roles of m6A modification in activating immunocytes and promoting DNA repair in cells under physiological or pathological states, targeting dysregulated m6A machinery holds therapeutic potential in clinical application. Here, we summarize the biological functions of m6A machinery in immunocytes and the potential clinical applications via targeting m6A machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingjie Zhou
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.,Department of Immunology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.,Department of Hand Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Immunology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jieyan Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Wuxi Branch of Zhongda Hospital Southeast University, Wuxi, China
| | - Nan Sun
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
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28
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Dynamic Patterns of N6-Methyladenosine Profiles of Messenger RNA Correlated with the Cardiomyocyte Regenerability during the Early Heart Development in Mice. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:5537804. [PMID: 34413927 PMCID: PMC8369182 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5537804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) plays important roles in regulating mRNA processing. Despite rapid progress in this field, little is known about the role and mechanism of m6A modification in myocardial development and cardiomyocyte regeneration. Existing studies have shown that the heart tissues of newborn mice have the capability of proliferation and regeneration, but its mechanism, particularly its relation to m6A methylation, remains unknown. Methods. To systematically profile the mRNA m6A modification pattern in the heart tissues of mice at different developmental stages, we jointly performed methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-seq) and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of heart tissues of mice, respectively, aged 1 day old, 7 days old, and 28 days old. Results. We identified the linkages and association between differentially expressed mRNA transcripts and hyper or hypomethylated m6A peaks in C57BL/6J mice at different heart developmental stages. Results showed that the amount of m6A peaks and the level of m6A modification were the lowest in the heart of mice at 1 day old. By contrast, heart tissues from 7-day-old mice tended to possess the most m6A peaks and the highest global m6A level. However, the m6A characteristics of myocardial tissue changed little after 7 days old as compared to that of 1 day old. Specifically, we found 1269 downmethylated genes of 1434 methylated genes in 7-day-old mouse heart tissues as compared to those in 1-day-old mice. Hypermethylation of some specific genes may correlate with the heart's strong proliferative and regenerative capability at the first day after birth. In terms of m6A density, the tendency shifted from coding sequences (CDS) to 3′-untranslated regions (3′UTR) and stop codon with the progression of heart development. In addition, some genes demonstrated remarkable changes both in methylation and expression, like kiss1, plekha6, and megf6, which may play important roles in proliferation. Furthermore, signaling pathways highly related to proliferation such as “Wnt signaling pathway,” “ECM-receptor interaction,” and “cardiac chamber formation” were significantly enriched in 1-day-old methylated genes. Conclusions. Our results reveal a pattern that different m6A modifications are distributed in C57BL/6J heart tissue at different developmental stages, which provides new insights into a novel function of m6A methylation of mRNA in myocardial development and regeneration.
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29
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Oerum S, Meynier V, Catala M, Tisné C. A comprehensive review of m6A/m6Am RNA methyltransferase structures. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:7239-7255. [PMID: 34023900 PMCID: PMC8287941 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 65.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene expression is regulated at many levels including co- or post-transcriptionally, where chemical modifications are added to RNA on riboses and bases. Expression control via RNA modifications has been termed 'epitranscriptomics' to keep with the related 'epigenomics' for DNA modification. One such RNA modification is the N6-methylation found on adenosine (m6A) and 2'-O-methyladenosine (m6Am) in most types of RNA. The N6-methylation can affect the fold, stability, degradation and cellular interaction(s) of the modified RNA, implicating it in processes such as splicing, translation, export and decay. The multiple roles played by this modification explains why m6A misregulation is connected to multiple human cancers. The m6A/m6Am writer enzymes are RNA methyltransferases (MTases). Structures are available for functionally characterized m6A RNA MTases from human (m6A mRNA, m6A snRNA, m6A rRNA and m6Am mRNA MTases), zebrafish (m6Am mRNA MTase) and bacteria (m6A rRNA MTase). For each of these MTases, we describe their overall domain organization, the active site architecture and the substrate binding. We identify areas that remain to be investigated, propose yet unexplored routes for structural characterization of MTase:substrate complexes, and highlight common structural elements that should be described for future m6A/m6Am RNA MTase structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Oerum
- Expression Génétique Microbienne, UMR 8261, CNRS, Université de Paris, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique (IBPC), 75005 Paris, France
| | - Vincent Meynier
- Expression Génétique Microbienne, UMR 8261, CNRS, Université de Paris, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique (IBPC), 75005 Paris, France
| | - Marjorie Catala
- Expression Génétique Microbienne, UMR 8261, CNRS, Université de Paris, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique (IBPC), 75005 Paris, France
| | - Carine Tisné
- Expression Génétique Microbienne, UMR 8261, CNRS, Université de Paris, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique (IBPC), 75005 Paris, France
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30
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Sequoia: an interactive visual analytics platform for interpretation and feature extraction from nanopore sequencing datasets. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:513. [PMID: 34233619 PMCID: PMC8262049 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07791-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Direct-sequencing technologies, such as Oxford Nanopore’s, are delivering long RNA reads with great efficacy and convenience. These technologies afford an ability to detect post-transcriptional modifications at a single-molecule resolution, promising new insights into the functional roles of RNA. However, realizing this potential requires new tools to analyze and explore this type of data. Result Here, we present Sequoia, a visual analytics tool that allows users to interactively explore nanopore sequences. Sequoia combines a Python-based backend with a multi-view visualization interface, enabling users to import raw nanopore sequencing data in a Fast5 format, cluster sequences based on electric-current similarities, and drill-down onto signals to identify properties of interest. We demonstrate the application of Sequoia by generating and analyzing ~ 500k reads from direct RNA sequencing data of human HeLa cell line. We focus on comparing signal features from m6A and m5C RNA modifications as the first step towards building automated classifiers. We show how, through iterative visual exploration and tuning of dimensionality reduction parameters, we can separate modified RNA sequences from their unmodified counterparts. We also document new, qualitative signal signatures that characterize these modifications from otherwise normal RNA bases, which we were able to discover from the visualization. Conclusions Sequoia’s interactive features complement existing computational approaches in nanopore-based RNA workflows. The insights gleaned through visual analysis should help users in developing rationales, hypotheses, and insights into the dynamic nature of RNA. Sequoia is available at https://github.com/dnonatar/Sequoia. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-021-07791-z.
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31
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Cao C, Ma Q, Huang X, Li A, Liu J, Ye J, Gui Y. Targeted Demethylation of the PLOD2 mRNA Inhibits the Proliferation and Migration of Renal Cell Carcinoma. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:675683. [PMID: 34179084 PMCID: PMC8220145 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.675683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification is the most common internal mRNA modification in mammals and has been reported to play a key role in gene expression regulation. In this study, we detected a high level of m6A methylation of the PLOD2 3′-untranslated regions (3′UTR) in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Furthermore, we found that the high expression level of PLOD2 was a prognostic indicator for patients with RCC. A dm6ACRISPR demethylation system was performed to accurately and specifically demethylate 3′UTR of PLOD2 and caused an inactivation of PLOD2 expression. Furthermore, we also performed many in vitro experiments to confirm that PLOD2 exerted tumor promoter effects by promoting tumor proliferation and migration. In conclusion, PLOD2 mRNA demethylated by dCas13b-ALKBH5 might provide a new light on the treatment for RCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congcong Cao
- Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Institute of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen-Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qian Ma
- Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Institute of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen-Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xinbo Huang
- Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Institute of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen-Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Aolin Li
- Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Ye
- Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Institute of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen-Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yaoting Gui
- Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Institute of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen-Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
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32
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Lü X, Fan Y, Kang S, Xiao B, Zhang M. RNA methylation and neurovascular unit remodeling. ZHONG NAN DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE BAN = JOURNAL OF CENTRAL SOUTH UNIVERSITY. MEDICAL SCIENCES 2021; 46:536-544. [PMID: 34148891 PMCID: PMC10930208 DOI: 10.11817/j.issn.1672-7347.2021.200246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
RNA methylation is of great significance in the regulation of gene expression, among which the more important methylation modifiers are N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and 5-methylcytosine (m5C). The methylation process is mainly regulated by 3 kinds of proteins: methyltransferase, demethylase, and reader. m6A, m5C, and their related proteins have high abundance in the brain, and they have important roles in the development of the nervous system and the repair and remodeling of the vascular system. The neurovascular unit (NVU) is a unit of brain structure and function composed of neurons, capillaries, astrocytes, supporting cells, and extracellular matrix. The local microenvironment for NVU has an important role in nerve cell function repair, and the remodeling of NVU is of great significance in the prognosis of various neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Lü
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China.
| | - Yishu Fan
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Shuntong Kang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Bo Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Mengqi Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China.
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33
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Fang F, Wang X, Li Z, Ni K, Xiong C. Epigenetic regulation of mRNA N6-methyladenosine modifications in mammalian gametogenesis. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 27:6212059. [PMID: 33823008 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaab025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent epigenetic modification of mRNAs and broadly influences various biological processes by regulating post-transcriptional gene expression in eukaryotes. The reversible m6A modification is catalyzed by methyltransferases, METTL3 and METTL14 (writers), removed by the demethylases FTO and ALKBH5 (erasers) and recognized by m6A-binding proteins, namely the YTH domain-containing family of proteins (readers). Both m6A modification and the related enzymes are involved in the regulation of normal gametogenesis and embryonic development in many species. Recent studies showed that loss of m6A compromises gamete maturation, sex hormone synthesis, fertility and early embryonic development. In this review, we have summarized the most recent findings on the role of mRNA m6A modification in mammalian gametogenesis to emphasize the epigenetic regulation of mRNA in the reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Fang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Zili Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Ke Ni
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Chengliang Xiong
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.,Center of Reproductive Medicine, Wuhan Tongji Reproductive Medicine Hospital, Wuhan 430013, China
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34
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ATP-Independent Initiation during Cap-Independent Translation of m 6A-Modified mRNA. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073662. [PMID: 33915887 PMCID: PMC8036370 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The methylation of adenosine in the N6 position (m6A) is a widely used modification of eukaryotic mRNAs. Its importance for the regulation of mRNA translation was put forward recently, essentially due to the ability of methylated mRNA to be translated in conditions of inhibited cap-dependent translation initiation, e.g., under stress. However, the peculiarities of translation initiation on m6A-modified mRNAs are not fully known. In this study, we used toeprinting and translation in a cell-free system to confirm that m6A-modified mRNAs can be translated in conditions of suppressed cap-dependent translation. We show for the first time that m6A-modified mRNAs display not only decreased elongation, but also a lower efficiency of translation initiation. Additionally, we report relative resistance of m6A-mRNA translation initiation in the absence of ATP and inhibited eIF4A activity. Our novel findings indicate that the scanning of m6A-modified leader sequences is performed by a noncanonical mechanism.
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Barakate A, Orr J, Schreiber M, Colas I, Lewandowska D, McCallum N, Macaulay M, Morris J, Arrieta M, Hedley PE, Ramsay L, Waugh R. Barley Anther and Meiocyte Transcriptome Dynamics in Meiotic Prophase I. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 11:619404. [PMID: 33510760 PMCID: PMC7835676 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.619404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
In flowering plants, successful germinal cell development and meiotic recombination depend upon a combination of environmental and genetic factors. To gain insights into this specialized reproductive development program we used short- and long-read RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) to study the temporal dynamics of transcript abundance in immuno-cytologically staged barley (Hordeum vulgare) anthers and meiocytes. We show that the most significant transcriptional changes in anthers occur at the transition from pre-meiosis to leptotene-zygotene, which is followed by increasingly stable transcript abundance throughout prophase I into metaphase I-tetrad. Our analysis reveals that the pre-meiotic anthers are enriched in long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and that entry to meiosis is characterized by their robust and significant down regulation. Intriguingly, only 24% of a collection of putative meiotic gene orthologs showed differential transcript abundance in at least one stage or tissue comparison. Argonautes, E3 ubiquitin ligases, and lys48 specific de-ubiquitinating enzymes were enriched in prophase I meiocyte samples. These developmental, time-resolved transcriptomes demonstrate remarkable stability in transcript abundance in meiocytes throughout prophase I after the initial and substantial reprogramming at meiosis entry and the complexity of the regulatory networks involved in early meiotic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdellah Barakate
- Cell and Molecular Sciences, The James Hutton Institute, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Jamie Orr
- Cell and Molecular Sciences, The James Hutton Institute, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Miriam Schreiber
- Cell and Molecular Sciences, The James Hutton Institute, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Isabelle Colas
- Cell and Molecular Sciences, The James Hutton Institute, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | | | - Nicola McCallum
- Cell and Molecular Sciences, The James Hutton Institute, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Malcolm Macaulay
- Cell and Molecular Sciences, The James Hutton Institute, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Jenny Morris
- Cell and Molecular Sciences, The James Hutton Institute, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Mikel Arrieta
- Cell and Molecular Sciences, The James Hutton Institute, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Pete E. Hedley
- Cell and Molecular Sciences, The James Hutton Institute, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Luke Ramsay
- Cell and Molecular Sciences, The James Hutton Institute, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Robbie Waugh
- Cell and Molecular Sciences, The James Hutton Institute, Dundee, United Kingdom
- School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
- School of Agriculture and Wine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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36
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Mu X, Zhao Q, Chen W, Zhao Y, Yan Q, Peng R, Zhu J, Yang C, Lan K, Gu X, Wang Y. IL-37 Confers Anti-Tumor Activity by Regulation of m6A Methylation. Front Oncol 2021; 10:526866. [PMID: 33489865 PMCID: PMC7821743 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.526866] [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: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a common transcriptomic modification in cancer. Recently, it has been found to be involved in the regulation of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) formation and metastasis. Interleukin 37 (IL-37) plays a crucial protective role in lung cancer. In our previous studies, we found that IL-37 is a potential novel tumor suppressor by inhibiting IL-6 expression to suppress STAT3 activation and decreasing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Moreover, we found that treatment of IL-37 in lung cancer cells induced widespread and dynamic RNA m6A methylation. The effects of RNA m6A methylation of IL-37 treatment require further study. However, the functions of RNA m6A methylation of IL-37 treatment still await elucidation. Using MeRIP-seq and RNA-seq, we uncovered a unique m6A methylation profile in the treatment of IL-37 on the A549 cell line. We also showed the expression of m6A writers METTL3, METTL14, and WTAP and erasers ALKBH5 and FTO in A549 cells and lung cancer tissues after the treatment of IL-37. This study showed that IL-37 could lead to changes in m6A methylation level and related molecule expression level in A546 cells and may downregulate the proliferation by inhibiting Wnt5a/5b pathway in A549 cells. We conclude that IL-37 suppresses tumor growth through regulation of RNA m6A methylation in lung cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Mu
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.,Clinical Laboratory, Qingdao Central Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qi Zhao
- Clinical Laboratory, Qingdao Central Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Wen Chen
- Department of Hyperbaric Oxygen, Qingdao Central Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yuxiang Zhao
- Institute of Bioengineering, Biotrans Technology Co., LTD., Shanghai, China.,United New Drug Research and Development Center, Biotrans Technology Co., LTD., Ningbo, China
| | - Qing Yan
- Clinical Laboratory, Qingdao Central Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Rui Peng
- Clinical Laboratory, Qingdao Central Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jie Zhu
- Clinical Laboratory, Qingdao Central Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Chunrui Yang
- Department of Pathology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ketao Lan
- Clinical Laboratory, Qingdao Central Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaosong Gu
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ye Wang
- Clinical Laboratory, Qingdao Central Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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Ru W, Zhang X, Yue B, Qi A, Shen X, Huang Y, Lan X, Lei C, Chen H. Insight into m 6A methylation from occurrence to functions. Open Biol 2020; 10:200091. [PMID: 32898471 PMCID: PMC7536083 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.200091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA m6A methylation is a post-transcriptional modification that occurs at the nitrogen-6 position of adenine. This dynamically reversible modification is installed, removed and recognized by methyltransferases, demethylases and readers, respectively. This modification has been found in most eukaryotic mRNA, tRNA, rRNA and other non-coding RNA. Recent studies have revealed important regulatory functions of the m6A including effects on gene expression regulation, organism development and cancer development. In this review, we summarize the discovery and features of m6A, and briefly introduce the mammalian m6A writers, erasers and readers. Finally, we discuss progress in identifying additional functions of m6A and the outstanding questions about the regulatory effect of this widespread modification.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Hong Chen
- Key laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, People's Republic of China
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38
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Scarrow M, Chen N, Sun G. Insights into the N 6-methyladenosine mechanism and its functionality: progress and questions. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2020; 40:639-652. [PMID: 32321323 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2020.1751059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation has become a progressively popular area of molecular research since the discovery of its potentially essential regulatory role amongst eukaryotes. m6A marks are observed in the 5'UTR, 3'UTR and coding regions of eukaryotes and its mediation has been associated with various human diseases, RNA stability and translational efficiency. To understand the implications of m6A methylation in molecular governance, its functionality and mechanism must be initially understood. m6A regulation through its readers, writers and erasers as well as an insight into the potential "cross-talk" occurring between m6A and previously well documented regulatory molecular mechanisms have been characterized. The majority of research to date has been limited to few species and has yet to explore the species- and tissue specific nature or mechanistic plasticity of m6A regulation. There is still a tremendous gap in our knowledge surrounding the mechanism and functionality of m6A RNA methylation. Here we review the formation, removal, and decoding of m6A amongst animals, yeast, and plants while noting potential "cross-talk" between various mechanisms and highlighting potential areas of future research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ning Chen
- Biology Department, Saint Mary's University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Genlou Sun
- Biology Department, Saint Mary's University, Halifax, Canada
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MTA, an RNA m 6A Methyltransferase, Enhances Drought Tolerance by Regulating the Development of Trichomes and Roots in Poplar. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21072462. [PMID: 32252292 PMCID: PMC7177244 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent internal modification present in the mRNAs of all higher eukaryotes, where it is present within both coding and noncoding regions. In mammals, methylation requires the catalysis of a multicomponent m6A methyltransferase complex. Proposed biological functions for m6A modification include pre-mRNA splicing, RNA stability, cell fate regulation, and embryonic development. However, few studies have been conducted on m6A modification in trees. In particular, the regulation mechanism of RNA m6A in Populus development remains to be further elucidated. Here, we show that PtrMTA (Populus trichocarpa methyltransferase) was colocalized with PtrFIP37 in the nucleus. Importantly, the PtrMTA-overexpressing plants significantly increased the density of trichomes and exhibited a more developed root system than that of wild-type controls. Moreover, we found that PtrMTA-overexpressing plants had better tolerance to drought stress. We also found PtrMTA was a component of the m6A methyltransferase complex, which participated in the formation of m6A methylation in poplar. Taken together, these results demonstrate that PtrMTA is involved in drought resistance by affecting the development of trichomes and roots, which will provide new clues for the study of RNA m6A modification and expand our understanding of the epigenetic molecular mechanism in woody plants.
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40
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Role of m 6A in Embryonic Stem Cell Differentiation and in Gametogenesis. EPIGENOMES 2020; 4:epigenomes4010005. [PMID: 34968239 PMCID: PMC8594681 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes4010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The rising field of RNA modifications is stimulating massive research nowadays. m6A, the most abundant mRNA modification is highly conserved during evolution. Through the last decade, the essential components of this dynamic mRNA modification machinery were found and classified into writer, eraser and reader proteins. m6A modification is now known to take part in diverse biological processes such as embryonic development, cell circadian rhythms and cancer stem cell proliferation. In addition, there is already firm evidence for the importance of m6A modification in stem cell differentiation and gametogenesis, both in males and females. This review attempts to summarize the important results of recent years studying the mechanism underlying stem cell differentiation and gametogenesis processes.
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41
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Luo JH, Wang Y, Wang M, Zhang LY, Peng HR, Zhou YY, Jia GF, He Y. Natural Variation in RNA m 6A Methylation and Its Relationship with Translational Status. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 182:332-344. [PMID: 31591151 PMCID: PMC6945879 DOI: 10.1104/pp.19.00987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
N 6 -methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant modification of eukaryotic mRNA. Although m6A has been demonstrated to affect almost all aspects of RNA metabolism, its global contribution to the post-transcriptional balancing of translational efficiency remains elusive in plants. In this study, we performed a parallel analysis of the transcriptome-wide mRNA m6A distribution and polysome profiling in two maize (Zea mays) inbred lines to assess the global correlation of m6A modification with translational status. m6A sites are widely distributed in thousands of protein-coding genes, confined to a consensus motif and primarily enriched in the 3' untranslated regions, and highly coordinated with alternative polyadenylation usage, suggesting a role of m6A modification in regulating alternative polyadenylation site choice. More importantly, we identified that the m6A modification shows multifaceted correlations with the translational status depending on its strength and genic location. Moreover, we observed a substantial intraspecies variation in m6A modification, and this natural variation was shown to be partly driven by gene-specific expression and alternative splicing. Together, these findings provide an invaluable resource for ascertaining transcripts that are subject to m6A modification in maize and pave the way to a better understanding of natural m6A variation in mediating gene expression regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Hong Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100094, China
- Joint Laboratory for International Cooperation in Crop Molecular Breeding, Ministry of Education, National Maize Improvement Center, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100094, China
| | - Ye Wang
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Min Wang
- Joint Laboratory for International Cooperation in Crop Molecular Breeding, Ministry of Education, National Maize Improvement Center, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100094, China
| | - Li-Yuan Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Department of Plant Genetics and Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100094, China
| | - Hui-Ru Peng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Department of Plant Genetics and Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100094, China
| | - Yu-Yi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100094, China
| | - Gui-Fang Jia
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yan He
- Joint Laboratory for International Cooperation in Crop Molecular Breeding, Ministry of Education, National Maize Improvement Center, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100094, China
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Identification of METTL14 in Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma Using Bioinformatics Analysis. DISEASE MARKERS 2019; 2019:5648783. [PMID: 31976022 PMCID: PMC6954481 DOI: 10.1155/2019/5648783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) with poor prognosis is the main histological subtype of the renal cell carcinoma, accounting for 80–90% of patients. Currently, the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) epitranscriptional modification draws much attention. The m6A RNA modification, the most plentiful internal modification of mRNAs and noncoding RNAs in the majority of eukaryotes, regulates mRNAs at different levels and is involved in disease occurrence and progression. The GTExPortal and TCGAportal were applied to investigate the METTL14 mRNA expression in different tissues and KIRC stages. The Human Protein Atlas was used to verify the location of METTL14 in KIRC tissues. The main microRNAs (miRNAs) related to KIRC were analyzed using OncoLnc and starBase, while corresponding circular RNAs (circRNAs) interacting with miRNAs were predicted via circBank; then, the METTL14-miRNA-circRNA interaction network was established. The level of methyltransferase-like 14 (METTL14) mRNA was significantly lower in KIRC tissues compared with normal kidney tissues, which was relative to clinical and pathological stages. circRNAs may regulate METTL14 mRNA as miRNAs sponge to affect the KIRC progression. METTL14 mRNA is likely to regulate PTEN mRNA expression via changing its m6A RNA modification level. METTL14 mRNA expression negatively correlated with the KIRC stages and positively correlated with KIRC patients' overall survival, which has great potential to serve as a clinical biomarker in KIRC.
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Berulava T, Buchholz E, Elerdashvili V, Pena T, Islam MR, Lbik D, Mohamed BA, Renner A, von Lewinski D, Sacherer M, Bohnsack KE, Bohnsack MT, Jain G, Capece V, Cleve N, Burkhardt S, Hasenfuss G, Fischer A, Toischer K. Changes in m6A RNA methylation contribute to heart failure progression by modulating translation. Eur J Heart Fail 2019; 22:54-66. [PMID: 31849158 DOI: 10.1002/ejhf.1672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 09/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Deregulation of epigenetic processes and aberrant gene expression are important mechanisms in heart failure. Here we studied the potential relevance of m6A RNA methylation in heart failure development. METHODS AND RESULTS We analysed m6A RNA methylation via next-generation sequencing. We found that approximately one quarter of the transcripts in the healthy mouse and human heart exhibit m6A RNA methylation. During progression to heart failure we observed that changes in m6A RNA methylation exceed changes in gene expression both in mouse and human. RNAs with altered m6A RNA methylation were mainly linked to metabolic and regulatory pathways, while changes in RNA expression level mainly represented changes in structural plasticity. Mechanistically, we could link m6A RNA methylation to altered RNA translation and protein production. Interestingly, differentially methylated but not differentially expressed RNAs showed differential polysomal occupancy, indicating transcription-independent modulation of translation. Furthermore, mice with a cardiomyocyte restricted knockout of the RNA demethylase Fto exhibited an impaired cardiac function compared to control mice. CONCLUSIONS We could show that m6A landscape is altered in heart hypertrophy and heart failure. m6A RNA methylation changes lead to changes in protein abundance, unconnected to mRNA levels. This uncovers a new transcription-independent mechanisms of translation regulation. Therefore, our data suggest that modulation of epitranscriptomic processes such as m6A methylation might be an interesting target for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tea Berulava
- Department for Epigenetics and Systems Medicine in Neurodegenerative Diseases, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Eric Buchholz
- Clinic for Cardiology and Pneumology, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Vakhtang Elerdashvili
- Department for Epigenetics and Systems Medicine in Neurodegenerative Diseases, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany.,Bioinformatics Unit, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Tonatiuh Pena
- Department for Epigenetics and Systems Medicine in Neurodegenerative Diseases, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany.,Bioinformatics Unit, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Md Rezaul Islam
- Department for Epigenetics and Systems Medicine in Neurodegenerative Diseases, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Dawid Lbik
- Clinic for Cardiology and Pneumology, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Belal A Mohamed
- Clinic for Cardiology and Pneumology, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Andre Renner
- Clinic for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Heart and Diabetes Centre NRW, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | | | - Michael Sacherer
- Department of Cardiology, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | | | - Markus T Bohnsack
- Department of Molecular Biology, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Gaurav Jain
- Department for Epigenetics and Systems Medicine in Neurodegenerative Diseases, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany.,Bioinformatics Unit, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Vincenzo Capece
- Department for Epigenetics and Systems Medicine in Neurodegenerative Diseases, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Nicole Cleve
- Department for Epigenetics and Systems Medicine in Neurodegenerative Diseases, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Susanne Burkhardt
- Department for Epigenetics and Systems Medicine in Neurodegenerative Diseases, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Gerd Hasenfuss
- Clinic for Cardiology and Pneumology, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Andre Fischer
- Department for Epigenetics and Systems Medicine in Neurodegenerative Diseases, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Göttingen, Germany
| | - Karl Toischer
- Clinic for Cardiology and Pneumology, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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Ma S, Chen C, Ji X, Liu J, Zhou Q, Wang G, Yuan W, Kan Q, Sun Z. The interplay between m6A RNA methylation and noncoding RNA in cancer. J Hematol Oncol 2019; 12:121. [PMID: 31757221 PMCID: PMC6874823 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-019-0805-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 367] [Impact Index Per Article: 73.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation, one of the most common RNA modifications, has been reported to execute important functions that affect normal life activities and diseases. Most studies have suggested that m6A modification can affect the complexity of cancer progression by regulating biological functions related to cancer. M6A modification of noncoding RNAs regulates the cleavage, transport, stability, and degradation of noncoding RNAs themselves. It also regulates cell proliferation and metastasis, stem cell differentiation, and homeostasis in cancer by affecting the biological function of cells. Interestingly, noncoding RNAs also play significant roles in regulating these m6A modifications. Additionally, it is becoming increasingly clear that m6A and noncoding RNAs potentially contribute to the clinical application of cancer treatment. In this review, we summarize the effect of the interactions between m6A modifications and noncoding RNAs on the biological functions involved in cancer progression. In particular, we discuss the role of m6A and noncoding RNAs as possible potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in the treatment of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Ma
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.,Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Xiang Ji
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Jinbo Liu
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Quanbo Zhou
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Guixian Wang
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Weitang Yuan
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
| | - Quancheng Kan
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
| | - Zhenqiang Sun
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China. .,Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China. .,Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
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Su Y, Huang J, Hu J. m 6A RNA Methylation Regulators Contribute to Malignant Progression and Have Clinical Prognostic Impact in Gastric Cancer. Front Oncol 2019; 9:1038. [PMID: 31681576 PMCID: PMC6813557 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common form of mRNA modification, and is dynamically regulated by the m6A RNA methylation regulators. However, little is known about m6A in gastric cancer. The aim of this work is to investigate the effects of m6A RNA methylation regulators in gastric cancer. Here, we found that most of the 13 main m6A RNA methylation regulators are higher expressed in 375 patients with gastric cancer. We identified two subgroups of gastric cancer (cluster1 and 2) by applying consensus clustering to m6A RNA methylation regulators. Compared with the cluster1 subgroup, the cluster2 subgroup correlates with a poorer prognosis, and most of the 13 main m6A RNA methylation regulators are higher expressed in cluster2. Moreover, the cancer-specific pathways are also significantly enriched in the cluster2 subgroup. This finding indicates that m6A RNA methylation regulators are closely associated with gastric cancer. Based on this finding, we derived a risk signature, using 3 m6A RNA methylation regulators (FTO, RBM15, ALKBH5), that is not only an independent prognostic marker but can also predict the clinicopathological features of gastric cancer. Moreover, FTO is higher expressed in high risk scores subtype in gastric cancer. Thus, this first finding provide us clues to understand epigenetic modification of RNA in gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunshu Su
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jinqi Huang
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Central Hospital of EnShi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, EnShi Clinical College of Wuhan University, EnShi, China
| | - Jichang Hu
- Department of Pathology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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46
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Heck AM, Wilusz CJ. Small changes, big implications: The impact of m 6A RNA methylation on gene expression in pluripotency and development. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2019; 1862:194402. [PMID: 31325527 PMCID: PMC6742438 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2019.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In order to maintain a state of self-renewal, yet retain the ability to rapidly differentiate in response to external signals, pluripotent cells exert tight control over gene expression at many levels. Recent studies have suggested that N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation, one of the most abundant post-transcriptional modifications, is important for both pluripotency and differentiation. In this review, we summarize the current state of the m6A field, with emphasis on the impact of writers, erasers and readers of m6A on RNA metabolism and stem cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam M Heck
- Program in Cell & Molecular Biology, and Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80525, United States of America
| | - Carol J Wilusz
- Program in Cell & Molecular Biology, and Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80525, United States of America.
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Ozkurede U, Kala R, Johnson C, Shen Z, Miller RA, Garcia GG. Cap-independent mRNA translation is upregulated in long-lived endocrine mutant mice. J Mol Endocrinol 2019; 63:123-138. [PMID: 31357177 PMCID: PMC6691957 DOI: 10.1530/jme-19-0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
It has been hypothesized that transcriptional changes associated with lower mTORC1 activity in mice with reduced levels of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1 are responsible for the longer healthy lifespan of these mutant mice. Cell lines and tissues from these mice show alterations in the levels of many proteins that cannot be explained by corresponding changes in mRNAs. Such post-transcriptional modulation may be the result of preferential mRNA translation by the cap-independent translation of mRNA bearing the N6-methyl-adenosine (m6A) modification. The long-lived endocrine mutants - Snell dwarf, growth hormone receptor deletion and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A knockout - all show increases in the N6-adenosine-methyltransferases (METTL3/14) that catalyze 6-methylation of adenosine (m6A) in the 5' UTR region of select mRNAs. In addition, these mice have elevated levels of YTH domain-containing protein 1 (YTHDF1), which recognizes m6A and promotes translation by a cap-independent mechanism. Consistently, multiple proteins that can be translated by the cap-independent mechanism are found to increase in these mice, including DNA repair and mitochondrial stress response proteins, without changes in corresponding mRNA levels. Lastly, a drug that augments cap-independent translation by inhibition of cap-dependent pathways (4EGI-1) was found to elevate levels of the same set of proteins and able to render cells resistant to several forms of in vitro stress. Augmented translation by cap-independent pathways facilitated by m6A modifications may contribute to the stress resistance and increased healthy longevity of mice with diminished GH and IGF-1 signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulas Ozkurede
- Department of Pathology, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Rishabh Kala
- Department of Pathology, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Cameron Johnson
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan College of Literature, Science and the Arts, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Ziqian Shen
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan College of Literature, Science and the Arts, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Richard A. Miller
- Department of Pathology, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
- University of Michigan Geriatrics Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
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48
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Bushkin GG, Pincus D, Morgan JT, Richardson K, Lewis C, Chan SH, Bartel DP, Fink GR. m 6A modification of a 3' UTR site reduces RME1 mRNA levels to promote meiosis. Nat Commun 2019; 10:3414. [PMID: 31363087 PMCID: PMC6667471 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-11232-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the vast number of modification sites mapped within mRNAs, known examples of consequential mRNA modifications remain rare. Here, we provide multiple lines of evidence to show that Ime4p, an N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methyltransferase required for meiosis in yeast, acts by methylating a site in the 3′ UTR of the mRNA encoding Rme1p, a transcriptional repressor of meiosis. Consistent with this mechanism, genetic analyses reveal that IME4 functions upstream of RME1. Transcriptome-wide, RME1 is the primary message that displays both increased methylation and reduced expression in an Ime4p-dependent manner. In yeast strains for which IME4 is dispensable for meiosis, a natural polymorphism in the RME1 promoter reduces RME1 transcription, obviating the requirement for methylation. Mutation of a single m6A site in the RME1 3′ UTR increases Rme1p repressor production and reduces meiotic efficiency. These results reveal the molecular and physiological consequences of a modification in the 3′ UTR of an mRNA. Ime4p is a yeast N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methyltransferase with an unknown role in meiosis. Rme1p is a repressor of meiosis. Here the authors show that Ime4p methylates RME1 3′ UTR to reduce its expression and enable meiosis, thus providing an example of an m6A site with a physiological role.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Guy Bushkin
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA. .,Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology and the Center for Physics of Evolving Systems, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
| | - David Pincus
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA.,Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology and the Center for Physics of Evolving Systems, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Jeffrey T Morgan
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA.,Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Kris Richardson
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Caroline Lewis
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Sze Ham Chan
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - David P Bartel
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA.,Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Gerald R Fink
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA. .,Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
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Abstract
Our understanding of the expanded genetic alphabet has been growing rapidly over the last two decades, and many of these developments came more than 80 years after the original discovery of a modified guanine in tuberculosis DNA. These new understandings, leading to the field of epigenetics, have led to exciting new fundamental and applied knowledge and to the development of novel classes of drugs exploiting this new biology. The number of methyl modifications to RNA is about seven times greater than those found on DNA, and our ability to interrogate these enigmatic nucleobases has lagged significantly until recent years as an explosion in technologies and understanding has revealed the roles and regulation of RNA methylation in several fundamental and disease-associated biological processes. Here, we outline how the technology has evolved and which strategies are commonly used in the modern epitranscriptomics revolution and give a foundation in the understanding and application of the rich variety of these methods to novel biological questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nigel P. Mongan
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Sciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, UK
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Richard D. Emes
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Sciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, UK
- Advanced Data Analysis Centre , University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, UK
| | - Nathan Archer
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Sciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, UK
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50
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Lence T, Paolantoni C, Worpenberg L, Roignant JY. Mechanistic insights into m6A RNA enzymes. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2019; 1862:222-229. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2018.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
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