1
|
Wang Z, Wang S, Bi Y, Boiti A, Zhang S, Vallone D, Lan X, Foulkes NS, Zhao H. Light-regulated microRNAs shape dynamic gene expression in the zebrafish circadian clock. PLoS Genet 2025; 21:e1011545. [PMID: 39777894 PMCID: PMC11750094 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011545] [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: 06/20/2024] [Revised: 01/21/2025] [Accepted: 12/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2025] Open
Abstract
A key property of the circadian clock is that it is reset by light to remain synchronized with the day-night cycle. An attractive model to explore light input to the circadian clock in vertebrates is the zebrafish. Circadian clocks in zebrafish peripheral tissues and even zebrafish-derived cell lines are entrainable by direct light exposure thus providing unique insight into the function and evolution of light regulatory pathways. Our previous work has revealed that light-induced gene transcription is a key step in the entrainment of the circadian clock as well as enabling the more general adaptation of zebrafish cells to sunlight exposure. However, considerable evidence points to post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms, notably microRNAs (miRNAs), playing an essential role in shaping dynamic changes in mRNA levels. Therefore, does light directly impact the function of miRNAs? Are there light-regulated miRNAs and if so, which classes of mRNA do they target? To address these questions, we performed a complete sequencing analysis of light-induced changes in the zebrafish transcriptome, encompassing small non-coding RNAs as well as mRNAs. Importantly, we identified sets of light-regulated miRNAs, with many regulatory targets representing light-inducible mRNAs including circadian clock genes and genes involved in redox homeostasis. We subsequently focused on the light-responsive miR-204-3-3p and miR-430a-3p which are predicted to regulate the expression of cryptochrome genes (cry1a and cry1b). Luciferase reporter assays validated the target binding of miR-204-3-3p and miR-430a-3p to the 3'UTRs of cry1a and cry1b, respectively. Furthermore, treatment with mimics and inhibitors of these two miRNAs significantly affected the dynamic expression of their target genes but also other core clock components (clock1a, bmal1b, per1b, per2, per3), as well as the rhythmic locomotor activity of zebrafish larvae. Thus, our identification of light-responsive miRNAs reveals new intricacy in the multi-level regulation of the circadian clockwork by light.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zuo Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shuang Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yi Bi
- School of Life Sciences, Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems, Biological Information Processing (IBCS-BIP), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Alessandra Boiti
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems, Biological Information Processing (IBCS-BIP), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Shengxiang Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Daniela Vallone
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems, Biological Information Processing (IBCS-BIP), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Xianyong Lan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Nicholas S. Foulkes
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems, Biological Information Processing (IBCS-BIP), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Haiyu Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Reynolds JA, Waight EM. Differentially expressed microRNAs in brains of adult females may regulate the maternal block of diapause in Sarcophaga bullata. CURRENT RESEARCH IN INSECT SCIENCE 2024; 6:100099. [PMID: 39431284 PMCID: PMC11489151 DOI: 10.1016/j.cris.2024.100099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 09/08/2024] [Accepted: 09/25/2024] [Indexed: 10/22/2024]
Abstract
The maternal regulation of diapause is one type of phenotypic plasticity where the experience of the mother leads to changes in the phenotype of her offspring that impact how well-suited they will be to their future environment. Sarcophaga bullata females with a diapause history produce offspring that cannot enter diapause even if they are reared in a diapause inducing environment. Accumulating evidence suggests that microRNAs regulate diapause and, possibly, maternal regulation of diapause. We found significant differences in the abundances of several microRNAs (miR-125-5p, miR-124-3p, miR-31-5p, and miR-277-3p) in brains dissected from adult female S. bullata that had experienced diapause compared to females with no diapause history. We also found moderate differences in the mRNA expression of the circadian-clock related genes, clock, clockwork orange, and period. MiR-124-3p and miR-31-5p are part of a gene network that includes these circadian clock-related genes. Taken together our results suggest the maternal block of diapause in S. bullata is regulated, at least in part, by a network that includes microRNAs and the circadian clock.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Reynolds
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biolog, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Emma M Waight
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biolog, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
- Hablitz/Nedergaard Lab, Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center. Rochester, NY 14642, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Anna G, John M, Kannan NN. miR-277 regulates the phase of circadian activity-rest rhythm in Drosophila melanogaster. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1082866. [PMID: 38089472 PMCID: PMC10714010 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1082866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Circadian clocks temporally organize behaviour and physiology of organisms with a rhythmicity of about 24 h. In Drosophila, the circadian clock is composed of mainly four clock genes: period (per), timeless (tim), Clock (Clk) and cycle (cyc) which constitutes the transcription-translation feedback loop. The circadian clock is further regulated via post-transcriptional and post-translational mechanisms among which microRNAs (miRNAs) are well known post-transcriptional regulatory molecules. Here, we identified and characterized the role of miRNA-277 (miR-277) expressed in the clock neurons in regulating the circadian rhythm. Downregulation of miR-277 in the pacemaker neurons expressing circadian neuropeptide, pigment dispersing factor (PDF) advanced the phase of the morning activity peak under 12 h light: 12 h dark cycles (LD) at lower light intensities and these flies exhibited less robust rhythms compared to the controls under constant darkness. In addition, downregulation of miR-277 in the PDF expressing neurons abolished the Clk gene transcript oscillation under LD. Our study points to the potential role of miR-277 in fine tuning the Clk expression and in maintaining the phase of the circadian rhythm in Drosophila.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nisha N. Kannan
- Chronobiology Laboratory, School of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Celiker C, Weissova K, Cerna KA, Oppelt J, Dorgau B, Gambin FM, Sebestikova J, Lako M, Sernagor E, Liskova P, Barta T. Light-responsive microRNA molecules in human retinal organoids are differentially regulated by distinct wavelengths of light. iScience 2023; 26:107237. [PMID: 37485345 PMCID: PMC10362355 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells in the human retina must rapidly adapt to constantly changing visual stimuli. This fast adaptation to varying levels and wavelengths of light helps to regulate circadian rhythms and allows for adaptation to high levels of illumination, thereby enabling the rest of the visual system to remain responsive. It has been shown that retinal microRNA (miRNA) molecules play a key role in regulating these processes. However, despite extensive research using various model organisms, light-regulated miRNAs in human retinal cells remain unknown. Here, we aim to characterize these miRNAs. We generated light-responsive human retinal organoids that express miRNA families and clusters typically found in the retina. Using an in-house developed photostimulation device, we identified a subset of light-regulated miRNAs. Importantly, we found that these miRNAs are differentially regulated by distinct wavelengths of light and have a rapid turnover, highlighting the dynamic and adaptive nature of the human retina.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Canan Celiker
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Kamila Weissova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Katerina Amruz Cerna
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Oppelt
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Division of Neuropathology, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Birthe Dorgau
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Francisco Molina Gambin
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Sebestikova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Majlinda Lako
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Evelyne Sernagor
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Petra Liskova
- Department of Paediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Barta
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Chaturvedi R, Stork T, Yuan C, Freeman MR, Emery P. Astrocytic GABA transporter controls sleep by modulating GABAergic signaling in Drosophila circadian neurons. Curr Biol 2022; 32:1895-1908.e5. [PMID: 35303417 PMCID: PMC9090989 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.02.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A precise balance between sleep and wakefulness is essential to sustain a good quality of life and optimal brain function. GABA is known to play a key and conserved role in sleep control, and GABAergic tone should, therefore, be tightly controlled in sleep circuits. Here, we examined the role of the astrocytic GABA transporter (GAT) in sleep regulation using Drosophila melanogaster. We found that a hypomorphic gat mutation (gat33-1) increased sleep amount, decreased sleep latency, and increased sleep consolidation at night. Interestingly, sleep defects were suppressed when gat33-1 was combined with a mutation disrupting wide-awake (wake), a gene that regulates the cell-surface levels of the GABAA receptor resistance to dieldrin (RDL) in the wake-promoting large ventral lateral neurons (l-LNvs). Moreover, RNAi knockdown of rdl and its modulators dnlg4 and wake in these circadian neurons also suppressed gat33-1 sleep phenotypes. Brain immunohistochemistry showed that GAT-expressing astrocytes were located near RDL-positive l-LNv cell bodies and dendritic processes. We concluded that astrocytic GAT decreases GABAergic tone and RDL activation in arousal-promoting LNvs, thus determining proper sleep amount and quality in Drosophila.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ratna Chaturvedi
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Tobias Stork
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Chunyan Yuan
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Marc R Freeman
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Patrick Emery
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Cheng Q, Fan X, Liu Y, Xu L, Dong P, Song L, Qian R. miR-455-5p regulates circadian rhythms by accelerating the degradation of Clock mRNA. IUBMB Life 2021; 74:245-258. [PMID: 34904778 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Circadian rhythms are approximately 24-hr cycles generated by organisms to adapt to daily rhythms. Core circadian proteins such as CLOCK, BMAL1, PER1/2, and CRY1/2/3 form a transcription-translation feedback loop (TTFL) to maintain circadian rhythms. MicroRNAs are involved in regulating circadian rhythms; however, the detailed mechanisms remain unclear. Here, using miRNA-seq screening, we discovered that the expression level of miR-455 was controlled by CLOCK. Furthermore, miR-455-5p also binds to the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of Clock mRNA and regulates its stability. To further study whether such mutual regulation forms a feedback loop to regulate circadian rhythms, we recorded bioluminescence traces of Per2::Luc U2OS cells in real time and confirmed that overexpression of miR-455-5p lengthens the period and attenuates the amplitude of circadian rhythms in synchronized cells (and vice versa). We also discovered that miR-455-5p can function as a Clock modulator to induce a fine-orchestral circadian rhythm in vitro, as well as other known factors such as dexamethasone, horse serum, or temperature. In conclusion, miR-455-5p is essential for maintaining a normal circadian rhythm via regulating Clock mRNA stability. Our study reveals a new mutual regulatory mechanism between CLOCK protein, Clock mRNA, and miR-455-5p, which regulates circadian rhythms in cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qianyun Cheng
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Research Center on Aging and Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinyi Fan
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Research Center on Aging and Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yutong Liu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Research Center on Aging and Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lirong Xu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Research Center on Aging and Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pengjuan Dong
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Research Center on Aging and Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liwen Song
- School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruizhe Qian
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Research Center on Aging and Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Fagan RR, Kearney PJ, Luethi D, Bolden NC, Sitte HH, Emery P, Melikian HE. Dopaminergic Ric GTPase activity impacts amphetamine sensitivity and sleep quality in a dopamine transporter-dependent manner in Drosophila melanogaster. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:7793-7802. [PMID: 34471250 PMCID: PMC8881384 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01275-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Dopamine (DA) is required for movement, sleep, and reward, and DA signaling is tightly controlled by the presynaptic DA transporter (DAT). Therapeutic and addictive psychostimulants, including methylphenidate (Ritalin; MPH), cocaine, and amphetamine (AMPH), markedly elevate extracellular DA via their actions as competitive DAT inhibitors (MPH, cocaine) and substrates (AMPH). DAT silencing in mice and invertebrates results in hyperactivity, reduced sleep, and blunted psychostimulant responses, highlighting DAT's essential role in DA-dependent behaviors. DAT surface expression is not static; rather it is dynamically regulated by endocytic trafficking. PKC-stimulated DAT endocytosis requires the neuronal GTPase, Rit2, and Rit2 silencing in mouse DA neurons impacts psychostimulant sensitivity. However, it is unknown whether or not Rit2-mediated changes in psychostimulant sensitivity are DAT-dependent. Here, we leveraged Drosophila melanogaster to test whether the Drosophila Rit2 ortholog, Ric, impacts dDAT function, trafficking, and DA-dependent behaviors. Orthologous to hDAT and Rit2, dDAT and Ric directly interact, and the constitutively active Ric mutant Q117L increased dDAT surface levels and function in cell lines and ex vivo Drosophila brains. Moreover, DAergic RicQ117L expression caused sleep fragmentation in a DAT-dependent manner but had no effect on total sleep and daily locomotor activity. Importantly, we found that Rit2 is required for AMPH-stimulated DAT internalization in mouse striatum, and that DAergic RicQ117L expression significantly increased Drosophila AMPH sensitivity in a DAT-dependent manner, suggesting a conserved impact of Ric-dependent DAT trafficking on AMPH sensitivity. These studies support that the DAT/Rit2 interaction impacts both baseline behaviors and AMPH sensitivity, potentially by regulating DAT trafficking.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rita R. Fagan
- Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, Department of Neurobiology, UMASS Medical School, Worcester, MA
| | - Patrick J. Kearney
- Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, Department of Neurobiology, UMASS Medical School, Worcester, MA
| | - Dino Luethi
- Medical University Vienna, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Vienna, Austria, A-1090
| | - Nicholas C. Bolden
- Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, Department of Neurobiology, UMASS Medical School, Worcester, MA
| | - Harald H. Sitte
- Medical University Vienna, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Vienna, Austria, A-1090
| | - Patrick Emery
- Department of Neurobiology, UMASS Medical School, Worcester, MA
| | - Haley E. Melikian
- Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, Department of Neurobiology, UMASS Medical School, Worcester, MA,Address correspondence to: Haley Melikian, Ph.D., Department of Neurobiology, UMASS Medical School, LRB 726, 364 Plantation St., Worcester, MA 01605, 774-455-4308 (phone), 508-856-6266 (fax),
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Anna G, Kannan NN. Post-transcriptional modulators and mediators of the circadian clock. Chronobiol Int 2021; 38:1244-1261. [PMID: 34056966 PMCID: PMC7611477 DOI: 10.1080/07420528.2021.1928159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The endogenous circadian timekeeping system drives ~24-h rhythms in gene expression and rhythmically coordinates the physiology, metabolism and behavior in a wide range of organisms. Regulation at various levels is important for the accurate functioning of this circadian timing system. The core circadian oscillator consists of an interlocked transcriptional-translational negative feedback loop (TTFL) that imposes a substantial delay between the accumulation of clock gene mRNA and its protein to generate 24-h oscillations. This TTFL mediated daily oscillation of clock proteins is further fine-tuned by post-translational modifications that regulate the clock protein stability, interaction with other proteins and subcellular localization. Emerging evidence from various studies indicates that besides TTFL and post-translational modifications, post-transcriptional regulation plays a key role in shaping the rhythmicity of mRNAs and to delay the accumulation of clock proteins in relation to their mRNAs. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the importance of post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms such as splicing, polyadenylation, the role of RNA-binding proteins, RNA methylation and microRNAs in the context of shaping the circadian rhythmicity in Drosophila and mammals. In particular, we discuss microRNAs, an important player in post-transcriptional regulation of core-clock machinery, circadian neural circuit, clock input, and output pathways. Furthermore, we provide an overview of the microRNAs that exhibit diurnal rhythm in expression and their role in mediating rhythmic physiological processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Geo Anna
- Chronobiology Laboratory, School of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695551, India
| | - Nisha N Kannan
- Chronobiology Laboratory, School of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695551, India
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Parnell AA, De Nobrega AK, Lyons LC. Translating around the clock: Multi-level regulation of post-transcriptional processes by the circadian clock. Cell Signal 2021; 80:109904. [PMID: 33370580 PMCID: PMC8054296 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2020.109904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The endogenous circadian clock functions to maintain optimal physiological health through the tissue specific coordination of gene expression and synchronization between tissues of metabolic processes throughout the 24 hour day. Individuals face numerous challenges to circadian function on a daily basis resulting in significant incidences of circadian disorders in the United States and worldwide. Dysfunction of the circadian clock has been implicated in numerous diseases including cancer, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular and hepatic abnormalities, mood disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. The circadian clock regulates molecular, metabolic and physiological processes through rhythmic gene expression via transcriptional and post-transcriptional processes. Mounting evidence indicates that post-transcriptional regulation by the circadian clock plays a crucial role in maintaining tissue specific biological rhythms. Circadian regulation affecting RNA stability and localization through RNA processing, mRNA degradation, and RNA availability for translation can result in rhythmic protein synthesis, even when the mRNA transcripts themselves do not exhibit rhythms in abundance. The circadian clock also targets the initiation and elongation steps of translation through multiple pathways. In this review, the influence of the circadian clock across the levels of post-transcriptional, translation, and post-translational modifications are examined using examples from humans to cyanobacteria demonstrating the phylogenetic conservation of circadian regulation. Lastly, we briefly discuss chronotherapies and pharmacological treatments that target circadian function. Understanding the complexity and levels through which the circadian clock regulates molecular and physiological processes is important for future advancement of therapeutic outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amber A Parnell
- Department of Biological Science, Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Aliza K De Nobrega
- Department of Biological Science, Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Lisa C Lyons
- Department of Biological Science, Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Xia X, Fu X, Du J, Wu B, Zhao X, Zhu J, Zhao Z. Regulation of circadian rhythm and sleep by miR-375-timeless interaction in Drosophila. FASEB J 2020; 34:16536-16551. [PMID: 33078445 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202001107r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs are important coordinators of circadian regulation that mediate the fine-tuning of gene expression. Although many studies have shown the effects of individual miRNAs on the circadian clock, the global functional miRNA-mRNA interaction network involved in the circadian system remains poorly understood. Here, we used CLEAR (Covalent Ligation of Endogenous Argonaute-bound RNAs)-CLIP (Cross-Linking and Immuno-Precipitation) to explore the regulatory functions of miRNAs in the circadian system by comparing the miRNA-mRNA interactions between Drosophila wild-type strain W1118 and a mutant of the key circadian transcriptional regulator Clock (Clkjrk ). This experimental approach unambiguously identified tens of thousands of miRNA-mRNA interactions in both the head and body. The miRNA-mRNA interactome showed dramatic changes in the Clkjrk flies. Particularly, among ~300 miRNA-mRNA circadian relevant interactions, multiple interactions involving core clock genes pdp1, tim, and vri displayed distinct changes as a result of the Clk mutation. Based on the CLEAR-CLIP analysis, we found a novel regulation of the circadian rhythm and sleep by the miR-375-timeless interaction. The results indicated that Clk disruption abolished normal rhythmic expression of miR-375 and the functional regulation occurred in the l-LNv neurons, where miR-375 modulated the circadian rhythm and sleep via targeting timeless. This work provides the first global view of miRNA regulation in the circadian rhythm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiju Xia
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaonan Fu
- The Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Program in Genetics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Juan Du
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Binbin Wu
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xianguo Zhao
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jinsong Zhu
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Zhangwu Zhao
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kinoshita C, Okamoto Y, Aoyama K, Nakaki T. MicroRNA: A Key Player for the Interplay of Circadian Rhythm Abnormalities, Sleep Disorders and Neurodegenerative Diseases. Clocks Sleep 2020; 2:282-307. [PMID: 33089205 PMCID: PMC7573810 DOI: 10.3390/clockssleep2030022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Circadian rhythms are endogenous 24-h oscillators that regulate the sleep/wake cycles and the timing of biological systems to optimize physiology and behavior for the environmental day/night cycles. The systems are basically generated by transcription-translation feedback loops combined with post-transcriptional and post-translational modification. Recently, evidence is emerging that additional non-coding RNA-based mechanisms are also required to maintain proper clock function. MicroRNA is an especially important factor that plays critical roles in regulating circadian rhythm as well as many other physiological functions. Circadian misalignment not only disturbs the sleep/wake cycle and rhythmic physiological activity but also contributes to the development of various diseases, such as sleep disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. The patient with neurodegenerative diseases often experiences profound disruptions in their circadian rhythms and/or sleep/wake cycles. In addition, a growing body of recent evidence implicates sleep disorders as an early symptom of neurodegenerative diseases, and also suggests that abnormalities in the circadian system lead to the onset and expression of neurodegenerative diseases. The genetic mutations which cause the pathogenesis of familial neurodegenerative diseases have been well studied; however, with the exception of Huntington's disease, the majority of neurodegenerative diseases are sporadic. Interestingly, the dysfunction of microRNA is increasingly recognized as a cause of sporadic neurodegenerative diseases through the deregulated genes related to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disease, some of which are the causative genes of familial neurodegenerative diseases. Here we review the interplay of circadian rhythm disruption, sleep disorders and neurodegenerative disease, and its relation to microRNA, a key regulator of cellular processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chisato Kinoshita
- Department of Pharmacology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, 2-11-1 Kaga, Itabashi, Tokyo 173-8605, Japan; (C.K.); (Y.O.); (K.A.)
| | - Yayoi Okamoto
- Department of Pharmacology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, 2-11-1 Kaga, Itabashi, Tokyo 173-8605, Japan; (C.K.); (Y.O.); (K.A.)
- Teikyo University Support Center for Women Physicians and Researchers, 2-11-1 Kaga, Itabashi, Tokyo 173-8605, Japan
| | - Koji Aoyama
- Department of Pharmacology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, 2-11-1 Kaga, Itabashi, Tokyo 173-8605, Japan; (C.K.); (Y.O.); (K.A.)
| | - Toshio Nakaki
- Department of Pharmacology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, 2-11-1 Kaga, Itabashi, Tokyo 173-8605, Japan; (C.K.); (Y.O.); (K.A.)
- Faculty of Pharma-Science, Teikyo University, 2-11-1 Kaga, Itabashi, Tokyo 173-8605, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Liu ZL, Xu J, Ling L, Yang DH, Chen SQ, Huang YP. MicroRNA-2738 regulates gene expression in the sex determination pathway in Bombyx mori. INSECT SCIENCE 2020; 27:646-654. [PMID: 31131541 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 04/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of short, non-coding transcripts that bind to 3'-untranslated regions to trigger messenger RNA degradation or translational inhibition. Here we explored how miRNAs regulate sex determination in Bombyx mori, a lepidopteran model insect. Genes known to be involved in sex determination, BmPSI, Bmdsx, and BmMasc, are predicted targets of the species-specific miR-2738. Using a dual luciferase reporter assay in HEK293T cells, we confirmed that miR-2738 suppressed transcription of BmPSI, Bmdsx, and BmMasc. The levels of BmPSI and BmMasc were significantly down-regulated in B. mori miR-2738 overexpression. In contrast, the genetic disruption of miR-2738 using the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 transgenic system increased the levels of BmPSI and BmMasc transcripts, whereas splicing of Bmdsx was unaltered by miR-2738 depletion or overexpression. Taken together, this study implicates miR-2738 as a minor regulator of sex determination genes in the silkworm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zu-Lian Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, CAS, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, CAS, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Ling
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, CAS, Shanghai, China
| | - De-Hong Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, CAS, Shanghai, China
| | - Shu-Qing Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, CAS, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong-Ping Huang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, CAS, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Abhilash L, Sharma VK. Mechanisms of photic entrainment of activity/rest rhythms in populations of Drosophila selected for divergent timing of eclosion. Chronobiol Int 2020; 37:469-484. [DOI: 10.1080/07420528.2020.1727917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lakshman Abhilash
- Chronobiology Laboratory, Evolutionary and Organismal Biology Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore, India
| | - Vijay Kumar Sharma
- Chronobiology Laboratory, Evolutionary and Organismal Biology Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore, India
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Nian X, Chen W, Bai W, Zhao Z. Regulation of circadian locomotor rhythm by miR-263a. BIOL RHYTHM RES 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/09291016.2020.1726049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoge Nian
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenfeng Chen
- Institute of Life Sciences, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Weiwei Bai
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhangwu Zhao
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Nian X, Chen W, Bai W, Zhao Z, Zhang Y. miR-263b Controls Circadian Behavior and the Structural Plasticity of Pacemaker Neurons by Regulating the LIM-Only Protein Beadex. Cells 2019; 8:cells8080923. [PMID: 31426557 PMCID: PMC6721658 DOI: 10.3390/cells8080923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
: Circadian clocks drive rhythmic physiology and behavior to allow adaption to daily environmental changes. In Drosophila, the small ventral lateral neurons (sLNvs) are primary pacemakers that control circadian rhythms. Circadian changes are observed in the dorsal axonal projections of the sLNvs, but their physiological importance and the underlying mechanism are unclear. Here, we identified miR-263b as an important regulator of circadian rhythms and structural plasticity of sLNvs in Drosophila. Depletion of miR-263b (miR-263bKO) in flies dramatically impaired locomotor rhythms under constant darkness. Indeed, miR-263b is required for the structural plasticity of sLNvs. miR-263b regulates circadian rhythms through inhibition of expression of the LIM-only protein Beadex (Bx). Consistently, overexpression of Bx or loss-of-function mutation (BxhdpR26) phenocopied miR-263bKO and miR-263b overexpression in behavior and molecular characteristics. In addition, mutating the miR-263b binding sites in the Bx 3' UTR using CRISPR/Cas9 recapitulated the circadian phenotypes of miR-263bKO flies. Together, these results establish miR-263b as an important regulator of circadian locomotor behavior and structural plasticity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoge Nian
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada Reno, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Wenfeng Chen
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada Reno, Reno, NV 89557, USA
- Institute of Life Sciences, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Weiwei Bai
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhangwu Zhao
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada Reno, Reno, NV 89557, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Niu Y, Liu Z, Nian X, Xu X, Zhang Y. miR-210 controls the evening phase of circadian locomotor rhythms through repression of Fasciclin 2. PLoS Genet 2019; 15:e1007655. [PMID: 31356596 PMCID: PMC6687186 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Circadian clocks control the timing of animal behavioral and physiological rhythms. Fruit flies anticipate daily environmental changes and exhibit two peaks of locomotor activity around dawn and dusk. microRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that play important roles in post-transcriptional regulation. Here we identify Drosophila miR-210 as a critical regulator of circadian rhythms. Under light-dark conditions, flies lacking miR-210 (miR-210KO) exhibit a dramatic 2 hrs phase advance of evening anticipatory behavior. However, circadian rhythms and molecular pacemaker function are intact in miR-210KO flies under constant darkness. Furthermore, we identify that miR-210 determines the evening phase of activity through repression of the cell adhesion molecule Fasciclin 2 (Fas2). Ablation of the miR-210 binding site within the 3' UTR of Fas2 (Fas2ΔmiR-210) by CRISPR-Cas9 advances the evening phase as in miR-210KO. Indeed, miR-210 genetically interacts with Fas2. Moreover, Fas2 abundance is significantly increased in the optic lobe of miR-210KO. In addition, overexpression of Fas2 in the miR-210 expressing cells recapitulates the phase advance behavior phenotype of miR-210KO. Together, these results reveal a novel mechanism by which miR-210 regulates circadian locomotor behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ye Niu
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada Reno, Reno, NV, United States of America
| | - Zhenxing Liu
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada Reno, Reno, NV, United States of America
| | - Xiaoge Nian
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada Reno, Reno, NV, United States of America
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xuehan Xu
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada Reno, Reno, NV, United States of America
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada Reno, Reno, NV, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Anreiter I, Biergans SD, Sokolowski MB. Epigenetic regulation of behavior in Drosophila melanogaster. Curr Opin Behav Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2018.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
18
|
Song Q, Feng G, Zhang J, Xia X, Ji M, Lv L, Ping Y. NMDA Receptor-mediated Ca2+ Influx in the Absence of Mg2+ Block Disrupts Rest: Activity Rhythms in Drosophila. Sleep 2018; 40:4330652. [PMID: 29029290 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsx166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Study Objectives The correlated activation of pre- and postsynaptic neurons is essential for the NMDA receptor-mediated Ca2+ influx by removing Mg2+ from block site and NMDA receptors have been implicated in phase resetting of circadian clocks. So we assessed rest:activity rhythms in Mg2+ block defective animals. Methods Using Drosophila locomotor monitoring system, we checked circadian rest:activity rhythms of different mutants under constant darkness (DD) and light:dark (LD) conditions. We recorded NMDA receptor-mediated currents or Ca2+ increase in neurons using patch-clamp and Ca2+ imaging techniques. Results We found that Mg2+ block defective mutant flies were completely arrhythmic under DD. To further understand the role of Mg2+ block in daily circadian rest:activity, we observed the mutant files under LD cycles, and we found severely reduced morning anticipation and advanced evening peak compared to control flies. We also used tissue-specific expression of Mg2+ block defective NMDA receptors and demonstrated pigment-dispersing factor receptor (PDFR)-expressing circadian neurons were implicated in mediating the circadian rest:activity deficits. Endogenous functional NMDA receptors are expressed in most Drosophila neurons, including in a subgroup of dorsal neurons (DN1s). Subsequently, we determined that the uncorrelated extra Ca2+ influx may act in part through Ca2+/Calmodulin (CaM)-stimulated PDE1c pathway leading to morning behavior phenotypes. Conclusions These results demonstrate that Mg2+ block of NMDA receptors at resting potential is essential for the daily circadian rest:activity rhythms and we propose that Mg2+ block functions to suppress CaM-stimulated PDE1c activation at resting potential, thus regulating Ca2+ and cyclic AMP oscillations in circadian and sleep circuits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Song
- Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ge Feng
- Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaxing Zhang
- Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuechun Xia
- Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Ji
- Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lei Lv
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Yong Ping
- Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders (No.13dz2260500), Shanghai Mental Health Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Evidence that microRNAs are part of the molecular toolkit regulating adult reproductive diapause in the mosquito, Culex pipiens. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0203015. [PMID: 30496183 PMCID: PMC6264513 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
For many insects, diapause is the primary mechanism for surviving unfavorable seasons. Some aspects of diapause regulation are well known, but we still lack a mechanistic understanding of molecular mechanisms that control the diapause pathway. Accumulating evidence suggests microRNAs regulate diapause in evolutionarily diverse insect species including flesh flies and moths, and, it is likely that microRNAs regulate multiple characteristics of diapause, including arrested egg follicle development and fat hypertrophy, in females of the Northern house mosquito, Culex pipiens. To investigate microRNA regulation of diapause in this species, we measured changes in egg follicle development and total lipid content over 22 days following adult emergence. We also evaluated changes in the abundance of candidate microRNAs associated with these physical changes during the same time frame. We found egg follicle size and lipid content were nearly the same in diapausing and nondiapausing females on the day of adult emergence, and then diverged over time such that by day 22 diapausing females had significantly smaller egg follicles and higher total lipids than their nondiapausing counterparts. Several microRNAs associated with lipid metabolism in insects, including miR-14-3p, miR-277-3p, and miR-305-5p, were underexpressed in diapausing females compared to nondiapausing females on the day of adult emergence, which suggests microRNA regulation occurs ahead of observed changes in these two features of the diapause phenotype. We also found miR-309-3p, miR-375-3p which stimulate ovarian development in other mosquito species, were underexpressed in diapausing females of Cx. pipiens at times after diapause is fully established and may be responsible for the arrest in ovarian development in this species. Taken together, our results demonstrate that changes in the abundance of some microRNAs is associated with phenotypic changes in diapause Cx. pipiens and suggests this epigenetic mechanism is part of the molecular toolkit regulating diapause.
Collapse
|
20
|
Chen W, Werdann M, Zhang Y. The auxin-inducible degradation system enables conditional PERIOD protein depletion in the nervous system of Drosophila melanogaster. FEBS J 2018; 285:4378-4393. [PMID: 30321477 DOI: 10.1111/febs.14677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Tools that allow inducible and reversible depletion of target proteins are critical for biological studies. The plant-derived auxin-inducible degradation system (AID) enables the degradation of target proteins tagged with the AID motif. This system has been recently employed in mammalian cells as well as in Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila. To test the utility of the AID approach in the nervous system, we used circadian locomotor rhythms as a model and applied the AID method to temporally and spatially degrade PERIOD (PER), a critical pacemaker protein in Drosophila. We found that the period locus can be efficiently tagged with the AID motif by CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing without disrupting PER function. Moreover, we demonstrated that the AID system could be used to induce rapid and efficient protein degradation in the nervous system as shown by effects on circadian and sleep behaviors. Furthermore, the protein degradation by AID was rapidly reversible after auxin removal. Together, our results show that the AID system provides a powerful tool for behavior studies in Drosophila.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenfeng Chen
- Institute of Life Sciences, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, China.,Department of Biology, University of Nevada Reno, NV, USA
| | | | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada Reno, NV, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Regulation of Circadian Behavior by Astroglial MicroRNAs in Drosophila. Genetics 2018; 208:1195-1207. [PMID: 29487148 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.117.300342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe a genome-wide microRNA (miRNA)-based screen to identify brain glial cell functions required for circadian behavior. To identify glial miRNAs that regulate circadian rhythmicity, we employed a collection of "miR-sponges" to inhibit miRNA function in a glia-specific manner. Our initial screen identified 20 glial miRNAs that regulate circadian behavior. We studied two miRNAs, miR-263b and miR-274, in detail and found that both function in adult astrocytes to regulate behavior. Astrocyte-specific inhibition of miR-263b or miR-274 in adults acutely impairs circadian locomotor activity rhythms with no effect on glial or clock neuronal cell viability. To identify potential RNA targets of miR-263b and miR-274, we screened 35 predicted miRNA targets, employing RNA interference-based approaches. Glial knockdown of two putative miR-274 targets, CG4328 and MESK2, resulted in significantly decreased rhythmicity. Homology of the miR-274 targets to mammalian counterparts suggests mechanisms that might be relevant for the glial regulation of rhythmicity.
Collapse
|
22
|
Cusumano P, Biscontin A, Sandrelli F, Mazzotta GM, Tregnago C, De Pittà C, Costa R. Modulation of miR-210 alters phasing of circadian locomotor activity and impairs projections of PDF clock neurons in Drosophila melanogaster. PLoS Genet 2018; 14:e1007500. [PMID: 30011269 PMCID: PMC6062148 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Single microRNAs are usually associated with hundreds of putative target genes that can influence multiple phenotypic traits in Drosophila, ranging from development to behaviour. We investigated the function of Drosophila miR-210 in circadian behaviour by misexpressing it within circadian clock cells. Manipulation of miR-210 expression levels in the PDF (pigment dispersing factor) positive neurons affected the phase of locomotor activity, under both light-dark conditions and constant darkness. PER cyclical expression was not affected in clock neurons, however, when miR-210 was up-regulated, a dramatic alteration in the morphology of PDF ventral lateral neuron (LNv) arborisations was observed. The effect of miR-210 in shaping neuronal projections was confirmed in vitro, using a Drosophila neuronal cell line. A transcriptomic analysis revealed that miR-210 overexpression affects the expression of several genes belonging to pathways related to circadian processes, neuronal development, GTPases signal transduction and photoreception. Collectively, these data reveal the role of miR-210 in modulating circadian outputs in flies and guiding/remodelling PDF positive LNv arborisations and indicate that miR-210 may have pleiotropic effects on the clock, light perception and neuronal development. In recent years, the role of microRNAs in regulating the endogenous circadian clock and its rhythmic outputs for behaviour/physiology has been recognized. We have observed that depletion or over-expression of miR-210 in Drosophila melanogaster modulates the phase of locomotor activity, without affecting the molecular oscillation of the pacemaker neurons. Moreover, miR-210 over-expression dramatically alters the pattern of projections from the PDF-positive Lateral Neurons (LNvs). Differentially expressed genes detected in miR-210 over-expressing flies implicated circadian processes, neuronal development, and photoreception. Taken together, our findings indicate the involvement of miR-210 in modulating circadian output and remodelling the projections of PDF clock neurons, and suggest that miR-210 may have pleiotropic effects on clock, light perception and neuronal development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paola Cusumano
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Claudia Tregnago
- Department of Women and Children’s Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Cristiano De Pittà
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- * E-mail: (CD); (RC)
| | - Rodolfo Costa
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- * E-mail: (CD); (RC)
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Kinoshita C, Aoyama K, Nakaki T. Neuroprotection afforded by circadian regulation of intracellular glutathione levels: A key role for miRNAs. Free Radic Biol Med 2018; 119:17-33. [PMID: 29198727 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2017.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Revised: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Circadian rhythms are approximately 24-h oscillations of physiological and behavioral processes that allow us to adapt to daily environmental cycles. Like many other biological functions, cellular redox status and antioxidative defense systems display circadian rhythmicity. In the central nervous system (CNS), glutathione (GSH) is a critical antioxidant because the CNS is extremely vulnerable to oxidative stress; oxidative stress, in turn, causes several fatal diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases. It has long been known that GSH level shows circadian rhythm, although the mechanism underlying GSH rhythm production has not been well-studied. Several lines of recent evidence indicate that the expression of antioxidant genes involved in GSH homeostasis as well as circadian clock genes are regulated by post-transcriptional regulator microRNA (miRNA), indicating that miRNA plays a key role in generating GSH rhythm. Interestingly, several reports have shown that alterations of miRNA expression as well as circadian rhythm have been known to link with various diseases related to oxidative stress. A growing body of evidence implicates a strong correlation between antioxidative defense, circadian rhythm and miRNA function, therefore, their dysfunctions could cause numerous diseases. It is hoped that continued elucidation of the antioxidative defense systems controlled by novel miRNA regulation under circadian control will advance the development of therapeutics for the diseases caused by oxidative stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chisato Kinoshita
- Department of Pharmacology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, 2-11-1 Kaga, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-8605, Japan
| | - Koji Aoyama
- Department of Pharmacology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, 2-11-1 Kaga, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-8605, Japan
| | - Toshio Nakaki
- Department of Pharmacology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, 2-11-1 Kaga, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-8605, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Xue Y, Zhang Y. Emerging roles for microRNA in the regulation of Drosophila circadian clock. BMC Neurosci 2018; 19:1. [PMID: 29338692 PMCID: PMC5769547 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-018-0401-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The circadian clock, which operates within an approximately 24-h period, is closely linked to the survival and fitness of almost all living organisms. The circadian clock is generated through a negative transcription-translation feedback loop. microRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs comprised of approximately 22 nucleotides that post-transcriptionally regulate target mRNA by either inducing mRNA degradation or inhibiting translation. Results In recent years, miRNAs have been found to play important roles in the regulation of the circadian clock, especially in Drosophila. In this review, we will use fruit flies as an example, and summarize the progress achieved in the study of miRNA-mediated clock regulation. Three main aspects of the circadian clock, namely, the free-running period, locomotion phase, and circadian amplitude, are discussed in detail in the context of how miRNAs are involved in these regulations. In addition, approaches regarding the discovery of circadian-related miRNAs and their targets are also discussed. Conclusions Research in the last decade suggests that miRNA-mediated post-transcriptional regulation is crucial to the generation and maintenance of a robust circadian clock in animals. In flies, miRNAs are known to modulate circadian rhythmicity and the free-running period, as well as circadian outputs. Further characterization of miRNAs, especially in the circadian input, will be a vital step toward a more comprehensive understanding of the functions underlying miRNA-control of the circadian clock.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongbo Xue
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, 1664 North Virginia St., Reno, NV, 89557-0315, USA
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, 1664 North Virginia St., Reno, NV, 89557-0315, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Abstract
Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes transmit the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, which causes the majority of fatal malaria cases worldwide. The hematophagous lifestyle defines mosquito reproductive biology and is exploited by P. falciparum for its own sexual reproduction and transmission. The two main phases of the mosquito reproductive cycle, previtellogenic (PV) and postblood meal (PBM), shape its capacity to transmit malaria. Transition between these phases is tightly coordinated to ensure homeostasis between mosquito tissues and successful reproduction. One layer of control is provided by microRNAs (miRNAs), well-known regulators of blood meal digestion and egg development in Aedes mosquitoes. Here, we report a global overview of tissue-specific miRNAs (miRNA) expression during the PV and PBM phases and identify miRNAs regulated during PV to PBM transition. The observed coordinated changes in the expression levels of a set of miRNAs in the energy-storing tissues suggest a role in the regulation of blood meal-induced metabolic changes.
Collapse
|
26
|
Comparative profiling of microRNAs and their association with sexual dimorphism in the fig wasp Ceratosolen solmsi. Gene 2017; 633:54-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2017.08.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Revised: 08/25/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
|
27
|
Jarabo P, Martin FA. Neurogenetics of Drosophila circadian clock: expect the unexpected. J Neurogenet 2017; 31:250-265. [DOI: 10.1080/01677063.2017.1370466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
|
28
|
Shi TF, Wang YF, Liu F, Qi L, Yu LS. Influence of the Neonicotinoid Insecticide Thiamethoxam on miRNA Expression in the Honey Bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae). JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2017; 17:4209567. [PMID: 29117371 PMCID: PMC7206646 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/iex074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small endogenous noncoding single-stranded RNAs regulating gene expression in eukaryotes. They play important roles in regulating caste differentiation, behavior development, and immune defences in the honey bee, Apis mellifera (Linnaeus) (Hymenoptera: Apidae). In this study, we explored the effect of the neonicotinoid insecticide, thiamethoxam, on miRNA expression in this species using deep small RNA sequencing. The results showed that seven miRNAs were significantly differentially expressed (q-value <0.01 and |log2(fold-change)| >1) upon exposure to 10 ppb thiamethoxam over 10 d. Some candidate target genes were related to behavior, immunity, and neural function. Several miRNAs, including ame-miR-124, ame-miR-981, ame-miR-3791, and ame-miR-6038, were selected and further validated using real-time quantitative PCR analysis. The findings expand our understanding of the effects of neonicotinoid insecticides on honey bees at the molecular level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teng-Fei Shi
- School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
- School of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China, and
| | - Yu-Fei Wang
- School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Fang Liu
- School of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China, and
| | - Lei Qi
- School of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China, and
| | - Lin-Sheng Yu
- School of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China, and
- Corresponding author, e-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Sleeping Beauty? Developmental Timing, Sleep, and the Circadian Clock in Caenorhabditis elegans. ADVANCES IN GENETICS 2017; 97:43-80. [PMID: 28838356 DOI: 10.1016/bs.adgen.2017.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The genetics toolkit is pretty successful in drilling down into minutiae. The big challenge is to integrate the information from this specialty as well as those of biochemistry, physiology, behavior, and anatomy to explain how fundamental biological processes really work. Sleep, the circadian clock and development all qualify as overarching processes that encompass levels from molecule to behavior as part of their known mechanisms. They overlap each other, such that understanding the mechanisms of one can lead to insights into one of the others. In this essay, we consider how the experimental approaches and findings relating to Caenorhabditis elegans development and lethargus on one hand, and to the circadian clock and sleep in higher organisms on the other, could complement and enhance one another.
Collapse
|
30
|
Pervasive Behavioral Effects of MicroRNA Regulation in Drosophila. Genetics 2017; 206:1535-1548. [PMID: 28468905 PMCID: PMC5500149 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.116.195776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Accepted: 04/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Picao-Osorio et al. reveal pervasive effects of microRNA regulation on complex locomotor behaviors in Drosophila larvae: over 40% of microRNAs display... The effects of microRNA (miRNA) regulation on the genetic programs underlying behavior remain largely unexplored. Despite this, recent work in Drosophila shows that mutation of a single miRNA locus (miR-iab4/iab8) affects the capacity of the larva to correct its orientation if turned upside down (self-righting, SR), suggesting that other miRNAs might also be involved in behavioral control. Here we explore this possibility, studying early larval SR behavior in a collection of 81 Drosophila miRNA mutants covering almost the entire miRNA complement of the late embryo. Unexpectedly, we observe that >40% of all miRNAs tested significantly affect SR time, revealing pervasive behavioral effects of miRNA regulation in the early larva. Detailed analyses of those miRNAs affecting SR behavior (SR-miRNAs) show that individual miRNAs can affect movement in different ways, suggesting that specific molecular and cellular elements are affected by individual miRNA mutations. Furthermore, gene expression analysis shows that the Hox gene Abdominal-B (Abd-B) represents one of the targets deregulated by several SR-miRNAs. Our work thus reveals pervasive effects of miRNA regulation on a complex innate behavior in Drosophila and suggests that miRNAs may be core components of the genetic programs underlying behavioral control in other animals too.
Collapse
|
31
|
Panchal K, Tiwari AK. Drosophila melanogaster "a potential model organism" for identification of pharmacological properties of plants/plant-derived components. Biomed Pharmacother 2017; 89:1331-1345. [PMID: 28320100 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Revised: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Plants/plant-derived components have been used from ancient times to treat/cure several human diseases. Plants and their parts possess several chemical components that play the vital role in the improvement of human health and their life expectancy. Allopathic medicines have been playing a key role in the treatment of several diseases. Though allopathic medicines provide fast relief, long time consumption cause serious health concerns such as hyperallergic reactions, liver damage, etc. So, the study of medicinal plants which rarely cause any side effect is very important to mankind. Plants contain many health benefit properties like antioxidant, anti-aging, neuroprotective, anti-genotoxic, anti-mutagenic and bioinsecticidal activity. Thus, identification of pharmacological properties of plants/plant-derived components are of utmost importance to be explored. Several model organisms have been used to identify the pharmacological properties of the different plants or active components therein and Drosophila is one of them. Drosophila melanogaster "fruit fly" is a well understood, high-throughput model organism being used more than 110 years to study the different biological aspects related to the development and diseases. Most of the developmental and cell signaling pathways and ∼75% human disease-related genes are conserved between human and Drosophila. Using Drosophila, one can easily analyze the pharmacological properties of plants/plant-derived components by performing several assays available with flies such as survivorship, locomotor, antioxidant, cell death, etc. The current review focuses on the potential of Drosophila melanogaster for the identification of medicinal/pharmacological properties associated with plants/plant-derived components.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Komal Panchal
- Genetics & Developmental Biology Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences & Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Advanced Research/IAR, Koba Institutional Area, Gandhinagar 382 007, Gujarat, India.
| | - Anand K Tiwari
- Genetics & Developmental Biology Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences & Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Advanced Research/IAR, Koba Institutional Area, Gandhinagar 382 007, Gujarat, India.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Mendoza-Viveros L, Bouchard-Cannon P, Hegazi S, Cheng AH, Pastore S, Cheng HYM. Molecular modulators of the circadian clock: lessons from flies and mice. Cell Mol Life Sci 2017; 74:1035-1059. [PMID: 27689221 PMCID: PMC11107503 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-016-2378-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2016] [Revised: 09/03/2016] [Accepted: 09/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Circadian timekeeping is a ubiquitous mechanism that enables organisms to maintain temporal coordination between internal biological processes and time of the local environment. The molecular basis of circadian rhythms lies in a set of transcription-translation feedback loops (TTFLs) that drives the rhythmic transcription of core clock genes, whose level and phase of expression serve as the marker of circadian time. However, it has become increasingly evident that additional regulatory mechanisms impinge upon the TTFLs to govern the properties and behavior of the circadian clock. Such mechanisms include changes in chromatin architecture, interactions with other transcription factor networks, post-transcriptional control by RNA modifications, alternative splicing and microRNAs, and post-translational regulation of subcellular trafficking and protein degradation. In this review, we will summarize the current knowledge of circadian clock regulation-from transcriptional to post-translational-drawing from literature pertaining to the Drosophila and murine circadian systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Mendoza-Viveros
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, ON, L5L 1C6, Canada
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, 25 Harbord Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G5, Canada
| | - Pascale Bouchard-Cannon
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, ON, L5L 1C6, Canada
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, 25 Harbord Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G5, Canada
| | - Sara Hegazi
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, ON, L5L 1C6, Canada
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, 25 Harbord Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G5, Canada
| | - Arthur H Cheng
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, ON, L5L 1C6, Canada
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, 25 Harbord Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G5, Canada
| | - Stephen Pastore
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, ON, L5L 1C6, Canada
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, 25 Harbord Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G5, Canada
| | - Hai-Ying Mary Cheng
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, ON, L5L 1C6, Canada.
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, 25 Harbord Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G5, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
miR-124 Regulates Diverse Aspects of Rhythmic Behavior in Drosophila. J Neurosci 2016; 36:3414-21. [PMID: 27013671 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3287-15.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 01/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Circadian clocks enable organisms to anticipate and adapt to fluctuating environmental conditions. Despite substantial knowledge of central clock machineries, we have less understanding of how the central clock's behavioral outputs are regulated. Here, we identify Drosophila miR-124 as a critical regulator of diurnal activity. During normal light/dark cycles, mir-124 mutants exhibit profoundly abnormal locomotor activity profiles, including loss of anticipatory capacities at morning and evening transitions. Moreover,mir-124 mutants exhibited striking behavioral alterations in constant darkness (DD), including a temporal advance in peak activity. Nevertheless, anatomical and functional tests demonstrate a normal circadian pacemaker in mir-124 mutants, indicating this miRNA regulates clock output. Among the extensive miR-124 target network, heterozygosity for targets in the BMP pathway substantially corrected the evening activity phase shift in DD. Thus, excess BMP signaling drives specific circadian behavioral output defects in mir-124 knock-outs. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Circadian clocks control rhythmic behaviors of most life-forms. Despite extensive knowledge of the central clock, there is less understanding of how its behavioral outputs are regulated. Here, we identify a conserved neural microRNA as a critical regulator of diurnal behavior. We find Drosophila mir-124 mutants exhibit robust activity abnormalities during normal light/dark cycles and during constant darkness. Nevertheless, as the central pacemaker is functional in these mutants, miR-124 regulates clock output. We provide mechanistic insight by showing deregulation of miR-124 targets in BMP signaling drives specific mir-124 defects. In summary,Drosophila mir-124 mutants reveal post-transcriptional control of circadian activities, and impact of BMP signaling in behavioral output.
Collapse
|