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Becker MA, Meiser N, Schmidt-Dengler M, Richter C, Wacker A, Schwalbe H, Hengesbach M. m 6A Methylation of Transcription Leader Sequence of SARS-CoV-2 Impacts Discontinuous Transcription of Subgenomic mRNAs. Chemistry 2024; 30:e202401897. [PMID: 38785102 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202401897] [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: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 genome has been shown to be m6A methylated at several positions in vivo. Strikingly, a DRACH motif, the recognition motif for adenosine methylation, resides in the core of the transcriptional regulatory leader sequence (TRS-L) at position A74, which is highly conserved and essential for viral discontinuous transcription. Methylation at position A74 correlates with viral pathogenicity. Discontinuous transcription produces a set of subgenomic mRNAs that function as templates for translation of all structural and accessory proteins. A74 is base-paired in the short stem-loop structure 5'SL3 that opens during discontinuous transcription to form long-range RNA-RNA interactions with nascent (-)-strand transcripts at complementary TRS-body sequences. A74 can be methylated by the human METTL3/METTL14 complex in vitro. Here, we investigate its impact on the structural stability of 5'SL3 and the long-range TRS-leader:TRS-body duplex formation necessary for synthesis of subgenomic mRNAs of all four viral structural proteins. Methylation uniformly destabilizes 5'SL3 and long-range duplexes and alters their relative equilibrium populations, suggesting that the m6A74 modification acts as a regulator for the abundance of viral structural proteins due to this destabilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias A Becker
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Nathalie Meiser
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Martina Schmidt-Dengler
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences (IPBS), Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Christian Richter
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Anna Wacker
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Harald Schwalbe
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Martin Hengesbach
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences (IPBS), Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128, Mainz, Germany
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2
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Khan D, Ramachandiran I, Vasu K, China A, Khan K, Cumbo F, Halawani D, Terenzi F, Zin I, Long B, Costain G, Blaser S, Carnevale A, Gogonea V, Dutta R, Blankenberg D, Yoon G, Fox PL. Homozygous EPRS1 missense variant causing hypomyelinating leukodystrophy-15 alters variant-distal mRNA m 6A site accessibility. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4284. [PMID: 38769304 PMCID: PMC11106242 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48549-x] [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: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Hypomyelinating leukodystrophy (HLD) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by defective central nervous system myelination. Exome sequencing of two siblings with severe cognitive and motor impairment and progressive hypomyelination characteristic of HLD revealed homozygosity for a missense single-nucleotide variant (SNV) in EPRS1 (c.4444 C > A; p.Pro1482Thr), encoding glutamyl-prolyl-tRNA synthetase, consistent with HLD15. Patient lymphoblastoid cell lines express markedly reduced EPRS1 protein due to dual defects in nuclear export and cytoplasmic translation of variant EPRS1 mRNA. Variant mRNA exhibits reduced METTL3 methyltransferase-mediated writing of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and reduced reading by YTHDC1 and YTHDF1/3 required for efficient mRNA nuclear export and translation, respectively. In contrast to current models, the variant does not alter the sequence of m6A target sites, but instead reduces their accessibility for modification. The defect was rescued by antisense morpholinos predicted to expose m6A sites on target EPRS1 mRNA, or by m6A modification of the mRNA by METTL3-dCas13b, a targeted RNA methylation editor. Our bioinformatic analysis predicts widespread occurrence of SNVs associated with human health and disease that similarly alter accessibility of distal mRNA m6A sites. These results reveal a new RNA-dependent etiologic mechanism by which SNVs can influence gene expression and disease, consequently generating opportunities for personalized, RNA-based therapeutics targeting these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debjit Khan
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Iyappan Ramachandiran
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Kommireddy Vasu
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Arnab China
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Krishnendu Khan
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Fabio Cumbo
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Dalia Halawani
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Fulvia Terenzi
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Isaac Zin
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Briana Long
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Gregory Costain
- Department of Paediatrics, Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Susan Blaser
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Division of Neuroradiology, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Amanda Carnevale
- Department of Paediatrics, Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Valentin Gogonea
- Department of Chemistry, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ranjan Dutta
- Department of Neuroscience, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Daniel Blankenberg
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Grace Yoon
- Department of Paediatrics, Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Paediatrics, Division of Neurology, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Paul L Fox
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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3
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Chen K, Nan J, Xiong X. Genetic regulation of m 6A RNA methylation and its contribution in human complex diseases. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024:10.1007/s11427-024-2609-8. [PMID: 38764000 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-024-2609-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) has been established as the most prevalent chemical modification in message RNA (mRNA), playing an essential role in determining the fate of RNA molecules. Dysregulation of m6A has been revealed to lead to abnormal physiological conditions and cause various types of human diseases. Recent studies have delineated the genetic regulatory maps for m6A methylation by mapping the quantitative trait loci of m6A (m6A-QTLs), thereby building up the regulatory circuits linking genetic variants, m6A, and human complex traits. Here, we review the recent discoveries concerning the genetic regulatory maps of m6A, describing the methodological and technical details of m6A-QTL identification, and introducing the key findings of the cis- and trans-acting drivers of m6A. We further delve into the tissue- and ethnicity-specificity of m6A-QTL, the association with other molecular phenotypes in light of genetic regulation, the regulators underlying m6A genetics, and importantly, the functional roles of m6A in mediating human complex diseases. Lastly, we discuss potential research avenues that can accelerate the translation of m6A genetics studies toward the development of therapies for human genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexuan Chen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital & Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- State Key Laboratory of Transvascular Implantation Devices, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Jiuhong Nan
- The Second Affiliated Hospital & Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- State Key Laboratory of Transvascular Implantation Devices, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Xushen Xiong
- The Second Affiliated Hospital & Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 311121, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Transvascular Implantation Devices, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 311121, China.
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4
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Wang Y, Wang S, Meng Z, Liu XM, Mao Y. Determinant of m6A regional preference by transcriptional dynamics. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:3510-3521. [PMID: 38452220 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae169] [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: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant chemical modification occurring on eukaryotic mRNAs, and has been reported to be involved in almost all stages of mRNA metabolism. The distribution of m6A sites is notably asymmetric along mRNAs, with a strong preference toward the 3' terminus of the transcript. How m6A regional preference is shaped remains incompletely understood. In this study, by performing m6A-seq on chromatin-associated RNAs, we found that m6A regional preference arises during transcription. Nucleosome occupancy is remarkedly increased in the region downstream of m6A sites, suggesting an intricate interplay between m6A methylation and nucleosome-mediated transcriptional dynamics. Notably, we found a remarkable slowdown of Pol-II movement around m6A sites. In addition, inhibiting Pol-II movement increases nearby m6A methylation levels. By analyzing massively parallel assays for m6A, we found that RNA secondary structures inhibit m6A methylation. Remarkably, the m6A sites associated with Pol-II pausing tend to be embedded within RNA secondary structures. These results suggest that Pol-II pausing could affect the accessibility of m6A motifs to the methyltransferase complex and subsequent m6A methylation by mediating RNA secondary structure. Overall, our study reveals a crucial role of transcriptional dynamics in the formation of m6A regional preference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalan Wang
- Department of Neurology of The Second Affiliated Hospital & Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shen Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhen Meng
- Department of Neurology of The Second Affiliated Hospital & Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Min Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuanhui Mao
- Department of Neurology of The Second Affiliated Hospital & Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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5
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Shachar R, Dierks D, Garcia-Campos MA, Uzonyi A, Toth U, Rossmanith W, Schwartz S. Dissecting the sequence and structural determinants guiding m6A deposition and evolution via inter- and intra-species hybrids. Genome Biol 2024; 25:48. [PMID: 38360609 PMCID: PMC10870504 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-024-03182-1] [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: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant mRNA modification, and controls mRNA stability. m6A distribution varies considerably between and within species. Yet, it is unclear to what extent this variability is driven by changes in genetic sequences ('cis') or cellular environments ('trans') and via which mechanisms. RESULTS Here we dissect the determinants governing RNA methylation via interspecies and intraspecies hybrids in yeast and mammalian systems, coupled with massively parallel reporter assays and m6A-QTL reanalysis. We find that m6A evolution and variability is driven primarily in 'cis', via two mechanisms: (1) variations altering m6A consensus motifs, and (2) variation impacting mRNA secondary structure. We establish that mutations impacting RNA structure - even when distant from an m6A consensus motif - causally dictate methylation propensity. Finally, we demonstrate that allele-specific differences in m6A levels lead to allele-specific changes in gene expression. CONCLUSIONS Our findings define the determinants governing m6A evolution and diversity and characterize the consequences thereof on gene expression regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Shachar
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7630031, Israel
| | - David Dierks
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7630031, Israel
| | | | - Anna Uzonyi
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7630031, Israel
| | - Ursula Toth
- Center for Anatomy & Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, 1090, Austria
| | - Walter Rossmanith
- Center for Anatomy & Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, 1090, Austria
| | - Schraga Schwartz
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7630031, Israel.
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6
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Höfler S, Duss O. Interconnections between m 6A RNA modification, RNA structure, and protein-RNA complex assembly. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202302240. [PMID: 37935465 PMCID: PMC10629537 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein-RNA complexes exist in many forms within the cell, from stable machines such as the ribosome to transient assemblies like the spliceosome. All protein-RNA assemblies rely on spatially and temporally coordinated interactions between specific proteins and RNAs to achieve a functional form. RNA folding and structure are often critical for successful protein binding and protein-RNA complex formation. RNA modifications change the chemical nature of a given RNA and often alter its folding kinetics. Both these alterations can affect how and if proteins or other RNAs can interact with the modified RNA and assemble into complexes. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common base modification on mRNAs and regulatory noncoding RNAs and has been shown to impact RNA structure and directly modulate protein-RNA interactions. In this review, focusing on the mechanisms and available quantitative information, we discuss first how the METTL3/14 m6A writer complex is specifically targeted to RNA assisted by protein-RNA and other interactions to enable site-specific and co-transcriptional RNA modification and, once introduced, how the m6A modification affects RNA folding and protein-RNA interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Höfler
- https://ror.org/03mstc592 Structural and Computational Biology Unit, EMBL Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Olivier Duss
- https://ror.org/03mstc592 Structural and Computational Biology Unit, EMBL Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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7
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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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8
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Wang Q, Fan X, Sheng Q, Yang M, Zhou P, Lu S, Gao Y, Kong Z, Shen N, Lv Z, Wang R. N6-methyladenosine methylation in kidney injury. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:170. [PMID: 37865763 PMCID: PMC10590532 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01586-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple mechanisms are involved in kidney damage, among which the role of epigenetic modifications in the occurrence and development of kidney diseases is constantly being revealed. However, N6-methyladenosine (M6A), a well-known post-transcriptional modification, has been regarded as the most prevalent epigenetic modifications in higher eukaryotic, which is involved in various biological processes of cells such as maintaining the stability of mRNA. The role of M6A modification in the mechanism of kidney damage has attracted widespread attention. In this review, we mainly summarize the role of M6A modification in the progression of kidney diseases from the following aspects: the regulatory pattern of N6-methyladenosine, the critical roles of N6-methyladenosine in chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury and renal cell carcinoma, and then reveal its potential significance in the diagnosis and treatment of various kidney diseases. A better understanding of this field will be helpful for future research and clinical treatment of kidney diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qimeng Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
- Department of Nephrology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaoting Fan
- Department of Nephrology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Qinghao Sheng
- Department of Nephrology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Meilin Yang
- Department of Nephrology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Shangwei Lu
- Department of Nephrology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Ying Gao
- Department of Nephrology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Zhijuan Kong
- Department of Nephrology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Ning Shen
- Department of Nephrology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Zhimei Lv
- Department of Nephrology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China.
- Department of Nephrology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China.
| | - Rong Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China.
- Department of Nephrology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China.
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Breger K, Kunkler CN, O'Leary NJ, Hulewicz JP, Brown JA. Ghost authors revealed: The structure and function of human N 6 -methyladenosine RNA methyltransferases. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2023; 15:e1810. [PMID: 37674370 PMCID: PMC10915109 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Despite the discovery of modified nucleic acids nearly 75 years ago, their biological functions are still being elucidated. N6 -methyladenosine (m6 A) is the most abundant modification in eukaryotic messenger RNA (mRNA) and has also been detected in non-coding RNAs, including long non-coding RNA, ribosomal RNA, and small nuclear RNA. In general, m6 A marks can alter RNA secondary structure and initiate unique RNA-protein interactions that can alter splicing, mRNA turnover, and translation, just to name a few. Although m6 A marks in human RNAs have been known to exist since 1974, the structures and functions of methyltransferases responsible for writing m6 A marks have been established only recently. Thus far, there are four confirmed human methyltransferases that catalyze the transfer of a methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) to the N6 position of adenosine, producing m6 A: methyltransferase-like protein (METTL) 3/METTL14 complex, METTL16, METTL5, and zinc-finger CCHC-domain-containing protein 4. Though the methyltransferases have unique RNA targets, all human m6 A RNA methyltransferases contain a Rossmann fold with a conserved SAM-binding pocket, suggesting that they utilize a similar catalytic mechanism for methyl transfer. For each of the human m6 A RNA methyltransferases, we present the biological functions and links to human disease, RNA targets, catalytic and kinetic mechanisms, and macromolecular structures. We also discuss m6 A marks in human viruses and parasites, assigning m6 A marks in the transcriptome to specific methyltransferases, small molecules targeting m6 A methyltransferases, and the enzymes responsible for hypermodified m6 A marks and their biological functions in humans. Understanding m6 A methyltransferases is a critical steppingstone toward establishing the m6 A epitranscriptome and more broadly the RNome. This article is categorized under: RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein-RNA Recognition RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > RNA-Protein Complexes RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein-RNA Interactions: Functional Implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurtis Breger
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Charlotte N Kunkler
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Nathan J O'Leary
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Jacob P Hulewicz
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Jessica A Brown
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
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10
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Qi YN, Liu Z, Hong LL, Li P, Ling ZQ. Methyltransferase-like proteins in cancer biology and potential therapeutic targeting. J Hematol Oncol 2023; 16:89. [PMID: 37533128 PMCID: PMC10394802 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-023-01477-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA modification has recently become a significant process of gene regulation, and the methyltransferase-like (METTL) family of proteins plays a critical role in RNA modification, methylating various types of RNAs, including mRNA, tRNA, microRNA, rRNA, and mitochondrial RNAs. METTL proteins consist of a unique seven-beta-strand domain, which binds to the methyl donor SAM to catalyze methyl transfer. The most typical family member METTL3/METTL14 forms a methyltransferase complex involved in N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of RNA, regulating tumor proliferation, metastasis and invasion, immunotherapy resistance, and metabolic reprogramming of tumor cells. METTL1, METTL4, METTL5, and METTL16 have also been recently identified to have some regulatory ability in tumorigenesis, and the rest of the METTL family members rely on their methyltransferase activity for methylation of different nucleotides, proteins, and small molecules, which regulate translation and affect processes such as cell differentiation and development. Herein, we summarize the literature on METTLs in the last three years to elucidate their roles in human cancers and provide a theoretical basis for their future use as potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Nan Qi
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, P.R. China
| | - Zhu Liu
- Zhejiang Cancer Institute, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, No.1 Banshan East Rd., Gongshu District, Hangzhou, 310022, Zhejiang, P.R. China
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310018, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Lian-Lian Hong
- Zhejiang Cancer Institute, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, No.1 Banshan East Rd., Gongshu District, Hangzhou, 310022, Zhejiang, P.R. China
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310018, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Pei Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, P.R. China.
| | - Zhi-Qiang Ling
- Zhejiang Cancer Institute, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, No.1 Banshan East Rd., Gongshu District, Hangzhou, 310022, Zhejiang, P.R. China.
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310018, Zhejiang, P.R. China.
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11
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Sendinc E, Shi Y. RNA m6A methylation across the transcriptome. Mol Cell 2023; 83:428-441. [PMID: 36736310 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 86.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Since the early days of foundational studies of nucleic acids, many chemical moieties have been discovered to decorate RNA and DNA in diverse organisms. In mammalian cells, one of these chemical modifications, N6-methyl adenosine (m6A), is unique in a way that it is highly abundant not only on RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) transcribed, protein-coding transcripts but also on non-coding RNAs, such as ribosomal RNAs and snRNAs, mediated by distinct, evolutionarily conserved enzymes. Here, we review RNA m6A modification in the light of the recent appreciation of nuclear roles for m6A in regulating chromatin states and gene expression, as well as the recent discoveries of the evolutionarily conserved methyltransferases, which catalyze methylation of adenosine on diverse sets of RNAs. Considering that the substrates of these enzymes are involved in many important biological processes, this modification warrants further research to understand the molecular mechanisms and functions of m6A in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erdem Sendinc
- Stem Cell Program, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yang Shi
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Dr, Headington, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK.
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12
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Porman AM, Roberts JT, Duncan ED, Chrupcala ML, Levine AA, Kennedy MA, Williams MM, Richer JK, Johnson AM. A single N6-methyladenosine site regulates lncRNA HOTAIR function in breast cancer cells. PLoS Biol 2022; 20:e3001885. [PMID: 36441764 PMCID: PMC9731500 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of RNA regulates normal and cancer biology, but knowledge of its function on long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) remains limited. Here, we reveal that m6A regulates the breast cancer-associated human lncRNA HOTAIR. Mapping m6A in breast cancer cell lines, we identify multiple m6A sites on HOTAIR, with 1 single consistently methylated site (A783) that is critical for HOTAIR-driven proliferation and invasion of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. Methylated A783 interacts with the m6A "reader" YTHDC1, promoting chromatin association of HOTAIR, proliferation and invasion of TNBC cells, and gene repression. A783U mutant HOTAIR induces a unique antitumor gene expression profile and displays loss-of-function and antimorph behaviors by impairing and, in some cases, causing opposite gene expression changes induced by wild-type (WT) HOTAIR. Our work demonstrates how modification of 1 base in an lncRNA can elicit a distinct gene regulation mechanism and drive cancer-associated phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison M. Porman
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Department, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Justin T. Roberts
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Department, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Emily D. Duncan
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Cell and Developmental Biology Department, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Madeline L. Chrupcala
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Department, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, RNA Bioscience Initiative, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Ariel A. Levine
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Department, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, RNA Bioscience Initiative, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Michelle A. Kennedy
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Department, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Michelle M. Williams
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Jennifer K. Richer
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Aaron M. Johnson
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Department, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, RNA Bioscience Initiative, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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13
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Matr3 reshapes m6A modification complex to alleviate macrophage inflammation during atherosclerosis. Clin Immunol 2022; 245:109176. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2022.109176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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14
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Szabat M, Prochota M, Kierzek R, Kierzek E, Mathews DH. A Test and Refinement of Folding Free Energy Nearest Neighbor Parameters for RNA Including N 6-Methyladenosine. J Mol Biol 2022; 434:167632. [PMID: 35588868 PMCID: PMC11235186 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
RNA folding free energy change parameters are widely used to predict RNA secondary structure and to design RNA sequences. These parameters include terms for the folding free energies of helices and loops. Although the full set of parameters has only been traditionally available for the four common bases and backbone, it is well known that covalent modifications of nucleotides are widespread in natural RNAs. Covalent modifications are also widely used in engineered sequences. We recently derived a full set of nearest neighbor terms for RNA that includes N6-methyladenosine (m6A). In this work, we test the model using 98 optical melting experiments, matching duplexes with or without N6-methylation of A. Most experiments place RRACH, the consensus site of N6-methylation, in a variety of contexts, including helices, bulge loops, internal loops, dangling ends, and terminal mismatches. For matched sets of experiments that include either A or m6A in the same context, we find that the parameters for m6A are as accurate as those for A. Across all experiments, the root mean squared deviation between estimated and experimental free energy changes is 0.67 kcal/mol. We used the new experimental data to refine the set of nearest neighbor parameter terms for m6A. These parameters enable prediction of RNA secondary structures including m6A, which can be used to model how N6-methylation of A affects RNA structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Szabat
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - Martina Prochota
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - Ryszard Kierzek
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - Elzbieta Kierzek
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland.
| | - David H Mathews
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics and Center for RNA Biology, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 712, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, United States.
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15
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Zinc in Cognitive Impairment and Aging. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12071000. [PMID: 35883555 PMCID: PMC9312494 DOI: 10.3390/biom12071000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Zinc, an essential micronutrient for life, was first discovered in 1869 and later found to be indispensable for the normal development of plants and for the normal growth of rats and birds. Zinc plays an important role in many physiological and pathological processes in normal mammalian brain development, especially in the development of the central nervous system. Zinc deficiency can lead to neurodegenerative diseases, mental abnormalities, sleep disorders, tumors, vascular diseases, and other pathological conditions, which can cause cognitive impairment and premature aging. This study aimed to review the important effects of zinc and zinc-associated proteins in cognitive impairment and aging, to reveal its molecular mechanism, and to highlight potential interventions for zinc-associated aging and cognitive impairments.
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16
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Deng MS, Chen KJ, zhang DD, Li GH, Weng CM, Wang JM. m6A RNA Methylation Regulators Contribute to Predict and as a Therapy Target of Pulmonary Fibrosis. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2022; 2022:2425065. [PMID: 35497924 PMCID: PMC9050297 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2425065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Background Pulmonary fibrosis is difficult to treat. Early diagnosis and finding potential drug therapy targets of pulmonary fibrosis are particularly important. There were still various problems with existing pulmonary fibrosis markers, so it is particularly important to find new biomarkers and drug treatment targets. m6A (N6,2'-O-dimethyladenosine) RNA methylation was the cause of many diseases, and it is regulated by m6A methylation regulators. So, whether RNA methylation regulators can be a diagnostic marker and potential drug therapy target of early pulmonary fibrosis needs to be explored. Materials and Methods Using GSE110147 and GSE33566 in the GEO database to predict the m6A methylation regulators that may be related to the development of pulmonary fibrosis, we used 10 mg/ml bleomycin to induce mouse pulmonary fibrosis models and human pulmonary fibrosis samples, to confirm whether this indicator can be an early diagnostic marker of pulmonary fibrosis. Results According to the database prediction results, METTL3 can predict the occurrence and development of pulmonary fibrosis, and the results of MASSON and HE staining show that the fibrosis model of mice is successful, and the fibrosis of human samples is obvious. The results of immunohistochemistry showed that the expression of METTL3 was significantly reduced in pulmonary fibrosis. Conclusions The m6A methylation regulator METTL3 can be considered as an important biomarker for diagnosing pulmonary fibrosis occurrence, furthermore it could be considered as a drug target because of its low expression in pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Sheng Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Kui-Jun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Dong-Dong zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Guan-Hua Li
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Chang-Mei Weng
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Jian-Min Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
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17
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Yoshida A, Oyoshi T, Suda A, Futaki S, Imanishi M. Recognition of G-quadruplex RNA by a crucial RNA methyltransferase component, METTL14. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 50:449-457. [PMID: 34908152 PMCID: PMC8755082 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab1211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is an important epitranscriptomic chemical modification that is mainly catalyzed by the METTL3/METTL14 RNA methyltransferase heterodimer. Although m6A is found at the consensus sequence of 5′-DRACH-3′ in various transcripts, the mechanism by which METTL3/METTL14 determines its target is unclear. This study aimed to clarify the RNA binding property of METTL3/METTL14. We found that the methyltransferase heterodimer itself has a binding preference for RNA G-quadruplex (rG4) structures, which are non-canonical four-stranded structures formed by G-rich sequences, via the METTL14 RGG repeats. Additionally, the methyltransferase heterodimer selectively methylated adenosines close to the rG4 sequences. These results suggest a possible process for direct recruitment of METTL3/METTL14 to specific methylation sites, especially near the G4-forming regions. This study is the first to report the RNA binding preference of the m6A writer complex for the rG4 structure and provides insights into the role of rG4 in epitranscriptomic regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsuhiro Yoshida
- Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
| | - Takanori Oyoshi
- Graduate School of Integrated Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan
| | - Akiyo Suda
- Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
| | - Shiroh Futaki
- Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
| | - Miki Imanishi
- Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
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18
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Zhang SY, Zhang SW, Zhang T, Fan XN, Meng J. Recent advances in functional annotation and prediction of the epitranscriptome. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:3015-3026. [PMID: 34136099 PMCID: PMC8175281 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.05.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA modifications, in particular N6-methyladenosine (m6A), participate in every stages of RNA metabolism and play diverse roles in essential biological processes and disease pathogenesis. Thanks to the advances in sequencing technology, tens of thousands of RNA modification sites can be identified in a typical high-throughput experiment; however, it remains a major challenge to decipher the functional relevance of these sites, such as, affecting alternative splicing, regulation circuit in essential biological processes or association to diseases. As the focus of RNA epigenetics gradually shifts from site discovery to functional studies, we review here recent progress in functional annotation and prediction of RNA modification sites from a bioinformatics perspective. The review covers naïve annotation with associated biological events, e.g., single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), RNA binding protein (RBP) and alternative splicing, prediction of key sites and their regulatory functions, inference of disease association, and mining the diagnosis and prognosis value of RNA modification regulators. We further discussed the limitations of existing approaches and some future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song-Yao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Information Fusion Technology of Ministry of Education, School of Automation, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
| | - Shao-Wu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Information Fusion Technology of Ministry of Education, School of Automation, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
| | - Teng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Information Fusion Technology of Ministry of Education, School of Automation, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
| | - Xiao-Nan Fan
- Key Laboratory of Information Fusion Technology of Ministry of Education, School of Automation, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
| | - Jia Meng
- Department of Biological Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
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19
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Ruszkowska A. METTL16, Methyltransferase-Like Protein 16: Current Insights into Structure and Function. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22042176. [PMID: 33671635 PMCID: PMC7927073 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22042176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Methyltransferase-like protein 16 (METTL16) is a human RNA methyltransferase that installs m6A marks on U6 small nuclear RNA (U6 snRNA) and S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) synthetase pre-mRNA. METTL16 also controls a significant portion of m6A epitranscriptome by regulating SAM homeostasis. Multiple molecular structures of the N-terminal methyltransferase domain of METTL16, including apo forms and complexes with S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) or RNA, provided the structural basis of METTL16 interaction with the coenzyme and substrates, as well as indicated autoinhibitory mechanism of the enzyme activity regulation. Very recent structural and functional studies of vertebrate-conserved regions (VCRs) indicated their crucial role in the interaction with U6 snRNA. METTL16 remains an object of intense studies, as it has been associated with numerous RNA classes, including mRNA, non-coding RNA, long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), and rRNA. Moreover, the interaction between METTL16 and oncogenic lncRNA MALAT1 indicates the existence of METTL16 features specifically recognizing RNA triple helices. Overall, the number of known human m6A methyltransferases has grown from one to five during the last five years. METTL16, CAPAM, and two rRNA methyltransferases, METTL5/TRMT112 and ZCCHC4, have joined the well-known METTL3/METTL14. This work summarizes current knowledge about METTL16 in the landscape of human m6A RNA methyltransferases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Ruszkowska
- Department of Structural Chemistry and Biology of Nucleic Acids, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
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20
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen Lassak
- Department Biologie I, Ber. Mikrobiologie, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Großhaderner Str. 2-4, 82152 Martinsried, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Schlundt
- Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main, Institut für Molekulare Biowissenschaften, Biozentrum, Campus Riedberg, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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