1
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Bonacci T, Bolhuis DL, Brown NG, Emanuele MJ. Mechanisms of USP18 deISGylation revealed by comparative analysis with its human paralog USP41. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.28.596309. [PMID: 38853827 PMCID: PMC11160589 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.28.596309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
The ubiquitin-like protein ISG15 (interferon-stimulated gene 15) regulates the host response to bacterial and viral infections through its conjugation to proteins (ISGylation) following interferon production. ISGylation is antagonized by the highly specific cysteine protease USP18, which is the major deISGylating enzyme. However, mechanisms underlying USP18's extraordinary specificity towards ISG15 remains elusive. Here, we show that USP18 interacts with its paralog USP41, whose catalytic domain shares 97% identity with USP18. However, USP41 does not act as a deISGylase, which led us to perform a comparative analysis to decipher the basis for this difference, revealing molecular determinants of USP18's specificity towards ISG15. We found that USP18 C-terminus, as well as a conserved Leucine at position 198, are essential for its enzymatic activity and likely act as functional surfaces based on AlphaFold predictions. Finally, we propose that USP41 antagonizes conjugation of the understudied ubiquitin-like protein FAT10 (HLA-F adjacent transcript 10) from substrates in a catalytic-independent manner. Altogether, our results offer new insights into USP18's specificity towards ISG15, while identifying USP41 as a negative regulator of FAT10 conjugation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Bonacci
- Department of Pharmacology and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Derek L Bolhuis
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Nicholas G Brown
- Department of Pharmacology and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Michael J Emanuele
- Department of Pharmacology and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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2
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Liu X, Xiao C, Xu X, Zhang J, Mo F, Chen JY, Delihas N, Zhang L, An NA, Li CY. Origin of functional de novo genes in humans from "hopeful monsters". WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2024; 15:e1845. [PMID: 38605485 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
For a long time, it was believed that new genes arise only from modifications of preexisting genes, but the discovery of de novo protein-coding genes that originated from noncoding DNA regions demonstrates the existence of a "motherless" origination process for new genes. However, the features, distributions, expression profiles, and origin modes of these genes in humans seem to support the notion that their origin is not a purely "motherless" process; rather, these genes arise preferentially from genomic regions encoding preexisting precursors with gene-like features. In such a case, the gene loci are typically not brand new. In this short review, we will summarize the definition and features of human de novo genes and clarify their process of origination from ancestral non-coding genomic regions. In addition, we define the favored precursors, or "hopeful monsters," for the origin of de novo genes and present a discussion of the functional significance of these young genes in brain development and tumorigenesis in humans. This article is categorized under: RNA Evolution and Genomics > RNA and Ribonucleoprotein Evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoge Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Genomic Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Chunfu Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Genomic Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinwei Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Genomic Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Genomic Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Fan Mo
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jia-Yu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Nicholas Delihas
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Li Zhang
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
| | - Ni A An
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Genomic Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Chuan-Yun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Genomic Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
- Southwest United Graduate School, Kunming, China
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3
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Di Credico A, Gaggi G, Bucci I, Ghinassi B, Di Baldassarre A. The Effects of Combined Exposure to Bisphenols and Perfluoroalkyls on Human Perinatal Stem Cells and the Potential Implications for Health Outcomes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15018. [PMID: 37834465 PMCID: PMC10573528 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241915018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study investigates the impact of two endocrine disruptors, namely Bisphenols (BPs) and Perfluoroalkyls (PFs), on human stem cells. These chemicals leach from plastic, and when ingested through contaminated food and water, they interfere with endogenous hormone signaling, causing various diseases. While the ability of BPs and PFs to cross the placental barrier and accumulate in fetal serum has been documented, the exact consequences for human development require further elucidation. The present research work explored the effects of combined exposure to BPs (BPA or BPS) and PFs (PFOS and PFOA) on human placenta (fetal membrane mesenchymal stromal cells, hFM-MSCs) and amniotic fluid (hAFSCs)-derived stem cells. The effects of the xenobiotics were assessed by analyzing cell proliferation, mitochondrial functionality, and the expression of genes involved in pluripotency and epigenetic regulation, which are crucial for early human development. Our findings demonstrate that antenatal exposure to BPs and/or PFs may alter the biological characteristics of perinatal stem cells and fetal epigenome, with potential implications for health outcomes at birth and in adulthood. Further research is necessary to comprehend the full extent of these effects and their long-term consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Di Credico
- Reprogramming and Cell Differentiation Lab, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.D.C.); (I.B.); (B.G.); (A.D.B.)
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- UdA TechLab Center (UdATech), 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Giulia Gaggi
- Reprogramming and Cell Differentiation Lab, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.D.C.); (I.B.); (B.G.); (A.D.B.)
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- UdA TechLab Center (UdATech), 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Ines Bucci
- Reprogramming and Cell Differentiation Lab, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.D.C.); (I.B.); (B.G.); (A.D.B.)
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Barbara Ghinassi
- Reprogramming and Cell Differentiation Lab, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.D.C.); (I.B.); (B.G.); (A.D.B.)
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- UdA TechLab Center (UdATech), 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Angela Di Baldassarre
- Reprogramming and Cell Differentiation Lab, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.D.C.); (I.B.); (B.G.); (A.D.B.)
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- UdA TechLab Center (UdATech), 66100 Chieti, Italy
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4
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Vuillier F, Li Z, Black I, Cruciani M, Rubino E, Michel F, Pellegrini S. IFN-I inducible miR-3614-5p targets ADAR1 isoforms and fine tunes innate immune activation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:939907. [PMID: 35935998 PMCID: PMC9354889 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.939907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulation of innate immune responses is essential for maintenance of immune homeostasis and development of an appropriate immunity against microbial infection. We show here that miR-3614-5p, product of the TRIM25 host gene, is induced by type I interferon (IFN-I) in several human non-immune and immune cell types, in particular in primary myeloid cells. Studies in HeLa cells showed that miR-3614-5p represses both p110 and p150 ADAR1 and reduces constitutive and IFN-induced A-to-I RNA editing. In line with this, activation of innate sensors and expression of IFN-β and the pro-inflammatory IL-6 are promoted. MiR-3614-5p directly targets ADAR1 transcripts by binding to one specific site in the 3’UTR. Moreover, we could show that endogenous miR-3614-5p is associated with Ago2 and targets ADAR1 in IFN-stimulated cells. Overall, we propose that, by reducing ADAR1, IFN-I-induced miR-3614-5p contributes to lowering the activation threshold of innate sensors. Our findings provide new insights into the role of miR-3614-5p, placing it as a potential fine tuner of dsRNA metabolism, cell homeostasis and innate immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Françoise Vuillier
- Cytokine Signaling Unit, Department of Immunology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- Microenvironment and Immunity Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Zhi Li
- Cytokine Signaling Unit, Department of Immunology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- Microenvironment and Immunity Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Iain Black
- Cytokine Signaling Unit, Department of Immunology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- Microenvironment and Immunity Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Melania Cruciani
- Cytokine Signaling Unit, Department of Immunology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- Microenvironment and Immunity Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Erminia Rubino
- Cytokine Signaling Unit, Department of Immunology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- Microenvironment and Immunity Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Frédérique Michel
- Cytokine Signaling Unit, Department of Immunology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- Microenvironment and Immunity Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Sandra Pellegrini
- Cytokine Signaling Unit, Department of Immunology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- Microenvironment and Immunity Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- *Correspondence: Sandra Pellegrini,
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5
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Gaggi G, Di Credico A, Guarnieri S, Mariggiò MA, Di Baldassarre A, Ghinassi B. Human mesenchymal amniotic fluid stem cells reveal an unexpected neuronal potential differentiating into functional spinal motor neurons. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:936990. [PMID: 35938174 PMCID: PMC9354810 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.936990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Human amniotic fluids stem cells (hAFSCs) can be easily isolated from the amniotic fluid during routinely scheduled amniocentesis. Unlike hiPSCs or hESC, they are neither tumorigenic nor immunogenic and their use does not rise ethical or safety issues: for these reasons they may represent a good candidate for the regenerative medicine. hAFSCs are generally considered multipotent and committed towards the mesodermal lineages; however, they express many pluripotent markers and share some epigenetic features with hiPSCs. Hence, we hypothesized that hAFSCs may overcome their mesodermal commitment differentiating into to ectodermal lineages. Here we demonstrated that by the sequential exposure to specific factors, hAFSCs can give rise to spinal motor neurons (MNs), as evidenced by the gradual gene and protein upregulation of early and late MN markers (PAX6, ISL1, HB9, NF-L, vAChT). When co-cultured with myotubes, hAFSCs-derived MNs were able to create functional neuromuscular junctions that induced robust skeletal muscle contractions. These data demonstrated the hAFSCs are not restricted to mesodermal commitment and can generate functional MNs thus outlining an ethically acceptable strategy for the study and treatment of the neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Gaggi
- Department of Medicine and Sciences of Aging, Chieti, Italy
- Reprogramming and Cell Differentiation Lab, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), Chieti, Italy
| | - Andrea Di Credico
- Department of Medicine and Sciences of Aging, Chieti, Italy
- Reprogramming and Cell Differentiation Lab, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), Chieti, Italy
| | - Simone Guarnieri
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, Chieti, Italy
- Functional Biotechnologies Lab, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Maria Addolorata Mariggiò
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, Chieti, Italy
- Functional Biotechnologies Lab, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Angela Di Baldassarre
- Department of Medicine and Sciences of Aging, Chieti, Italy
- Reprogramming and Cell Differentiation Lab, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), Chieti, Italy
- *Correspondence: Angela Di Baldassarre,
| | - Barbara Ghinassi
- Department of Medicine and Sciences of Aging, Chieti, Italy
- Reprogramming and Cell Differentiation Lab, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), Chieti, Italy
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6
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Delihas N. An ancestral genomic sequence that serves as a nucleation site for de novo gene birth. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0267864. [PMID: 35552551 PMCID: PMC9097989 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The process of gene birth is of major interest with current excitement concerning de novo gene formation. We report a new and different mechanism of de novo gene birth based on the finding and the characteristics of a short non-coding sequence situated between two protein genes, termed a spacer sequence. This non-coding sequence is present in genomes of Mus musculus, the house mouse and Philippine tarsier, a primitive ancestral primate. The ancestral sequence is highly conserved during primate evolution with certain base pairs totally invariant from mouse to humans. By following the birth of the sequence of human lincRNA BCRP3 (BCR activator of RhoGEF and GTPase 3 pseudogene) during primate evolution, we find diverse genes, long non-coding RNA and protein genes (and sequences that do not appear to encode a gene) that all stem from the 3’ end of the spacer, and all begin with a similar sequence. During primate evolution, part of the BCRP3 sequence initially formed in the Old World Monkeys and developed into different primate genes before evolving into the BCRP3 gene in humans. The gene developmental process consists of the initiation of DNA synthesis at spacer 3’ ends, addition of a complex of tandem transposable elements and the addition of a segment of another gene. The findings support the concept of the spacer sequence as a starting site for DNA synthesis that leads to formation of different genes with the addition of other sequences. These data suggest a new process of de novo gene birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Delihas
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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7
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Pinzon Cortes JA, El-Osta A, Fontemaggi G, Delihas N, Miyazaki K, Goel A, Brazane M, Carré C, Dama P, Bayraktar S, Castellano L, Enguita FJ, Mitic T, Caporali A, Gerber AP, Amodio N. The Non-Coding RNA Journal Club: Highlights on Recent Papers-10. Noncoding RNA 2022; 8:3. [PMID: 35076559 PMCID: PMC8788465 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna8010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
We are delighted to share with you our seventh Journal Club and highlight some of the most interesting papers published recently [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Jairo A. Pinzon Cortes
- Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease, Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia;
| | - Assam El-Osta
- Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease, Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia;
| | - Giulia Fontemaggi
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Nicholas Delihas
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, NY 11794, USA
| | - Katsuki Miyazaki
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics and Experimental Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Biomedical Research Center, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA;
- Department of Surgery, Tokushima University, Tokushima 7708503, Japan
| | - Ajay Goel
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics and Experimental Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Biomedical Research Center, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA;
- City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Mira Brazane
- Transgenerational Epigenetics & Small RNA Biology, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Laboratoire Biologie du Développement, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, UMR7622, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Clément Carré
- Transgenerational Epigenetics & Small RNA Biology, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Laboratoire Biologie du Développement, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, UMR7622, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Paola Dama
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QG, UK
| | - Salih Bayraktar
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QG, UK
| | - Leandro Castellano
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QG, UK
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine (ICTEM), Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Francisco J. Enguita
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Tijana Mitic
- University/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK;
| | - Andrea Caporali
- University/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK;
| | - André P. Gerber
- Department of Microbial Sciences, School of Biosciences and Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Nicola Amodio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
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Gaggi G, Di Credico A, Izzicupo P, Iannetti G, Di Baldassarre A, Ghinassi B. Chemical and Biological Molecules Involved in Differentiation, Maturation, and Survival of Dopaminergic Neurons in Health and Parkinson's Disease: Physiological Aspects and Clinical Implications. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9070754. [PMID: 34209807 PMCID: PMC8301385 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9070754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative disease characterized by a specific and progressive loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons and dopamine, causing motor dysfunctions and impaired movements. Unfortunately, available therapies can partially treat the motor symptoms, but they have no effect on non-motor features. In addition, the therapeutic effect reduces gradually, and the prolonged use of drugs leads to a significative increase in the number of adverse events. For these reasons, an alternative approach that allows the replacement or the improved survival of DA neurons is very appealing for the treatment of PD patients and recently the first human clinical trials for DA neurons replacement have been set up. Here, we review the role of chemical and biological molecules that are involved in the development, survival and differentiation of DA neurons. In particular, we review the chemical small molecules used to differentiate different type of stem cells into DA neurons with high efficiency; the role of microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs both in DA neurons development/survival as far as in the pathogenesis of PD; and, finally, we dissect the potential role of exosomes carrying biological molecules as treatment of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Gaggi
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School Initiative for RNA Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - Andrea Di Credico
- Human Anatomy and Cell Differentiation Lab, Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University “G. D’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.D.C.); (P.I.); (B.G.)
| | - Pascal Izzicupo
- Human Anatomy and Cell Differentiation Lab, Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University “G. D’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.D.C.); (P.I.); (B.G.)
| | | | - Angela Di Baldassarre
- Human Anatomy and Cell Differentiation Lab, Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University “G. D’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.D.C.); (P.I.); (B.G.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Barbara Ghinassi
- Human Anatomy and Cell Differentiation Lab, Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University “G. D’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.D.C.); (P.I.); (B.G.)
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9
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Delihas N. Birth of a Regulatory Long Non-coding RNA/Gene, linc-UR-UB. Front Genet 2021; 12:661425. [PMID: 33995491 PMCID: PMC8120154 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.661425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The origin of genes has been a major topic of research for many years, albeit in some cases, it has been a difficult process to elucidate. Insightful is a recent publication that experimentally shows how one gene, linc-UR-UB was born. This gene is regulated in a complex manner in male germ cells during spermatogenesis and is believed to participate in the regulation of levels of the ubiquitin specific peptidase 18 (USP18) mRNA. The process of formation of linc-UR-UB appears relatively simple. It involves a transcription read through from an upstream gene to a downstream functional element, the USP18 3' UTR sequence. This small element also shares the same sequence as the 3' ends of the lincRNA FAM247 family genes. In addition to linc-UR-UB, it is possible that other genes formed in a similar fashion that involves a genomic sequence read through to a functional element.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Delihas
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
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