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Chen B, Xu Y, Tian F, Liu Y, Yi J, Ouyang Y, Zeng F, Peng Y, Liu B. Buyang Huanwu decoction promotes angiogenesis after cerebral ischemia through modulating caveolin-1-mediated exosome MALAT1/YAP1/HIF-1α axis. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 129:155609. [PMID: 38677273 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Angiogenesis is an effective method for promoting neurological function recovery after cerebral ischemia (CI). Buyang Huanwu decoction (BHD) is a traditional Chinese medicinal recipe that is frequently employed for CI treatment. Previous investigations have validated that it promotes angiogenesis following CI. Nevertheless, the precise mechanism by which it does this has yet to be completely understood. OBJECTIVE This study aims to examine the underlying mechanism through which BHD facilitates angiogenesis following CI by regulating the exosomal MALAT1/YAP1/HIF-1α signaling axis, specifically via the involvement of caveolin-1 (Cav1), an endocytosis-associated protein. METHODS A CI model was created using middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Following the administration of multiple doses of BHD, various parameters, including the neurobehavioral score, pathological damage, and angiogenesis, were assessed in each group of mice to identify the optimal dosage of BHD for treating CI. The molecular processes underlying the angiogenic implications of BHD following CI were investigated exhaustively by employing single-cell sequencing. Finally, the involvement of Cav1 was confirmed in Cav1 knockout mice and Cav1-silenced stably transfected strains to validate the mechanism by which BHD increases angiogenesis following CI. RESULTS BHD could promote angiogenesis after CI. Single-cell sequencing results suggested that its potential mechanism of action might be connected with Cav1 and the exosomal MALAT1/YAP1/HIF-1α signaling axis. BHD could promote angiogenesis after CI by regulating the exosomal MALAT1/YAP1/HIF-1α axis through Cav1, as validated in vivo and in vitro experiments. Accordingly, Cav1 may be a key target of BHD in promoting angiogenesis after CI. CONCLUSION This investigation represents the initial attempt to comprehensively ascertain the underlying mechanism of action of BHD in treating CI using single-cell sequencing, gene-knockout mice, and stable transfected cell lines, potentially associated with the modulation of the exosomal MALAT1/YAP1/HIF-1α axis by Cav1. Our findings offer novel empirical evidence for unraveling the regulatory pathways through which Cav1 participates in angiogenesis following CI and shed light on the potential mechanisms of BHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowei Chen
- The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410007, China
| | - Yaqian Xu
- The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410007, China
| | - Fengming Tian
- The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410007, China
| | - Yingfei Liu
- The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410007, China
| | - Jian Yi
- The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410007, China; Hunan Academy of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410006, China
| | - Yin Ouyang
- The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410007, China
| | - Fanzuo Zeng
- The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410007, China
| | - Yanmei Peng
- Hunan Academy of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410006, China
| | - Baiyan Liu
- Hunan Academy of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410006, China.
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Alammari F, Al-Hujaily EM, Alshareeda A, Albarakati N, Al-Sowayan BS. Hidden regulators: the emerging roles of lncRNAs in brain development and disease. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1392688. [PMID: 38841098 PMCID: PMC11150811 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1392688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as critical players in brain development and disease. These non-coding transcripts, which once considered as "transcriptional junk," are now known for their regulatory roles in gene expression. In brain development, lncRNAs participate in many processes, including neurogenesis, neuronal differentiation, and synaptogenesis. They employ their effect through a wide variety of transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms through interactions with chromatin modifiers, transcription factors, and other regulatory molecules. Dysregulation of lncRNAs has been associated with certain brain diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, cancer, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Altered expression and function of specific lncRNAs have been implicated with disrupted neuronal connectivity, impaired synaptic plasticity, and aberrant gene expression pattern, highlighting the functional importance of this subclass of brain-enriched RNAs. Moreover, lncRNAs have been identified as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for neurological diseases. Here, we give a comprehensive review of the existing knowledge of lncRNAs. Our aim is to provide a better understanding of the diversity of lncRNA structure and functions in brain development and disease. This holds promise for unravelling the complexity of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, paving the way for the development of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for improved diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah Alammari
- Department of Blood and Cancer Research, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Clinical Laboratory Sciences Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ensaf M. Al-Hujaily
- Department of Blood and Cancer Research, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alaa Alshareeda
- Department of Blood and Cancer Research, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Saudi Biobank Department, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nada Albarakati
- Department of Blood and Cancer Research, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of the National Guard-Health Affairs, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Batla S. Al-Sowayan
- Department of Blood and Cancer Research, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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3
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Breunig S, Lawrence JM, Foote IF, Gebhardt HJ, Willcutt EG, Grotzinger AD. Examining Differences in the Genetic and Functional Architecture of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Diagnosed in Childhood and Adulthood. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY GLOBAL OPEN SCIENCE 2024; 4:100307. [PMID: 38633226 PMCID: PMC11021367 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsgos.2024.100307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with diagnostic criteria requiring symptoms to begin in childhood. We investigated whether individuals diagnosed as children differ from those diagnosed in adulthood with respect to shared and unique architecture at the genome-wide and gene expression level of analysis. Methods We used genomic structural equation modeling (SEM) to investigate differences in genetic correlations (rg) of childhood-diagnosed (ncases = 14,878) and adulthood-diagnosed (ncases = 6961) ADHD with 98 behavioral, psychiatric, cognitive, and health outcomes. We went on to apply transcriptome-wide SEM to identify functional annotations and patterns of gene expression associated with genetic risk sharing or divergence across the ADHD subgroups. Results Compared with the childhood subgroup, adulthood-diagnosed ADHD exhibited a significantly larger negative rg with educational attainment, the noncognitive skills of educational attainment, and age at first sexual intercourse. We observed a larger positive rg for adulthood-diagnosed ADHD with major depression, suicidal ideation, and a latent internalizing factor. At the gene expression level, transcriptome-wide SEM analyses revealed 22 genes that were significantly associated with shared genetic risk across the subtypes that reflected a mixture of coding and noncoding genes and included 15 novel genes relative to the ADHD subgroups. Conclusions This study demonstrated that ADHD diagnosed later in life shows much stronger genetic overlap with internalizing disorders and related traits. This may indicate the potential clinical relevance of distinguishing these subgroups or increased misdiagnosis for those diagnosed later in life. Top transcriptome-wide SEM results implicated genes related to neuronal function and clinical characteristics (e.g., sleep).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Breunig
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
| | - Jeremy M. Lawrence
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
| | - Isabelle F. Foote
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
| | - Hannah J. Gebhardt
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
| | - Erik G. Willcutt
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
| | - Andrew D. Grotzinger
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
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4
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Shadkam R, Saadat P, Azadmehr A, Chehrazi M, Daraei A. Key Non-coding Variants in Three Neuroapoptosis and Neuroinflammation-Related LncRNAs Are Protectively Associated with Susceptibility to Parkinson's Disease and Some of Its Clinical Features. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:2854-2865. [PMID: 37946005 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03708-x] [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: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Research findings show that genetic susceptibility to sporadic Parkinson's disease (PD), a common neurodegenerative disorder, is determined through gene variation of loci involved in its development and pathogenesis. A growing body of strong evidence has revealed that dysfunction of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) plays key roles in the pathogenesis and progression of PD through impairing neuronal signaling pathways, but little is known about the relationship between their variants and PD susceptibility. In this research, we intended to study the relationship between functional SNPs rs12826786C>T, rs3200401C>T, and rs6931097G>A in the key lncRNAs stimulating neuroapoptosis and neuroinflammation in PD, including HOTAIR, MALAT1, and lincRNA-P21, respectively, with susceptibility to PD as well as its clinical symptoms.The population of this study consisted of 240 individuals, including 120 controls and 120 cases, and the sample taken from them was peripheral blood. Genotyping of the target SNPs was done using PCR-RFLP. We found that the healthy individuals carry more T allele of MALAT1-rs3200401C>T compared to the patients (P= 0.019). Furthermore, it was observed that in the dominant genetic model, subjects with genotypes carrying the T allele have a lower risk of PD (OR= 0.530; CI= 0.296-0.950; P= 0.033). Regarding the lincRNA-P21-rs6931097G>A, we observed a significant protective relationship between its GA (OR= 0.144; CI= 0.030-0.680; P= 0.014) and AA (OR= 0.195; CI= 00.047-0.799; P= 0.023) genotypes with the manifestation of tremor and bradykinesia symptoms, respectively. Furthermore, the findings indicated that the minor TT genotype of HOTAIR-rs12826786C>T was significantly associated with a reduced risk of bradykinesia symptoms (OR= 0.147; CI= 0.039-0.555; P= 0.005). Collectively, these findings suggest that MALAT1-rs3200401C>T may be an important lncRNA SNP against the development of PD, while the other two SNPs show protective effects on the clinical manifestations of PD in a way that lincRNA-P21-rs6931097G>A has a protective effect against the occurrence of tremor and bradykinesia symptoms in PD patients, and HOTAIR -rs12826786C>T indicates a protective effect against the display of bradykinesia feature. Therefore, they can have valuable potential as biomarkers for clinical evaluations of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roshanak Shadkam
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Payam Saadat
- Mobility Impairment Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Abbas Azadmehr
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Mohammad Chehrazi
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Abdolreza Daraei
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
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5
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Tadano H, Kohno H, Takeuchi H, Kubo T. Unique spatially and temporary-regulated/sex-specific expression of a long ncRNA, Nb-1, suggesting its pleiotropic functions associated with honey bee lifecycle. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8701. [PMID: 38622193 PMCID: PMC11018616 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59494-6] [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: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Honey bees are social insects, and each colony member has unique morphological and physiological traits associated with their social tasks. Previously, we identified a long non-coding RNA from honey bees, termed Nb-1, whose expression in the brain decreases associated with the age-polyethism of workers and is detected in some neurosecretory cells and octopaminergic neurons, suggesting its role in the regulation of worker labor transition. Herein, we investigated its spatially and temporary-regulated/sex-specific expression. Nb-1 was expressed as an abundant maternal RNA during oogenesis and embryogenesis in both sexes. In addition, Nb-1 was expressed preferentially in the proliferating neuroblasts of the mushroom bodies (a higher-order center of the insect brain) in the pupal brains, suggesting its role in embryogenesis and mushroom body development. On the contrary, Nb-1 was expressed in a drone-specific manner in the pupal and adult retina, suggesting its role in the drone visual development and/or sense. Subcellular localization of Nb-1 in the brain during development differed depending on the cell type. Considering that Nb-1 is conserved only in Apidae, our findings suggest that Nb-1 potentially has pleiotropic functions in the expression of multiple developmental, behavioral, and physiological traits, which are closely associated with the honey bee lifecycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroto Tadano
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kohno
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Hideaki Takeuchi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
- Department of Integrative Life Sciences, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8577, Japan
| | - Takeo Kubo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.
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6
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Wei Y, Lei J, Peng Y, Chang H, Luo T, Tang Y, Wang L, Wen H, Volpe G, Liu L, Han L. Expression characteristics and potential function of non-coding RNA in mouse cortical cells. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1365978. [PMID: 38660385 PMCID: PMC11040102 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1365978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play essential regulatory functions in various physiological and pathological processes in the brain. To systematically characterize the ncRNA profile in cortical cells, we downloaded single-cell SMART-Seq v4 data of mouse cerebral cortex. Our results revealed that the ncRNAs alone are sufficient to define the identity of most cortical cell types. We identified 1,600 ncRNAs that exhibited cell type specificity, even yielding to distinguish microglia from perivascular macrophages with ncRNA. Moreover, we characterized cortical layer and region specific ncRNAs, in line with the results by spatial transcriptome (ST) data. By constructing a co-expression network of ncRNAs and protein-coding genes, we predicted the function of ncRNAs. By integrating with genome-wide association studies data, we established associations between cell type-specific ncRNAs and traits related to neurological disorders. Collectively, our study identified differentially expressed ncRNAs at multiple levels and provided the valuable resource to explore the functions and dysfunctions of ncRNAs in cortical cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanrong Wei
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- BGI Research, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junjie Lei
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- BGI Research, Hangzhou, China
| | | | | | | | - Yuanchun Tang
- BGI Research, Hangzhou, China
- BGI College & Henan Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | | | - Huiying Wen
- BGI Research, Hangzhou, China
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Giacomo Volpe
- Hematology and Cell Therapy Unit, IRCCS–Istituto Tumori ‘Giovanni Paolo II’, Bari, Italy
| | - Longqi Liu
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- BGI Research, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lei Han
- BGI Research, Hangzhou, China
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, China
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7
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Zhang Z, Li X, Ma L, Wang S, Zhang J, Zhou Y, Guo X, Niu Q. LNC000152 Mediates Aluminum-Induced Proliferation of Reactive Astrocytes. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:11958-11968. [PMID: 38496998 PMCID: PMC10938322 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c09702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Aluminum is a metal element with significant neurotoxicity, and there is a substantial correlation between aluminum exposure and cognitive dysfunction. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is widely used as a marker of reactive astrocyte proliferation in response to pathological injury of the central nervous system. Studies of various neurodegenerative diseases have confirmed that the expression changes in GFAP are associated with nerve injury. We investigated the role of LNC000152 in the aluminum-induced reactive proliferation of astrocytes. By establishing two aluminum-exposed cell models of rat primary astrocytes and CTX-TNA2 cell lines, we examined the expression of LNC000152 and GFAP and detected cell proliferation with EdU and cell cycle changes with flow cytometry. The role of aluminum in promoting glial cell proliferation was verified; the expression levels of LNC000152 and GFAP increased with the concentration of aluminum exposure. Intervention of LNC000152 expression by siRNA technology revealed that LNC000152 affected glial cell responsive proliferation by influencing GFAP expression. These results suggest that LNC000152 plays a role in the reactive proliferation of astrocytes induced by aluminum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoran Zhang
- Department
of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Xiaoyan Li
- Department
of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Limin Ma
- Department
of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Shanshan Wang
- Section
of Occupational Medicine, Department of Special Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Jingsi Zhang
- Section
of Occupational Medicine, Department of Special Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Yue Zhou
- Department
of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Xin Guo
- Department
of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Qiao Niu
- Department
of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China
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Adiga D, Eswaran S, Sriharikrishnaa S, Khan NG, Prasada Kabekkodu S, Kumar D. Epigenetics of Alzheimer’s Disease: Past, Present and Future. ENZYMATIC TARGETS FOR DRUG DISCOVERY AGAINST ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE 2023:27-72. [DOI: 10.2174/9789815136142123010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) exemplifies a looming epidemic lacking effective
treatment and manifests with the accumulation of neurofibrillary tangles, amyloid-β
plaques, neuroinflammation, behavioral changes, and acute cognitive impairments. It is
a complex, multifactorial disorder that arises from the intricate interaction between
environment and genetic factors, restrained via epigenetic machinery. Though the
research progress has improved the understanding of clinical manifestations and
disease advancement, the causal mechanism of detrimental consequences remains
undefined. Despite the substantial improvement in recent diagnostic modalities, it is
challenging to distinguish AD from other forms of dementia. Accurate diagnosis is a
major glitch in AD as it banks on the symptoms and clinical criteria. Several studies are
underway in exploring novel and reliable biomarkers for AD. In this direction,
epigenetic alterations have transpired as key modulators in AD pathogenesis with the
impeding inferences for the management of this neurological disorder. The present
chapter aims to discuss the significance of epigenetic modifications reported in the
pathophysiology of AD such as DNA methylation, hydroxy-methylation, methylation
of mtDNA, histone modifications, and noncoding RNAs. Additionally, the chapter also
describes the possible therapeutic avenues that target epigenetic modifications in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Adiga
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy
of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal – 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Sangavi Eswaran
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy
of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal – 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - S. Sriharikrishnaa
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy
of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal – 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Nadeem G. Khan
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy
of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal – 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Shama Prasada Kabekkodu
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy
of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal – 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Dileep Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Poona College of Pharmacy, Bharati Vidyapeeth
(Deemed to be University), Erandwane, Pune – 411038, Maharashtra, India
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Yang W, Cui J, Chen Y, Wang C, Yin Y, Zhang W, Liu S, Sun C, Li H, Duan Y, Song F, Cai W, Hines HM, Tian L. Genetic Modification of a Hox Locus Drives Mimetic Color Pattern Variation in a Highly Polymorphic Bumble Bee. Mol Biol Evol 2023; 40:msad261. [PMID: 38039153 PMCID: PMC10724181 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msad261] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Müllerian mimicry provides natural replicates ideal for exploring mechanisms underlying adaptive phenotypic divergence and convergence, yet the genetic mechanisms underlying mimetic variation remain largely unknown. The current study investigates the genetic basis of mimetic color pattern variation in a highly polymorphic bumble bee, Bombus breviceps (Hymenoptera, Apidae). In South Asia, this species and multiple comimetic species converge onto local Müllerian mimicry patterns by shifting the abdominal setal color from orange to black. Genetic crossing between the orange and black phenotypes suggested the color dimorphism being controlled by a single Mendelian locus, with the orange allele being dominant over black. Genome-wide association suggests that a locus at the intergenic region between 2 abdominal fate-determining Hox genes, abd-A and Abd-B, is associated with the color change. This locus is therefore in the same intergenic region but not the same exact locus as found to drive red black midabdominal variation in a distantly related bumble bee species, Bombus melanopygus. Gene expression analysis and RNA interferences suggest that differential expression of an intergenic long noncoding RNA between abd-A and Abd-B at the onset setal color differentiation may drive the orange black color variation by causing a homeotic shift late in development. Analysis of this same color locus in comimetic species reveals no sequence association with the same color shift, suggesting that mimetic convergence is achieved through distinct genetic routes. Our study establishes Hox regions as genomic hotspots for color pattern evolution in bumble bees and demonstrates how pleiotropic developmental loci can drive adaptive radiations in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanhu Yang
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jixiang Cui
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yuxin Chen
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yuanzhi Yin
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Shanlin Liu
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Cheng Sun
- College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Hu Li
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yuange Duan
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Fan Song
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Wanzhi Cai
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Heather M Hines
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Li Tian
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
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Yildiz CB, Kundu T, Gehrmann J, Koesling J, Ravaei A, Wolff P, Kraft F, Maié T, Jakovcevski M, Pensold D, Zimmermann O, Rossetti G, Costa IG, Zimmer-Bensch G. EphrinA5 regulates cell motility by modulating Snhg15/DNA triplex-dependent targeting of DNMT1 to the Ncam1 promoter. Epigenetics Chromatin 2023; 16:42. [PMID: 37880732 PMCID: PMC10601256 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-023-00516-4] [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: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-cell communication is mediated by membrane receptors and their ligands, such as the Eph/ephrin system, orchestrating cell migration during development and in diverse cancer types. Epigenetic mechanisms are key for integrating external "signals", e.g., from neighboring cells, into the transcriptome in health and disease. Previously, we reported ephrinA5 to trigger transcriptional changes of lncRNAs and protein-coding genes in cerebellar granule cells, a cell model for medulloblastoma. LncRNAs represent important adaptors for epigenetic writers through which they regulate gene expression. Here, we investigate a lncRNA-mediated targeting of DNMT1 to specific gene loci by the combined power of in silico modeling of RNA/DNA interactions and wet lab approaches, in the context of the clinically relevant use case of ephrinA5-dependent regulation of cellular motility of cerebellar granule cells. We provide evidence that Snhg15, a cancer-related lncRNA, recruits DNMT1 to the Ncam1 promoter through RNA/DNA triplex structure formation and the interaction with DNMT1. This mediates DNA methylation-dependent silencing of Ncam1, being abolished by ephrinA5 stimulation-triggered reduction of Snhg15 expression. Hence, we here propose a triple helix recognition mechanism, underlying cell motility regulation via lncRNA-targeted DNA methylation in a clinically relevant context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Bora Yildiz
- Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), Division of Neuroepigenetics, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Research Training Group 2416 Multi Senses - Multi Scales, RWTH Aachen University, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Tathagata Kundu
- Jülich Supercomputing Centre, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425, Jülich, Germany
| | - Julia Gehrmann
- Institute for Computational Genomics, RWTH Aachen University, Medical Faculty, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jannis Koesling
- Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), Division of Neuroepigenetics, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Amin Ravaei
- Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), Division of Neuroepigenetics, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, Section of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Philip Wolff
- Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), Division of Neuroepigenetics, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Florian Kraft
- Institute for Human Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Tiago Maié
- Institute for Computational Genomics, RWTH Aachen University, Medical Faculty, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Mira Jakovcevski
- Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), Division of Neuroepigenetics, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Daniel Pensold
- Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), Division of Neuroepigenetics, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Olav Zimmermann
- Jülich Supercomputing Centre, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425, Jülich, Germany
| | - Giulia Rossetti
- Jülich Supercomputing Centre, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425, Jülich, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-9)/Institute of Advanced Simulations (IAS-5), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425, Jülich, Germany
| | - Ivan G Costa
- Institute for Computational Genomics, RWTH Aachen University, Medical Faculty, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Geraldine Zimmer-Bensch
- Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), Division of Neuroepigenetics, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
- Research Training Group 2416 Multi Senses - Multi Scales, RWTH Aachen University, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
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11
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Xiong W, Zhang X, Peng B, Zhu H, Huang L, He S. Pan-glioma analyses reveal species- and tumor-specific regulation of neuron-glioma synapse genes by lncRNAs. Front Genet 2023; 14:1218408. [PMID: 37693314 PMCID: PMC10484416 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1218408] [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: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are highly heterogeneous and aggressive. Malignant cells in gliomas can contact normal neurons through a synapse-like structure (called neuron-to-glioma synapse, NGS) to promote their proliferation, but it is unclear whether NGS gene expression and regulation show species- and tumor-specificity. This question is important in that many anti-cancer drugs are developed upon mouse models. To address this question, we conducted a pan-glioma analysis using nine scRNA-seq datasets from humans and mice. We also experimentally validated the key element of our methods and verified a key result using TCGA datasets of the same glioma types. Our analyses revealed that NGS gene expression and regulation by lncRNAs are highly species- and tumor-specific. Importantly, simian-specific lncRNAs are more involved in NGS gene regulation than lncRNAs conserved in mammals, and transgenic mouse gliomas have little in common with PDX mouse models and human gliomas in terms of NGS gene regulation. The analyses suggest that simian-specific lncRNAs are a new and rich class of potential targets for tumor-specific glioma treatment, and provide pertinent data for further experimentally and clinically exmining the targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Xiong
- Bioinformatics Section, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuecong Zhang
- Bioinformatics Section, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bin Peng
- Bioinformatics Section, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hao Zhu
- Bioinformatics Section, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lijin Huang
- Neurosurgery Department, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sha He
- Bioinformatics Section, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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12
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Teng P, Li Y, Ku L, Wang F, Goldsmith DR, Wen Z, Yao B, Feng Y. The human lncRNA GOMAFU suppresses neuronal interferon response pathways affected in neuropsychiatric diseases. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 112:175-187. [PMID: 37301236 PMCID: PMC10527610 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play multifaceted roles in regulating brain gene networks. LncRNA abnormalities are thought to underlie the complex etiology of numerous neuropsychiatric disorders. One example is the human lncRNA gene GOMAFU, which is found dysregulated in schizophrenia (SCZ) postmortem brains and harbors genetic variants that contribute to the risk of SCZ. However, transcriptome-wide biological pathways regulated by GOMAFU have not been determined. How GOMAFU dysregulation contributes to SCZ pathogenesis remains elusive. Here we report that GOMAFU is a novel suppressor of human neuronal interferon (IFN) response pathways that are hyperactive in the postmortem SCZ brains. We analyzed recently released transcriptomic profiling datasets in clinically relevant brain areas derived from multiple SCZ cohorts and found brain region-specific dysregulation of GOMAFU. Using CRISPR-Cas9 to delete the GOMAFU promoter in a human neural progenitor cell model, we identified transcriptomic alterations caused by GOMAFU deficiency in pathways commonly affected in postmortem brains of SCZ and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with the most striking effects on upregulation of numerous genes underlying IFN signaling. In addition, expression levels of GOMAFU target genes in the IFN pathway are differentially affected in SCZ brain regions and negatively associated with GOMAFU alterations. Furthermore, acute exposure to IFN-γ causes a rapid decline of GOMAFU and activation of a subclass of GOMAFU targets in stress and immune response pathways that are affected in SCZ brains, which form a highly interactive molecular network. Together, our studies unveiled the first evidence of lncRNA-governed neuronal response pathways to IFN challenge and suggest that GOMAFU dysregulation may mediate environmental risks and contribute to etiological neuroinflammatory responses by brain neurons of neuropsychiatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Teng
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
| | - Yangping Li
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, 615 Michael Street, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
| | - Li Ku
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, 615 Michael Street, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
| | - David R Goldsmith
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Zhexing Wen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States; Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States; Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Bing Yao
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, 615 Michael Street, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States.
| | - Yue Feng
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States.
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13
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Huang LA, Lin C, Yang L. Plumbing mysterious RNAs in "dark genome" for the conquest of human diseases. Mol Ther 2023; 31:1577-1595. [PMID: 37165619 PMCID: PMC10278048 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Next-generation sequencing has revealed that less than 2% of transcribed genes are translated into proteins, with a large portion transcribed into noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs). Among these, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) represent the largest group and are pervasively transcribed throughout the genome. Dysfunctions in lncRNAs have been found in various diseases, highlighting their potential as therapeutic, diagnostic, and prognostic targets. However, challenges, such as unknown molecular mechanisms and nonspecific immune responses, and issues of drug specificity and delivery present obstacles in translating lncRNAs into clinical applications. In this review, we summarize recent publications that have explored lncRNA functions in human diseases. We also discuss challenges and future directions for developing lncRNA treatments, aiming to bridge the gap between functional studies and clinical potential and inspire further exploration in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A Huang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Chunru Lin
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Liuqing Yang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNAs, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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14
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Srinivas T, Mathias C, Oliveira-Mateos C, Guil S. Roles of lncRNAs in brain development and pathogenesis: Emerging therapeutic opportunities. Mol Ther 2023; 31:1550-1561. [PMID: 36793211 PMCID: PMC10277896 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The human genome is pervasively transcribed, producing a majority of short and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) that can influence cellular programs through a variety of transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms. The brain houses the richest repertoire of long noncoding transcripts, which function at every stage during central nervous system development and homeostasis. An example of functionally relevant lncRNAs is species involved in spatiotemporal organization of gene expression in different brain regions, which play roles at the nuclear level and in transport, translation, and decay of other transcripts in specific neuronal sites. Research in the field has enabled identification of the contributions of specific lncRNAs to certain brain diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, cancer, and neurodevelopmental disorders, resulting in notions of potential therapeutic strategies that target these RNAs to recover the normal phenotype. Here, we summarize the latest mechanistic findings associated with lncRNAs in the brain, focusing on their dysregulation in neurodevelopmental or neurodegenerative disorders, their use as biomarkers for central nervous system (CNS) diseases in vitro and in vivo, and their potential utility for therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Srinivas
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, 08916 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Carolina Mathias
- Department of Genetics, Federal University of Parana, Post-graduation Program in Genetics, Curitiba, PR, Brazil; Laboratory of Applied Science and Technology in Health, Carlos Chagas Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | | | - Sonia Guil
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, 08916 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Germans Trias i Pujol Health Science Research Institute, Badalona, 08916 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
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15
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Lü L, Yuan F, Fan H, Li Y, Liu J, Feng W, Zhang HG, Chen SY. Ethanol exposure disrupted the formation of radial glial processes and impaired the generation and migration of outer radial glial cells in forebrain organoids derived from human embryonic stem cells. Exp Neurol 2023; 362:114325. [PMID: 36669750 PMCID: PMC9992138 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2023.114325] [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: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Radial glial cells (RGCs) play a pivotal role in cerebral cortical development by functioning as a source of new neurons and by supporting the migration of newborn neurons. These functions are primarily dependent on the apical-basolateral structures of radial glial processes. This study aims to investigate the effects of ethanol exposure on the development of radial glial processes and the generation, migration, and transformation of outer radial glial cells (oRGCs). For this purpose, forebrain organoids were developed from human embryonic stem cells. These forebrain organoids contain abundant neural progenitor cells (SOX2+), express high levels of neural epithelial markers β-catenin and PKCλ, and dorsal forebrain marker PAX6, and display well-organized cortical architectures containing abundant apical and basal RGCs, intermediate progenitors (IPCs), and neurons. Exposure of forebrain organoids to ethanol resulted in a significant increase in apoptosis in Nestin-positive radial glial cells. Ethanol exposure also remarkably decreased the levels of radial glial process-associated proteins, including Nestin, GFAP, and Vimentin, in radial glial cells and distinctly impaired the integrity and morphologies of radial glial processes. In addition, the ethanol-induced impairment of the radial glial processes is associated with decreased migration and proliferation of radial glial cells, reduction in the generation of HOPX+ oRGCs, and the accelerated transformation of oRGCs into astrocytes. These results demonstrate that ethanol exposure can disrupt cerebral cortex development by impairing the formation of radial glial processes and the generation, migration, and transformation of oRGCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanhai Lü
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville Health Sciences Center, Louisville, KY 40292, USA; University of Louisville Alcohol Research Center, Louisville, KY 40292, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
| | - Fuqiang Yuan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville Health Sciences Center, Louisville, KY 40292, USA; University of Louisville Alcohol Research Center, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
| | - Huadong Fan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville Health Sciences Center, Louisville, KY 40292, USA; University of Louisville Alcohol Research Center, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
| | - Yihong Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville Health Sciences Center, Louisville, KY 40292, USA; University of Louisville Alcohol Research Center, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville Health Sciences Center, Louisville, KY 40292, USA; University of Louisville Alcohol Research Center, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
| | - Wenke Feng
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville Health Sciences Center, Louisville, KY 40292, USA; University of Louisville Alcohol Research Center, Louisville, KY 40292, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
| | - Huang-Ge Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA; Robley Rex Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
| | - Shao-Yu Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville Health Sciences Center, Louisville, KY 40292, USA; University of Louisville Alcohol Research Center, Louisville, KY 40292, USA.
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16
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Ravaei A, Zimmer-Bensch G, Govoni M, Rubini M. lncRNA-mediated synovitis in rheumatoid arthritis: A perspective for biomarker development. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 175:103-119. [PMID: 36126801 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2022.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a regulatory class of noncoding RNAs with a wide range of activities such as transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulations. Emerging evidence has demonstrated that various lncRNAs contribute to the initiation and progression of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) through distinctive mechanisms. The present study reviews the recent findings on lncRNA role in RA development. It focuses on the involvement of different lncRNAs in the main steps of RA pathogenesis including T cell activation, cytokine dysregulation, fibroblast-like synoviocyte (FLS) activation and joint destruction. Besides, it discusses the current findings on RA diagnosis and the potential of lncRNAs as diagnostic, prognostic and predictive biomarkers in Rheumatology clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Ravaei
- Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, Section of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Geraldine Zimmer-Bensch
- Division of Neuroepigenetics, Institute of Zoology (Biology II), RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Marcello Govoni
- Department of Medical Science, Section of Rheumatology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Michele Rubini
- Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, Section of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
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17
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Schneider MF, Müller V, Müller SA, Lichtenthaler SF, Becker PB, Scheuermann JC. LncRNA RUS shapes the gene expression program towards neurogenesis. Life Sci Alliance 2022; 5:5/10/e202201504. [PMID: 35688487 PMCID: PMC9187872 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The chromatin-associated lncRNA RUS binds in the vicinity to neural differentiation-associated genes and regulates them in a context-dependent manner to enable proper neuron development. The evolution of brain complexity correlates with an increased expression of long, noncoding (lnc) RNAs in neural tissues. Although prominent examples illustrate the potential of lncRNAs to scaffold and target epigenetic regulators to chromatin loci, only few cases have been described to function during brain development. We present a first functional characterization of the lncRNA LINC01322, which we term RUS for “RNA upstream of Slitrk3.” The RUS gene is well conserved in mammals by sequence and synteny next to the neurodevelopmental gene Slitrk3. RUS is exclusively expressed in neural cells and its expression increases during neuronal differentiation of mouse embryonic cortical neural stem cells. Depletion of RUS locks neuronal precursors in an intermediate state towards neuronal differentiation resulting in arrested cell cycle and increased apoptosis. RUS associates with chromatin in the vicinity of genes involved in neurogenesis, most of which change their expression upon RUS depletion. The identification of a range of epigenetic regulators as specific RUS interactors suggests that the lncRNA may mediate gene activation and repression in a highly context-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius F Schneider
- Division of Molecular Biology, Biomedical Center Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.,Division of Metabolic Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Veronika Müller
- Division of Metabolic Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Stephan A Müller
- Neuroproteomics, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich and Neuroproteomics Unit, Technical University, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan F Lichtenthaler
- Neuroproteomics, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich and Neuroproteomics Unit, Technical University, Munich, Germany.,Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Peter B Becker
- Division of Molecular Biology, Biomedical Center Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Johanna C Scheuermann
- Division of Metabolic Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
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18
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Liu X, Zhou L, Gao M, Dong S, Hu Y, Hu C. Signature of seven cuproptosis-related lncRNAs as a novel biomarker to predict prognosis and therapeutic response in cervical cancer. Front Genet 2022; 13:989646. [PMID: 36204323 PMCID: PMC9530991 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.989646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Given the high incidence and high mortality of cervical cancer (CC) among women in developing countries, identifying reliable biomarkers for the prediction of prognosis and therapeutic response is crucial. We constructed a prognostic signature of cuproptosis-related long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as a reference for individualized clinical treatment.Methods: A total of seven cuproptosis-related lncRNAs closely related to the prognosis of patients with CC were identified and used to construct a prognostic signature via least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis in the training set. The predictive performance of the signature was evaluated by Kaplan–Meier (K-M) analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, and univariate and multivariate Cox analyses. Functional enrichment analysis and single-sample gene set enrichment analysis were conducted to explore the potential mechanisms of the prognostic signature, and a lncRNA–microRNA–mRNA network was created to investigate the underlying regulatory relationships between lncRNAs and cuproptosis in CC. The associations between the prognostic signature and response to immunotherapy and targeted therapy were also assessed. Finally, the prognostic value of the signature was validated using the CC tissues with clinical information in my own center.Results: A prognostic signature was developed based on seven cuproptosis-related lncRNAs, including five protective factors (AL441992.1, LINC01305, AL354833.2, CNNM3-DT, and SCAT2) and two risk factors (AL354733.3 and AC009902.2). The ROC curves confirmed the superior predictive performance of the signature compared with conventional clinicopathological characteristics in CC. The ion transport-related molecular function and various immune-related biological processes differed significantly between the two risk groups according to functional enrichment analysis. Furthermore, we discovered that individuals in the high-risk group were more likely to respond to immunotherapy and targeted therapies including trametinib and cetuximab than those in the low-risk group. Finally, CC tissues with clinical data from my own center further verify the robustness of the seven-lncRNA risk signature.Conclusion: We generated a cuproptosis-related lncRNA risk signature that could be used to predict prognosis of CC patients. Moreover, the signature could be used to predict response to immunotherapy and chemotherapy and thus could assist clinicians in making personalized treatment plans for CC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Molecular Probes and Targeted Diagnosis and Therapy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Lei Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Minghui Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Molecular Probes and Targeted Diagnosis and Therapy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Shuhong Dong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Molecular Probes and Targeted Diagnosis and Therapy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yanan Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Molecular Probes and Targeted Diagnosis and Therapy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Chunjie Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Molecular Probes and Targeted Diagnosis and Therapy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- *Correspondence: Chunjie Hu,
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19
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Baruah C, Nath P, Barah P. LncRNAs in neuropsychiatric disorders and computational insights for their prediction. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:11515-11534. [PMID: 36097122 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07819-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/06/2022]
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are 200 nucleotide extended transcripts that do not encode proteins or possess limited coding ability. LncRNAs epigenetically control several biological functions such as gene regulation, transcription, mRNA splicing, protein interaction, and genomic imprinting. Over the years, drastic progress in understanding the role of lncRNAs in diverse biological processes has been made. LncRNAs are reported to show tissue-specific expression patterns suggesting their potential as novel candidate biomarkers for diseases. Among all other non-coding RNAs, lncRNAs are highly expressed within the brain-enriched or brain-specific regions of the neural tissues. They are abundantly expressed in the neocortex and pre-mature frontal regions of the brain. LncRNAs are co-expressed with the protein-coding genes and have a significant role in the evolution of functions of the brain. Any deregulation in the lncRNAs contributes to disruptions in normal brain functions resulting in multiple neurological disorders. Neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disease, autism spectrum disorders, and anxiety are associated with the abnormal expression and regulation of lncRNAs. This review aims to highlight the understanding of lncRNAs concerning normal brain functions and their deregulation associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. We have also provided a survey on the available computational tools for the prediction of lncRNAs, their protein coding potentials, and sub-cellular locations, along with a section on existing online databases with known lncRNAs, and their interactions with other molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinmoyee Baruah
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, 784028, Napaam, Sonitpur, Assam, India
| | - Prangan Nath
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, 784028, Napaam, Sonitpur, Assam, India
| | - Pankaj Barah
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, 784028, Napaam, Sonitpur, Assam, India.
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The Role of Transposable Elements of the Human Genome in Neuronal Function and Pathology. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105847. [PMID: 35628657 PMCID: PMC9148063 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) have been extensively studied for decades. In recent years, the introduction of whole-genome and whole-transcriptome approaches, as well as single-cell resolution techniques, provided a breakthrough that uncovered TE involvement in host gene expression regulation underlying multiple normal and pathological processes. Of particular interest is increased TE activity in neuronal tissue, and specifically in the hippocampus, that was repeatedly demonstrated in multiple experiments. On the other hand, numerous neuropathologies are associated with TE dysregulation. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of literature about the role of TEs in neurons published over the last three decades. The first chapter of the present review describes known mechanisms of TE interaction with host genomes in general, with the focus on mammalian and human TEs; the second chapter provides examples of TE exaptation in normal neuronal tissue, including TE involvement in neuronal differentiation and plasticity; and the last chapter lists TE-related neuropathologies. We sought to provide specific molecular mechanisms of TE involvement in neuron-specific processes whenever possible; however, in many cases, only phenomenological reports were available. This underscores the importance of further studies in this area.
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21
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García-Pérez I, Molsosa-Solanas A, Perelló-Amorós M, Sarropoulou E, Blasco J, Gutiérrez J, Garcia de la serrana D. The Emerging Role of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Development and Function of Gilthead Sea Bream ( Sparus aurata) Fast Skeletal Muscle. Cells 2022; 11:428. [PMID: 35159240 PMCID: PMC8834446 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are an emerging group of ncRNAs that can modulate gene expression at the transcriptional or translational levels. In the present work, previously published transcriptomic data were used to identify lncRNAs expressed in gilthead sea bream skeletal muscle, and their transcription levels were studied under different physiological conditions. Two hundred and ninety lncRNAs were identified and, based on transcriptomic differences between juveniles and adults, a total of seven lncRNAs showed potential to be important for muscle development. Our data suggest that the downregulation of most of the studied lncRNAs might be linked to increased myoblast proliferation, while their upregulation might be necessary for differentiation. However, with these data, as it is not possible to propose a formal mechanism to explain their effect, bioinformatic analysis suggests two possible mechanisms. First, the lncRNAs may act as sponges of myoblast proliferation inducers microRNAs (miRNAs) such as miR-206, miR-208, and miR-133 (binding energy MEF < -25.0 kcal). Secondly, lncRNA20194 had a strong predicted interaction towards the myod1 mRNA (ndG = -0.17) that, based on the positive correlation between the two genes, might promote its function. Our study represents the first characterization of lncRNAs in gilthead sea bream fast skeletal muscle and provides evidence regarding their involvement in muscle development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel García-Pérez
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (I.G.-P.); (A.M.-S.); (M.P.-A.); (J.B.); (J.G.)
| | - Anna Molsosa-Solanas
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (I.G.-P.); (A.M.-S.); (M.P.-A.); (J.B.); (J.G.)
| | - Miquel Perelló-Amorós
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (I.G.-P.); (A.M.-S.); (M.P.-A.); (J.B.); (J.G.)
| | - Elena Sarropoulou
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, 71003 Crete, Greece;
| | - Josefina Blasco
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (I.G.-P.); (A.M.-S.); (M.P.-A.); (J.B.); (J.G.)
| | - Joaquim Gutiérrez
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (I.G.-P.); (A.M.-S.); (M.P.-A.); (J.B.); (J.G.)
| | - Daniel Garcia de la serrana
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (I.G.-P.); (A.M.-S.); (M.P.-A.); (J.B.); (J.G.)
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22
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Yildiz CB, Zimmer-Bensch G. Role of DNMTs in the Brain. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1389:363-394. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-11454-0_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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23
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Liu J, Mosti F, Silver DL. Human brain evolution: Emerging roles for regulatory DNA and RNA. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2021; 71:170-177. [PMID: 34861533 PMCID: PMC8756680 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2021.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Humans diverge from other primates in numerous ways, including their neuroanatomy and cognitive capacities. Human-specific features are particularly prominent in the cerebral cortex, which has undergone an expansion in size and acquired unique cellular composition and circuitry. Human-specific gene expression is postulated to explain neocortical anatomical differences across evolution. In particular, noncoding regulatory loci are strongly linked to human traits, including progenitor proliferation and cortical size. In this review, we highlight emerging noncoding elements implicated in human cortical evolution, including roles for regulatory DNA and RNA. Further, we discuss the association of human-specific genetic changes with neurodevelopmental diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liu
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Federica Mosti
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Debra L Silver
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Duke Regeneration Center and Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 277710, USA.
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24
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Pensold D, Zimmer-Bensch G. DNMT1-dependent regulation of cortical interneuron function and survival. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:2405-2406. [PMID: 33907019 PMCID: PMC8374593 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.313037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Pensold
- RWTH Aachen University, Institute for Biology II, Department of Functional Epigenetics in the Animal Model, Aachen, Germany
| | - Geraldine Zimmer-Bensch
- RWTH Aachen University, Institute for Biology II, Department of Functional Epigenetics in the Animal Model, Aachen, Germany
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25
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Zimmer-Bensch G, Zempel H. DNA Methylation in Genetic and Sporadic Forms of Neurodegeneration: Lessons from Alzheimer's, Related Tauopathies and Genetic Tauopathies. Cells 2021; 10:3064. [PMID: 34831288 PMCID: PMC8624300 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic and sporadic forms of tauopathies, the most prevalent of which is Alzheimer's Disease, are a scourge of the aging society, and in the case of genetic forms, can also affect children and young adults. All tauopathies share ectopic expression, mislocalization, or aggregation of the microtubule associated protein TAU, encoded by the MAPT gene. As TAU is a neuronal protein widely expressed in the CNS, the overwhelming majority of tauopathies are neurological disorders. They are characterized by cognitive dysfunction often leading to dementia, and are frequently accompanied by movement abnormalities such as parkinsonism. Tauopathies can lead to severe neurological deficits and premature death. For some tauopathies there is a clear genetic cause and/or an epigenetic contribution. However, for several others the disease etiology is unclear, with few tauopathies being environmentally triggered. Here, we review current knowledge of tauopathies listing known genetic and important sporadic forms of these disease. Further, we discuss how DNA methylation as a major epigenetic mechanism emerges to be involved in the disease pathophysiology of Alzheimer's, and related genetic and non-genetic tauopathies. Finally, we debate the application of epigenetic signatures in peripheral blood samples as diagnostic tools and usages of epigenetic therapy strategies for these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geraldine Zimmer-Bensch
- Functional Epigenetics in the Animal Model, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
- Research Training Group 2416 MultiSenses-MultiScales, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Hans Zempel
- Institute of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
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26
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Reichard J, Zimmer-Bensch G. The Epigenome in Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:776809. [PMID: 34803599 PMCID: PMC8595945 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.776809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental diseases (NDDs), such as autism spectrum disorders, epilepsy, and schizophrenia, are characterized by diverse facets of neurological and psychiatric symptoms, differing in etiology, onset and severity. Such symptoms include mental delay, cognitive and language impairments, or restrictions to adaptive and social behavior. Nevertheless, all have in common that critical milestones of brain development are disrupted, leading to functional deficits of the central nervous system and clinical manifestation in child- or adulthood. To approach how the different development-associated neuropathologies can occur and which risk factors or critical processes are involved in provoking higher susceptibility for such diseases, a detailed understanding of the mechanisms underlying proper brain formation is required. NDDs rely on deficits in neuronal identity, proportion or function, whereby a defective development of the cerebral cortex, the seat of higher cognitive functions, is implicated in numerous disorders. Such deficits can be provoked by genetic and environmental factors during corticogenesis. Thereby, epigenetic mechanisms can act as an interface between external stimuli and the genome, since they are known to be responsive to external stimuli also in cortical neurons. In line with that, DNA methylation, histone modifications/variants, ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling, as well as regulatory non-coding RNAs regulate diverse aspects of neuronal development, and alterations in epigenomic marks have been associated with NDDs of varying phenotypes. Here, we provide an overview of essential steps of mammalian corticogenesis, and discuss the role of epigenetic mechanisms assumed to contribute to pathophysiological aspects of NDDs, when being disrupted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Reichard
- Functional Epigenetics in the Animal Model, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Research Training Group 2416 MultiSenses-MultiScales, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Geraldine Zimmer-Bensch
- Functional Epigenetics in the Animal Model, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Research Training Group 2416 MultiSenses-MultiScales, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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27
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Feng X, Zhan F, Luo D, Hu J, Wei G, Hua F, Xu G. LncRNA 4344 promotes NLRP3-related neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment by targeting miR-138-5p. Brain Behav Immun 2021; 98:283-298. [PMID: 34455059 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2021.08.230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cognitive impairment is a common neurological disease of which NLRP3-related neuroinflammation has been demonstrated to be an essential mediator. Previous studies have indicated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are critical for the development of neurological disorders. However, the roles and functions of lncRNA 4344 in neuroinflammation during cognitive impairment are unknown and need to be further elucidated. METHODS Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced rat cognitive impairment and rat microglia (RM) cell inflammation models were established in vitro and in vivo. The Morris water maze test was used to evaluate the cognitive behavior of the rats. Gene expression was assessed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and protein levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, or western blot analysis. The targeting relationship between lncRNA 4344, miR-138-5p, and NLRP3 was identified using bioinformatics analysis and a dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. Hematoxylin-Eosin and Nissl stainings, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling, or immunofluorescence staining assays were performed to detect pathological changes, neuronal apoptosis, or positive cells in hippocampal tissues, respectively. RESULTS The expression levels of lncRNA 4344 and NLRP3 were upregulated in the hippocampal tissues of LPS-treated rats and RM cells, and showed a strong positive correlation between each other. LncRNA 4344 overexpression further enhanced the expression of NLRP3 and its downstream genes (caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18), as well as neuronal apoptosis in LPS-stimulated RM cells, whereas lncRNA 4344 silencing attenuated the inflammatory injuries. Moreover, miR-138-5p was the direct target of lncRNA 4344 and was downregulated in the RM cell inflammation model. We also found that miR-138-5p directly reduced the expression of NLRP3 and its downstream genes. Subsequently, the results of the animal experiments showed that the lncRNA 4344/miR-138-5p/NLRP3 axis plays an essential role in regulating the cognitive behavior, pathological changes and apoptosis of hippocampal neurons, expression of inflammation-related factors (NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18), and microglial activation in LPS-induced cognitive impairment rats. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrated for the first time that lncRNA 4344 regulates NLRP3-related neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment by targeting miR-138-5p, providing a possible target for the treatment of diseases characterized by a cognitive deficit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojin Feng
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China; Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China; Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Fenfang Zhan
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China; Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Deqiang Luo
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jialing Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Gen Wei
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Fuzhou Hua
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China; Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China.
| | - Guohai Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China; Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China.
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28
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Irwin AB, Bahabry R, Lubin FD. A putative role for lncRNAs in epigenetic regulation of memory. Neurochem Int 2021; 150:105184. [PMID: 34530054 PMCID: PMC8552959 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2021.105184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The central dogma of molecular genetics is defined as encoded genetic information within DNA, transcribed into messenger RNA, which contain the instructions for protein synthesis, thus imparting cellular functionality and ultimately life. This molecular genetic theory has given birth to the field of neuroepigenetics, and it is now well established that epigenetic regulation of gene transcription is critical to the learning and memory process. In this review, we address a potential role for a relatively new player in the field of epigenetic crosstalk - long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). First, we briefly summarize epigenetic mechanisms in memory formation and examine what little is known about the emerging role of lncRNAs during this process. We then focus discussions on how lncRNAs interact with epigenetic mechanisms to control transcriptional programs under various conditions in the brain, and how this may be applied to regulation of gene expression necessary for memory formation. Next, we explore how epigenetic crosstalk in turn serves to regulate expression of various individual lncRNAs themselves. To highlight the importance of further exploring the role of lncRNA in epigenetic regulation of gene expression, we consider the significant relationship between lncRNA dysregulation and declining memory reserve with aging, Alzheimer's disease, and epilepsy, as well as the promise of novel therapeutic interventions. Finally, we conclude with a discussion of the critical questions that remain to be answered regarding a role for lncRNA in memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashleigh B Irwin
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Rudhab Bahabry
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Farah D Lubin
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.
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29
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Laneve P, Tollis P, Caffarelli E. RNA Deregulation in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: The Noncoding Perspective. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10285. [PMID: 34638636 PMCID: PMC8508793 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA metabolism is central to cellular physiopathology. Almost all the molecular pathways underpinning biological processes are affected by the events governing the RNA life cycle, ranging from transcription to degradation. The deregulation of these processes contributes to the onset and progression of human diseases. In recent decades, considerable efforts have been devoted to the characterization of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) and to the study of their role in the homeostasis of the nervous system (NS), where they are highly enriched. Acting as major regulators of gene expression, ncRNAs orchestrate all the steps of the differentiation programs, participate in the mechanisms underlying neural functions, and are crucially implicated in the development of neuronal pathologies, among which are neurodegenerative diseases. This review aims to explore the link between ncRNA dysregulation and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the most frequent motoneuron (MN) disorder in adults. Notably, defective RNA metabolism is known to be largely associated with this pathology, which is often regarded as an RNA disease. We also discuss the potential role that these transcripts may play as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Laneve
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Tollis
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology Charles Darwin, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Elisa Caffarelli
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council, 00185 Rome, Italy
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30
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Zhou S, Yu X, Wang M, Meng Y, Song D, Yang H, Wang D, Bi J, Xu S. Long Non-coding RNAs in Pathogenesis of Neurodegenerative Diseases. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:719247. [PMID: 34527672 PMCID: PMC8435612 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.719247] [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: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence addresses the link between the aberrant epigenetic regulation of gene expression and numerous diseases including neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Huntington’s disease (HD). LncRNAs, a class of ncRNAs, have length of 200 nt or more, some of which crucially regulate a variety of biological processes such as epigenetic-mediated chromatin remodeling, mRNA stability, X-chromosome inactivation and imprinting. Aberrant regulation of the lncRNAs contributes to pathogenesis of many diseases, such as the neurological disorders at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. In this review, we highlight the latest research progress on the contributions of some lncRNAs to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases via varied mechanisms, such as autophagy regulation, Aβ deposition, neuroinflammation, Tau phosphorylation and α-synuclein aggregation. Meanwhile, we also address the potential challenges on the lncRNAs-mediated epigenetic study to further understand the molecular mechanism of the neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyue Zhou
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiao Yu
- Department of Nutrition, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Min Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yujie Meng
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Dandan Song
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Dewei Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jianzhong Bi
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shunliang Xu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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31
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Playfoot CJ, Duc J, Sheppard S, Dind S, Coudray A, Planet E, Trono D. Transposable elements and their KZFP controllers are drivers of transcriptional innovation in the developing human brain. Genome Res 2021; 31:1531-1545. [PMID: 34400477 PMCID: PMC8415367 DOI: 10.1101/gr.275133.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) account for more than 50% of the human genome and many have been co-opted throughout evolution to provide regulatory functions for gene expression networks. Several lines of evidence suggest that these networks are fine-tuned by the largest family of TE controllers, the KRAB-containing zinc finger proteins (KZFPs). One tissue permissive for TE transcriptional activation (termed "transposcription") is the adult human brain, however comprehensive studies on the extent of this process and its potential contribution to human brain development are lacking. To elucidate the spatiotemporal transposcriptome of the developing human brain, we have analyzed two independent RNA-seq data sets encompassing 16 brain regions from eight weeks postconception into adulthood. We reveal a distinct KZFP:TE transcriptional profile defining the late prenatal to early postnatal transition, and the spatiotemporal and cell type-specific activation of TE-derived alternative promoters driving the expression of neurogenesis-associated genes. Long-read sequencing confirmed these TE-driven isoforms as significant contributors to neurogenic transcripts. We also show experimentally that a co-opted antisense L2 element drives temporal protein relocalization away from the endoplasmic reticulum, suggestive of novel TE dependent protein function in primate evolution. This work highlights the widespread dynamic nature of the spatiotemporal KZFP:TE transcriptome and its importance throughout TE mediated genome innovation and neurotypical human brain development. To facilitate interactive exploration of these spatiotemporal gene and TE expression dynamics, we provide the "Brain TExplorer" web application freely accessible for the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Playfoot
- School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Julien Duc
- School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Shaoline Sheppard
- School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sagane Dind
- School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alexandre Coudray
- School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Evarist Planet
- School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Didier Trono
- School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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32
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Policarpo R, Sierksma A, De Strooper B, d'Ydewalle C. From Junk to Function: LncRNAs in CNS Health and Disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:714768. [PMID: 34349622 PMCID: PMC8327212 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.714768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in RNA sequencing technologies helped to uncover the existence of tens of thousands of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that arise from the dark matter of the genome. These lncRNAs were originally thought to be transcriptional noise but an increasing number of studies demonstrate that these transcripts can modulate protein-coding gene expression by a wide variety of transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms. The spatiotemporal regulation of lncRNA expression is particularly evident in the central nervous system, suggesting that they may directly contribute to specific brain processes, including neurogenesis and cellular homeostasis. Not surprisingly, lncRNAs are therefore gaining attention as putative novel therapeutic targets for disorders of the brain. In this review, we summarize the recent insights into the functions of lncRNAs in the brain, their role in neuronal maintenance, and their potential contribution to disease. We conclude this review by postulating how these RNA molecules can be targeted for the treatment of yet incurable neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela Policarpo
- VIB-KU Leuven Center For Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Neuroscience Discovery, Janssen Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V., Beerse, Belgium
| | - Annerieke Sierksma
- VIB-KU Leuven Center For Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart De Strooper
- VIB-KU Leuven Center For Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Constantin d'Ydewalle
- Neuroscience Discovery, Janssen Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V., Beerse, Belgium
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Leypold NA, Speicher MR. Evolutionary conservation in noncoding genomic regions. Trends Genet 2021; 37:903-918. [PMID: 34238591 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2021.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Humans may share more genomic commonalities with other species than previously thought. According to current estimates, ~5% of the human genome is functionally constrained, which is a much larger fraction than the ~1.5% occupied by annotated protein-coding genes. Hence, ~3.5% of the human genome comprises likely functional conserved noncoding elements (CNEs) preserved among organisms, whose common ancestors existed throughout hundreds of millions of years of evolution. As whole-genome sequencing emerges as a standard procedure in genetic analyses, interpretation of variations in CNEs, including the elucidation of mechanistic and functional roles, becomes a necessity. Here, we discuss the phenomenon of noncoding conservation via four dimensions (sequence, regulatory conservation, spatiotemporal expression, and structure) and the potential significance of CNEs in phenotype variation and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole A Leypold
- Institute of Human Genetics, Diagnostic and Research Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria.
| | - Michael R Speicher
- Institute of Human Genetics, Diagnostic and Research Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria; BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria.
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Integrated Insight into the Molecular Mechanisms of Spontaneous Abortion during Early Pregnancy in Pigs. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126644. [PMID: 34205766 PMCID: PMC8235555 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the high rate of spontaneous abortion (SAB) in porcine pregnancy, there is a major interest and concern on commercial pig farming worldwide. Whereas the perturbed immune response at the maternal–fetal interface is an important mechanism associated with the spontaneous embryo loss in the early stages of implantation in porcine, data on the specific regulatory mechanism of the SAB at the end stage of the implantation remains scant. Therefore, we used high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics tools to analyze the healthy and arresting endometrium on day 28 of pregnancy. We identified 639 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs) and 2357 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) at the end stage of implantation, and qRT-PCR was used to verify the sequencing data. Gene set variation analysis (GSVA), gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), and immunohistochemistry analysis demonstrated weaker immune response activities in the arresting endometrium compared to the healthy one. Using the lasso regression analysis, we screened the DELs and constructed an immunological competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network related to SAB, including 4 lncRNAs, 11 miRNAs, and 13 genes. In addition, Blast analysis showed the applicability of the constructed ceRNA network in different species, and subsequently determined HOXA-AS2 in pigs. Our study, for the first time, demonstrated that the SAB events at the end stages of implantation is associated with the regulation of immunobiological processes, and a specific molecular regulatory network was obtained. These novel findings may provide new insight into the possibility of increasing the litter size of sows, making pig breeding better and thus improving the efficiency of animal husbandry production.
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Aliperti V, Skonieczna J, Cerase A. Long Non-Coding RNA (lncRNA) Roles in Cell Biology, Neurodevelopment and Neurological Disorders. Noncoding RNA 2021; 7:36. [PMID: 34204536 PMCID: PMC8293397 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna7020036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Development is a complex process regulated both by genetic and epigenetic and environmental clues. Recently, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as key regulators of gene expression in several tissues including the brain. Altered expression of lncRNAs has been linked to several neurodegenerative, neurodevelopmental and mental disorders. The identification and characterization of lncRNAs that are deregulated or mutated in neurodevelopmental and mental health diseases are fundamental to understanding the complex transcriptional processes in brain function. Crucially, lncRNAs can be exploited as a novel target for treating neurological disorders. In our review, we first summarize the recent advances in our understanding of lncRNA functions in the context of cell biology and then discussing their association with selected neuronal development and neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenza Aliperti
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Justyna Skonieczna
- Centre for Genomics and Child Health, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK;
| | - Andrea Cerase
- Centre for Genomics and Child Health, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK;
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Ferrari R, Grandi N, Tramontano E, Dieci G. Retrotransposons as Drivers of Mammalian Brain Evolution. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11050376. [PMID: 33922141 PMCID: PMC8143547 DOI: 10.3390/life11050376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Retrotransposons, a large and diverse class of transposable elements that are still active in humans, represent a remarkable force of genomic innovation underlying mammalian evolution. Among the features distinguishing mammals from all other vertebrates, the presence of a neocortex with a peculiar neuronal organization, composition and connectivity is perhaps the one that, by affecting the cognitive abilities of mammals, contributed mostly to their evolutionary success. Among mammals, hominids and especially humans display an extraordinarily expanded cortical volume, an enrichment of the repertoire of neural cell types and more elaborate patterns of neuronal connectivity. Retrotransposon-derived sequences have recently been implicated in multiple layers of gene regulation in the brain, from transcriptional and post-transcriptional control to both local and large-scale three-dimensional chromatin organization. Accordingly, an increasing variety of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative conditions are being recognized to be associated with retrotransposon dysregulation. We review here a large body of recent studies lending support to the idea that retrotransposon-dependent evolutionary novelties were crucial for the emergence of mammalian, primate and human peculiarities of brain morphology and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Ferrari
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy;
| | - Nicole Grandi
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (N.G.); (E.T.)
| | - Enzo Tramontano
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (N.G.); (E.T.)
- Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Giorgio Dieci
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy;
- Correspondence:
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Choudhary C, Sharma S, Meghwanshi KK, Patel S, Mehta P, Shukla N, Do DN, Rajpurohit S, Suravajhala P, Shukla JN. Long Non-Coding RNAs in Insects. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:1118. [PMID: 33919662 PMCID: PMC8069800 DOI: 10.3390/ani11041118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Only a small subset of all the transcribed RNAs are used as a template for protein translation, whereas RNA molecules that are not translated play a very important role as regulatory non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). Besides traditionally known RNAs (ribosomal and transfer RNAs), ncRNAs also include small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). The lncRNAs, which were initially thought to be junk, have gained a great deal attention because of their regulatory roles in diverse biological processes in animals and plants. Insects are the most abundant and diverse group of animals on this planet. Recent studies have demonstrated the role of lncRNAs in almost all aspects of insect development, reproduction, and genetic plasticity. In this review, we describe the function and molecular mechanisms of the mode of action of different insect lncRNAs discovered up to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chhavi Choudhary
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, Bandarsindari, Ajmer 305801, India; (C.C.); (K.K.M.)
| | - Shivasmi Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Amity University Jaipur, Jaipur 303002, India; (S.S.); (S.P.)
| | - Keshav Kumar Meghwanshi
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, Bandarsindari, Ajmer 305801, India; (C.C.); (K.K.M.)
| | - Smit Patel
- Department of Biotechnology, Amity University Jaipur, Jaipur 303002, India; (S.S.); (S.P.)
| | - Prachi Mehta
- Division of Biological & Life Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Ahmedabad University, Gujarat 380009, India; (P.M.); (S.R.)
| | - Nidhi Shukla
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Birla Institute of Scientific Research, Jaipur 302001, India;
| | - Duy Ngoc Do
- Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Danang 550000, Vietnam;
| | - Subhash Rajpurohit
- Division of Biological & Life Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Ahmedabad University, Gujarat 380009, India; (P.M.); (S.R.)
| | - Prashanth Suravajhala
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Birla Institute of Scientific Research, Jaipur 302001, India;
- Bioclues.org, Vivekananda Nagar, Kukatpally, Hyderabad, Telangana 500072, India
| | - Jayendra Nath Shukla
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, Bandarsindari, Ajmer 305801, India; (C.C.); (K.K.M.)
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Lan Y, Liu B, Guo H. The role of M 6A modification in the regulation of tumor-related lncRNAs. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2021; 24:768-779. [PMID: 33996258 PMCID: PMC8094576 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant modification in eukaryotic cells, and it regulates RNA transcription, processing, splicing, degradation, and translation. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), as transcriptional products with no or limited protein coding ability more than 200 nt in length, play an important role in epigenetic modification, mRNA transcription, splicing, stability, translation, and other biological functions. Extensive studies have shown that both m6A modification and lncRNAs are involved in the pathogenesis of various diseases, such as kinds of cancers, heart failure, Alzheimer’s disease, periodontitis, human abdominal aortic aneurysm, and obesity. To date, m6A modification has been identified as an important biological function in enrichment and regulation of lncRNAs. In this review, we summarize the role of m6A modification in the regulation and function of tumor-related lncRNAs. Moreover, we discuss the potential applications and possible future directions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufei Lan
- Neurosurgery Center, The National Key Clinical Specialty, The Engineering Technology Research Center of Education Ministry of China on Diagnosis and Treatment of Cerebrovascular Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, The Neurosurgery Institute of Guangdong Province, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510282, China
| | - Boyang Liu
- Neurosurgery Center, The National Key Clinical Specialty, The Engineering Technology Research Center of Education Ministry of China on Diagnosis and Treatment of Cerebrovascular Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, The Neurosurgery Institute of Guangdong Province, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510282, China
| | - Hongbo Guo
- Neurosurgery Center, The National Key Clinical Specialty, The Engineering Technology Research Center of Education Ministry of China on Diagnosis and Treatment of Cerebrovascular Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, The Neurosurgery Institute of Guangdong Province, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510282, China
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Sas-Nowosielska H, Magalska A. Long Noncoding RNAs-Crucial Players Organizing the Landscape of the Neuronal Nucleus. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073478. [PMID: 33801737 PMCID: PMC8037058 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to regulate chromatin organization is particularly important in neurons, which dynamically respond to external stimuli. Accumulating evidence shows that lncRNAs play important architectural roles in organizing different nuclear domains like inactive chromosome X, splicing speckles, paraspeckles, and Gomafu nuclear bodies. LncRNAs are abundantly expressed in the nervous system where they may play important roles in compartmentalization of the cell nucleus. In this review we will describe the architectural role of lncRNAs in the nuclei of neuronal cells.
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DNA Methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) Shapes Neuronal Activity of Human iPSC-Derived Glutamatergic Cortical Neurons. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22042034. [PMID: 33670788 PMCID: PMC7922860 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22042034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms are emerging key players for the regulation of brain function, synaptic activity, and the formation of neuronal engrams in health and disease. As one important epigenetic mechanism of transcriptional control, DNA methylation was reported to distinctively modulate synaptic activity in excitatory and inhibitory cortical neurons in mice. Since DNA methylation signatures are responsive to neuronal activity, DNA methylation seems to contribute to the neuron's capacity to adapt to and integrate changing activity patterns, being crucial for the plasticity and functionality of neuronal circuits. Since most studies addressing the role of DNA methylation in the regulation of synaptic function were conducted in mice or murine neurons, we here asked whether this functional implication applies to human neurons as well. To this end, we performed calcium imaging in human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived excitatory cortical neurons forming synaptic contacts and neuronal networks in vitro. Treatment with DNMT1 siRNA that diminishs the expression of the DNA (cytosine-5)-methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) was conducted to investigate the functional relevance of DNMT1 as one of the main enzymes executing DNA methylations in the context of neuronal activity modulation. We observed a lowered proportion of actively firing neurons upon DNMT1-knockdown in these iPSC-derived excitatory neurons, pointing to a correlation of DNMT1-activity and synaptic transmission. Thus, our experiments suggest that DNMT1 decreases synaptic activity of human glutamatergic neurons and underline the relevance of epigenetic regulation of synaptic function also in human excitatory neurons.
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Pensold D, Gehrmann J, Pitschelatow G, Walberg A, Braunsteffer K, Reichard J, Ravaei A, Linde J, Lampert A, Costa IG, Zimmer-Bensch G. The Expression of the Cancer-Associated lncRNA Snhg15 Is Modulated by EphrinA5-Induced Signaling. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22031332. [PMID: 33572758 PMCID: PMC7866228 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Eph receptor tyrosine kinases and their respective ephrin-ligands are an important family of membrane receptors, being involved in developmental processes such as proliferation, migration, and in the formation of brain cancer such as glioma. Intracellular signaling pathways, which are activated by Eph receptor signaling, are well characterized. In contrast, it is unknown so far whether ephrins modulate the expression of lncRNAs, which would enable the transduction of environmental stimuli into our genome through a great gene regulatory spectrum. Applying a combination of functional in vitro assays, RNA sequencing, and qPCR analysis, we found that the proliferation and migration promoting stimulation of mouse cerebellar granule cells (CB) with ephrinA5 diminishes the expression of the cancer-related lncRNA Snhg15. In a human medulloblastoma cell line (DAOY) ephrinA5 stimulation similarly reduced SNHG15 expression. Computational analysis identified triple-helix-mediated DNA-binding sites of Snhg15 in promoters of genes found up-regulated upon ephrinA5 stimulation and known to be involved in tumorigenic processes. Our findings propose a crucial role of Snhg15 downstream of ephrinA5-induced signaling in regulating gene transcription in the nucleus. These findings could be potentially relevant for the regulation of tumorigenic processes in the context of glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Pensold
- Division of Functional Epigenetics, Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (D.P.); (G.P.); (A.W.); (K.B.); (J.R.); (J.L.)
| | - Julia Gehrmann
- RWTH Aachen Medical Faculty, Institute for Computational Genomics, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (J.G.); (I.G.C.)
| | - Georg Pitschelatow
- Division of Functional Epigenetics, Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (D.P.); (G.P.); (A.W.); (K.B.); (J.R.); (J.L.)
| | - Asa Walberg
- Division of Functional Epigenetics, Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (D.P.); (G.P.); (A.W.); (K.B.); (J.R.); (J.L.)
| | - Kai Braunsteffer
- Division of Functional Epigenetics, Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (D.P.); (G.P.); (A.W.); (K.B.); (J.R.); (J.L.)
| | - Julia Reichard
- Division of Functional Epigenetics, Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (D.P.); (G.P.); (A.W.); (K.B.); (J.R.); (J.L.)
- Research Training Group 2416 Multi Senses—Multi Scales, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany;
| | - Amin Ravaei
- Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, Section of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genetics, University of Ferrara, 44100 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Jenice Linde
- Division of Functional Epigenetics, Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (D.P.); (G.P.); (A.W.); (K.B.); (J.R.); (J.L.)
- Research Training Group 2416 Multi Senses—Multi Scales, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany;
| | - Angelika Lampert
- Research Training Group 2416 Multi Senses—Multi Scales, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany;
- RWTH Aachen Medical Faculty, Institute of Physiology, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Ivan G. Costa
- RWTH Aachen Medical Faculty, Institute for Computational Genomics, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (J.G.); (I.G.C.)
| | - Geraldine Zimmer-Bensch
- Division of Functional Epigenetics, Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (D.P.); (G.P.); (A.W.); (K.B.); (J.R.); (J.L.)
- Research Training Group 2416 Multi Senses—Multi Scales, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany;
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +49-241-8020844
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Identification of a Nine Immune-Related lncRNA Signature as a Novel Diagnostic Biomarker for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:9798231. [PMID: 33506049 PMCID: PMC7808810 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9798231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks fifth among common cancers and is the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. This study is aimed at identifying an immune-related long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) signature as a potential biomarker with prognostic value to improve early diagnosis and provide potential therapeutic targets for HCC patients. The subjects of this study were HCC samples with complete transcriptome data and clinical information downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. We then extracted the immune-related mRNA and lncRNA expression profiles. Based on the expression profiles of immune-related lncRNAs, we identified a nine-lncRNA signature that was related to the progression of HCC. The risk score was calculated based on the expression level of the nine lncRNAs of each sample, which divided patients into high-risk and low-risk groups. We found that the increased risk score was associated with a poor prognosis of HCC patients. To assess the accuracy of the survival model, we calculated a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) for validation. The curve showed that the area under the curve (AUC) for the risk score was 0.792. Besides, both principal component analysis (PCA) and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were further used for functional annotation. We found that the distribution patterns were different between the low-risk and high-risk groups in PCA, and the underlying mechanism by which the nine lncRNAs promoted the progression of HCC involved an abnormal immune status. Finally, we analyzed the infiltration of twenty-nine kinds of immune cells and the activation of immune function in HCC using the ssGSEA algorithm. The results showed that aDCs, iDCs, macrophages, Tfh, Th1, Treg, and NK cells were correlated with the progress of HCC patients. And the immune functions including APC costimulation, CCR, check point, HLA, MHC class I, and Type II IFN responses were also significantly different between the high-risk and low-risk groups. In conclusion, our study identified a nine-lncRNA signature with potential prognostic value for patients with HCC, which could be used as a new biomarker for the diagnosis and immunotherapy of HCC.
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Haas-Neill S, Forsythe P. A Budding Relationship: Bacterial Extracellular Vesicles in the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21238899. [PMID: 33255332 PMCID: PMC7727686 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21238899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The discovery of the microbiota-gut-brain axis has revolutionized our understanding of systemic influences on brain function and may lead to novel therapeutic approaches to neurodevelopmental and mood disorders. A parallel revolution has occurred in the field of intercellular communication, with the realization that endosomes, and other extracellular vesicles, rival the endocrine system as regulators of distant tissues. These two paradigms shifting developments come together in recent observations that bacterial membrane vesicles contribute to inter-kingdom signaling and may be an integral component of gut microbe communication with the brain. In this short review we address the current understanding of the biogenesis of bacterial membrane vesicles and the roles they play in the survival of microbes and in intra and inter-kingdom communication. We identify recent observations indicating that bacterial membrane vesicles, particularly those derived from probiotic organisms, regulate brain function. We discuss mechanisms by which bacterial membrane vesicles may influence the brain including interaction with the peripheral nervous system, and modulation of immune activity. We also review evidence suggesting that, unlike the parent organism, gut bacteria derived membrane vesicles are able to deliver cargo, including neurotransmitters, directly to the central nervous system and may thus constitute key components of the microbiota-gut-brain axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandor Haas-Neill
- McMaster Brain-Body Institute, The Research Institute of St. Joseph’s Hamilton, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6, Canada;
| | - Paul Forsythe
- McMaster Brain-Body Institute, The Research Institute of St. Joseph’s Hamilton, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6, Canada;
- Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, St. Joseph’s Healthcare and Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +01-905-522-1155 (ext. 35890)
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LINC00473 as an Immediate Early Gene under the Control of the EGR1 Transcription Factor. Noncoding RNA 2020; 6:ncrna6040046. [PMID: 33198374 PMCID: PMC7712511 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna6040046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Immediate early genes play an essential role in cellular responses to different stimuli. Many of them are transcription factors that regulate the secondary response gene expression. Non-coding RNAs may also be involved in this regulatory cascade. In fact, they are emerging as key actors of gene expression regulation, and evidence suggests that their dysregulation may underly pathological states. We previously took a snapshot of both coding and long non-coding RNAs differentially expressed in neuronal cells after brain-derived neurotrophic factor stimulation. Among these, the transcription factor EGR1 (a well-known immediate early gene) and LINC00473 (a primate-specific long non-coding RNA) that has emerged as an interesting RNA candidate involved in neuronal function and in cancer. In this work, we demonstrated that LINC00473 gene expression kinetics resembled that of immediate early genes in SH-SY5Y and HEK293T cells under different cell stimulation conditions. Moreover, we showed that the expression of LINC00473 is under the control of the transcription factor EGR1, providing evidence for an interesting functional relationship in neuron function.
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Peng H, Xiong S, Ding X, Tang X, Wang X, Wang L, Liu Y. Long non‑coding RNA expression profiles identify lncRNA‑XLOC_I2_006631 as a potential novel blood biomarker for Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Int J Mol Med 2020; 46:2172-2184. [PMID: 33125100 PMCID: PMC7595668 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2020.4755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Long non‑coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been increasingly recognized as important immune checkpoints involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. However, the exact role of lncRNAs in Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) has been rarely studied. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of lncRNAs and the potential biomarkers in HT, a total of 33 patients with HT and 32 healthy volunteers were enrolled in the present study, and five patients and five healthy controls were investigated using next generation sequencing. A total of 218 dysregulated lncRNAs, including 94 upregulated and 124 downregulated lncRNAs, were identified and examined in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with HT. The majority of the lncRNAs were intergenic and exonic (66.06%). Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis demonstrated that abnormally expressed lncRNAs were enriched in the 'NF‑kB expression', in the 'TGF‑β signaling pathway' and in the 'JAK‑STAT signaling pathway', which are associated with the immunopathogenic mechanisms of HT. In total, three lncRNAs (LOC729737, XLOC_I2_006631 and BC041964) were validated and had a trend identical to that detected by the sequencing results. The expression of lncRNA‑XLOC_I2_006631 was upregulated and was positively correlated with the serum concentrations of anti‑thyroperoxidase antibody in patients with HT. Methyl‑CpG‑binding protein 2 (MECP2) was identified as the potential regulatory gene of lncRNA‑XLOC_I2_006631 using a prediction program. The expression of MECP2 was increased and was positively correlated with the elevated expression levels of lncRNA‑XLOC_I2_006631 and anti‑thyroperoxidase antibody in patients with HT. Furthermore, lncRNA‑XLOC_I2_006631 was able to regulate MECP2 expression in vitro. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis suggested that lncRNA‑XLOC_I2_006631 has a potential diagnostic value. Collectively, the present results indicated the important role of dysregulated lncRNAs in HT and demonstrated that lncRNA‑XLOC_I2_006631 functioned as a positive regulator of MECP2 expression, suggesting a potential mechanism. Thus, lncRNA‑XLOC_I2_006631 may be used as a biomarker of HT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiyong Peng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang Medical School of Nanjing Medical University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212002, P.R. China
| | - Si Xiong
- Department of Endocrinology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Wuhan, Wuhan, Hubei 430050, P.R. China
| | - Xiangmei Ding
- Department of Endocrinology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang Medical School of Nanjing Medical University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212002, P.R. China
| | - Xinyi Tang
- Division of Hematology and Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55902, USA
| | - Xuehua Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang Medical School of Nanjing Medical University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212002, P.R. China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang Medical School of Nanjing Medical University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212002, P.R. China
| | - Yingzhao Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang Medical School of Nanjing Medical University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212002, P.R. China
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46
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Epigenomic Remodeling in Huntington's Disease-Master or Servant? EPIGENOMES 2020; 4:epigenomes4030015. [PMID: 34968288 PMCID: PMC8594700 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes4030015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
In light of our aging population, neurodegenerative disorders are becoming a tremendous challenge, that modern societies have to face. They represent incurable, progressive conditions with diverse and complex pathological features, followed by catastrophic occurrences of massive neuronal loss at the later stages of the diseases. Some of these disorders, like Huntington’s disease (HD), rely on defined genetic factors. HD, as an incurable, fatal hereditary neurodegenerative disorder characterized by its mid-life onset, is caused by the expansion of CAG trinucleotide repeats coding for glutamine (Q) in exon 1 of the huntingtin gene. Apart from the genetic defect, environmental factors are thought to influence the risk, onset and progression of HD. As epigenetic mechanisms are known to readily respond to environmental stimuli, they are proposed to play a key role in HD pathogenesis. Indeed, dynamic epigenomic remodeling is observed in HD patients and in brains of HD animal models. Epigenetic signatures, such as DNA methylation, histone variants and modifications, are known to influence gene expression and to orchestrate various aspects of neuronal physiology. Hence, deciphering their implication in HD pathogenesis might open up new paths for novel therapeutic concepts, which are discussed in this review.
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Bayer C, Pitschelatow G, Hannemann N, Linde J, Reichard J, Pensold D, Zimmer-Bensch G. DNA Methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) Acts on Neurodegeneration by Modulating Proteostasis-Relevant Intracellular Processes. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E5420. [PMID: 32751461 PMCID: PMC7432412 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The limited regenerative capacity of neurons requires a tightly orchestrated cell death and survival regulation in the context of longevity, as well as age-associated and neurodegenerative diseases. Subordinate to genetic networks, epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, are involved in the regulation of neuronal functionality and emerge as key contributors to the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases. DNA methylation, a dynamic and reversible process, is executed by DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs). DNMT1 was previously shown to act on neuronal survival in the aged brain, whereby a DNMT1-dependent modulation of processes relevant for protein degradation was proposed as an underlying mechanism. Properly operating proteostasis networks are a mandatory prerequisite for the functionality and long-term survival of neurons. Malfunctioning proteostasis is found, inter alia, in neurodegenerative contexts. Here, we investigated whether DNMT1 affects critical aspects of the proteostasis network by a combination of expression studies, live cell imaging, and protein biochemical analyses. We found that DNMT1 negatively impacts retrograde trafficking and autophagy, with both being involved in the clearance of aggregation-prone proteins by the aggresome-autophagy pathway. In line with this, we found that the transport of GFP-labeled mutant huntingtin (HTT) to perinuclear regions, proposed to be cytoprotective, also depends on DNMT1. Depletion of Dnmt1 accelerated perinuclear HTT aggregation and improved the survival of cells transfected with mutant HTT. This suggests that mutant HTT-induced cytotoxicity is at least in part mediated by DNMT1-dependent modulation of degradative pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Geraldine Zimmer-Bensch
- Division of Functional Epigenetics in the Animal Model, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (C.B.); (G.P.); (N.H.); (J.L.); (J.R.); (D.P.)
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48
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Hahn A, Pensold D, Bayer C, Tittelmeier J, González-Bermúdez L, Marx-Blümel L, Linde J, Groß J, Salinas-Riester G, Lingner T, von Maltzahn J, Spehr M, Pieler T, Urbach A, Zimmer-Bensch G. DNA Methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) Function Is Implicated in the Age-Related Loss of Cortical Interneurons. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:639. [PMID: 32793592 PMCID: PMC7387673 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Increased life expectancy in modern society comes at the cost of age-associated disabilities and diseases. Aged brains not only show reduced excitability and plasticity, but also a decline in inhibition. Age-associated defects in inhibitory circuits likely contribute to cognitive decline and age-related disorders. Molecular mechanisms that exert epigenetic control of gene expression contribute to age-associated neuronal impairments. Both DNA methylation, mediated by DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), and histone modifications maintain neuronal function throughout lifespan. Here we provide evidence that DNMT1 function is implicated in the age-related loss of cortical inhibitory interneurons. Dnmt1 deletion in parvalbumin-positive interneurons attenuates their age-related decline in the cerebral cortex. Moreover, conditional Dnmt1-deficient mice show improved somatomotor performance and reduced aging-associated transcriptional changes. A decline in the proteostasis network, responsible for the proper degradation and removal of defective proteins, is implicated in age- and disease-related neurodegeneration. Our data suggest that DNMT1 acts indirectly on interneuron survival in aged mice by modulating the proteostasis network during life-time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Hahn
- Department of Functional Epigenetics, Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Daniel Pensold
- Department of Functional Epigenetics, Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany.,Department of Functional Epigenetics in the Animal Model, Institute of Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Cathrin Bayer
- Department of Functional Epigenetics, Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany.,Department of Functional Epigenetics in the Animal Model, Institute of Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jessica Tittelmeier
- Department of Functional Epigenetics, Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Lourdes González-Bermúdez
- Department of Functional Epigenetics, Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Lisa Marx-Blümel
- Department of Functional Epigenetics, Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Jenice Linde
- Department of Functional Epigenetics in the Animal Model, Institute of Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.,Research Training Group 2416 MultiSenses - MultiScales, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jonas Groß
- Department of Functional Epigenetics, Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Gabriela Salinas-Riester
- Transcriptome and Genome Analysis Laboratory (TAL), Department of Developmental Biochemistry, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Lingner
- Transcriptome and Genome Analysis Laboratory (TAL), Department of Developmental Biochemistry, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Julia von Maltzahn
- Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), Jena, Germany
| | - Marc Spehr
- Research Training Group 2416 MultiSenses - MultiScales, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.,Department of Chemosensation, Institute of Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Tomas Pieler
- Centre for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), Department of Developmental Biochemistry, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Anja Urbach
- Institute of Neurology, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Geraldine Zimmer-Bensch
- Department of Functional Epigenetics, Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany.,Department of Functional Epigenetics in the Animal Model, Institute of Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.,Research Training Group 2416 MultiSenses - MultiScales, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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49
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Symmank J, Bayer C, Reichard J, Pensold D, Zimmer-Bensch G. Neuronal Lhx1 expression is regulated by DNMT1-dependent modulation of histone marks. Epigenetics 2020; 15:1259-1274. [PMID: 32441560 PMCID: PMC7595593 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2020.1767372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Apart from the conventional view of repressive promoter methylation, the DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) was recently described to modulate gene expression through a variety of interactions with diverse epigenetic key players. We here investigated the DNMT1-dependent transcriptional control of the homeobox transcription factor LHX1, which we previously identified as an important regulator in cortical interneuron development. We found that LHX1 expression in embryonic interneurons originating in the embryonic pre-optic area (POA) is regulated by non-canonic DNMT1 function. Analysis of histone methylation and acetylation revealed that both epigenetic modifications seem to be implicated in the control of Lhx1 gene activity and that DNMT1 contributes to their proper establishment. This study sheds further light on the regulatory network of cortical interneuron development including the complex interplay of epigenetic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judit Symmank
- Institute for Human Genetics, Am Klinikum 1, University Hospital Jena , Jena, Germany.,Polyclinic for Orthodontics, Leutragraben 3, University Hospital Jena , Jena, Germany
| | - Cathrin Bayer
- Institute for Human Genetics, Am Klinikum 1, University Hospital Jena , Jena, Germany.,Department of Functional Epigenetics in the Animal Model, Institute for Biology II, Worringerweg 3, RWTH Aachen University , Aachen, Germany
| | - Julia Reichard
- Institute for Human Genetics, Am Klinikum 1, University Hospital Jena , Jena, Germany.,Department of Functional Epigenetics in the Animal Model, Institute for Biology II, Worringerweg 3, RWTH Aachen University , Aachen, Germany.,Research Training Group 2416 MultiSenses, MultiScales, RWTH Aachen University , Aachen, Germany
| | - Daniel Pensold
- Institute for Human Genetics, Am Klinikum 1, University Hospital Jena , Jena, Germany.,Department of Functional Epigenetics in the Animal Model, Institute for Biology II, Worringerweg 3, RWTH Aachen University , Aachen, Germany
| | - Geraldine Zimmer-Bensch
- Institute for Human Genetics, Am Klinikum 1, University Hospital Jena , Jena, Germany.,Polyclinic for Orthodontics, Leutragraben 3, University Hospital Jena , Jena, Germany.,Department of Functional Epigenetics in the Animal Model, Institute for Biology II, Worringerweg 3, RWTH Aachen University , Aachen, Germany
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Rusconi F, Battaglioli E, Venturin M. Psychiatric Disorders and lncRNAs: A Synaptic Match. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21093030. [PMID: 32344798 PMCID: PMC7246907 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21093030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychiatric disorders represent a heterogeneous class of multifactorial mental diseases whose origin entails a pathogenic integration of genetic and environmental influences. Incidence of these pathologies is dangerously high, as more than 20% of the Western population is affected. Despite the diverse origins of specific molecular dysfunctions, these pathologies entail disruption of fine synaptic regulation, which is fundamental to behavioral adaptation to the environment. The synapses, as functional units of cognition, represent major evolutionary targets. Consistently, fine synaptic tuning occurs at several levels, involving a novel class of molecular regulators known as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Non-coding RNAs operate mainly in mammals as epigenetic modifiers and enhancers of proteome diversity. The prominent evolutionary expansion of the gene number of lncRNAs in mammals, particularly in primates and humans, and their preferential neuronal expression does represent a driving force that enhanced the layering of synaptic control mechanisms. In the last few years, remarkable alterations of the expression of lncRNAs have been reported in psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia, autism, and depression, suggesting unprecedented mechanistic insights into disruption of fine synaptic tuning underlying severe behavioral manifestations of psychosis. In this review, we integrate literature data from rodent pathological models and human evidence that proposes the biology of lncRNAs as a promising field of neuropsychiatric investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Rusconi
- Correspondence: (F.R.); (M.V.); Tel.: +39-02-503-30445 (F.R.); +39-02-503-30443 (M.V.)
| | | | - Marco Venturin
- Correspondence: (F.R.); (M.V.); Tel.: +39-02-503-30445 (F.R.); +39-02-503-30443 (M.V.)
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