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Cao X, Zhang Y, Ding Y, Wan Y. Identification of RNA structures and their roles in RNA functions. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2024:10.1038/s41580-024-00748-6. [PMID: 38926530 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-024-00748-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
The development of high-throughput RNA structure profiling methods in the past decade has greatly facilitated our ability to map and characterize different aspects of RNA structures transcriptome-wide in cell populations, single cells and single molecules. The resulting high-resolution data have provided insights into the static and dynamic nature of RNA structures, revealing their complexity as they perform their respective functions in the cell. In this Review, we discuss recent technical advances in the determination of RNA structures, and the roles of RNA structures in RNA biogenesis and functions, including in transcription, processing, translation, degradation, localization and RNA structure-dependent condensates. We also discuss the current understanding of how RNA structures could guide drug design for treating genetic diseases and battling pathogenic viruses, and highlight existing challenges and future directions in RNA structure research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinang Cao
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yueying Zhang
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK
| | - Yiliang Ding
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK.
| | - Yue Wan
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
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2
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Ogawa T, Kato K, Asuka H, Sugioka Y, Mochizuki T, Nishiuchi T, Miyahara T, Kodama H, Ohta D. Multi-omics Analyses of Non-GM Tomato Scion Engrafted on GM Rootstocks. Food Saf (Tokyo) 2023; 11:41-53. [PMID: 37745161 PMCID: PMC10514396 DOI: 10.14252/foodsafetyfscj.d-23-00005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Grafting has been widely applied in agricultural production in order to utilize agriculturally valuable traits. The use of genetically modified (GM) plants for grafting with non-GM crops will soon be implemented to generate chimeric plants (transgrafting)*, and the non-GM edible portions thus obtained could fall outside of the current legal regulations. A number of metabolites and macromolecules are reciprocally exchanged between scion and rootstock, affecting the crop properties as food. Accordingly, the potential risks associated with grafting, particularly those related to transgrafting with GM plants, should be carefully evaluated based on scientific evidence. In this study, we prepared a hetero-transgraft line composed of non-GM tomato scion and GM-tobacco rootstock expressing firefly luciferase. We also prepared a homograft line (both rootstock and scion are from non-GM tomato) and a heterograft line (non-GM tobacco rootstock and non-GM tomato scion). The non-GM tomato fruits were harvested from these grafted lines and subjected to comprehensive characterization by multi-omics analysis. Proteomic analysis detected tobacco-derived proteins from both heterograft and hetero-transgraft lines, suggesting protein transfer from the tobacco rootstock to the tomato fruits. No allergenicity information is available for these two tobacco-derived proteins. The transcript levels of the genes encoding two allergenic tomato intrinsic proteins (Sola l 4.0101 and Sola l 4.0201) decreased in the heterograft and hetero-transgraft lines. Several differences were observed in the metabolic profiles, including α-tomatine and nicotine. The accumulation of tobacco-derived nicotine in the tomato fruits of both heterograft and hetero-transgraft lines indicated that the transfer of unfavorable metabolites from rootstock to scion should be assessed as a food safety concern. Further investigations are needed to clarify whether variable environmental conditions and growth periods may influence the qualities of the non-GM edible parts produced by such transgrafted plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takumi Ogawa
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Osaka Metropolitan University,
1-1 Gakuen-cho, Naka-ku, Sakai, Osaka 599-8531, Japan
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka
Prefecture University, 1-1 Gakuen-cho, Naka-ku, Sakai, Osaka 599-8531, Japan
| | - Kanae Kato
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka
Prefecture University, 1-1 Gakuen-cho, Naka-ku, Sakai, Osaka 599-8531, Japan
| | - Harue Asuka
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka
Prefecture University, 1-1 Gakuen-cho, Naka-ku, Sakai, Osaka 599-8531, Japan
| | - Yumi Sugioka
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka
Prefecture University, 1-1 Gakuen-cho, Naka-ku, Sakai, Osaka 599-8531, Japan
| | - Tomofumi Mochizuki
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Osaka Metropolitan University,
1-1 Gakuen-cho, Naka-ku, Sakai, Osaka 599-8531, Japan
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka
Prefecture University, 1-1 Gakuen-cho, Naka-ku, Sakai, Osaka 599-8531, Japan
| | - Takumi Nishiuchi
- Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Natural Science and
Technology, Kanazawa University, Kakuma, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192, Japan
- Division of Integrated Omics Research, Bioscience Core Facility,
Research Center for Experimental Modeling of Human Disease, Kanazawa University, 13-1
Takaramachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Taira Miyahara
- Graduate School of Horticulture, Chiba University, 1-33
Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8522, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Kodama
- Graduate School of Horticulture, Chiba University, 1-33
Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8522, Japan
| | - Daisaku Ohta
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Osaka Metropolitan University,
1-1 Gakuen-cho, Naka-ku, Sakai, Osaka 599-8531, Japan
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka
Prefecture University, 1-1 Gakuen-cho, Naka-ku, Sakai, Osaka 599-8531, Japan
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3
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Borniego ML, Innes RW. Extracellular RNA: mechanisms of secretion and potential functions. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2023; 74:2389-2404. [PMID: 36609873 PMCID: PMC10082932 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erac512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular RNA (exRNA) has long been considered as cellular waste that plants can degrade and utilize to recycle nutrients. However, recent findings highlight the need to reconsider the biological significance of RNAs found outside of plant cells. A handful of studies suggest that the exRNA repertoire, which turns out to be an extremely heterogenous group of non-coding RNAs, comprises species as small as a dozen nucleotides to hundreds of nucleotides long. They are found mostly in free form or associated with RNA-binding proteins, while very few are found inside extracellular vesicles (EVs). Despite their low abundance, small RNAs associated with EVs have been a focus of exRNA research due to their putative role in mediating trans-kingdom RNAi. Therefore, non-vesicular exRNAs have remained completely under the radar until very recently. Here we summarize our current knowledge of the RNA species that constitute the extracellular RNAome and discuss mechanisms that could explain the diversity of exRNAs, focusing not only on the potential mechanisms involved in RNA secretion but also on post-release processing of exRNAs. We will also share our thoughts on the putative roles of vesicular and extravesicular exRNAs in plant-pathogen interactions, intercellular communication, and other physiological processes in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Lucía Borniego
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
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4
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Jeynes-Cupper K, Catoni M. Long distance signalling and epigenetic changes in crop grafting. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1121704. [PMID: 37021313 PMCID: PMC10067726 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1121704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Humans have used grafting for more than 4000 years to improve plant production, through physically joining two different plants, which can continue to grow as a single organism. Today, grafting is becoming increasingly more popular as a technique to increase the production of herbaceous horticultural crops, where rootstocks can introduce traits such as resistance to several pathogens and/or improving the plant vigour. Research in model plants have documented how long-distance signalling mechanisms across the graft junction, together with epigenetic regulation, can produce molecular and phenotypic changes in grafted plants. Yet, most of the studied examples rely on proof-of-concept experiments or on limited specific cases. This review explores the link between research findings in model plants and crop species. We analyse studies investigating the movement of signalling molecules across the graft junction and their implications on epigenetic regulation. The improvement of genomics analyses and the increased availability of genetic resources has allowed to collect more information on potential benefits of grafting in horticultural crop models. Ultimately, further research into this topic will enhance our ability to use the grafting technique to exploit genetic and epigenetic variation in crops, as an alternative to traditional breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marco Catoni
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, National Research Council of Italy, Torino, Italy
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5
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Shinde H, Dudhate A, Kadam US, Hong JC. RNA methylation in plants: An overview. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1132959. [PMID: 36938064 PMCID: PMC10014531 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1132959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
RNA methylation is an important post-transcriptional modification that influences gene regulation. Over 200 different types of RNA modifications have been identified in plants. In animals, the mystery of RNA methylation has been revealed, and its biological role and applications have become increasingly clear. However, RNA methylation in plants is still poorly understood. Recently, plant science research on RNA methylation has advanced rapidly, and it has become clear that RNA methylation plays a critical role in plant development. This review summarizes current knowledge on RNA methylation in plant development. Plant writers, erasers, and readers are highlighted, as well as the occurrence, methods, and software development in RNA methylation is summarized. The most common and abundant RNA methylation in plants is N6-methyladenosine (m6A). In Arabidopsis, mutations in writers, erasers, and RNA methylation readers have affected the plant's phenotype. It has also been demonstrated that methylated TRANSLATIONALLY CONTROLLED TUMOR PROTEIN 1-messenger RNA moves from shoot to root while unmethylated TCTP1-mRNA does not. Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation, in conjunction with next-generation sequencing, has been a watershed moment in plant RNA methylation research. This method has been used successfully in rice, Arabidopsis, Brassica, and maize to study transcriptome-wide RNA methylation. Various software or tools have been used to detect methylated RNAs at the whole transcriptome level; the majority are model-based analysis tools (for example, MACS2). Finally, the limitations and future prospects of methylation of RNA research have been documented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harshraj Shinde
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Ambika Dudhate
- Sequencing and Genome Discovery Center, Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Ulhas S. Kadam
- Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research Center (PMBBRC), Division of Life Science and Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju-daero, Jinju, Gyeongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Chan Hong
- Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research Center (PMBBRC), Division of Life Science and Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju-daero, Jinju, Gyeongnam, Republic of Korea
- Division of Plant Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
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6
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Omics Profiles of Non-GM Tubers from Transgrafted Potato with a GM Scion. Food Saf (Tokyo) 2023; 11:1-20. [PMID: 36970308 PMCID: PMC10034357 DOI: 10.14252/foodsafetyfscj.d-22-00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/13/2023] Open
Abstract
"Transgrafting" is a grafting procedure whereby a transgenic plant body is grafted to a non-transgenic plant body. It is a novel plant breeding technology that allows non-transgenic plants to obtain benefits usually conferred to transgenic plants. Many plants regulate flowering by perceiving the day-length cycle via expression of FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) in the leaves. The resulting FT protein is translocated to the shoot apical meristem via the phloem. In potato plants, FT is involved in the promotion of tuber formation. Here we investigated the effects of a genetically modified (GM) scion on the edible parts of the non-GM rootstock by using potato plants transformed with StSP6A, a novel potato homolog of the FT gene. Scions prepared from GM or control (wild-type) potato plants were grafted to non-GM potato rootstocks; these were designated as TN and NN plants, respectively. After tuber harvest, we observed no significant differences in potato yield between TN and NN plants. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that only one gene-with unknown function-was differentially expressed between TN and NN plants. Subsequent proteomic analysis indicated that several members of protease inhibitor families, known as anti-nutritional factors in potato, were slightly more abundant in TN plants. Metabolomic analysis revealed a slight increase in metabolite abundance in NN plants, but we observed no difference in the accumulation of steroid glycoalkaloids, toxic metabolites found in potato. Finally, we found that TN and NN plants did not differ in nutrient composition. Taken together, these results indicate that FT expression in scions had a limited effect on the metabolism of non-transgenic potato tubers.
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Arzumanian VA, Dolgalev GV, Kurbatov IY, Kiseleva OI, Poverennaya EV. Epitranscriptome: Review of Top 25 Most-Studied RNA Modifications. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232213851. [PMID: 36430347 PMCID: PMC9695239 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The alphabet of building blocks for RNA molecules is much larger than the standard four nucleotides. The diversity is achieved by the post-transcriptional biochemical modification of these nucleotides into distinct chemical entities that are structurally and functionally different from their unmodified counterparts. Some of these modifications are constituent and critical for RNA functions, while others serve as dynamic markings to regulate the fate of specific RNA molecules. Together, these modifications form the epitranscriptome, an essential layer of cellular biochemistry. As of the time of writing this review, more than 300 distinct RNA modifications from all three life domains have been identified. However, only a few of the most well-established modifications are included in most reviews on this topic. To provide a complete overview of the current state of research on the epitranscriptome, we analyzed the extent of the available information for all known RNA modifications. We selected 25 modifications to describe in detail. Summarizing our findings, we describe the current status of research on most RNA modifications and identify further developments in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoriia A. Arzumanian
- Correspondence: (V.A.A.); (G.V.D.); Tel.: +7-960-889-7117 (V.A.A.); +7-967-236-36-79 (G.V.D.)
| | - Georgii V. Dolgalev
- Correspondence: (V.A.A.); (G.V.D.); Tel.: +7-960-889-7117 (V.A.A.); +7-967-236-36-79 (G.V.D.)
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8
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Gorgues L, Li X, Maurel C, Martinière A, Nacry P. Root osmotic sensing from local perception to systemic responses. STRESS BIOLOGY 2022; 2:36. [PMID: 37676549 PMCID: PMC10442022 DOI: 10.1007/s44154-022-00054-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Plants face a constantly changing environment, requiring fine tuning of their growth and development. Plants have therefore developed numerous mechanisms to cope with environmental stress conditions. One striking example is root response to water deficit. Upon drought (which causes osmotic stress to cells), plants can among other responses alter locally their root system architecture (hydropatterning) or orientate their root growth to optimize water uptake (hydrotropism). They can also modify their hydraulic properties, metabolism and development coordinately at the whole root and plant levels. Upstream of these developmental and physiological changes, plant roots must perceive and transduce signals for water availability. Here, we review current knowledge on plant osmotic perception and discuss how long distance signaling can play a role in signal integration, leading to the great phenotypic plasticity of roots and plant development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucille Gorgues
- IPSiM, CNRS, INRAE, Institut Agro, Univ Montpellier, 34060 Montpellier, France
| | - Xuelian Li
- IPSiM, CNRS, INRAE, Institut Agro, Univ Montpellier, 34060 Montpellier, France
| | - Christophe Maurel
- IPSiM, CNRS, INRAE, Institut Agro, Univ Montpellier, 34060 Montpellier, France
| | | | - Philippe Nacry
- IPSiM, CNRS, INRAE, Institut Agro, Univ Montpellier, 34060 Montpellier, France
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9
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Kitagawa M, Xu X, Jackson D. Trafficking and localization of KNOTTED1 related mRNAs in shoot meristems. Commun Integr Biol 2022; 15:158-163. [PMID: 35832536 PMCID: PMC9272838 DOI: 10.1080/19420889.2022.2095125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Multicellular organisms use transcripts and proteins as signaling molecules for cell-to-cell communication. Maize KNOTTED1 (KN1) was the first homeodomain transcription factor identified in plants, and functions in maintaining shoot stem cells. KN1 acts non-cell autonomously, and both its messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein traffic between cells through intercellular nanochannels called plasmodesmata. KN1 protein and mRNA trafficking are regulated by a chaperonin subunit and a catalytic subunit of the RNA exosome, respectively. These studies suggest that the function of KN1 in stem cell regulation requires the cell-to-cell transport of both its protein and mRNA. However, in situ hybridization experiments published 25 years ago suggested that KN1 mRNA was missing from the epidermal (L1) layer of shoot meristems, suggesting that only the KN1 protein could traffic. Here, we show evidence that KN1 mRNA is present at a low level in L1 cells of maize meristems, supporting an idea that both KN1 protein and mRNA traffic to the L1 layer. We also summarize mRNA expression patterns of KN1 homologs in diverse angiosperm species, and discuss KN1 trafficking mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xiaosa Xu
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
| | - David Jackson
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
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10
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Li W, Chen S, Liu Y, Wang L, Jiang J, Zhao S, Fang W, Chen F, Guan Z. Long-distance transport RNAs between rootstocks and scions and graft hybridization. PLANTA 2022; 255:96. [PMID: 35348893 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-022-03863-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The present review addresses the advances of the identification methods, functions, and transportation mechanism of long-distance transport RNAs between rootstock and scion. In addition, we highlight the cognitive processes and potential mechanisms of graft hybridization. Phloem, the main transport channel of higher plants, plays an important role in the growth and development of plants. Numerous studies have identified a large number of RNAs, including mRNAs, miRNAs, siRNAs, and lncRNAs, in the plant phloem. They can not only be transported to long distances across the grafting junction in the phloem, but also act as signal molecules to regulate the growth, development, and stress resistance of remote cells or tissues, resulting in changes in the traits of rootstocks and scions. Many mobile RNAs have been discovered, but their detection methods, functions, and long-distance transport mechanisms remain to be elucidated. In addition, grafting hybridization, a phenomenon that has been questioned before, and which has an important role in selecting for superior traits, is gradually being recognized with the emergence of new evidence and the prevalence of horizontal gene transfer between parasitic plants. In this review, we outline the species, functions, identification methods, and potential mechanisms of long-distance transport RNAs between rootstocks and scions after grafting. In addition, we summarize the process of recognition and the potential mechanisms of graft hybridization. This study aimed to emphasize the role of grafting in the study of long-distance signals and selection for superior traits and to provide ideas and clues for further research on long-distance transport RNAs and graft hybridization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Key Laboratory of Landscaping, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Sumei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Key Laboratory of Landscaping, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Ye Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Key Laboratory of Landscaping, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Likai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Key Laboratory of Landscaping, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Jiafu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Key Laboratory of Landscaping, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Shuang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Key Laboratory of Landscaping, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Weimin Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Key Laboratory of Landscaping, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Fadi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Key Laboratory of Landscaping, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Zhiyong Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Key Laboratory of Landscaping, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.
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11
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5-methylcytosine modification by Plasmodium NSUN2 stabilizes mRNA and mediates the development of gametocytes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:2110713119. [PMID: 35210361 PMCID: PMC8892369 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2110713119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
5-methylcytosine (m5C) is an important epitranscriptomic modification involved in messenger RNA (mRNA) stability and translation efficiency in various biological processes. However, it remains unclear if m5C modification contributes to the dynamic regulation of the transcriptome during the developmental cycles of Plasmodium parasites. Here, we characterize the landscape of m5C mRNA modifications at single nucleotide resolution in the asexual replication stages and gametocyte sexual stages of rodent (Plasmodium yoelii) and human (Plasmodium falciparum) malaria parasites. While different representations of m5C-modified mRNAs are associated with the different stages, the abundance of the m5C marker is strikingly enhanced in the transcriptomes of gametocytes. Our results show that m5C modifications confer stability to the Plasmodium transcripts and that a Plasmodium ortholog of NSUN2 is a major mRNA m5C methyltransferase in malaria parasites. Upon knockout of P. yoelii nsun2 (pynsun2), marked reductions of m5C modification were observed in a panel of gametocytogenesis-associated transcripts. These reductions correlated with impaired gametocyte production in the knockout rodent malaria parasites. Restoration of the nsun2 gene in the knockout parasites rescued the gametocyte production phenotype as well as m5C modification of the gametocytogenesis-associated transcripts. Together with the mRNA m5C profiles for two species of Plasmodium, our findings demonstrate a major role for NSUN2-mediated m5C modifications in mRNA transcript stability and sexual differentiation in malaria parasites.
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12
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Yu Z, Chen W, Wang Y, Zhang P, Shi N, Hong Y. Mobile Flowering Locus T RNA - Biological Relevance and Biotechnological Potential. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 12:792192. [PMID: 35046978 PMCID: PMC8761650 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.792192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Many systemically mobile mRNAs have been revealed in phloem. However, very few of them have been found to be of clear signaling functions. One of such rare examples is the mobile Flowering locus T (FT) mRNA despite the continuous debate about its mobility and biological relevance to the control of flowering time in plants. Nevertheless, accumulating evidence supports the notion of the long-distance movement of FT mRNA from leaf to shoot apex meristem and its role in flowering. In this review, we discuss the discovery of florigenic FT, the initial debate on long-distance movement of FT mRNA, emerging evidence to prove its mobility, and the use of mobile FT mRNA to generate heritable transgenerational gene editing in plants. We elaborate on evidence from virus-based RNA mobility assay, plant grafting, RNA with fluorescent protein labeling, and CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technology, to demonstrate that the FT mRNA besides the FT protein can move systemically and function as an integral component of the florigenic signal in flowering. We also propose a model to prompt further research on the molecular mechanism underlying the long-distance movement of this important mobile signaling RNA in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiming Yu
- Research Centre for Plant RNA Signaling, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weiwei Chen
- Research Centre for Plant RNA Signaling, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Research Centre for Plant RNA Signaling, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Pengcheng Zhang
- Research Centre for Plant RNA Signaling, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Nongnong Shi
- Research Centre for Plant RNA Signaling, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yiguo Hong
- Research Centre for Plant RNA Signaling, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- School of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, Worcester, United Kingdom
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
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13
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Ma J, Wang Y. Studies on Viroid Shed Light on the Role of RNA Three-Dimensional Structural Motifs in RNA Trafficking in Plants. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:836267. [PMID: 35401640 PMCID: PMC8983868 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.836267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
RNAs play essential roles in various biological processes. Mounting evidence has demonstrated that RNA subcellular localization and intercellular/systemic trafficking govern their functions in coordinating plant growth at the organismal level. While numerous types of RNAs (i.e., mRNAs, small RNAs, rRNAs, tRNAs, and long noncoding RNAs) have been found to traffic in a non-cell-autonomous fashion within plants, the underlying regulatory mechanism remains unclear. Viroids are single-stranded circular noncoding RNAs, which entirely rely on their RNA motifs to exploit cellular machinery for organelle entry and exit, cell-to-cell movement through plasmodesmata, and systemic trafficking. Viroids represent an excellent model to dissect the role of RNA three-dimensional (3D) structural motifs in regulating RNA movement. Nearly two decades of studies have found multiple RNA 3D motifs responsible for viroid nuclear import as well as trafficking across diverse cellular boundaries in plants. These RNA 3D motifs function as "keys" to unlock cellular and subcellular barriers and guide RNA movement within a cell or between cells. Here, we summarize the key findings along this line of research with implications for future studies on RNA trafficking in plants.
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Martínez-Pérez M, Gómez-Mena C, Alvarado-Marchena L, Nadi R, Micol JL, Pallas V, Aparicio F. The m 6A RNA Demethylase ALKBH9B Plays a Critical Role for Vascular Movement of Alfalfa Mosaic Virus in Arabidopsis. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:745576. [PMID: 34671333 PMCID: PMC8521051 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.745576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The N 6-methyladenosine (m6A) pathway has been widely described as a viral regulatory mechanism in animals. We previously reported that the capsid protein (CP) of alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV) interacts with the Arabidopsis m6A demethylase ALKBH9B regulating m6A abundance on viral RNAs (vRNAs) and systemic invasion of floral stems. Here, we analyze the involvement of other ALKBH9 proteins in AMV infection and we carry out a detailed evaluation of the infection restraint observed in alkbh9b mutant plants. Thus, via viral titer quantification experiments and in situ hybridization assays, we define the viral cycle steps that are altered by the absence of the m6A demethylase ALKBH9B in Arabidopsis. We found that ALKBH9A and ALKBH9C do not regulate the AMV cycle, so ALKBH9B activity seems to be highly specific. We also define that not only systemic movement is affected by the absence of the demethylase, but also early stages of viral infection. Moreover, our findings suggest that viral upload into the phloem could be blocked in alkbh9b plants. Overall, our results point to ALKBH9B as a possible new component of phloem transport, at least for AMV, and as a potential target to obtain virus resistance crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mireya Martínez-Pérez
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universitat Politècnica de Valencia, Avda, Valencia, Spain
| | - Concepción Gómez-Mena
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universitat Politècnica de Valencia, Avda, Valencia, Spain
| | - Luis Alvarado-Marchena
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universitat Politècnica de Valencia, Avda, Valencia, Spain
| | - Riad Nadi
- Instituto de Bioingeniería, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Elche, Spain
| | - José Luis Micol
- Instituto de Bioingeniería, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Elche, Spain
| | - Vicente Pallas
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universitat Politècnica de Valencia, Avda, Valencia, Spain
| | - Frederic Aparicio
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universitat Politècnica de Valencia, Avda, Valencia, Spain
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica y del Medio Natural, Universitat Politècnica de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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