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Nashabat M, Nabavizadeh N, Saraçoğlu HP, Sarıbaş B, Avcı Ş, Börklü E, Beillard E, Yılmaz E, Uygur SE, Kayhan CK, Bosco L, Eren ZB, Steindl K, Richter MF, Bademci G, Rauch A, Fattahi Z, Valentino ML, Connolly AM, Bahr A, Viola L, Bergmann AK, Rocha ME, Peart L, Castro-Rojas DL, Bültmann E, Khan S, Giarrana ML, Teleanu RI, Gonzalez JM, Pini A, Schädlich IS, Vill K, Brugger M, Zuchner S, Pinto A, Donkervoort S, Bivona SA, Riza A, Streata I, Gläser D, Baquero-Montoya C, Garcia-Restrepo N, Kotzaeridou U, Brunet T, Epure DA, Bertoli-Avella A, Kariminejad A, Tekin M, von Hardenberg S, Bönnemann CG, Stettner GM, Zanni G, Kayserili H, Oflazer ZP, Escande-Beillard N. SNUPN deficiency causes a recessive muscular dystrophy due to RNA mis-splicing and ECM dysregulation. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1758. [PMID: 38413582 PMCID: PMC10899626 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45933-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
SNURPORTIN-1, encoded by SNUPN, plays a central role in the nuclear import of spliceosomal small nuclear ribonucleoproteins. However, its physiological function remains unexplored. In this study, we investigate 18 children from 15 unrelated families who present with atypical muscular dystrophy and neurological defects. Nine hypomorphic SNUPN biallelic variants, predominantly clustered in the last coding exon, are ascertained to segregate with the disease. We demonstrate that mutant SPN1 failed to oligomerize leading to cytoplasmic aggregation in patients' primary fibroblasts and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutant cell lines. Additionally, mutant nuclei exhibit defective spliceosomal maturation and breakdown of Cajal bodies. Transcriptome analyses reveal splicing and mRNA expression dysregulation, particularly in sarcolemmal components, causing disruption of cytoskeletal organization in mutant cells and patient muscle tissues. Our findings establish SNUPN deficiency as the genetic etiology of a previously unrecognized subtype of muscular dystrophy and provide robust evidence of the role of SPN1 for muscle homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwan Nashabat
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Department of Medical Genetics, Koç University, School of Medicine (KUSoM), Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nasrinsadat Nabavizadeh
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Department of Medical Genetics, Koç University, School of Medicine (KUSoM), Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hilal Pırıl Saraçoğlu
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Department of Medical Genetics, Koç University, School of Medicine (KUSoM), Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Burak Sarıbaş
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Department of Medical Genetics, Koç University, School of Medicine (KUSoM), Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Şahin Avcı
- Diagnostic Center for Genetic Diseases, Department of Medical Genetics, Koç University Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Esra Börklü
- Diagnostic Center for Genetic Diseases, Department of Medical Genetics, Koç University Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Elanur Yılmaz
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Department of Medical Genetics, Koç University, School of Medicine (KUSoM), Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Seyide Ecesu Uygur
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Department of Medical Genetics, Koç University, School of Medicine (KUSoM), Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Cavit Kerem Kayhan
- Pathology Laboratory, Acıbadem Maslak Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Biotechnology, Nişantaşı University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Luca Bosco
- Unit of Muscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders and Developmental Neurology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Science, University "Roma Tre", Rome, Italy
| | - Zeynep Bengi Eren
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Department of Medical Genetics, Koç University, School of Medicine (KUSoM), Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Katharina Steindl
- Institute of Medical Genetics, University of Zurich, Schlieren-Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Guney Bademci
- Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Anita Rauch
- Institute of Medical Genetics, University of Zurich, Schlieren-Zurich, Switzerland
- Research Priority Program (URPP) ITINERARE: Innovative Therapies in Rare Diseases, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Zohreh Fattahi
- Genetics Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Kariminejad-Najmabadi Pathology & Genetics Centre, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maria Lucia Valentino
- IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Anne M Connolly
- Division of Neurology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Angela Bahr
- Institute of Medical Genetics, University of Zurich, Schlieren-Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Laura Viola
- Unit of Clinical Pediatrics, State Hospital, San Marino Republic, Italy
| | | | | | - LeShon Peart
- Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Derly Liseth Castro-Rojas
- Genomics Laboratory, Center of Immunology and Genetics (CIGE), SURA Ayudas Diagnosticas, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Eva Bültmann
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | | | - Raluca Ioana Teleanu
- Dr Victor Gomoiu Children's Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Joanna Michelle Gonzalez
- Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Antonella Pini
- Neuromuscular Pediatric Unit, IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Ines Sophie Schädlich
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Katharina Vill
- Department of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine and LMU Center for Children with Medical Complexity, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
- Department of Human Genetics, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
| | - Melanie Brugger
- Department of Human Genetics, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
| | - Stephan Zuchner
- Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- John P. Hussmann Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Sandra Donkervoort
- Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Stephanie Ann Bivona
- Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Anca Riza
- Human Genomics Laboratory, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Craiova, Romania
- Regional Centre of Medical Genetics Dolj, County Clinical Emergency Hospital, Craiova, Romania
| | - Ioana Streata
- Human Genomics Laboratory, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Craiova, Romania
- Regional Centre of Medical Genetics Dolj, County Clinical Emergency Hospital, Craiova, Romania
| | | | | | | | - Urania Kotzaeridou
- Division of Child Neurology and Inherited Metabolic Diseases, Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Theresa Brunet
- Department of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine and LMU Center for Children with Medical Complexity, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
- Department of Human Genetics, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Mustafa Tekin
- Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- John P. Hussmann Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Carsten G Bönnemann
- Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Georg M Stettner
- Neuromuscular Center Zurich and Department of Pediatric Neurology, University Children's Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ginevra Zanni
- Unit of Muscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders and Developmental Neurology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Hülya Kayserili
- Diagnostic Center for Genetic Diseases, Department of Medical Genetics, Koç University Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Medical Genetics, Koç University School of Medicine (KUSoM), Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Zehra Piraye Oflazer
- Department of Neurology, Koç University Hospital Muscle Center, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nathalie Escande-Beillard
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Department of Medical Genetics, Koç University, School of Medicine (KUSoM), Istanbul, Turkey.
- Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Koç University School of Medicine (KUSoM), Istanbul, Turkey.
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Zhang Y, He J, Xiang L, Tang X, Wang S, Li A, Wang C, Li L, Zhu B. Molecular Mechanisms of Medicinal Plant Securinega suffruticosa-derived Compound Securinine against Spinal Muscular Atrophy based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification. Curr Pharm Des 2024; 30:1178-1193. [PMID: 38561613 DOI: 10.2174/0113816128288504240321041408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a severe motor neuronal disorder with high morbidity and mortality. Securinine has shown the potential to treat SMA; however, its anti-SMA role remains unclear. OBJECTIVE This study aims to reveal the anti-SMA mechanisms of securinine. METHODS Securinine-associated targets were acquired from Herbal Ingredients' Targets (HIT), Similarity Ensemble Approach (SEA), and SuperPred. SMA-associated targets were obtained from GeneCards and Dis- GeNET. Protein-protein Interaction (PPI) network was constructed using GeneMANIA, and hug targets were screened using cytoHubba. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed using ClusterProfifiler. Molecular docking was conducted using Pymol and Auto- Dock. In vitro assays were used to verify the anti-SMA effects of securinine. RESULTS Twenty-six intersection targets of securinine and SMA were obtained. HDAC1, HDAC2, TOP2A, PIK3R1, PRMT5, JAK2, HSP90AB1, TERT, PTGS2, and PAX8 were the core targets in PPI network. GO analysis demonstrated that the intersecting targets were implicated in the regulation of proteins, steroid hormones, histone deacetylases, and DNA transcription. KEGG analysis, pathway-pathway, and hub target-pathway networks revealed that securinine might treat SMA through TNF, JAK-STAT, Ras, and PI3K-Akt pathways. Securinine had a favorable binding affinity with HDAC1, HSP90AB, JAK2, PRMT5, PTGS2, and TERT. Securinine rescued viability suppression, mitochondria damage, and SMN loss in the SMA cell model. Furthermore, securinine increased HDAC1 and PRMT5 expression, decreased PTGS2 expression, suppressed the JAK2-STAT3 pathway, and promoted the PI3K-Akt pathway. CONCLUSION Securinine might alleviate SMA by elevating HDAC1 and PRMT5 expression and reducing PTGS2 via JAK2-STAT3 suppression and PI3K-Akt activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinhong Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Preconception Health Birth in Western China, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Birth Defects and Genetic Diseases, Department of Medical Genetics, Yunnan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Birth Defects and Rare Diseases, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
- The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
- School of Medical, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Jing He
- NHC Key Laboratory of Preconception Health Birth in Western China, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Birth Defects and Genetic Diseases, Department of Medical Genetics, Yunnan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Birth Defects and Rare Diseases, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
- The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
- School of Medical, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Lifeng Xiang
- The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
- School of Medical, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Periconception Health Birth in Western China, Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
| | - Xinhua Tang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Preconception Health Birth in Western China, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Birth Defects and Genetic Diseases, Department of Medical Genetics, Yunnan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Birth Defects and Rare Diseases, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
- The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
- School of Medical, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Shiyu Wang
- School of Medical, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Aoyu Li
- School of Medical, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Chaoyan Wang
- School of Medical, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Li Li
- The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
- School of Medical, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China
- Department of Pediatrics, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
| | - Baosheng Zhu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Preconception Health Birth in Western China, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Birth Defects and Genetic Diseases, Department of Medical Genetics, Yunnan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Birth Defects and Rare Diseases, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
- The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
- School of Medical, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China
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Lettin L, Erbay B, Blair GE. Viruses and Cajal Bodies: A Critical Cellular Target in Virus Infection? Viruses 2023; 15:2311. [PMID: 38140552 PMCID: PMC10747631 DOI: 10.3390/v15122311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuclear bodies (NBs) are dynamic structures present in eukaryotic cell nuclei. They are not bounded by membranes and are often considered biomolecular condensates, defined structurally and functionally by the localisation of core components. Nuclear architecture can be reorganised during normal cellular processes such as the cell cycle as well as in response to cellular stress. Many plant and animal viruses target their proteins to NBs, in some cases triggering their structural disruption and redistribution. Although not all such interactions have been well characterised, subversion of NBs and their functions may form a key part of the life cycle of eukaryotic viruses that require the nucleus for their replication. This review will focus on Cajal bodies (CBs) and the viruses that target them. Since CBs are dynamic structures, other NBs (principally nucleoli and promyelocytic leukaemia, PML and bodies), whose components interact with CBs, will also be considered. As well as providing important insights into key virus-host cell interactions, studies on Cajal and associated NBs may identify novel cellular targets for development of antiviral compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Lettin
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK (B.E.)
| | - Bilgi Erbay
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK (B.E.)
- Moleküler Biyoloji ve Genetik Bölümü, Fen Fakültesi, Van Yuzuncu Yil University, Van 65140, Türkiye
| | - G. Eric Blair
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK (B.E.)
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Angelopoulou E, Pyrgelis ES, Ahire C, Suman P, Mishra A, Piperi C. Functional Implications of Protein Arginine Methyltransferases (PRMTs) in Neurodegenerative Diseases. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1257. [PMID: 37759656 PMCID: PMC10525691 DOI: 10.3390/biology12091257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
During the aging of the global population, the prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases will be continuously growing. Although each disorder is characterized by disease-specific protein accumulations, several common pathophysiological mechanisms encompassing both genetic and environmental factors have been detected. Among them, protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs), which catalyze the methylation of arginine of various substrates, have been revealed to regulate several cellular mechanisms, including neuronal cell survival and excitability, axonal transport, synaptic maturation, and myelination. Emerging evidence highlights their critical involvement in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), frontotemporal dementia-amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (FTD-ALS) spectrum, Huntington's disease (HD), spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA). Underlying mechanisms include the regulation of gene transcription and RNA splicing, as well as their implication in various signaling pathways related to oxidative stress responses, apoptosis, neuroinflammation, vacuole degeneration, abnormal protein accumulation and neurotransmission. The targeting of PRMTs is a therapeutic approach initially developed against various forms of cancer but currently presents a novel potential strategy for neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we discuss the accumulating evidence on the role of PRMTs in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases, enlightening their pathogenesis and stimulating future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efthalia Angelopoulou
- 1st Department of Neurology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Eginition Hospital, 11528 Athens, Greece; (E.A.); (E.-S.P.)
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Efstratios-Stylianos Pyrgelis
- 1st Department of Neurology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Eginition Hospital, 11528 Athens, Greece; (E.A.); (E.-S.P.)
| | - Chetana Ahire
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Guwahati, Changsari, Kamrup 781101, Assam, India; (C.A.); (P.S.)
| | - Prachi Suman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Guwahati, Changsari, Kamrup 781101, Assam, India; (C.A.); (P.S.)
| | - Awanish Mishra
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Guwahati, Changsari, Kamrup 781101, Assam, India; (C.A.); (P.S.)
| | - Christina Piperi
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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Taliansky ME, Love AJ, Kołowerzo-Lubnau A, Smoliński DJ. Cajal bodies: Evolutionarily conserved nuclear biomolecular condensates with properties unique to plants. THE PLANT CELL 2023; 35:3214-3235. [PMID: 37202374 PMCID: PMC10473218 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koad140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Proper orchestration of the thousands of biochemical processes that are essential to the life of every cell requires highly organized cellular compartmentalization of dedicated microenvironments. There are 2 ways to create this intracellular segregation to optimize cellular function. One way is to create specific organelles, enclosed spaces bounded by lipid membranes that regulate macromolecular flux in and out of the compartment. A second way is via membraneless biomolecular condensates that form due to to liquid-liquid phase separation. Although research on these membraneless condensates has historically been performed using animal and fungal systems, recent studies have explored basic principles governing the assembly, properties, and functions of membraneless compartments in plants. In this review, we discuss how phase separation is involved in a variety of key processes occurring in Cajal bodies (CBs), a type of biomolecular condensate found in nuclei. These processes include RNA metabolism, formation of ribonucleoproteins involved in transcription, RNA splicing, ribosome biogenesis, and telomere maintenance. Besides these primary roles of CBs, we discuss unique plant-specific functions of CBs in RNA-based regulatory pathways such as nonsense-mediated mRNA decay, mRNA retention, and RNA silencing. Finally, we summarize recent progress and discuss the functions of CBs in responses to pathogen attacks and abiotic stresses, responses that may be regulated via mechanisms governed by polyADP-ribosylation. Thus, plant CBs are emerging as highly complex and multifunctional biomolecular condensates that are involved in a surprisingly diverse range of molecular mechanisms that we are just beginning to appreciate.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew J Love
- The James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee DD2 5DA, UK
| | - Agnieszka Kołowerzo-Lubnau
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Lwowska 1, 87-100 Torun, Poland
- Centre for Modern Interdisciplinary Technologies, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Wilenska 4, 87-100 Torun, Poland
| | - Dariusz Jan Smoliński
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Lwowska 1, 87-100 Torun, Poland
- Centre for Modern Interdisciplinary Technologies, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Wilenska 4, 87-100 Torun, Poland
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Fortuna TR, Kour S, Chimata AV, Muiños-Bühl A, Anderson EN, Nelson Iv CH, Ward C, Chauhan O, O'Brien C, Rajasundaram D, Rajan DS, Wirth B, Singh A, Pandey UB. SMN regulates GEMIN5 expression and acts as a modifier of GEMIN5-mediated neurodegeneration. Acta Neuropathol 2023; 146:477-498. [PMID: 37369805 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-023-02607-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
GEMIN5 is essential for core assembly of small nuclear Ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs), the building blocks of spliceosome formation. Loss-of-function mutations in GEMIN5 lead to a neurodevelopmental syndrome among patients presenting with developmental delay, motor dysfunction, and cerebellar atrophy by perturbing SMN complex protein expression and assembly. Currently, molecular determinants of GEMIN5-mediated disease have yet to be explored. Here, we identified SMN as a genetic suppressor of GEMIN5-mediated neurodegeneration in vivo. We discovered that an increase in SMN expression by either SMN gene therapy replacement or the antisense oligonucleotide (ASO), Nusinersen, significantly upregulated the endogenous levels of GEMIN5 in mammalian cells and mutant GEMIN5-derived iPSC neurons. Further, we identified a strong functional association between the expression patterns of SMN and GEMIN5 in patient Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)-derived motor neurons harboring loss-of-function mutations in the SMN gene. Interestingly, SMN binds to the C-terminus of GEMIN5 and requires the Tudor domain for GEMIN5 binding and expression regulation. Finally, we show that SMN upregulation ameliorates defective snRNP biogenesis and alternative splicing defects caused by loss of GEMIN5 in iPSC neurons and in vivo. Collectively, these studies indicate that SMN acts as a regulator of GEMIN5 expression and neuropathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler R Fortuna
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sukhleen Kour
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Anixa Muiños-Bühl
- Institute of Human Genetics, Center for Molecular Medicine, Center for Rare Disorders, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Eric N Anderson
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Charlie H Nelson Iv
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Caroline Ward
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Om Chauhan
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Casey O'Brien
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Health Informatics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Dhivyaa Rajasundaram
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Health Informatics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Deepa S Rajan
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Brunhilde Wirth
- Institute of Human Genetics, Center for Molecular Medicine, Center for Rare Disorders, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Amit Singh
- Department of Biology, University of Dayton, Dayton, OH, USA
| | - Udai Bhan Pandey
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Children's Neuroscience Institute, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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7
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Zhang L, Abendroth F, Vázquez O. A Chemical Biology Perspective to Therapeutic Regulation of RNA Splicing in Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:1293-1307. [PMID: 35639849 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Manipulation of RNA splicing machinery has emerged as a drug modality. Here, we illustrate the potential of this novel paradigm to correct aberrant splicing events focused on the recent therapeutic advances in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). SMA is an incurable neuromuscular disorder and at present the primary genetic cause of early infant death. This Review summarizes the exciting journey from the first reported SMA cases to the currently approved splicing-switching treatments, i.e., antisense oligonucleotides and small-molecule modifiers. We emphasize both chemical structures and molecular bases for recognition. We briefly discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these treatments and include the remaining challenges and future directions. Finally, we also predict that these success stories will contribute to further therapies for human diseases by RNA-splicing control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Straße 4, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - Frank Abendroth
- Department of Chemistry, University of Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Straße 4, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - Olalla Vázquez
- Department of Chemistry, University of Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Straße 4, 35043, Marburg, Germany
- Center for Synthetic Microbiology (SYNMIKRO), University of Marburg, Karl-von-Frisch-Straße 14, 35043 Marburg, Germany
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8
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Farrugia M, Vassallo N, Cauchi RJ. Disruption of Smn in glia impacts survival but has no effect on neuromuscular function in Drosophila. Neuroscience 2022; 491:32-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Nibona E, Niyonkuru C, Liang X, Yao Q, Zhao H. Essential Roles of PRMT5-MEP50 Complex Formation and Cancer Therapy. Russ J Dev Biol 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062360421050064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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10
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Macario AJL, Conway de Macario E. Chaperonins in cancer: Expression, function, and migration in extracellular vesicles. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 86:26-35. [PMID: 34087417 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The chaperonins CCT and Hsp60 are molecular chaperones, members of the chaperone system (CS). Chaperones are cytoprotective but if abnormal in quantity or quality they may cause diseases, the chaperonopathies. Here, recent advances in the understanding of CCT and Hsp60 in cancerology are briefly discussed, focusing on breast and brain cancers. CCT subunits, particularly CCT2, were increased in breast cancer cells and this correlated with tumor progression. Experimental induction of CCT2 increase was accompanied by an increase of CCT3, 4, and 5, providing another evidence for the interconnection between the members of the CS and the difficulties expected while manipulating one member with therapeutic purposes. Another in silico study demonstrated a direct correlation between the increase in the tumor tissue of the mRNA levels of all CCT subunits, except CCTB6, with bad prognosis. Studies with glioblastomas demonstrated an increase in the CCT subunits in the tumor tissue and in extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from them. Expression levels of CCT1, 2, 6A, and 7 were the most increased and markers of bad prognosis, particularly CCT6A. A method for measuring Hsp60 and related miRNA in exosomes from blood of patients with glioblastomas or other brain tumors was discussed, and the results indicate that the triad Hsp60-related miRNAs-exosomes has potential regarding diagnosis and patient monitoring. All these data provide a strong foundation for future studies on the role played by chaperonins in carcinogenesis and for fully developing their theranostics applications along with exosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto J L Macario
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland at Baltimore-Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology (IMET), Baltimore, MD 21202, USA; Euro-Mediterranean Institute of Science and Technology (IEMEST), 90139 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Everly Conway de Macario
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland at Baltimore-Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology (IMET), Baltimore, MD 21202, USA.
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11
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The Neurochaperonopathies: Anomalies of the Chaperone System with Pathogenic Effects in Neurodegenerative and Neuromuscular Disorders. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app11030898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The chaperone (or chaperoning) system (CS) constitutes molecular chaperones, co-chaperones, and chaperone co-factors, interactors and receptors, and its canonical role is protein quality control. A malfunction of the CS may cause diseases, known as the chaperonopathies. These are caused by qualitatively and/or quantitatively abnormal molecular chaperones. Since the CS is ubiquitous, chaperonopathies are systemic, affecting various tissues and organs, playing an etiologic-pathogenic role in diverse conditions. In this review, we focus on chaperonopathies involved in the pathogenic mechanisms of diseases of the central and peripheral nervous systems: the neurochaperonopathies (NCPs). Genetic NCPs are linked to pathogenic variants of chaperone genes encoding, for example, the small Hsp, Hsp10, Hsp40, Hsp60, and CCT-BBS (chaperonin-containing TCP-1- Bardet–Biedl syndrome) chaperones. Instead, the acquired NCPs are associated with malfunctional chaperones, such as Hsp70, Hsp90, and VCP/p97 with aberrant post-translational modifications. Awareness of the chaperonopathies as the underlying primary or secondary causes of disease will improve diagnosis and patient management and open the possibility of investigating and developing chaperonotherapy, namely treatment with the abnormal chaperone as the main target. Positive chaperonotherapy would apply in chaperonopathies by defect, i.e., chaperone insufficiency, and consist of chaperone replacement or boosting, whereas negative chaperonotherapy would be pertinent when a chaperone actively participates in the initiation and progression of the disease and must be blocked and eliminated.
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Tachizaki T, Sakaguchi R, Terada S, Kamei KI, Hirori H. Terahertz pulse-altered gene networks in human induced pluripotent stem cells. OPTICS LETTERS 2020; 45:6078-6081. [PMID: 33137073 DOI: 10.1364/ol.402815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Terahertz (THz) irradiation has been exploited in biomedical applications involving non-invasive manipulation of living cells. We developed an apparatus for studying the effects of THz pulse irradiation on living human induced pluripotent stem cells. The THz pulse of the maximum electric field reached 0.5 MV/cm and was applied for one hour with 1 kHz repetition to the entire cell-culture area, a diameter of 1 mm. RNA sequencing of global gene-expression revealed that many THz-regulated genes were driven by zinc-finger transcription factors. Combined with a consideration of the interactions of metal ions and a THz electric field, these results imply that the local intracellular concentration of metal ions, such as Zn2+, was changed by the effective electrical force of our THz pulse.
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13
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Zakharova M. Modern approaches in gene therapy of motor neuron diseases. Med Res Rev 2020; 41:2634-2655. [PMID: 32638429 DOI: 10.1002/med.21705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Motor neuron disorders are a group of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by muscle weakness, loss of ambulation, respiratory insufficiency, leading to an early death. Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are the most common and fatal motor neuron diseases. The last 3 years became very successful for novel gene therapy approaches in SMA in infants. Two innovative drugs-nusinersen (Spinraza) and onasemnogene abeparvovec (Zolgensma) have been approved by health authorities. The numerous molecular and genetic overlaps between different neurodegenerative diseases are of great importance in the development of innovative therapeutic strategies, including viral vector therapy and RNA modulating approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Zakharova
- Sixth Neurology Department (Department of Neuroinfectious Diseases), Research Center of Neurology, Moscow, Russia
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14
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Cacciottolo R, Ciantar J, Lanfranco M, Borg RM, Vassallo N, Bordonné R, Cauchi RJ. SMN complex member Gemin3 self-interacts and has a functional relationship with ALS-linked proteins TDP-43, FUS and Sod1. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18666. [PMID: 31822699 PMCID: PMC6904755 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-53508-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The predominant motor neuron disease in infants and adults is spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), respectively. SMA is caused by insufficient levels of the Survival Motor Neuron (SMN) protein, which operates as part of the multiprotein SMN complex that includes the DEAD-box RNA helicase Gemin3/DDX20/DP103. C9orf72, SOD1, TDP-43 and FUS are ranked as the four major genes causing familial ALS. Accumulating evidence has revealed a surprising molecular overlap between SMA and ALS. Here, we ask the question of whether Drosophila can also be exploited to study shared pathogenic pathways. Focusing on motor behaviour, muscle mass and survival, we show that disruption of either TBPH/TDP-43 or Caz/FUS enhance defects associated with Gemin3 loss-of-function. Gemin3-associated neuromuscular junction overgrowth was however suppressed. Sod1 depletion had a modifying effect in late adulthood. We also show that Gemin3 self-interacts and Gem3ΔN, a helicase domain deletion mutant, retains the ability to interact with its wild-type counterpart. Importantly, mutant:wild-type dimers are favoured more than wild-type:wild-type dimers. In addition to reinforcing the link between SMA and ALS, further exploration of mechanistic overlaps is now possible in a genetically tractable model organism. Notably, Gemin3 can be elevated to a candidate for modifying motor neuron degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Cacciottolo
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, CNRS-UMR 5535, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta.,Centre for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Joanna Ciantar
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta.,Centre for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Maia Lanfranco
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, CNRS-UMR 5535, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta.,Centre for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Rebecca M Borg
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, CNRS-UMR 5535, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta.,Centre for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Neville Vassallo
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta.,Centre for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Rémy Bordonné
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, CNRS-UMR 5535, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Ruben J Cauchi
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta. .,Centre for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Malta, Msida, Malta.
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15
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Binding of the protein ICln to α-integrin contributes to the activation of ICl swell current. Sci Rep 2019; 9:12195. [PMID: 31434921 PMCID: PMC6704128 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48496-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
IClswell is the chloride current induced by cell swelling, and plays a fundamental role in several biological processes, including the regulatory volume decrease (RVD). ICln is a highly conserved, ubiquitously expressed and multifunctional protein involved in the activation of IClswell. In platelets, ICln binds to the intracellular domain of the integrin αIIb chain, however, whether the ICln/integrin interaction plays a role in RVD is not known. Here we show that a direct molecular interaction between ICln and the integrin α-chain is not restricted to platelets and involves highly conserved amino acid motifs. Integrin α recruits ICln to the plasma membrane, thereby facilitating the activation of IClswell during hypotonicity. Perturbation of the ICln/integrin interaction prevents the transposition of ICln towards the cell surface and, in parallel, impedes the activation of IClswell. We suggest that the ICln/integrin interaction interface may represent a new molecular target enabling specific IClswell suppression in pathological conditions when this current is deregulated or plays a detrimental role.
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16
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Conway de Macario E, Yohda M, Macario AJL, Robb FT. Bridging human chaperonopathies and microbial chaperonins. Commun Biol 2019; 2:103. [PMID: 30911678 PMCID: PMC6420498 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-019-0318-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Chaperonins are molecular chaperones that play critical physiological roles, but they can be pathogenic. Malfunctional chaperonins cause chaperonopathies of great interest within various medical specialties. Although the clinical-genetic aspects of many chaperonopathies are known, the molecular mechanisms causing chaperonin failure and tissue lesions are poorly understood. Progress is necessary to improve treatment, and experimental models that mimic the human situation provide a promising solution. We present two models: one prokaryotic (the archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus) with eukaryotic-like chaperonins and one eukaryotic (Chaetomium thermophilum), both convenient for isolation-study of chaperonins, and report illustrative results pertaining to a pathogenic mutation of CCT5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Everly Conway de Macario
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland at Baltimore-Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology (IMET), Columbus Center, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Masafumi Yohda
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Koganei, Tokyo Japan
- Institute of Global Innovation Research, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Koganei, Tokyo Japan
| | - Alberto J. L. Macario
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland at Baltimore-Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology (IMET), Columbus Center, Baltimore, MD USA
- Euro-Mediterranean Institute of Science and Technology (IEMEST), Palermo, Italy
| | - Frank T. Robb
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland at Baltimore-Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology (IMET), Columbus Center, Baltimore, MD USA
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research (IBBR), Rockville, MD USA
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17
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Nikonova E, Kao SY, Ravichandran K, Wittner A, Spletter ML. Conserved functions of RNA-binding proteins in muscle. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2019; 110:29-49. [PMID: 30818081 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2019.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Animals require different types of muscle for survival, for example for circulation, motility, reproduction and digestion. Much emphasis in the muscle field has been placed on understanding how transcriptional regulation generates diverse types of muscle during development. Recent work indicates that alternative splicing and RNA regulation are as critical to muscle development, and altered function of RNA-binding proteins causes muscle disease. Although hundreds of genes predicted to bind RNA are expressed in muscles, many fewer have been functionally characterized. We present a cross-species view summarizing what is known about RNA-binding protein function in muscle, from worms and flies to zebrafish, mice and humans. In particular, we focus on alternative splicing regulated by the CELF, MBNL and RBFOX families of proteins. We discuss the systemic nature of diseases associated with loss of RNA-binding proteins in muscle, focusing on mis-regulation of CELF and MBNL in myotonic dystrophy. These examples illustrate the conservation of RNA-binding protein function and the marked utility of genetic model systems in understanding mechanisms of RNA regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Nikonova
- Biomedical Center, Department of Physiological Chemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians-University München, Großhaderner Str. 9, 82152, Martinsried-Planegg, Germany
| | - Shao-Yen Kao
- Biomedical Center, Department of Physiological Chemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians-University München, Großhaderner Str. 9, 82152, Martinsried-Planegg, Germany
| | - Keshika Ravichandran
- Biomedical Center, Department of Physiological Chemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians-University München, Großhaderner Str. 9, 82152, Martinsried-Planegg, Germany
| | - Anja Wittner
- Biomedical Center, Department of Physiological Chemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians-University München, Großhaderner Str. 9, 82152, Martinsried-Planegg, Germany
| | - Maria L Spletter
- Biomedical Center, Department of Physiological Chemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians-University München, Großhaderner Str. 9, 82152, Martinsried-Planegg, Germany; Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM) at the Department of Chemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany.
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18
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Aquilina B, Cauchi RJ. Modelling motor neuron disease in fruit flies: Lessons from spinal muscular atrophy. J Neurosci Methods 2018; 310:3-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2018.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2017] [Revised: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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19
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Genetic screen identifies a requirement for SMN in mRNA localisation within the Drosophila oocyte. BMC Res Notes 2018; 11:378. [PMID: 29895323 PMCID: PMC5998591 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-018-3496-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) results from insufficient levels of the survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. Drosophila is conducive to large-scale genetic-modifier screens which can reveal novel pathways underpinning the disease mechanism. We tested the ability of a large collection of genomic deletions to enhance SMN-dependent lethality. To test our design, we asked whether our study can identify loci containing genes identified in previous genetic screens. Our objective was to find a common link between genes flagged in independent screens, which would allow us to expose novel functions for SMN in vivo. Results Out of 128 chromosome deficiency lines, 12 (9.4%) were found to consistently depress adult viability when crossed to SMN loss-of-function heterozygotes. In their majority, the enhancing deletions harboured genes that were previously identified as genetic modifiers, hence, validating the design of the screen. Importantly, gene overlap allowed us to flag genes with a role in post-transcriptional regulation of mRNAs that are crucial for determining the axes of the oocyte and future embryo. We find that SMN is also required for the correct localisation of gurken and oskar mRNAs in oocytes. These findings extend the role of SMN in oogenesis by identifying a key requirement for mRNA trafficking. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13104-018-3496-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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20
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Corbett AH. Post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression and human disease. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2018; 52:96-104. [PMID: 29518673 PMCID: PMC5988930 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2018.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Revised: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
A large number of mutations in genes that encode RNA binding proteins cause human disease. Many of these RNA binding proteins mediate key steps in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression from mRNA processing to eventual decay in the cytoplasm. Surprisingly, these RNA binding proteins, which are ubiquitously expressed and play fundamental roles in gene expression, are often altered in tissue-specific disease. Mutations linked to disease impact nearly every post-transcriptional processing step and cause diverse disease phenotypes in a variety of specific tissues. This review summarizes steps in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression that have been linked to disease providing specific examples of some of the many genes affected. Finally, recent advances that hold promise for treatment of some of these diseases are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita H Corbett
- Department of Biology, RRC 1021, Emory University, 1510 Clifton Road, NE, Atlanta 30322, GA, United States.
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21
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Abstract
Gemin3, also known as DDX20 or DP103, is a DEAD-box RNA helicase which is involved in more than one cellular process. Though RNA unwinding has been determined in vitro, it is surprisingly not required for all of its activities in cellular metabolism. Gemin3 is an essential gene, present in Amoeba and Metazoa. The highly conserved N-terminus hosts the helicase core, formed of the helicase- and DEAD-domains, which, based on crystal structure determination, have key roles in RNA binding. The C-terminus of Gemin3 is highly divergent between species and serves as the interaction site for several accessory factors that could recruit Gemin3 to its target substrates and/or modulate its function. This review article focuses on the known roles of Gemin3, first as a core member of the survival motor neuron (SMN) complex, in small nuclear ribonucleoprotein biogenesis. Although mechanistic details are lacking, a critical function for Gemin3 in this pathway is supported by numerous in vitro and in vivo studies. Gene expression activities of Gemin3 are next underscored, mainly messenger ribonucleoprotein trafficking, gene silencing via microRNA processing, and transcriptional regulation. The involvement of Gemin3 in abnormal cell signal transduction pathways involving p53 and NF-κB is also highlighted. Finally, the clinical implications of Gemin3 deregulation are discussed including links to spinal muscular atrophy, poliomyelitis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and cancer. Impressive progress made over the past two decades since the discovery of Gemin3 bodes well for further work that refines the mechanism(s) underpinning its multiple activities.
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Lanfranco M, Cacciottolo R, Borg RM, Vassallo N, Juge F, Bordonné R, Cauchi RJ. Novel interactors of the Drosophila
Survival Motor Neuron (SMN) Complex suggest its full conservation. FEBS Lett 2017; 591:3600-3614. [DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.12853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maia Lanfranco
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier; CNRS-UMR 5535; Université de Montpellier; France
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry; Faculty of Medicine and Surgery; University of Malta; Msida Malta
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking; University of Malta; Msida Malta
| | - Rebecca Cacciottolo
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry; Faculty of Medicine and Surgery; University of Malta; Msida Malta
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking; University of Malta; Msida Malta
| | - Rebecca M. Borg
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier; CNRS-UMR 5535; Université de Montpellier; France
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry; Faculty of Medicine and Surgery; University of Malta; Msida Malta
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking; University of Malta; Msida Malta
| | - Neville Vassallo
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry; Faculty of Medicine and Surgery; University of Malta; Msida Malta
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking; University of Malta; Msida Malta
| | - François Juge
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier; CNRS-UMR 5535; Université de Montpellier; France
| | - Rémy Bordonné
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier; CNRS-UMR 5535; Université de Montpellier; France
| | - Ruben J. Cauchi
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry; Faculty of Medicine and Surgery; University of Malta; Msida Malta
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking; University of Malta; Msida Malta
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23
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Golden A. From phenologs to silent suppressors: Identifying potential therapeutic targets for human disease. Mol Reprod Dev 2017; 84:1118-1132. [PMID: 28834577 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Orthologous phenotypes, or phenologs, are seemingly unrelated phenotypes generated by mutations in a conserved set of genes. Phenologs have been widely observed and accepted by those who study model organisms, and allow one to study a set of genes in a model organism to learn more about the function of those genes in other organisms, including humans. At the cellular and molecular level, these conserved genes likely function in a very similar mode, but are doing so in different tissues or cell types and can result in different phenotypic effects. For example, the RAS-RAF-MEK-MAPK pathway in animals is a highly conserved signaling pathway that animals adopted for numerous biological processes, such as vulval induction in Caenorhabditis elegans and cell proliferation in mammalian cells; but this same gene set has been co-opted to function in a variety of cellular contexts. In this review, I give a few examples of how suppressor screens in model organisms (with a emphasis on C. elegans) can identify new genes that function in a conserved pathway in many other organisms. I also demonstrate how the identification of such genes can lead to important insights into mammalian biology. From such screens, an occasional silent suppressor that does not cause a phenotype on its own is found; such suppressors thus make for good candidates as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andy Golden
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Genetics, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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24
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Ohtani M. Plant snRNP Biogenesis: A Perspective from the Nucleolus and Cajal Bodies. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2017; 8:2184. [PMID: 29354141 PMCID: PMC5758608 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2017.02184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs) are protein-RNA complexes composed of specific snRNP-associated proteins along with small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs), which are non-coding RNA molecules abundant in the nucleus. snRNPs mainly function as core components of the spliceosome, the molecular machinery for pre-mRNA splicing. Thus, snRNP biogenesis is a critical issue for plants, essential for the determination of a cell's activity through the regulation of gene expression. The complex process of snRNP biogenesis is initiated by transcription of the snRNA in the nucleus, continues in the cytoplasm, and terminates back in the nucleus. Critical steps of snRNP biogenesis, such as chemical modification of the snRNA and snRNP maturation, occur in the nucleolus and its related sub-nuclear structures, Cajal bodies. In this review, I discuss roles for the nucleolus and Cajal bodies in snRNP biogenesis, and a possible linkage between the regulation of snRNP biogenesis and plant development and environmental responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misato Ohtani
- Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Ikoma, Japan
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Yokohama, Japan
- *Correspondence: Misato Ohtani,
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