1
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Wu AC, Vivori C, Patel H, Sideri T, Moretto F, van Werven FJ. RSC and GRFs confer promoter directionality by restricting divergent noncoding transcription. Life Sci Alliance 2022; 5:e202201394. [PMID: 36114005 PMCID: PMC9481977 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The directionality of gene promoters-the ratio of protein-coding over divergent noncoding transcription-is highly variable. How promoter directionality is controlled remains poorly understood. Here, we show that the chromatin remodelling complex RSC and general regulatory factors (GRFs) dictate promoter directionality by attenuating divergent transcription relative to protein-coding transcription. At gene promoters that are highly directional, depletion of RSC leads to a relative increase in divergent noncoding transcription and thus to a decrease in promoter directionality. We find that RSC has a modest effect on nucleosome positioning upstream in promoters at the sites of divergent transcription. These promoters are also enriched for the binding of GRFs such as Reb1 and Abf1. Ectopic targeting of divergent transcription initiation sites with GRFs or the dCas9 DNA-binding protein suppresses divergent transcription. Our data suggest that RSC and GRFs play a pervasive role in limiting divergent transcription relative to coding direction transcription. We propose that any DNA-binding factor, when stably associated with cryptic transcription start sites, forms a barrier which represses divergent transcription, thereby promoting promoter directionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Ck Wu
- Cell Fate and Gene Regulation Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Claudia Vivori
- Cell Fate and Gene Regulation Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Harshil Patel
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Theodora Sideri
- Cell Fate and Gene Regulation Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Fabien Moretto
- Cell Fate and Gene Regulation Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH), Heraklion, Greece
| | - Folkert J van Werven
- Cell Fate and Gene Regulation Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
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2
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Palzer KA, Bolduan V, Käfer R, Kleinert H, Bros M, Pautz A. The Role of KH-Type Splicing Regulatory Protein (KSRP) for Immune Functions and Tumorigenesis. Cells 2022; 11:cells11091482. [PMID: 35563788 PMCID: PMC9104899 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-transcriptional control of gene expression is one important mechanism that enables stringent and rapid modulation of cytokine, chemokines or growth factors expression, all relevant for immune or tumor cell function and communication. The RNA-binding protein KH-type splicing regulatory protein (KSRP) controls the mRNA stability of according genes by initiation of mRNA decay and inhibition of translation, and by enhancing the maturation of microRNAs. Therefore, KSRP plays a pivotal role in immune cell function and tumor progression. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about KSRP with regard to the regulation of immunologically relevant targets, and the functional role of KSRP on immune responses and tumorigenesis. KSRP is involved in the control of myeloid hematopoiesis. Further, KSRP-mediated mRNA decay of pro-inflammatory factors is necessary to keep immune homeostasis. In case of infection, functional impairment of KSRP is important for the induction of robust immune responses. In this regard, KSRP seems to primarily dampen T helper cell 2 immune responses. In cancer, KSRP has often been associated with tumor growth and metastasis. In summary, aside of initiation of mRNA decay, the KSRP-mediated regulation of microRNA maturation seems to be especially important for its diverse biological functions, which warrants further in-depth examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim-Alicia Palzer
- Department of Pharmacology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (K.-A.P.); (R.K.); (H.K.)
| | - Vanessa Bolduan
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (V.B.); (M.B.)
| | - Rudolf Käfer
- Department of Pharmacology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (K.-A.P.); (R.K.); (H.K.)
| | - Hartmut Kleinert
- Department of Pharmacology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (K.-A.P.); (R.K.); (H.K.)
| | - Matthias Bros
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (V.B.); (M.B.)
| | - Andrea Pautz
- Department of Pharmacology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (K.-A.P.); (R.K.); (H.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-6131-179276; Fax: +49-6131-179042
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3
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Rodriguez-Lopez M, Anver S, Cotobal C, Kamrad S, Malecki M, Correia-Melo C, Hoti M, Townsend S, Marguerat S, Pong SK, Wu MY, Montemayor L, Howell M, Ralser M, Bähler J. Functional profiling of long intergenic non-coding RNAs in fission yeast. eLife 2022; 11:e76000. [PMID: 34984977 PMCID: PMC8730722 DOI: 10.7554/elife.76000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotic genomes express numerous long intergenic non-coding RNAs (lincRNAs) that do not overlap any coding genes. Some lincRNAs function in various aspects of gene regulation, but it is not clear in general to what extent lincRNAs contribute to the information flow from genotype to phenotype. To explore this question, we systematically analysed cellular roles of lincRNAs in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Using seamless CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing, we deleted 141 lincRNA genes to broadly phenotype these mutants, together with 238 diverse coding-gene mutants for functional context. We applied high-throughput colony-based assays to determine mutant growth and viability in benign conditions and in response to 145 different nutrient, drug, and stress conditions. These analyses uncovered phenotypes for 47.5% of the lincRNAs and 96% of the protein-coding genes. For 110 lincRNA mutants, we also performed high-throughput microscopy and flow cytometry assays, linking 37% of these lincRNAs with cell-size and/or cell-cycle control. With all assays combined, we detected phenotypes for 84 (59.6%) of all lincRNA deletion mutants tested. For complementary functional inference, we analysed colony growth of strains ectopically overexpressing 113 lincRNA genes under 47 different conditions. Of these overexpression strains, 102 (90.3%) showed altered growth under certain conditions. Clustering analyses provided further functional clues and relationships for some of the lincRNAs. These rich phenomics datasets associate lincRNA mutants with hundreds of phenotypes, indicating that most of the lincRNAs analysed exert cellular functions in specific environmental or physiological contexts. This study provides groundwork to further dissect the roles of these lincRNAs in the relevant conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rodriguez-Lopez
- University College London, Institute of Healthy Ageing and Department of Genetics, Evolution & EnvironmentLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Shajahan Anver
- University College London, Institute of Healthy Ageing and Department of Genetics, Evolution & EnvironmentLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Cristina Cotobal
- University College London, Institute of Healthy Ageing and Department of Genetics, Evolution & EnvironmentLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Stephan Kamrad
- University College London, Institute of Healthy Ageing and Department of Genetics, Evolution & EnvironmentLondonUnited Kingdom
- The Francis Crick Institute, Molecular Biology of Metabolism LaboratoryLondonUnited Kingdom
- Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of BiochemistryBerlinGermany
| | - Michal Malecki
- University College London, Institute of Healthy Ageing and Department of Genetics, Evolution & EnvironmentLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Clara Correia-Melo
- The Francis Crick Institute, Molecular Biology of Metabolism LaboratoryLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Mimoza Hoti
- University College London, Institute of Healthy Ageing and Department of Genetics, Evolution & EnvironmentLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - StJohn Townsend
- University College London, Institute of Healthy Ageing and Department of Genetics, Evolution & EnvironmentLondonUnited Kingdom
- The Francis Crick Institute, Molecular Biology of Metabolism LaboratoryLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Samuel Marguerat
- University College London, Institute of Healthy Ageing and Department of Genetics, Evolution & EnvironmentLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Sheng Kai Pong
- University College London, Institute of Healthy Ageing and Department of Genetics, Evolution & EnvironmentLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Mary Y Wu
- The Francis Crick Institute, High Throughput ScreeningLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Luis Montemayor
- University College London, Institute of Healthy Ageing and Department of Genetics, Evolution & EnvironmentLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Michael Howell
- The Francis Crick Institute, High Throughput ScreeningLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Markus Ralser
- The Francis Crick Institute, Molecular Biology of Metabolism LaboratoryLondonUnited Kingdom
- Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of BiochemistryBerlinGermany
| | - Jürg Bähler
- University College London, Institute of Healthy Ageing and Department of Genetics, Evolution & EnvironmentLondonUnited Kingdom
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4
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Peng Q, Wang J. Non-coding RNAs in melanoma: Biological functions and potential clinical applications. MOLECULAR THERAPY-ONCOLYTICS 2021; 22:219-231. [PMID: 34514101 PMCID: PMC8424110 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2021.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Malignant melanoma (MM) is a malignant tumor that originates from melanocytes and has a high mortality rate. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment are very important for survival. So far, the exact molecular mechanism leading to the occurrence of melanoma, especially the molecular metastatic mechanism, remains largely unknown. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNA (circRNAs), have been investigated and found to play vital roles in regulating tumor occurrence and development, including melanoma. In this review, we summarize the progress of recent research on the effects of ncRNAs on melanoma and attempt to elucidate the role of ncRNAs as molecular markers or potential targets that will provide promising application perspectives on melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu Peng
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Jia Wang
- Department of Immunology, Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, Shanxi 046000 China
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5
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Discovery of widespread transcription initiation at microsatellites predictable by sequence-based deep neural network. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3297. [PMID: 34078885 PMCID: PMC8172540 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23143-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Using the Cap Analysis of Gene Expression (CAGE) technology, the FANTOM5 consortium provided one of the most comprehensive maps of transcription start sites (TSSs) in several species. Strikingly, ~72% of them could not be assigned to a specific gene and initiate at unconventional regions, outside promoters or enhancers. Here, we probe these unassigned TSSs and show that, in all species studied, a significant fraction of CAGE peaks initiate at microsatellites, also called short tandem repeats (STRs). To confirm this transcription, we develop Cap Trap RNA-seq, a technology which combines cap trapping and long read MinION sequencing. We train sequence-based deep learning models able to predict CAGE signal at STRs with high accuracy. These models unveil the importance of STR surrounding sequences not only to distinguish STR classes, but also to predict the level of transcription initiation. Importantly, genetic variants linked to human diseases are preferentially found at STRs with high transcription initiation level, supporting the biological and clinical relevance of transcription initiation at STRs. Together, our results extend the repertoire of non-coding transcription associated with DNA tandem repeats and complexify STR polymorphism.
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6
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Agostini F, Zagalak J, Attig J, Ule J, Luscombe NM. Intergenic RNA mainly derives from nascent transcripts of known genes. Genome Biol 2021; 22:136. [PMID: 33952325 PMCID: PMC8097831 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-021-02350-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eukaryotic genomes undergo pervasive transcription, leading to the production of many types of stable and unstable RNAs. Transcription is not restricted to regions with annotated gene features but includes almost any genomic context. Currently, the source and function of most RNAs originating from intergenic regions in the human genome remain unclear. RESULTS We hypothesize that many intergenic RNAs can be ascribed to the presence of as-yet unannotated genes or the "fuzzy" transcription of known genes that extends beyond the annotated boundaries. To elucidate the contributions of these two sources, we assemble a dataset of more than 2.5 billion publicly available RNA-seq reads across 5 human cell lines and multiple cellular compartments to annotate transcriptional units in the human genome. About 80% of transcripts from unannotated intergenic regions can be attributed to the fuzzy transcription of existing genes; the remaining transcripts originate mainly from putative long non-coding RNA loci that are rarely spliced. We validate the transcriptional activity of these intergenic RNAs using independent measurements, including transcriptional start sites, chromatin signatures, and genomic occupancies of RNA polymerase II in various phosphorylation states. We also analyze the nuclear localization and sensitivities of intergenic transcripts to nucleases to illustrate that they tend to be rapidly degraded either on-chromatin by XRN2 or off-chromatin by the exosome. CONCLUSIONS We provide a curated atlas of intergenic RNAs that distinguishes between alternative processing of well-annotated genes from independent transcriptional units based on the combined analysis of chromatin signatures, nuclear RNA localization, and degradation pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julian Zagalak
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Jan Attig
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Jernej Ule
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Nicholas M Luscombe
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
- UCL Genetics Institute, Department of Genetics, Environment and Evolution, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
- Okinawa Institute of Science & Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa, 904-0495, Japan
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7
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Wang Y, Liu N, Li MY, Du MF. Long non-coding RNA ZEB2-AS1 regulates osteosarcoma progression by acting as a molecular sponge of miR-107 to modulate SALL4 expression. Am J Transl Res 2021; 13:1140-1154. [PMID: 33841645 PMCID: PMC8014379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidence has confirmed long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as important regulators involved in several pathophysiological processes in many diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the roles of lncRNA ZEB2-AS1 (ZEB2-AS1) in osteosarcoma (OS). The levels of ZEB2-AS1 in OS tissues and cells were detected using RT-PCR. The clinical significance of ZEB2-AS1 expressions in OS patients was statistically analyzed. The functional effects of ZEB2-AS1 on the proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and metastasis of OS cells was determined by a series of cellular experiments. Bioinformatic analysis, dual-luciferase reporter assays and pull-down assays were carried out for the confirmation of the molecular binding. We found that ZEB2-AS1 expression was distinctly upregulated in OS specimens and cell lines. Higher levels of ZEB2-AS1 in OS patients were associated with clinical stage, distant metastasis and unfavorable survivals. A multivariate Cox model revealed that ZEB2-AS1 expression was an independent prognostic factor for OS patients. Cellular experiments revealed that knockdown of ZEB2-AS1 inhibited proliferation and metastasis, and induced apoptosis in vitro. Mechanistic investigation revealed that ZEB2-AS1 acted as a sponge for miR-107 and blocked the inhibition of spalt like transcription factor 4 (SALL4) via miR-107 in OS cells. Rescue experiments suggested that up-regulation of ZEB2-AS1 could partly attenuate the miR-107 mediated inhibition of SALL4 expression in OS cells. To sum up, our data revealed that ZEB2-AS1 played an oncogenic role in OS progression, and could serve as a novel molecular target for treating this tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Zhumadian Central HospitalZhumadian 463000, Henan, China
| | - Ning Liu
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Linyi Cancer HospitalLinyi 276000, Shandong, China
| | - Ming-Yue Li
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Linyi Cancer HospitalLinyi 276000, Shandong, China
| | - Mao-Fang Du
- Department of Operating Room, Linyi Cancer HospitalLinyi 276000, Shandong, China
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8
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Gu YY, Lu FH, Huang XR, Zhang L, Mao W, Yu XQ, Liu XS, Lan HY. Non-Coding RNAs as Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets for Diabetic Kidney Disease. Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:583528. [PMID: 33574750 PMCID: PMC7870688 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.583528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the most common diabetic complication and is a leading cause of end-stage kidney disease. Increasing evidence shows that DKD is regulated not only by many classical signaling pathways but also by epigenetic mechanisms involving chromatin histone modifications, DNA methylation, and non-coding RNA (ncRNAs). In this review, we focus on our current understanding of the role and mechanisms of ncRNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the pathogenesis of DKD. Of them, the regulatory role of TGF-β/Smad3-dependent miRNAs and lncRNAs in DKD is highlighted. Importantly, miRNAs and lncRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for DKD are also described, and the perspective of ncRNAs as a novel therapeutic approach for combating diabetic nephropathy is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue-Yu Gu
- Department of Nephrology and State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Fu-Hua Lu
- Department of Nephrology and State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Ru Huang
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Immunological and Genetic Kidney Diseases, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Immunological and Genetic Kidney Diseases, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Nephrology and State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Mao
- Department of Nephrology and State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xue-Qing Yu
- Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Immunological and Genetic Kidney Diseases, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xu-Sheng Liu
- Department of Nephrology and State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui-Yao Lan
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Immunological and Genetic Kidney Diseases, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Immunological and Genetic Kidney Diseases, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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9
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Moretto F, Wood NE, Chia M, Li C, Luscombe NM, van Werven FJ. Transcription levels of a noncoding RNA orchestrate opposing regulatory and cell fate outcomes in yeast. Cell Rep 2021; 34:108643. [PMID: 33472063 PMCID: PMC7816125 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription through noncoding regions of the genome is pervasive. How these transcription events regulate gene expression remains poorly understood. Here, we report that, in S. cerevisiae, the levels of transcription through a noncoding region, IRT2, located upstream in the promoter of the inducer of meiosis, IME1, regulate opposing chromatin and transcription states. At low levels, the act of IRT2 transcription promotes histone exchange, delivering acetylated histone H3 lysine 56 to chromatin locally. The subsequent open chromatin state directs transcription factor recruitment and induces downstream transcription to repress the IME1 promoter and meiotic entry. Conversely, increasing transcription turns IRT2 into a repressor by promoting transcription-coupled chromatin assembly. The two opposing functions of IRT2 transcription shape a regulatory circuit, which ensures a robust cell-type-specific control of IME1 expression and yeast meiosis. Our data illustrate how intergenic transcription levels are key to controlling local chromatin state, gene expression, and cell fate outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabien Moretto
- Cell Fate and Gene Regulation Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK; Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, Heraklion, Crete 70013, Greece
| | - N Ezgi Wood
- Department of Cell Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Minghao Chia
- Cell Fate and Gene Regulation Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK; Genome Institute of Singapore, 60 Biopolis Street, Genome, #02-01, Singapore 138672, Singapore
| | - Cai Li
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK; School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Nicholas M Luscombe
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK; Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan; UCL Genetics Institute, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Folkert J van Werven
- Cell Fate and Gene Regulation Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK.
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10
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Abstract
Non-coding RNAs participate in most cellular processes and play a causative role in several diseases. In addition to their relevance as targets or tools for therapy, ncRNAs have been extensively detected in body fluids supporting their role as easily accessible and minimally invasive biomarkers. However, the precise measurement of circulating ncRNAs remains challenging due to their low abundance and the heterogeneity of the ncRNA population (size, polyadenylation status, circular forms). Microarrays constitute a very powerful method to analyze the expression level and the splicing pattern of circulating ncRNAs since they preserve sample integrity (no need to remove globin or rRNA) and allow precise quantification of low-abundance transcripts (no limitation by read depth). This chapter describes the protocols used in our lab to extract and purify total RNAs from PAXgene RNA Blood Tubes and to perform RNA labeling and hybridization on the Clariom™ D microarrays from Affymetrix.
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11
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Yague-Sanz C, Vanrobaeys Y, Fernandez R, Duval M, Larochelle M, Beaudoin J, Berro J, Labbé S, Jacques PÉ, Bachand F. Nutrient-dependent control of RNA polymerase II elongation rate regulates specific gene expression programs by alternative polyadenylation. Genes Dev 2020; 34:883-897. [PMID: 32499400 PMCID: PMC7328516 DOI: 10.1101/gad.337212.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
In this study from Yague-Sanz et al., the authors investigated the physiological relevance of variations in RNAPII elongation kinetics, and show in yeast that a RNAPII mutant that reduces the transcription elongation rate causes widespread changes in alternative polyadenylation (APA). Their findings indicate that RNAPII is a sensor of nucleotide availability and that genes important for nucleotide pool maintenance have adopted regulatory mechanisms responsive to reduced rates of transcription elongation. Transcription by RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) is a dynamic process with frequent variations in the elongation rate. However, the physiological relevance of variations in RNAPII elongation kinetics has remained unclear. Here we show in yeast that a RNAPII mutant that reduces the transcription elongation rate causes widespread changes in alternative polyadenylation (APA). We unveil two mechanisms by which APA affects gene expression in the slow mutant: 3′ UTR shortening and gene derepression by premature transcription termination of upstream interfering noncoding RNAs. Strikingly, the genes affected by these mechanisms are enriched for functions involved in phosphate uptake and purine synthesis, processes essential for maintenance of the intracellular nucleotide pool. As nucleotide concentration regulates transcription elongation, our findings argue that RNAPII is a sensor of nucleotide availability and that genes important for nucleotide pool maintenance have adopted regulatory mechanisms responsive to reduced rates of transcription elongation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Yague-Sanz
- Department of Biochemistry and Functional Genomics, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - Yann Vanrobaeys
- Department of Biochemistry and Functional Genomics, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - Ronan Fernandez
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA.,Department of Cell Biology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA
| | - Maxime Duval
- Department of Biochemistry and Functional Genomics, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - Marc Larochelle
- Department of Biochemistry and Functional Genomics, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - Jude Beaudoin
- Department of Biochemistry and Functional Genomics, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - Julien Berro
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA.,Department of Cell Biology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA
| | - Simon Labbé
- Department of Biochemistry and Functional Genomics, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec J1E 4K8, Canada
| | | | - François Bachand
- Department of Biochemistry and Functional Genomics, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec J1E 4K8, Canada
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12
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Abstract
The contradiction between "high yielding" and "early maturing" hampers further improvement of annual rice yield. Here we report the positional cloning of a major maturity duration regulatory gene, Early flowering-completely dominant (Ef-cd), and demonstrate that natural variation in Ef-cd could be used to overcome the above contradictory. The Ef-cd locus gives rise to a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) antisense transcript overlapping the OsSOC1 gene. Ef-cd lncRNA expression positively correlates with the expression of OsSOC1 and H3K36me3 deposition. Field test comparisons of early maturing Ef-cd near-isogenic lines with their wild types as well as of the derivative early maturing hybrids with their wild-type hybrids conducted under different latitudes determined that the early maturing Ef-cd allele shortens maturity duration (ranging from 7 to 20 d) without a concomitant yield penalty. Ef-cd facilitates nitrogen utilization and also improves the photosynthesis rate. Analysis of 1,439 elite hybrid rice varieties revealed that the 16 homozygotes and 299 heterozygotes possessing Ef-cd matured significantly earlier. Therefore, Ef-cd could be a vital contributor of elite early maturing hybrid varieties in balancing grain yield with maturity duration.
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13
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Wu AC, Van Werven FJ. Transcribe this way: Rap1 confers promoter directionality by repressing divergent transcription. Transcription 2019; 10:164-170. [PMID: 31057041 PMCID: PMC6602560 DOI: 10.1080/21541264.2019.1608716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In eukaryotes, divergent transcription is a major source of noncoding RNAs. Recent studies have uncovered that in yeast, the transcription factor Rap1 restricts transcription in the divergent direction and thereby controls promoter directionality. Here, we summarize these findings, propose regulatory principles, and discuss the implications for eukaryotic gene regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew C.K. Wu
- Cell Fate and Gene Regulation Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
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14
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Åsman AKM, Curtis BA, Archibald JM. Nucleomorph Small RNAs in Cryptophyte and Chlorarachniophyte Algae. Genome Biol Evol 2019; 11:1117-1134. [PMID: 30949682 PMCID: PMC6461891 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evz064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The regulation of gene expression and RNA maturation underlies fundamental processes such as cell homeostasis, development, and stress acclimation. The biogenesis and modification of RNA is tightly controlled by an array of regulatory RNAs and nucleic acid-binding proteins. While the role of small RNAs (sRNAs) in gene expression has been studied in-depth in select model organisms, little is known about sRNA biology across the eukaryotic tree of life. We used deep sequencing to explore the repertoires of sRNAs encoded by the miniaturized, endosymbiotically derived “nucleomorph” genomes of two single-celled algae, the cryptophyte Guillardia theta and the chlorarachniophyte Bigelowiella natans. A total of 32.3 and 35.3 million reads were generated from G. theta and B. natans, respectively. In G. theta, we identified nucleomorph U1, U2, and U4 spliceosomal small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs) as well as 11 C/D box small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs), five of which have potential plant and animal homologs. The snoRNAs are predicted to perform 2′-O methylation of rRNA (but not snRNA). In B. natans, we found the previously undetected 5S rRNA as well as six orphan sRNAs. Analysis of chlorarachniophyte snRNAs shed light on the removal of the miniature 18–21 nt introns found in B. natans nucleomorph genes. Neither of the nucleomorph genomes appears to encode RNA pseudouridylation machinery, and U5 snRNA cannot be found in the cryptophyte G. theta. Considering the central roles of U5 snRNA and RNA modifications in other organisms, cytoplasm-to-nucleomorph RNA shuttling in cryptophyte algae is a distinct possibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna K M Åsman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia, Canada.,Department of Molecular Sciences, Uppsala BioCenter, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Linnean Center for Plant Biology, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Bruce A Curtis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - John M Archibald
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia, Canada
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15
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Transcription-driven chromatin repression of Intragenic transcription start sites. PLoS Genet 2019; 15:e1007969. [PMID: 30707695 PMCID: PMC6373976 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Progression of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) transcription relies on the appropriately positioned activities of elongation factors. The resulting profile of factors and chromatin signatures along transcription units provides a “positional information system” for transcribing RNAPII. Here, we investigate a chromatin-based mechanism that suppresses intragenic initiation of RNAPII transcription. We demonstrate that RNAPII transcription across gene promoters represses their function in plants. This repression is characterized by reduced promoter-specific molecular signatures and increased molecular signatures associated with RNAPII elongation. The conserved FACT histone chaperone complex is required for this repression mechanism. Genome-wide Transcription Start Site (TSS) mapping reveals thousands of discrete intragenic TSS positions in fact mutants, including downstream promoters that initiate alternative transcript isoforms. We find that histone H3 lysine 4 mono-methylation (H3K4me1), an Arabidopsis RNAPII elongation signature, is enriched at FACT-repressed intragenic TSSs. Our analyses suggest that FACT is required to repress intragenic TSSs at positions that are in part characterized by elevated H3K4me1 levels. In sum, conserved and plant-specific chromatin features correlate with the co-transcriptional repression of intragenic TSSs. Our insights into TSS repression by RNAPII transcription promise to inform the regulation of alternative transcript isoforms and the characterization of gene regulation through the act of pervasive transcription across eukaryotic genomes. Genes represent DNA elements that are transcribed into mRNA. However, the position where transcription actually starts can be dynamically regulated to expand the diversity of RNA isoforms produced from a single gene. Functionally, alternative Transcription Start Sites (TSSs) may generate protein isoforms with differing N-terminal regions and distinct cellular functions. In plants, light signaling regulates protein isoforms largely through regulated TSS selection, emphasizing the biological significance of this mechanism. Despite the importance of alternative TSS selection, little is known about the underlying molecular mechanisms. Here, we characterize for the first time how transcription initiation from an upstream promoter represses alternative downstream promoter activity in plants. This repression mechanism is associated with chromatin changes that are required to maintain precise gene expression control. Specific chromatin signatures are established during transcription via dynamic interactions between the transcription machinery and associated factors. The conserved histone chaperone complex FACT is one such factor involved in regulating the chromatin environment along genes during transcription. We find that mutant plants with reduced FACT activity specifically initiate transcription from thousands of intragenic positions, thus expanding RNA isoform diversity. Overall, our study reveals conserved and plant-specific chromatin features associated with the co-transcriptional repression of downstream intragenic TSSs. These findings promise to help inform the molecular mechanism underlying environmentally-triggered TSS regulation in plants.
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16
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Wu ACK, Patel H, Chia M, Moretto F, Frith D, Snijders AP, van Werven FJ. Repression of Divergent Noncoding Transcription by a Sequence-Specific Transcription Factor. Mol Cell 2018; 72:942-954.e7. [PMID: 30576656 PMCID: PMC6310685 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2018.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Revised: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Many active eukaryotic gene promoters exhibit divergent noncoding transcription, but the mechanisms restricting expression of these transcripts are not well understood. Here, we demonstrate how a sequence-specific transcription factor represses divergent noncoding transcription at highly expressed genes in yeast. We find that depletion of the transcription factor Rap1 induces noncoding transcription in a large fraction of Rap1-regulated gene promoters. Specifically, Rap1 prevents transcription initiation at cryptic promoters near its binding sites, which is uncoupled from transcription regulation in the protein-coding direction. We further provide evidence that Rap1 acts independently of previously described chromatin-based mechanisms to repress cryptic or divergent transcription. Finally, we show that divergent transcription in the absence of Rap1 is elicited by the RSC chromatin remodeler. We propose that a sequence-specific transcription factor limits access of basal transcription machinery to regulatory elements and adjacent sequences that act as divergent cryptic promoters, thereby providing directionality toward productive transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew C K Wu
- Cell Fate and Gene Regulation Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Harshil Patel
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Minghao Chia
- Cell Fate and Gene Regulation Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Fabien Moretto
- Cell Fate and Gene Regulation Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - David Frith
- Protein Analysis and Proteomics Platform, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Ambrosius P Snijders
- Protein Analysis and Proteomics Platform, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Folkert J van Werven
- Cell Fate and Gene Regulation Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK.
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17
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Kindgren P, Ard R, Ivanov M, Marquardt S. Transcriptional read-through of the long non-coding RNA SVALKA governs plant cold acclimation. Nat Commun 2018; 9:4561. [PMID: 30385760 PMCID: PMC6212407 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07010-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Most DNA in the genomes of higher organisms does not encode proteins, yet much is transcribed by RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) into long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). The biological significance of most lncRNAs is largely unclear. Here, we identify a lncRNA (SVALKA) in a cold-sensitive region of the Arabidopsis genome. Mutations in SVALKA affect CBF1 expression and freezing tolerance. RNAPII read-through transcription of SVALKA results in a cryptic lncRNA overlapping CBF1 on the antisense strand, termed asCBF1. Our molecular dissection reveals that CBF1 is suppressed by RNAPII collision stemming from the SVALKA-asCBF1 lncRNA cascade. The SVALKA-asCBF1 cascade provides a mechanism to tightly control CBF1 expression and timing that could be exploited to maximize freezing tolerance with mitigated fitness costs. Our results provide a compelling example of local gene regulation by lncRNA transcription having a profound impact on the ability of plants to appropriately acclimate to challenging environmental conditions. The function of most lncRNA is unknown. Here, the authors show that transcriptional read-through at the Arabidopsis SVALKA locus produces a cryptic lncRNA that overlaps with the neighboring cold-responsive CBF1 gene and limits CBF1 expression via an RNA polymerase II collision-based mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Kindgren
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Copenhagen Plant Science Centre, University of Copenhagen, Bulowsvej 34, Frederiksberg, 1871, Denmark
| | - Ryan Ard
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Copenhagen Plant Science Centre, University of Copenhagen, Bulowsvej 34, Frederiksberg, 1871, Denmark
| | - Maxim Ivanov
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Copenhagen Plant Science Centre, University of Copenhagen, Bulowsvej 34, Frederiksberg, 1871, Denmark
| | - Sebastian Marquardt
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Copenhagen Plant Science Centre, University of Copenhagen, Bulowsvej 34, Frederiksberg, 1871, Denmark.
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18
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Duan S, Li M, Wang Z, Wang L, Liu Y. H19 induced by oxidative stress confers temozolomide resistance in human glioma cells via activating NF-κB signaling. Onco Targets Ther 2018; 11:6395-6404. [PMID: 30323617 PMCID: PMC6174297 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s173244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent findings around long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have opened novel areas of research around their prospective use in overcoming chemoresistance. Herein, we aimed to investigate the role of lncRNA H19 in temozolomide (TMZ) resistance of human glioma cells and the possible mechanisms. METHODS Short-/long-term oxidative stress was induced, and TMZ-resistant glioma cells (U251TMZ and LN229TMZ) were established. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) and overexpression plasmids were used to modulate the expression of H19 and/or luciferase the reporters. The MTT assay and immunoblotting of cleaved caspase-3, cyclin D1, XIAP and Bcl-2 were conducted to evaluate TMZ sensitivity. Luciferase reporter and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) assays were used to verify the activation of NF-κB pathways by H19. RESULTS Knockdown of H19 in U251TMZ and LN229TMZ cells decreased half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values for TMZ and increased cell apoptosis, and H19 overexpression in U251 and LN229 cells led to the opposite effects, indicating that the H19 confers TMZ resistance to glioma cells. Furthermore, knockdown of H19 decreased the NF-κB signaling, which was revealed by repressed reporter activity and declined expression of its downstream targets in TMZ-resistant glioma cells. In contrast, H19 overexpression in U251 and LN229 cells resulted in an increase in NF-κB activation. Blockage of NF-κB activation by its inhibitor abolished TMZ resistance caused by H19 overexpression. Addition of H2O2 to induce oxidative stress largely reversed TMZ sensitivity caused by H19 knockdown. CONCLUSION H19 confers TMZ resistance through activating NF-κB signaling and may represent a novel therapeutic target for TMZ-resistant gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shibo Duan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cangzhou Central Hospital, Cangzhou, Hebei Province, People's Republic of China,
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Obstetrics, Cangzhou Central Hospital, Cangzhou, Hebei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhifeng Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cangzhou Central Hospital, Cangzhou, Hebei Province, People's Republic of China,
| | - Longlong Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cangzhou Central Hospital, Cangzhou, Hebei Province, People's Republic of China,
| | - Yongjie Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cangzhou Central Hospital, Cangzhou, Hebei Province, People's Republic of China,
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19
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Taggart J, Wang Y, Weisenhorn E, MacDiarmid CW, Russell J, Coon JJ, Eide DJ. The GIS2 Gene Is Repressed by a Zinc-Regulated Bicistronic RNA in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:E462. [PMID: 30235899 PMCID: PMC6162548 DOI: 10.3390/genes9090462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Revised: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Zinc homeostasis is essential for all organisms. The Zap1 transcriptional activator regulates these processes in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. During zinc deficiency, Zap1 increases expression of zinc transporters and proteins involved in adapting to the stress of zinc deficiency. Transcriptional activation by Zap1 can also repress expression of some genes, e.g., RTC4. In zinc-replete cells, RTC4 mRNA is produced with a short transcript leader that is efficiently translated. During deficiency, Zap1-dependent expression of an RNA with a longer transcript leader represses the RTC4 promoter. This long leader transcript (LLT) is not translated due to the presence of small open reading frames upstream of the RTC4 coding region. In this study, we show that the RTC4 LLT RNA also plays a second function, i.e., repression of the adjacent GIS2 gene. In generating the LLT transcript, RNA polymerase II transcribes RTC4 through the GIS2 promoter. Production of the LLT RNA correlates with the decreased expression of GIS2 mRNA and mutations that prevent synthesis of the LLT RNA or terminate it before the GIS2 promoter renders GIS2 mRNA expression and Gis2 protein accumulation constitutive. Thus, we have discovered an unusual regulatory mechanism that uses a bicistronic RNA to control two genes simultaneously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Taggart
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - Yirong Wang
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - Erin Weisenhorn
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - Colin W MacDiarmid
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - Jason Russell
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
- Genome Center of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - Joshua J Coon
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
- Genome Center of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - David J Eide
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
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20
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Atkinson SR, Marguerat S, Bitton DA, Rodríguez-López M, Rallis C, Lemay JF, Cotobal C, Malecki M, Smialowski P, Mata J, Korber P, Bachand F, Bähler J. Long noncoding RNA repertoire and targeting by nuclear exosome, cytoplasmic exonuclease, and RNAi in fission yeast. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2018; 24:1195-1213. [PMID: 29914874 PMCID: PMC6097657 DOI: 10.1261/rna.065524.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), which are longer than 200 nucleotides but often unstable, contribute a substantial and diverse portion to pervasive noncoding transcriptomes. Most lncRNAs are poorly annotated and understood, although several play important roles in gene regulation and diseases. Here we systematically uncover and analyze lncRNAs in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Based on RNA-seq data from twelve RNA-processing mutants and nine physiological conditions, we identify 5775 novel lncRNAs, nearly 4× the previously annotated lncRNAs. The expression of most lncRNAs becomes strongly induced under the genetic and physiological perturbations, most notably during late meiosis. Most lncRNAs are cryptic and suppressed by three RNA-processing pathways: the nuclear exosome, cytoplasmic exonuclease, and RNAi. Double-mutant analyses reveal substantial coordination and redundancy among these pathways. We classify lncRNAs by their dominant pathway into cryptic unstable transcripts (CUTs), Xrn1-sensitive unstable transcripts (XUTs), and Dicer-sensitive unstable transcripts (DUTs). XUTs and DUTs are enriched for antisense lncRNAs, while CUTs are often bidirectional and actively translated. The cytoplasmic exonuclease, along with RNAi, dampens the expression of thousands of lncRNAs and mRNAs that become induced during meiosis. Antisense lncRNA expression mostly negatively correlates with sense mRNA expression in the physiological, but not the genetic conditions. Intergenic and bidirectional lncRNAs emerge from nucleosome-depleted regions, upstream of positioned nucleosomes. Our results highlight both similarities and differences to lncRNA regulation in budding yeast. This broad survey of the lncRNA repertoire and characteristics in S. pombe, and the interwoven regulatory pathways that target lncRNAs, provides a rich framework for their further functional analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie R Atkinson
- Research Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment and UCL Genetics Institute, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Samuel Marguerat
- Research Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment and UCL Genetics Institute, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
- Institute of Clinical Sciences (ICS), Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - Danny A Bitton
- Research Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment and UCL Genetics Institute, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Rodríguez-López
- Research Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment and UCL Genetics Institute, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Charalampos Rallis
- Research Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment and UCL Genetics Institute, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Jean-François Lemay
- Department of Biochemistry, Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Cristina Cotobal
- Research Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment and UCL Genetics Institute, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Michal Malecki
- Research Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment and UCL Genetics Institute, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Pawel Smialowski
- LMU Munich, Biomedical Center, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried near Munich, Germany
| | - Juan Mata
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QW, United Kingdom
| | - Philipp Korber
- LMU Munich, Biomedical Center, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried near Munich, Germany
| | - François Bachand
- Department of Biochemistry, Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Jürg Bähler
- Research Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment and UCL Genetics Institute, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
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21
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Tuck AC, Natarajan KN, Rice GM, Borawski J, Mohn F, Rankova A, Flemr M, Wenger A, Nutiu R, Teichmann S, Bühler M. Distinctive features of lincRNA gene expression suggest widespread RNA-independent functions. Life Sci Alliance 2018; 1:e201800124. [PMID: 30456373 PMCID: PMC6238598 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.201800124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Revised: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotic genomes produce RNAs lacking protein-coding potential, with enigmatic roles. We integrated three approaches to study large intervening noncoding RNA (lincRNA) gene functions. First, we profiled mouse embryonic stem cells and neural precursor cells at single-cell resolution, revealing lincRNAs expressed in specific cell types, cell subpopulations, or cell cycle stages. Second, we assembled a transcriptome-wide atlas of nuclear lincRNA degradation by identifying targets of the exosome cofactor Mtr4. Third, we developed a reversible depletion system to separate the role of a lincRNA gene from that of its RNA. Our approach distinguished lincRNA loci functioning in trans from those modulating local gene expression. Some genes express stable and/or abundant lincRNAs in single cells, but many prematurely terminate transcription and produce lincRNAs rapidly degraded by the nuclear exosome. This suggests that besides RNA-dependent functions, lincRNA loci act as DNA elements or through transcription. Our integrative approach helps distinguish these mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex C Tuck
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland.,European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
| | - Kedar Nath Natarajan
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK.,Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK.,Danish Institute of Advanced Study and Functional Genomics and Metabolism Unit, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark
| | - Greggory M Rice
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jason Borawski
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Fabio Mohn
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Aneliya Rankova
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matyas Flemr
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alice Wenger
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Razvan Nutiu
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sarah Teichmann
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK.,Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
| | - Marc Bühler
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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22
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du Mee DJM, Ivanov M, Parker JP, Buratowski S, Marquardt S. Efficient termination of nuclear lncRNA transcription promotes mitochondrial genome maintenance. eLife 2018; 7:31989. [PMID: 29504936 PMCID: PMC5837560 DOI: 10.7554/elife.31989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Most DNA in the genomes of higher organisms does not code for proteins. RNA Polymerase II (Pol II) transcribes non-coding DNA into long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), but biological roles of lncRNA are unclear. We find that mutations in the yeast lncRNA CUT60 result in poor growth. Defective termination of CUT60 transcription causes read-through transcription across the ATP16 gene promoter. Read-through transcription localizes chromatin signatures associated with Pol II elongation to the ATP16 promoter. The act of Pol II elongation across this promoter represses functional ATP16 expression by a Transcriptional Interference (TI) mechanism. Atp16p function in the mitochondrial ATP-synthase complex promotes mitochondrial DNA stability. ATP16 repression by TI through inefficient termination of CUT60 therefore triggers mitochondrial genome loss. Our results expand the functional and mechanistic implications of non-coding DNA in eukaryotes by highlighting termination of nuclear lncRNA transcription as mechanism to stabilize an organellar genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorine Jeanne Mariëtte du Mee
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Copenhagen Plant Science Centre, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Maxim Ivanov
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Copenhagen Plant Science Centre, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Joseph Paul Parker
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Copenhagen Plant Science Centre, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Stephen Buratowski
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | - Sebastian Marquardt
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Copenhagen Plant Science Centre, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
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