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Guarnacci M, Zhang PH, Kanchi M, Hung YT, Lin H, Shirokikh NE, Yang L, Preiss T. Substrate diversity of NSUN enzymes and links of 5-methylcytosine to mRNA translation and turnover. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202402613. [PMID: 38986569 PMCID: PMC11235314 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202402613] [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: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Maps of the RNA modification 5-methylcytosine (m5C) often diverge markedly not only because of differences in detection methods, data depand analysis pipelines but also biological factors. We re-analysed bisulfite RNA sequencing datasets from five human cell lines and seven tissues using a coherent m5C site calling pipeline. With the resulting union list of 6,393 m5C sites, we studied site distribution, enzymology, interaction with RNA-binding proteins and molecular function. We confirmed tRNA:m5C methyltransferases NSUN2 and NSUN6 as the main mRNA m5C "writers," but further showed that the rRNA:m5C methyltransferase NSUN5 can also modify mRNA. Each enzyme recognises mRNA features that strongly resemble their canonical substrates. By analysing proximity between mRNA m5C sites and footprints of RNA-binding proteins, we identified new candidates for functional interactions, including the RNA helicases DDX3X, involved in mRNA translation, and UPF1, an mRNA decay factor. We found that lack of NSUN2 in HeLa cells affected both steady-state levels of, and UPF1-binding to, target mRNAs. Our studies emphasise the emerging diversity of m5C writers and readers and their effect on mRNA function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Guarnacci
- https://ror.org/019wvm592 Shine-Dalgarno Centre for RNA Innovation, Division of Genome Science and Cancer, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Pei-Hong Zhang
- Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Children's Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Madhu Kanchi
- https://ror.org/019wvm592 Shine-Dalgarno Centre for RNA Innovation, Division of Genome Science and Cancer, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Yu-Ting Hung
- https://ror.org/019wvm592 Shine-Dalgarno Centre for RNA Innovation, Division of Genome Science and Cancer, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Hanrong Lin
- https://ror.org/019wvm592 Shine-Dalgarno Centre for RNA Innovation, Division of Genome Science and Cancer, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Nikolay E Shirokikh
- https://ror.org/019wvm592 Shine-Dalgarno Centre for RNA Innovation, Division of Genome Science and Cancer, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Li Yang
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Children's Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Thomas Preiss
- https://ror.org/019wvm592 Shine-Dalgarno Centre for RNA Innovation, Division of Genome Science and Cancer, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, Australia
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2
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Liu Y, Liu F, Li Y, Li Y, Feng Y, Zhao J, Zhou C, Li C, Shen J, Zhang Y. LncRNA Anxa10-203 enhances Mc1r mRNA stability to promote neuropathic pain by recruiting DHX30 in the trigeminal ganglion. J Headache Pain 2024; 25:28. [PMID: 38433184 PMCID: PMC10910797 DOI: 10.1186/s10194-024-01733-2] [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: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trigeminal nerve injury is one of the most serious complications in oral clinics, and the subsequent chronic orofacial pain is a consumptive disease. Increasing evidence demonstrates long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in the pathological process of neuropathic pain. This study aims to explore the function and mechanism of LncRNA Anxa10-203 in the development of orofacial neuropathic pain. METHODS A mouse model of orofacial neuropathic pain was established by chronic constriction injury of the infraorbital nerve (CCI-ION). The Von Frey test was applied to evaluate hypersensitivity of mice. RT-qPCR and/or Western Blot were performed to analyze the expression of Anxa10-203, DHX30, and MC1R. Cellular localization of target genes was verified by immunofluorescence and RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization. RNA pull-down and RNA immunoprecipitation were used to detect the interaction between the target molecules. Electrophysiology was employed to assess the intrinsic excitability of TG neurons (TGNs) in vitro. RESULTS Anxa10-203 was upregulated in the TG of CCI-ION mice, and knockdown of Anxa10-203 relieved neuropathic pain. Structurally, Anxa10-203 was located in the cytoplasm of TGNs. Mechanistically, Mc1r expression was positively correlated with Anxa10-203 and was identified as the functional target of Anxa10-203. Besides, Anxa10-203 recruited RNA binding protein DHX30 and formed the Anxa10-203/DHX30 complex to enhance the stability of Mc1r mRNA, resulting in the upregulation of MC1R, which contributed to the enhancement of the intrinsic activity of TGNs in vitro and orofacial neuropathic pain in vivo. CONCLUSIONS LncRNA Anxa10-203 in the TG played an important role in orofacial neuropathic pain and mediated mechanical allodynia in CCI-ION mice by binding with DHX30 to upregulate MC1R expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- YaJing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Department of Prosthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Fei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Department of Prosthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - YiKe Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Department of Prosthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - YueLing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Department of Prosthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - YuHeng Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Department of Prosthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - JiaShuo Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Department of Prosthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Cheng Zhou
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - ChunJie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Department of Head and Neck Oncology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - JieFei Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- Department of Prosthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - YanYan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- Department of Prosthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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3
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Bohnsack KE, Yi S, Venus S, Jankowsky E, Bohnsack MT. Cellular functions of eukaryotic RNA helicases and their links to human diseases. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2023; 24:749-769. [PMID: 37474727 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-023-00628-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
RNA helicases are highly conserved proteins that use nucleoside triphosphates to bind or remodel RNA, RNA-protein complexes or both. RNA helicases are classified into the DEAD-box, DEAH/RHA, Ski2-like, Upf1-like and RIG-I families, and are the largest class of enzymes active in eukaryotic RNA metabolism - virtually all aspects of gene expression and its regulation involve RNA helicases. Mutation and dysregulation of these enzymes have been linked to a multitude of diseases, including cancer and neurological disorders. In this Review, we discuss the regulation and functional mechanisms of RNA helicases and their roles in eukaryotic RNA metabolism, including in transcription regulation, pre-mRNA splicing, ribosome assembly, translation and RNA decay. We highlight intriguing models that link helicase structure, mechanisms of function (such as local strand unwinding, translocation, winching, RNA clamping and displacing RNA-binding proteins) and biological roles, including emerging connections between RNA helicases and cellular condensates formed through liquid-liquid phase separation. We also discuss associations of RNA helicases with human diseases and recent efforts towards the design of small-molecule inhibitors of these pivotal regulators of eukaryotic gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E Bohnsack
- Department of Molecular Biology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Soon Yi
- Center for RNA Science and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Sarah Venus
- Center for RNA Science and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Eckhard Jankowsky
- Center for RNA Science and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
- Moderna, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Markus T Bohnsack
- Department of Molecular Biology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
- Göttingen Centre for Molecular Biosciences, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany.
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4
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Movilla S, Roca M, Moliner V, Magistrato A. Molecular Basis of RNA-Driven ATP Hydrolysis in DExH-Box Helicases. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:6691-6701. [PMID: 36926902 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c11980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
The spliceosome machinery catalyzes precursor messenger (pre-m)RNA splicing. In each cycle, the spliceosome experiences massive compositional and conformational remodeling fueled by the concerted action of specific RNA-dependent ATPases/helicases. Intriguingly, these enzymes are allosterically activated to perform ATP hydrolysis and trigger helicase activity only upon pre-mRNA binding. Yet, the molecular mechanism underlying the RNA-driven regulation of their ATPase function remains elusive. Here, we focus on the Prp2 ATPase/helicase which contributes to reshaping the spliceosome into its catalytic competent state. By performing classical and quantum-classical molecular dynamics simulations, we unprecedentedly unlock the molecular terms governing the Prp2 ATPase/helicase function. Namely, we dissect the molecular mechanism of ATP hydrolysis, and we disclose that RNA binding allosterically triggers the formation of a set of interactions linking the RNA binding tunnel to the catalytic site. This activates the Prp2's ATPase function by optimally placing the nucleophilic water and the general base of the enzymatic process to perform ATP hydrolysis. The key structural motifs, mechanically coupling RNA gripping and the ATPase/helicase functions, are conserved across all DExH-box helicases. This mechanism could thus be broadly applicable to all DExH-box helicase family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Movilla
- BioComp Group, Institute of Advanced Materials (INAM), Universitat Jaume I, 12071 Castellón, Spain
| | - Maite Roca
- BioComp Group, Institute of Advanced Materials (INAM), Universitat Jaume I, 12071 Castellón, Spain
| | - Vicent Moliner
- BioComp Group, Institute of Advanced Materials (INAM), Universitat Jaume I, 12071 Castellón, Spain
| | - Alessandra Magistrato
- Department National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Institute of Material (IOM) c/o International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), 34136 Trieste, Italy
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5
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Akrami S, Tahmasebi A, Moghadam A, Ramezani A, Niazi A. Integration of mRNA and protein expression data for the identification of potential biomarkers associated with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Comput Biol Med 2023; 157:106529. [PMID: 36921457 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2022.106529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most death-dealing tumors, with a tremendously poor prognosis. Here, we, through interrogation of mRNA and protein data combined with a system biology approach, identified several key genes, functional processes, and pathways that can have critical roles in PDAC. We detected an interesting module related to the clinical traits that enriched in the ribosome, hematopoietic cell lineage, and cell adhesion molecules-related pathways. We also identified several hub genes in important modules that are associated with immune system processes. The results also indicated some lncRNAs, such as FAM30A, and MIR223HG with essential functions that are involved in PDAC. Additionally, five genes, including CD53, ITGAL, WDFY4, TLX1, and LMAN1L were screened by survival analysis and can be considered as candidate biomarkers or therapeutic targets. According to our strategy, the findings of this study may provide a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms and suggest potential prognostic and therapeutic targets for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Akrami
- Institute of Biotechnology, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ahmad Tahmasebi
- Institute of Biotechnology, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran; Shiraz Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ali Moghadam
- Institute of Biotechnology, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Amin Ramezani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Shiraz Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Ali Niazi
- Institute of Biotechnology, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
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6
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Wang T, Zhu T, Zhang Y, Bai J, Xue Y, Xu G, Lu L, Peng Q. Pan-cancer analysis of the prognostic and immunological role of BRCA1-associated protein 1 gene (BAP1): friend or foe? Gene X 2022; 840:146765. [PMID: 35905855 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146765] [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: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND BRCA1-associated protein 1 gene (BAP1) plays a key role in some cancers. However, it has not yet been elucidated whether BAP1 modulates the pathogenesis and progression of human cancers through some common cellular and molecular mechanisms, and a pan-cancer analysis for the roles of BAP1 has not yet been conducted. METHODS A systematic assessment of the BAP1 gene was presented using bioinformatics analysis and R software. Based on gene expression omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases, differential expression of BAP1, survival prognosis and genetic alterations of BAP1, correlations between BAP1 expression and immune infiltrates, enrichment analysis and receiver operating curves (ROC) were performed across 33 TCGA cancers. RESULTS BAP1 was highly expressed in several cancers and high BAP1 expression resulted in different survival prognoses. BAP1 DNA methylation status was changed in uveal melanoma (UVM) cases and a high level of BAP1 phosphorylation was found at the S292 locus in several cancers (colon cancer, lung adenocarcinoma, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and uterine cancer). The statistically significant correlations of BAP1 expression and immune infiltration may contribute to the prognostic survivals in several cancers including UVM, skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM), and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Additionally, the correlations between BAP1 expression and tumor mutation burden (TMB)/microsatellite instability (MSI) across TCGA cancers were also explored. Finally, the analysis revealed that BAP1 expression level had high sensitivity and specificity for liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC), kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC), and pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) patients. CONCLUSION This study has revealed statistically significant correlations of BAP1 expression with survival analysis, DNA methylation, protein phosphorylation, genetic alteration, and immune infiltration across multiple TCGA cancers, suggesting that BAP1 may potentially serve as a potential therapeutic target and prognostic biomarker for several cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyu Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, Tongji University School of Medicine. No. 301, Yanchang Middle Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai, China
| | - Tong Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology of Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Laboratory of Clinical Visual Science of Tongji Eye Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 389, Xincun Road, Putuo District, Shanghai, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 1239, Siping Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, Tongji University School of Medicine. No. 301, Yanchang Middle Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianhao Bai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, Tongji University School of Medicine. No. 301, Yanchang Middle Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai, China
| | - Yawen Xue
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, Tongji University School of Medicine. No. 301, Yanchang Middle Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai, China
| | - Guotong Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology of Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Laboratory of Clinical Visual Science of Tongji Eye Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 389, Xincun Road, Putuo District, Shanghai, China; Department of Pharmacology, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 1239, Siping Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China.
| | - Lixia Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology of Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Laboratory of Clinical Visual Science of Tongji Eye Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 389, Xincun Road, Putuo District, Shanghai, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 1239, Siping Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China.
| | - Qing Peng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, Tongji University School of Medicine. No. 301, Yanchang Middle Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai, China.
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7
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LIN28B inhibition sensitizes cells to p53-restoring PPI therapy through unleashed translational suppression. Oncogenesis 2022; 11:37. [PMID: 35780125 PMCID: PMC9250532 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-022-00412-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
p53 is the most highly mutated tumor suppressor across multiple types of human cancers. The level and function of p53 are fine-tuned through multifaced mechanisms in which the protein–protein interaction between p53 and MDM2 is considered as a major circuit. Recent studies suggest therapeutic strategy attempts to restore p53 function by small molecule inhibitors targeting p53–MDM2 interaction can be a promising direction in treating cancers with wild-type or functional p53. Currently, clinical tests of the p53–MDM2 protein–protein interaction inhibitors (PPIs) are underway. However, it remains elusive about the biomarkers that may predict the therapeutic responses to those inhibitors. Here we report that RNA-binding protein LIN28B directly regulates p53 through binding to the 5′΄ untranslated region of p53 mRNA and blocks its translation by competing with a translation enhancer protein, ribosomal protein L26 (RPL26). This regulatory mechanism of LIN28B does not involve let-7 maturation or the canonical protein turnover pathway of p53. Furthermore, we show that inhibition of LIN28B unleashes the translational suppression of p53 through RPL26, and leads to enhanced sensitivities of cancer cells to inhibitors of p53–MDM2 interaction. Together, we demonstrate a competitive regulatory mechanism of p53 by LIN28B, which has important implications in developing biomarkers to the therapies aiming to reinstate p53 function.
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8
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Castelli LM, Benson BC, Huang WP, Lin YH, Hautbergue GM. RNA Helicases in Microsatellite Repeat Expansion Disorders and Neurodegeneration. Front Genet 2022; 13:886563. [PMID: 35646086 PMCID: PMC9133428 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.886563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Short repeated sequences of 3-6 nucleotides are causing a growing number of over 50 microsatellite expansion disorders, which mainly present with neurodegenerative features. Although considered rare diseases in relation to the relatively low number of cases, these primarily adult-onset conditions, often debilitating and fatal in absence of a cure, collectively pose a large burden on healthcare systems in an ageing world population. The pathological mechanisms driving disease onset are complex implicating several non-exclusive mechanisms of neuronal injury linked to RNA and protein toxic gain- and loss- of functions. Adding to the complexity of pathogenesis, microsatellite repeat expansions are polymorphic and found in coding as well as in non-coding regions of genes. They form secondary and tertiary structures involving G-quadruplexes and atypical helices in repeated GC-rich sequences. Unwinding of these structures by RNA helicases plays multiple roles in the expression of genes including repeat-associated non-AUG (RAN) translation of polymeric-repeat proteins with aggregating and cytotoxic properties. Here, we will briefly review the pathogenic mechanisms mediated by microsatellite repeat expansions prior to focus on the RNA helicases eIF4A, DDX3X and DHX36 which act as modifiers of RAN translation in C9ORF72-linked amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/frontotemporal dementia (C9ORF72-ALS/FTD) and Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS). We will further review the RNA helicases DDX5/17, DHX9, Dicer and UPF1 which play additional roles in the dysregulation of RNA metabolism in repeat expansion disorders. In addition, we will contrast these with the roles of other RNA helicases such as DDX19/20, senataxin and others which have been associated with neurodegeneration independently of microsatellite repeat expansions. Finally, we will discuss the challenges and potential opportunities that are associated with the targeting of RNA helicases for the development of future therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia M Castelli
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Bridget C Benson
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Wan-Ping Huang
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Ya-Hui Lin
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Guillaume M Hautbergue
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom.,Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom.,Healthy Lifespan Institute (HELSI), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
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