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Shi DL. Interplay of RNA-binding proteins controls germ cell development in zebrafish. J Genet Genomics 2024:S1673-8527(24)00163-2. [PMID: 38969260 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2024.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
The specification of germ cells in zebrafish mostly relies on an inherited mechanism by which localized maternal determinants, called germ plasm, confer germline fate in the early embryo. Extensive studies have partially allowed the identification of key regulators governing germ plasm formation and subsequent germ cell development. RNA-binding proteins, acting in concert with other germ plasm components, play essential roles in the organization of the germ plasm and the specification, migration, maintenance, and differentiation of primordial germ cells. The loss of their functions impairs germ cell formation and causes sterility or sexual conversion. Evidence is emerging that they instruct germline development through differential regulation of mRNA fates in somatic and germ cells. However, the challenge remains to decipher the complex interplay of maternal germ plasm components in germ plasm compartmentalization and germ cell specification. Since failure to control the developmental outcome of germ cells disrupts the formation of gametes, it is important to gain a complete picture of regulatory mechanisms operating in the germ cell lineage. This review sheds light on the contributions of RNA-binding proteins to germ cell development in zebrafish and highlights intriguing questions that remain open for future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- De-Li Shi
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, CNRS-UMR7622, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine (IBPS), Sorbonne University, 75005 Paris, France.
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2
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Gao M. Me31B: a key repressor in germline regulation and beyond. Biosci Rep 2024; 44:BSR20231769. [PMID: 38606619 PMCID: PMC11065648 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20231769] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Maternally Expressed at 31B (Me31B), an evolutionarily conserved ATP-dependent RNA helicase, plays an important role in the development of the germline across diverse animal species. Its cellular functionality has been posited as a translational repressor, participating in various RNA metabolism pathways to intricately regulate the spatiotemporal expression of RNAs. Despite its evident significance, the precise role and mechanistic underpinnings of Me31B remain insufficiently understood. This article endeavors to comprehensively review historic and recent research on Me31B, distill the major findings, discern generalizable patterns in Me31B's functions across different research contexts, and provide insights into its fundamental role and mechanism of action. The primary focus of this article centers on elucidating the role of Drosophila Me31B within the germline, while concurrently delving into pertinent research on its orthologs within other species and cellular systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Gao
- Biology Department, Indiana University Northwest, Gary, IN, U.S.A
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3
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Park S, Dahn R, Kurt E, Presle A, VanDenHeuvel K, Moravec C, Jambhekar A, Olukoga O, Shepherd J, Echard A, Blower M, Skop AR. The mammalian midbody and midbody remnant are assembly sites for RNA and localized translation. Dev Cell 2023; 58:1917-1932.e6. [PMID: 37552987 PMCID: PMC10592306 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Long ignored as a vestigial remnant of cytokinesis, the mammalian midbody (MB) is released post-abscission inside large extracellular vesicles called MB remnants (MBRs). Recent evidence suggests that MBRs can modulate cell proliferation and cell fate decisions. Here, we demonstrate that the MB matrix is the site of ribonucleoprotein assembly and is enriched in mRNAs that encode proteins involved in cell fate, oncogenesis, and pluripotency, which we are calling the MB granule. Both MBs and post-abscission MBRs are sites of spatiotemporally regulated translation, which is initiated when nascent daughter cells re-enter G1 and continues after extracellular release. MKLP1 and ARC are necessary for the localization and translation of RNA in the MB dark zone, whereas ESCRT-III is necessary to maintain translation levels in the MB. Our work reveals a unique translation event that occurs during abscission and within a large extracellular vesicle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungjin Park
- Laboratory of Genetics and Medical Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Randall Dahn
- Laboratory of Genetics and Medical Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Elif Kurt
- Laboratory of Genetics and Medical Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Adrien Presle
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, CNRS UMR3691, Membrane Traffic and Cell Division Unit, 25-28 rue du Dr Roux, 75015 Paris, France; Sorbonne Université, Collège doctoral, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Kathryn VanDenHeuvel
- Laboratory of Genetics and Medical Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Cara Moravec
- Laboratory of Genetics and Medical Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Olushola Olukoga
- Laboratory of Genetics and Medical Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jason Shepherd
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Arnaud Echard
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, CNRS UMR3691, Membrane Traffic and Cell Division Unit, 25-28 rue du Dr Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Michael Blower
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ahna R Skop
- Laboratory of Genetics and Medical Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
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4
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Blazquez S, Sanchez‐Burgos I, Ramirez J, Higginbotham T, Conde MM, Collepardo‐Guevara R, Tejedor AR, Espinosa JR. Location and Concentration of Aromatic-Rich Segments Dictates the Percolating Inter-Molecular Network and Viscoelastic Properties of Ageing Condensates. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2207742. [PMID: 37386790 PMCID: PMC10477902 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202207742] [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: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Maturation of functional liquid-like biomolecular condensates into solid-like aggregates has been linked to the onset of several neurodegenerative disorders. Low-complexity aromatic-rich kinked segments (LARKS) contained in numerous RNA-binding proteins can promote aggregation by forming inter-protein β-sheet fibrils that accumulate over time and ultimately drive the liquid-to-solid transition of the condensates. Here, atomistic molecular dynamics simulations are combined with sequence-dependent coarse-grained models of various resolutions to investigate the role of LARKS abundance and position within the amino acid sequence in the maturation of condensates. Remarkably, proteins with tail-located LARKS display much higher viscosity over time than those in which the LARKS are placed toward the center. Yet, at very long timescales, proteins with a single LARKS-independently of its location-can still relax and form high viscous liquid condensates. However, phase-separated condensates of proteins containing two or more LARKS become kinetically trapped due to the formation of percolated β-sheet networks that display gel-like behavior. Furthermore, as a work case example, they demonstrate how shifting the location of the LARKS-containing low-complexity domain of FUS protein toward its center effectively precludes the accumulation of β-sheet fibrils in FUS-RNA condensates, maintaining functional liquid-like behavior without ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Blazquez
- Department of Physical‐ChemistryUniversidad Complutense de MadridAv. Complutense s/nMadrid28040Spain
- Maxwell Centre, Cavendish LaboratoryDepartment of PhysicsUniversity of CambridgeJ J Thomson AvenueCambridgeCB3 0HEUK
| | - Ignacio Sanchez‐Burgos
- Maxwell Centre, Cavendish LaboratoryDepartment of PhysicsUniversity of CambridgeJ J Thomson AvenueCambridgeCB3 0HEUK
| | - Jorge Ramirez
- Department of Chemical EngineeringUniversidad Politécnica de MadridJosé Gutiérrez Abascal 2Madrid28006Spain
| | - Tim Higginbotham
- Maxwell Centre, Cavendish LaboratoryDepartment of PhysicsUniversity of CambridgeJ J Thomson AvenueCambridgeCB3 0HEUK
| | - Maria M. Conde
- Department of Chemical EngineeringUniversidad Politécnica de MadridJosé Gutiérrez Abascal 2Madrid28006Spain
| | - Rosana Collepardo‐Guevara
- Maxwell Centre, Cavendish LaboratoryDepartment of PhysicsUniversity of CambridgeJ J Thomson AvenueCambridgeCB3 0HEUK
- Yusuf Hamied Department of ChemistryUniversity of CambridgeLensfield RoadCambridgeCB2 1EWUK
- Department of GeneticsUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 3EH, UK
| | - Andres R. Tejedor
- Maxwell Centre, Cavendish LaboratoryDepartment of PhysicsUniversity of CambridgeJ J Thomson AvenueCambridgeCB3 0HEUK
- Department of Chemical EngineeringUniversidad Politécnica de MadridJosé Gutiérrez Abascal 2Madrid28006Spain
| | - Jorge R. Espinosa
- Department of Physical‐ChemistryUniversidad Complutense de MadridAv. Complutense s/nMadrid28040Spain
- Maxwell Centre, Cavendish LaboratoryDepartment of PhysicsUniversity of CambridgeJ J Thomson AvenueCambridgeCB3 0HEUK
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5
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Silva JL, Foguel D, Ferreira VF, Vieira TCRG, Marques MA, Ferretti GDS, Outeiro TF, Cordeiro Y, de Oliveira GAP. Targeting Biomolecular Condensation and Protein Aggregation against Cancer. Chem Rev 2023. [PMID: 37379327 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Biomolecular condensates, membrane-less entities arising from liquid-liquid phase separation, hold dichotomous roles in health and disease. Alongside their physiological functions, these condensates can transition to a solid phase, producing amyloid-like structures implicated in degenerative diseases and cancer. This review thoroughly examines the dual nature of biomolecular condensates, spotlighting their role in cancer, particularly concerning the p53 tumor suppressor. Given that over half of the malignant tumors possess mutations in the TP53 gene, this topic carries profound implications for future cancer treatment strategies. Notably, p53 not only misfolds but also forms biomolecular condensates and aggregates analogous to other protein-based amyloids, thus significantly influencing cancer progression through loss-of-function, negative dominance, and gain-of-function pathways. The exact molecular mechanisms underpinning the gain-of-function in mutant p53 remain elusive. However, cofactors like nucleic acids and glycosaminoglycans are known to be critical players in this intersection between diseases. Importantly, we reveal that molecules capable of inhibiting mutant p53 aggregation can curtail tumor proliferation and migration. Hence, targeting phase transitions to solid-like amorphous and amyloid-like states of mutant p53 offers a promising direction for innovative cancer diagnostics and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerson L Silva
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, National Institute of Science and Technology for Structural Biology and Bioimaging, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Debora Foguel
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, National Institute of Science and Technology for Structural Biology and Bioimaging, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Vitor F Ferreira
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Tuane C R G Vieira
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, National Institute of Science and Technology for Structural Biology and Bioimaging, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Mayra A Marques
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, National Institute of Science and Technology for Structural Biology and Bioimaging, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Giulia D S Ferretti
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, National Institute of Science and Technology for Structural Biology and Bioimaging, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Tiago F Outeiro
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4HH, U.K
- Scientific employee with an honorary contract at Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Yraima Cordeiro
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Guilherme A P de Oliveira
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, National Institute of Science and Technology for Structural Biology and Bioimaging, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brazil
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6
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Thomas L, Putnam A, Folkmann A. Germ granules in development. Development 2023; 150:286764. [PMID: 36715566 PMCID: PMC10165536 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201037] [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] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
A hallmark of all germ cells is the presence of germ granules: assemblies of proteins and RNA that lack a delineating membrane and are proposed to form via condensation. Germ granules across organisms share several conserved components, including factors required for germ cell fate determination and maintenance, and are thought to be linked to germ cell development. The molecular functions of germ granules, however, remain incompletely understood. In this Development at a Glance article, we survey germ granules across organisms and developmental stages, and highlight emerging themes regarding granule regulation, dynamics and proposed functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Thomas
- HHMI and Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Andrea Putnam
- HHMI and Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Andrew Folkmann
- HHMI and Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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7
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Massignani E, Giambruno R, Maniaci M, Nicosia L, Yadav A, Cuomo A, Raimondi F, Bonaldi T. ProMetheusDB: An In-Depth Analysis of the High-Quality Human Methyl-proteome. Mol Cell Proteomics 2022; 21:100243. [PMID: 35577067 PMCID: PMC9207298 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2022.100243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein arginine (R) methylation is a post-translational modification involved in various biological processes, such as RNA splicing, DNA repair, immune response, signal transduction, and tumor development. Although several advancements were made in the study of this modification by mass spectrometry, researchers still face the problem of a high false discovery rate. We present a dataset of high-quality methylations obtained from several different heavy methyl stable isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture experiments analyzed with a machine learning–based tool and show that this model allows for improved high-confidence identification of real methyl-peptides. Overall, our results are consistent with the notion that protein R methylation modulates protein–RNA interactions and suggest a role in rewiring protein–protein interactions, for which we provide experimental evidence for a representative case (i.e., NONO [non-POU domain–containing octamer-binding protein]–paraspeckle component 1 [PSPC1]). Upon intersecting our R-methyl-sites dataset with the PhosphoSitePlus phosphorylation dataset, we observed that R methylation correlates differently with S/T-Y phosphorylation in response to various stimuli. Finally, we explored the application of heavy methyl stable isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture to identify unconventional methylated residues and successfully identified novel histone methylation marks on serine 28 and threonine 32 of H3. The database generated, named ProMetheusDB, is freely accessible at https://bioserver.ieo.it/shiny/app/prometheusdb. hmSEEKER 2.0 identifies methyl-peptides from hmSILAC data through machine learning. Arginine methylation plays a role in modulating protein–protein interactions. Arginine methylations occur more frequently in proximity of phosphorylation sites. hmSEEKER 2.0 was used to identify methylations occurring on nonstandard amino acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Massignani
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy; European School of Molecular Medicine (SEMM), Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Giambruno
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Center for Genomic Science of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia at European School of Molecular Medicine, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy; Institute of Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, Milan, Italy
| | - Marianna Maniaci
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy; European School of Molecular Medicine (SEMM), Milan, Italy
| | - Luciano Nicosia
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Avinash Yadav
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Cuomo
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Raimondi
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Bio@SNS, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
| | - Tiziana Bonaldi
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Haematology-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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8
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Garaizar A, Espinosa JR, Joseph JA, Collepardo-Guevara R. Kinetic interplay between droplet maturation and coalescence modulates shape of aged protein condensates. Sci Rep 2022; 12:4390. [PMID: 35293386 PMCID: PMC8924231 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08130-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Biomolecular condensates formed by the process of liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) play diverse roles inside cells, from spatiotemporal compartmentalisation to speeding up chemical reactions. Upon maturation, the liquid-like properties of condensates, which underpin their functions, are gradually lost, eventually giving rise to solid-like states with potential pathological implications. Enhancement of inter-protein interactions is one of the main mechanisms suggested to trigger the formation of solid-like condensates. To gain a molecular-level understanding of how the accumulation of stronger interactions among proteins inside condensates affect the kinetic and thermodynamic properties of biomolecular condensates, and their shapes over time, we develop a tailored coarse-grained model of proteins that transition from establishing weak to stronger inter-protein interactions inside condensates. Our simulations reveal that the fast accumulation of strongly binding proteins during the nucleation and growth stages of condensate formation results in aspherical solid-like condensates. In contrast, when strong inter-protein interactions appear only after the equilibrium condensate has been formed, or when they accumulate slowly over time with respect to the time needed for droplets to fuse and grow, spherical solid-like droplets emerge. By conducting atomistic potential-of-mean-force simulations of NUP-98 peptides-prone to forming inter-protein [Formula: see text]-sheets-we observe that formation of inter-peptide [Formula: see text]-sheets increases the strength of the interactions consistently with the loss of liquid-like condensate properties we observe at the coarse-grained level. Overall, our work aids in elucidating fundamental molecular, kinetic, and thermodynamic mechanisms linking the rate of change in protein interaction strength to condensate shape and maturation during ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adiran Garaizar
- Maxwell Centre, Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, J J Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Jorge R Espinosa
- Maxwell Centre, Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, J J Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Jerelle A Joseph
- Maxwell Centre, Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, J J Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge, CB2 3EH, UK
| | - Rosana Collepardo-Guevara
- Maxwell Centre, Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, J J Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK.
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK.
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge, CB2 3EH, UK.
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9
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Milicevic K, Rankovic B, Andjus PR, Bataveljic D, Milovanovic D. Emerging Roles for Phase Separation of RNA-Binding Proteins in Cellular Pathology of ALS. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:840256. [PMID: 35372329 PMCID: PMC8965147 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.840256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is emerging as a major principle for the mesoscale organization of proteins, RNAs, and membrane-bound organelles into biomolecular condensates. These condensates allow for rapid cellular responses to changes in metabolic activities and signaling. Nowhere is this regulation more important than in neurons and glia, where cellular physiology occurs simultaneously on a range of time- and length-scales. In a number of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), misregulation of biomolecular condensates leads to the formation of insoluble aggregates—a pathological hallmark of both sporadic and familial ALS. Here, we summarize how the emerging knowledge about the LLPS of ALS-related proteins corroborates with their aggregation. Understanding the mechanisms that lead to protein aggregation in ALS and how cells respond to these aggregates promises to open new directions for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Milicevic
- Center for Laser Microscopy, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry “Ivan Djaja”, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Branislava Rankovic
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Berlin, Germany
| | - Pavle R. Andjus
- Center for Laser Microscopy, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry “Ivan Djaja”, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Danijela Bataveljic
- Center for Laser Microscopy, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry “Ivan Djaja”, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- *Correspondence: Danijela Bataveljic, ; Dragomir Milovanovic,
| | - Dragomir Milovanovic
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Berlin, Germany
- *Correspondence: Danijela Bataveljic, ; Dragomir Milovanovic,
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10
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Chromatoid Bodies in the Regulation of Spermatogenesis: Novel Role of GRTH. Cells 2022; 11:cells11040613. [PMID: 35203264 PMCID: PMC8870266 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040613] [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: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-transcriptional and translational control of specialized genes play a critical role in the progression of spermatogenesis. During the early stages, mRNAs are actively transcribed and stored, temporarily bound to RNA binding proteins in chromatoid bodies (CBs). CBs are membrane-less dynamic organelles which serve as storehouses and processing centers of mRNAs awaiting translation during later stages of spermatogenesis. These CBs can also regulate the stability of mRNAs to secure the correct timing of protein expression at different stages of sperm formation. Gonadotropin-regulated testicular RNA helicase (GRTH/DDX25) is an essential regulator of spermatogenesis. GRTH transports mRNAs from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and phospho-GRTH transports mRNAs from the cytoplasm to the CBs. During spermiogenesis, there is precise control of mRNAs transported by GRTH from and to the CBs, directing the timing of translation of critical proteins which are involved in spermatid elongation and acrosomal development, resulting in functional sperm formation. This chapter presents our current knowledge on the role of GRTH, phospho-GRTH and CBs in the control of spermiogenesis. In addition, it covers the components of CBs compared to those of stress granules and P-bodies.
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11
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Sankaranarayanan M, Emenecker RJ, Wilby EL, Jahnel M, Trussina IREA, Wayland M, Alberti S, Holehouse AS, Weil TT. Adaptable P body physical states differentially regulate bicoid mRNA storage during early Drosophila development. Dev Cell 2021; 56:2886-2901.e6. [PMID: 34655524 PMCID: PMC8555633 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2021.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Ribonucleoprotein condensates can exhibit diverse physical states in vitro and in vivo. Despite considerable progress, the relevance of condensate physical states for in vivo biological function remains limited. Here, we investigated the physical properties of processing bodies (P bodies) and their impact on mRNA storage in mature Drosophila oocytes. We show that the conserved DEAD-box RNA helicase Me31B forms viscous P body condensates, which adopt an arrested physical state. We demonstrate that structurally distinct proteins and protein-protein interactions, together with RNA, regulate the physical properties of P bodies. Using live imaging and in situ hybridization, we show that the arrested state and integrity of P bodies support the storage of bicoid (bcd) mRNA and that egg activation modulates P body properties, leading to the release of bcd for translation in the early embryo. Together, this work provides an example of how physical states of condensates regulate cellular function in development.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Sankaranarayanan
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK.
| | - Ryan J Emenecker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Center for Science and Engineering of Living Systems, Washington University in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Elise L Wilby
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Marcus Jahnel
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Biotechnology Center, Technische Universität Dresden, Tatzberg 47/49, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Irmela R E A Trussina
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Biotechnology Center, Technische Universität Dresden, Tatzberg 47/49, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Matt Wayland
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Simon Alberti
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Biotechnology Center, Technische Universität Dresden, Tatzberg 47/49, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Alex S Holehouse
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Center for Science and Engineering of Living Systems, Washington University in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Timothy T Weil
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK.
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Loh D, Reiter RJ. Melatonin: Regulation of Biomolecular Condensates in Neurodegenerative Disorders. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:1483. [PMID: 34573116 PMCID: PMC8465482 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10091483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Biomolecular condensates are membraneless organelles (MLOs) that form dynamic, chemically distinct subcellular compartments organizing macromolecules such as proteins, RNA, and DNA in unicellular prokaryotic bacteria and complex eukaryotic cells. Separated from surrounding environments, MLOs in the nucleoplasm, cytoplasm, and mitochondria assemble by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) into transient, non-static, liquid-like droplets that regulate essential molecular functions. LLPS is primarily controlled by post-translational modifications (PTMs) that fine-tune the balance between attractive and repulsive charge states and/or binding motifs of proteins. Aberrant phase separation due to dysregulated membrane lipid rafts and/or PTMs, as well as the absence of adequate hydrotropic small molecules such as ATP, or the presence of specific RNA proteins can cause pathological protein aggregation in neurodegenerative disorders. Melatonin may exert a dominant influence over phase separation in biomolecular condensates by optimizing membrane and MLO interdependent reactions through stabilizing lipid raft domains, reducing line tension, and maintaining negative membrane curvature and fluidity. As a potent antioxidant, melatonin protects cardiolipin and other membrane lipids from peroxidation cascades, supporting protein trafficking, signaling, ion channel activities, and ATPase functionality during condensate coacervation or dissolution. Melatonin may even control condensate LLPS through PTM and balance mRNA- and RNA-binding protein composition by regulating N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications. There is currently a lack of pharmaceuticals targeting neurodegenerative disorders via the regulation of phase separation. The potential of melatonin in the modulation of biomolecular condensate in the attenuation of aberrant condensate aggregation in neurodegenerative disorders is discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doris Loh
- Independent Researcher, Marble Falls, TX 78654, USA
| | - Russel J. Reiter
- Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, UT Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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