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Mars JC, Culjkovic-Kraljacic B, Borden KL. eIF4E orchestrates mRNA processing, RNA export and translation to modify specific protein production. Nucleus 2024; 15:2360196. [PMID: 38880976 PMCID: PMC11185188 DOI: 10.1080/19491034.2024.2360196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF4E acts as a multifunctional factor that simultaneously influences mRNA processing, export, and translation in many organisms. Its multifactorial effects are derived from its capacity to bind to the methyl-7-guanosine cap on the 5'end of mRNAs and thus can act as a cap chaperone for transcripts in the nucleus and cytoplasm. In this review, we describe the multifactorial roles of eIF4E in major mRNA-processing events including capping, splicing, cleavage and polyadenylation, nuclear export and translation. We discuss the evidence that eIF4E acts at two levels to generate widescale changes to processing, export and ultimately the protein produced. First, eIF4E alters the production of components of the mRNA processing machinery, supporting a widescale reprogramming of multiple mRNA processing events. In this way, eIF4E can modulate mRNA processing without physically interacting with target transcripts. Second, eIF4E also physically interacts with both capped mRNAs and components of the RNA processing or translation machineries. Further, specific mRNAs are sensitive to eIF4E only in particular mRNA processing events. This selectivity is governed by the presence of cis-acting elements within mRNAs known as USER codes that recruit relevant co-factors engaging the appropriate machinery. In all, we describe the molecular bases for eIF4E's multifactorial function and relevant regulatory pathways, discuss the basis for selectivity, present a compendium of ~80 eIF4E-interacting factors which play roles in these activities and provide an overview of the relevance of its functions to its oncogenic potential. Finally, we summarize early-stage clinical studies targeting eIF4E in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Clément Mars
- Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Biljana Culjkovic-Kraljacic
- Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Katherine L.B. Borden
- Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
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2
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Borden KLB. The eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF4E unexpectedly acts in splicing thereby coupling mRNA processing with translation: eIF4E induces widescale splicing reprogramming providing system-wide connectivity between splicing, nuclear mRNA export and translation. Bioessays 2024; 46:e2300145. [PMID: 37926700 PMCID: PMC11021180 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202300145] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent findings position the eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF4E as a novel modulator of mRNA splicing, a process that impacts the form and function of resultant proteins. eIF4E physically interacts with the spliceosome and with some intron-containing transcripts implying a direct role in some splicing events. Moreover, eIF4E drives the production of key components of the splicing machinery underpinning larger scale impacts on splicing. These drive eIF4E-dependent reprogramming of the splicing signature. This work completes a series of studies demonstrating eIF4E acts in all the major mRNA maturation steps whereby eIF4E drives production of the RNA processing machinery and escorts some transcripts through various maturation steps. In this way, eIF4E couples the mRNA processing-export-translation axis linking nuclear mRNA processing to cytoplasmic translation. eIF4E elevation is linked to worse outcomes in acute myeloid leukemia patients where these activities are dysregulated. Understanding these effects provides new insight into post-transcriptional control and eIF4E-driven cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine L. B. Borden
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer and Department of Pathology and Cell BiologyUniversity of MontrealMontrealQuebecCanada
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3
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Assouline S, Gasiorek J, Bergeron J, Lambert C, Culjkovic-Kraljacic B, Cocolakis E, Zakaria C, Szlachtycz D, Yee K, Borden KLB. Molecular targeting of the UDP-glucuronosyltransferase enzymes in high-eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E refractory/relapsed acute myeloid leukemia patients: a randomized phase II trial of vismodegib, ribavirin with or without decitabine. Haematologica 2023; 108:2946-2958. [PMID: 36951168 PMCID: PMC10620574 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2023.282791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance underpins poor outcomes in many malignancies including refractory and relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (R/R AML). Glucuronidation is a common mechanism of drug inactivation impacting many AML therapies, e.g., cytarabine, decitabine, azacytidine and venetoclax. In AML cells, the capacity for glucuronidation arises from increased production of the UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A (UGT1A) enzymes. UGT1A elevation was first observed in AML patients who relapsed after response to ribavirin, a drug used to target the eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF4E, and subsequently in patients who relapsed on cytarabine. UGT1A elevation resulted from increased expression of the sonic-hedgehog transcription factor GLI1. Vismodegib inhibited GLI1, decreased UGT1A levels, reduced glucuronidation of ribavirin and cytarabine, and re-sensitized cells to these drugs. Here, we examined if UGT1A protein levels, and thus glucuronidation activity, were targetable in humans and if this corresponded to clinical response. We conducted a phase II trial using vismodegib with ribavirin, with or without decitabine, in largely heavily pre-treated patients with high-eIF4E AML. Pre-therapy molecular assessment of patients' blasts indicated highly elevated UGT1A levels relative to healthy volunteers. Among patients with partial response, blast response or prolonged stable disease, vismodegib reduced UGT1A levels, which corresponded to effective targeting of eIF4E by ribavirin. In all, our studies are the first to demonstrate that UGT1A protein, and thus glucuronidation, are targetable in humans. These studies pave the way for the development of therapies that impair glucuronidation, one of the most common drug deactivation modalities. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02073838.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarit Assouline
- Jewish General Hospital and McGill University 3755 Cote Ste Catherine, Montreal, Quebec H3T1E2.
| | - Jadwiga Gasiorek
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer and Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec
| | - Julie Bergeron
- CEMTL installation Maisonneuve Rosemont, 5415 boul. de l'Assomption, Montreal H1T 2M4
| | - Caroline Lambert
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer and Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec
| | - Biljana Culjkovic-Kraljacic
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer and Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec
| | - Eftihia Cocolakis
- Jewish General Hospital and McGill University 3755 Cote Ste Catherine, Montreal, Quebec H3T1E2
| | - Chadi Zakaria
- Jewish General Hospital and McGill University 3755 Cote Ste Catherine, Montreal, Quebec H3T1E2
| | - David Szlachtycz
- Jewish General Hospital and McGill University 3755 Cote Ste Catherine, Montreal, Quebec H3T1E2
| | - Karen Yee
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Katherine L B Borden
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer and Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec.
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4
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Ghram M, Morris G, Culjkovic-Kraljacic B, Mars JC, Gendron P, Skrabanek L, Revuelta MV, Cerchietti L, Guzman ML, Borden KLB. The eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF4E reprograms alternative splicing. EMBO J 2023; 42:e110496. [PMID: 36843541 PMCID: PMC10068332 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2021110496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant splicing is typically attributed to splice-factor (SF) mutation and contributes to malignancies including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Here, we discovered a mutation-independent means to extensively reprogram alternative splicing (AS). We showed that the dysregulated expression of eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF4E elevated selective splice-factor production, thereby impacting multiple spliceosome complexes, including factors mutated in AML such as SF3B1 and U2AF1. These changes generated a splicing landscape that predominantly supported altered splice-site selection for ~800 transcripts in cell lines and ~4,600 transcripts in specimens from high-eIF4E AML patients otherwise harboring no known SF mutations. Nuclear RNA immunoprecipitations, export assays, polysome analyses, and mutational studies together revealed that eIF4E primarily increased SF production via its nuclear RNA export activity. By contrast, eIF4E dysregulation did not induce known SF mutations or alter spliceosome number. eIF4E interacted with the spliceosome and some pre-mRNAs, suggesting its direct involvement in specific splicing events. eIF4E induced simultaneous effects on numerous SF proteins, resulting in a much larger range of splicing alterations than in the case of mutation or dysregulation of individual SFs and providing a novel paradigm for splicing control and dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Ghram
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Gavin Morris
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Biljana Culjkovic-Kraljacic
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jean-Clement Mars
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Patrick Gendron
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Lucy Skrabanek
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,Applied Bioinformatics Core, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Maria Victoria Revuelta
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Leandro Cerchietti
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Monica L Guzman
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Katherine L B Borden
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
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5
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Borden KL. Cancer cells hijack RNA processing to rewrite the message. Biochem Soc Trans 2022; 50:1447-1456. [PMID: 36282006 PMCID: PMC9704515 DOI: 10.1042/bst20220621] [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: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Typically, cancer is thought to arise due to DNA mutations, dysregulated transcription and/or aberrant signalling. Recently, it has become clear that dysregulated mRNA processing, mRNA export and translation also contribute to malignancy. RNA processing events result in major modifications to the physical nature of mRNAs such as the addition of the methyl-7-guanosine cap, the removal of introns and the addition of polyA tails. mRNA processing is a critical determinant for the protein-coding capacity of mRNAs since these physical changes impact the efficiency by which a given transcript can be exported to the cytoplasm and translated into protein. While many of these mRNA metabolism steps were considered constitutive housekeeping activities, they are now known to be highly regulated with combinatorial and multiplicative impacts i.e. one event will influence the capacity to undergo others. Furthermore, alternative splicing and/or cleavage and polyadenylation can produce transcripts with alternative messages and new functionalities. The coordinated processing of groups of functionally related RNAs can potently re-wire signalling pathways, modulate survival pathways and even re-structure the cell. As postulated by the RNA regulon model, combinatorial regulation of these groups is achieved by the presence of shared cis-acting elements (known as USER codes) which recruit machinery for processing, export or translation. In all, dysregulated RNA metabolism in cancer gives rise to an altered proteome that in turn elicits biological responses related to malignancy. Studies of these events in cancer revealed new mechanisms underpinning malignancies and unearthed novel therapeutic opportunities. In all, cancer cells coopt RNA processing, export and translation to support their oncogenic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine L.B. Borden
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
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6
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Borden K. The search for genetic dark matter and lessons learned from the journey. Biochem Cell Biol 2022; 100:276-281. [DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2022-0138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, I describe our scientific journey to unearth the impact of RNA metabolism in cancer using the eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF4E as an exemplar. This model allowed us to discover new structural, biochemical, and molecular features of RNA processing, and to reveal their substantial impact on cell physiology. This led us to develop proof-of-principle strategies to target these pathways in cancer patients leading to clinical benefit. I discuss the important role that the unexpected plays in research and the necessity of embracing the data even when it clashes with dogma. I also touch on the importance of equity, diversity and inclusion to the success of the scientific enterprise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Borden
- University of Montreal, 5622, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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7
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Mars JC, Ghram M, Culjkovic-Kraljacic B, Borden KLB. The Cap-Binding Complex CBC and the Eukaryotic Translation Factor eIF4E: Co-Conspirators in Cap-Dependent RNA Maturation and Translation. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:6185. [PMID: 34944805 PMCID: PMC8699206 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The translation of RNA into protein is a dynamic process which is heavily regulated during normal cell physiology and can be dysregulated in human malignancies. Its dysregulation can impact selected groups of RNAs, modifying protein levels independently of transcription. Integral to their suitability for translation, RNAs undergo a series of maturation steps including the addition of the m7G cap on the 5' end of RNAs, splicing, as well as cleavage and polyadenylation (CPA). Importantly, each of these steps can be coopted to modify the transcript signal. Factors that bind the m7G cap escort these RNAs through different steps of maturation and thus govern the physical nature of the final transcript product presented to the translation machinery. Here, we describe these steps and how the major m7G cap-binding factors in mammalian cells, the cap binding complex (CBC) and the eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF4E, are positioned to chaperone transcripts through RNA maturation, nuclear export, and translation in a transcript-specific manner. To conceptualize a framework for the flow and integration of this genetic information, we discuss RNA maturation models and how these integrate with translation. Finally, we discuss how these processes can be coopted by cancer cells and means to target these in malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Clement Mars
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Université de Montréal, Pavillion Marcelle-Coutu, Chemin Polytechnique, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Mehdi Ghram
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Université de Montréal, Pavillion Marcelle-Coutu, Chemin Polytechnique, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Biljana Culjkovic-Kraljacic
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Université de Montréal, Pavillion Marcelle-Coutu, Chemin Polytechnique, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Katherine L B Borden
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Université de Montréal, Pavillion Marcelle-Coutu, Chemin Polytechnique, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
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8
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Poornima G, Srivastava G, Roy B, Kuttanda IA, Kurbah I, Rajyaguru PI. RGG-motif containing mRNA export factor Gbp2 acts as a translation repressor. RNA Biol 2021; 18:2342-2353. [PMID: 33910495 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2021.1910403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Complex cascades of RNA-binding proteins regulate the mRNA metabolism and influence gene expression. Several distinct proteins act at different stages of mRNA life cycle. SR family proteins in yeast are implicated in mRNA processing and nuclear export. In this report, we uncover the role of an SR/RGG-motif containing mRNA export factor Gbp2 in mRNA translation regulation. We demonstrate that Gbp2 localizes to cytoplasmic granules upon heat shock and oxidative stress. Our pull-down assays demonstrate that Gbp2 directly binds to the conserved translation factor eIF4G1 via its RGG motif. We further mapped the region on eIF4G1 to which Gbp2 binds and observed that the binding region overlaps with another translation repressor Sbp1. We found that the RGG-motif deletion mutant is defective in localizing to polysome fractions. Upon tethering Gbp2 to a GFP reporter mRNA in vivo, translation of GFP reporter decreased significantly indicating that Gbp2 acts as a translation repressor. Consistent with these results, we show that Gbp2 can directly repress mRNA translation in the in vitro translation systems in an RGG-motif dependent manner. Taken together, our results establish that the mRNA export factor Gbp2 has a vital role in repressing translation of mRNA. We propose that Gbp2 is a multifaceted RGG-motif protein responsible for translational repression without affecting mRNA levels.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gaurav Srivastava
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Brinta Roy
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | | | - Iladeiti Kurbah
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
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9
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The Nuclear Pore Complex and mRNA Export in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 13:cancers13010042. [PMID: 33375634 PMCID: PMC7796397 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13010042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Export of mRNAs from the nucleus to the cytoplasm is a key regulatory step in the expression of proteins. mRNAs are transported through the nuclear pore complex (NPC). Export of mRNAs responds to a variety of cellular stimuli and stresses. Revelations of the specific effects elicited by NPC components and associated co-factors provides a molecular basis for the export of selected RNAs, independent of bulk mRNA export. Aberrant RNA export has been observed in primary human cancer specimens. These cargo RNAs encode factors involved in nearly all facets of malignancy. Indeed, the NPC components involved in RNA export as well as the RNA export machinery can be found to be dysregulated, mutated, or impacted by chromosomal translocations in cancer. The basic mechanisms associated with RNA export with relation to export machinery and relevant NPC components are described. Therapeutic strategies targeting this machinery in clinical trials is also discussed. These findings firmly position RNA export as a targetable feature of cancer along with transcription and translation.
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10
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Culjkovic-Kraljacic B, Skrabanek L, Revuelta MV, Gasiorek J, Cowling VH, Cerchietti L, Borden KLB. The eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF4E elevates steady-state m 7G capping of coding and noncoding transcripts. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:26773-26783. [PMID: 33055213 PMCID: PMC7604501 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2002360117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Methyl-7-guanosine (m7G) "capping" of coding and some noncoding RNAs is critical for their maturation and subsequent activity. Here, we discovered that eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E), itself a cap-binding protein, drives the expression of the capping machinery and increased capping efficiency of ∼100 coding and noncoding RNAs. To quantify this, we developed enzymatic (cap quantification; CapQ) and quantitative cap immunoprecipitation (CapIP) methods. The CapQ method has the further advantage that it captures information about capping status independent of the type of 5' cap, i.e., it is not restricted to informing on m7G caps. These methodological advances led to unanticipated revelations: 1) Many RNA populations are inefficiently capped at steady state (∼30 to 50%), and eIF4E overexpression increased this to ∼60 to 100%, depending on the RNA; 2) eIF4E physically associates with noncoding RNAs in the nucleus; and 3) approximately half of eIF4E-capping targets identified are noncoding RNAs. eIF4E's association with noncoding RNAs strongly positions it to act beyond translation. Coding and noncoding capping targets have activities that influence survival, cell morphology, and cell-to-cell interaction. Given that RNA export and translation machineries typically utilize capped RNA substrates, capping regulation provides means to titrate the protein-coding capacity of the transcriptome and, for noncoding RNAs, to regulate their activities. We also discovered a cap sensitivity element (CapSE) which conferred eIF4E-dependent capping sensitivity. Finally, we observed elevated capping for specific RNAs in high-eIF4E leukemia specimens, supporting a role for cap dysregulation in malignancy. In all, levels of capping RNAs can be regulated by eIF4E.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biljana Culjkovic-Kraljacic
- Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Lucy Skrabanek
- Applied Bioinformatics Core, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065
| | - Maria V Revuelta
- Division of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065
| | - Jadwiga Gasiorek
- Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Victoria H Cowling
- Centre for Gene Regulation and Expression, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, United Kingdom
| | - Leandro Cerchietti
- Division of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065
| | - Katherine L B Borden
- Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada;
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11
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Davis MR, Delaleau M, Borden KLB. Nuclear eIF4E Stimulates 3'-End Cleavage of Target RNAs. Cell Rep 2020; 27:1397-1408.e4. [PMID: 31042468 PMCID: PMC6661904 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Revised: 02/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF4E is nuclear and cytoplasmic where it plays roles in export and translation of specific transcripts, respectively. When we were studying its mRNA export activity, we unexpectedly discovered that eIF4E drives the protein expression of elements of the 3′-end core cleavage complex involved in cleavage and polyadenylation (CPA), including CPSF3, the enzyme responsible for cleavage, as well as its co-factors CPSF1, CPSF2, CPSF4, Symplekin, WDR33, and FIP1L1. Using multiple strategies, we demonstrate that eIF4E stimulates 3′-end cleavage of selected RNAs. eIF4E physically interacts with CPSF3, CPSF1, and uncleaved target RNA, suggesting it acts directly and indirectly on the pathway. Through these effects, eIF4E can generate better substrates for its mRNA export and translation activities. Thus, we identified an unanticipated function for eIF4E in 3′-end processing of specific target RNAs, and this function could potentially affect the expression of a broad range of oncoproteins. Davis et al. demonstrate that the eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF4E, which is usually associated with nuclear export and translation of specific transcripts, also acts in 3′-end processing of selected RNAs. Through these effects, eIF4E can generate better substrates for its export and translation activities and, thus, modulate the proteome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Rose Davis
- Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Université de Montréal, Pavillon Marcelle-Coutu, 2950 Chemin de Polytechnique, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Mildred Delaleau
- Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Université de Montréal, Pavillon Marcelle-Coutu, 2950 Chemin de Polytechnique, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Katherine L B Borden
- Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Université de Montréal, Pavillon Marcelle-Coutu, 2950 Chemin de Polytechnique, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada.
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12
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Borden KLB, Volpon L. The diversity, plasticity, and adaptability of cap-dependent translation initiation and the associated machinery. RNA Biol 2020; 17:1239-1251. [PMID: 32496897 PMCID: PMC7549709 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2020.1766179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Translation initiation is a critical facet of gene expression with important impacts that underlie cellular responses to stresses and environmental cues. Its dysregulation in many diseases position this process as an important area for the development of new therapeutics. The gateway translation factor eIF4E is typically considered responsible for ‘global’ or ‘canonical’ m7G cap-dependent translation. However, eIF4E impacts translation of specific transcripts rather than the entire translatome. There are many alternative cap-dependent translation mechanisms that also contribute to the translation capacity of the cell. We review the diversity of these, juxtaposing more recently identified mechanisms with eIF4E-dependent modalities. We also explore the multiplicity of functions played by translation factors, both within and outside protein synthesis, and discuss how these differentially contribute to their ultimate physiological impacts. For comparison, we discuss some modalities for cap-independent translation. In all, this review highlights the diverse mechanisms that engage and control translation in eukaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine L B Borden
- Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Université de Montréal , Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Laurent Volpon
- Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Université de Montréal , Montreal, Québec, Canada
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13
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Structural studies of the eIF4E-VPg complex reveal a direct competition for capped RNA: Implications for translation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:24056-24065. [PMID: 31712417 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1904752116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Viruses have transformed our understanding of mammalian RNA processing, including facilitating the discovery of the methyl-7-guanosine (m7G) cap on the 5' end of RNAs. The m7G cap is required for RNAs to bind the eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF4E and associate with the translation machinery across plant and animal kingdoms. The potyvirus-derived viral genome-linked protein (VPg) is covalently bound to the 5' end of viral genomic RNA (gRNA) and associates with host eIF4E for successful infection. Divergent models to explain these observations proposed either an unknown mode of eIF4E engagement or a competition of VPg for the m7G cap-binding site. To dissect these possibilities, we resolved the structure of VPg, revealing a previously unknown 3-dimensional (3D) fold, and characterized the VPg-eIF4E complex using NMR and biophysical techniques. VPg directly bound the cap-binding site of eIF4E and competed for m7G cap analog binding. In human cells, VPg inhibited eIF4E-dependent RNA export, translation, and oncogenic transformation. Moreover, VPg formed trimeric complexes with eIF4E-eIF4G, eIF4E bound VPg-luciferase RNA conjugates, and these VPg-RNA conjugates were templates for translation. Informatic analyses revealed structural similarities between VPg and the human kinesin EG5. Consistently, EG5 directly bound eIF4E in a similar manner to VPg, demonstrating that this form of engagement is relevant beyond potyviruses. In all, we revealed an unprecedented modality for control and engagement of eIF4E and show that VPg-RNA conjugates functionally engage eIF4E. As such, potyvirus VPg provides a unique model system to interrogate eIF4E.
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Volpon L, Osborne MJ, Borden KL. Biochemical and Structural Insights into the Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factor eIF4E. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2019; 20:525-535. [DOI: 10.2174/1389203720666190110142438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
A major question in cell and cancer biology is concerned with understanding the flow of
information from gene to protein. Indeed, many studies indicate that the proteome can be decoupled
from the transcriptome. A major source of this decoupling is post-transcriptional regulation. The eukaryotic
translation initiation factor eIF4E serves as an excellent example of a protein that can modulate
the proteome at the post-transcriptional level. eIF4E is elevated in many cancers thus highlighting
the relevance of this mode of control to biology. In this review, we provide a brief overview of various
functions of eIF4E in RNA metabolism e.g. in nuclear-cytoplasmic RNA export, translation,
RNA stability and/or sequestration. We focus on the modalities of eIF4E regulation at the biochemical
and particularly structural level. In this instance, we describe not only the importance for the m7Gcap
eIF4E interaction but also of recently discovered non-traditional RNA-eIF4E interactions as well
as cap-independent activities of eIF4E. Further, we describe several distinct structural modalities used
by the cell and some viruses to regulate or co-opt eIF4E, substantially extending the types of proteins
that can regulate eIF4E from the traditional eIF4E-binding proteins (e.g. 4E-BP1 and eIF4G). Finally,
we provide an overview of the results of targeting eIF4E activity in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Volpon
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Universite de Montreal, Pavillion Marcelle-Coutu, Chemin Polytechnique, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Michael J. Osborne
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Universite de Montreal, Pavillion Marcelle-Coutu, Chemin Polytechnique, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Katherine L.B. Borden
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Universite de Montreal, Pavillion Marcelle-Coutu, Chemin Polytechnique, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Culjkovic-Kraljacic B, Borden KLB. The Impact of Post-transcriptional Control: Better Living Through RNA Regulons. Front Genet 2018; 9:512. [PMID: 30455716 PMCID: PMC6230556 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditionally, cancer is viewed as a disease driven by genetic mutations and/or epigenetic and transcriptional dysregulation. While these are undoubtedly important drivers, many recent studies highlight the disconnect between the proteome and the genome or transcriptome. At least in part, this disconnect arises as a result of dysregulated RNA metabolism which underpins the altered proteomic landscape observed. Thus, it is important to understand the basic mechanisms governing post-transcriptional control and how these processes can be co-opted to drive cancer cell phenotypes. In some cases, groups of mRNAs that encode protein involved in specific oncogenic processes can be co-regulated at multiple processing levels in order to turn on entire biochemical pathways. Indeed, the RNA regulon model was postulated as a means to understand how cells coordinately regulate transcripts encoding proteins in the same biochemical pathways. In this review, we describe some of the basic mRNA processes that are dysregulated in cancer and the biological impact this has on the cell. This dysregulation can affect networks of RNAs simultaneously thereby underpinning the oncogenic phenotypes observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biljana Culjkovic-Kraljacic
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Katherine L B Borden
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
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