1
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Lopez-Gomollon S. dsRNA locks the door to viral movement. Plant Cell 2023; 35:3637-3638. [PMID: 37486379 PMCID: PMC10533322 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koad207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Lopez-Gomollon
- Assistant Features Editor, The Plant Cell, American Society of Plant Biologists, USA
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB23EA, UK
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2
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Lopez-Gomollon S. A domestication journey told by DNA methylation. Plant Cell 2023; 35:3390-3391. [PMID: 37353226 PMCID: PMC10473222 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koad184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Lopez-Gomollon
- Assistant Features Editor, The Plant Cell, American Society of Plant Biologists, Rockville, MD, USA
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB23EA, UK
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3
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Kellenberger RT, Ponraj U, Delahaie B, Fattorini R, Balk J, Lopez-Gomollon S, Müller KH, Ellis AG, Glover BJ. Multiple gene co-options underlie the rapid evolution of sexually deceptive flowers in Gorteria diffusa. Curr Biol 2023; 33:1502-1512.e8. [PMID: 36963385 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023]
Abstract
Gene co-option, the redeployment of an existing gene in an unrelated developmental context, is an important mechanism underlying the evolution of morphological novelty. In most cases described to date, novel traits emerged by co-option of a single gene or genetic network. Here, we show that the integration of multiple co-opted genetic elements facilitated the rapid evolution of complex petal spots that mimic female bee-fly pollinators in the sexually deceptive South African daisy Gorteria diffusa. First, co-option of iron homeostasis genes altered petal spot pigmentation, producing a color similar to that of female pollinators. Second, co-option of the root hair gene GdEXPA7 enabled the formation of enlarged papillate petal epidermal cells, eliciting copulation responses from male flies. Third, co-option of the miR156-GdSPL1 transcription factor module altered petal spot placement, resulting in better mimicry of female flies resting on the flower. The three genetic elements were likely co-opted sequentially, and strength of sexual deception in different G. diffusa floral forms strongly correlates with the presence of the three corresponding morphological alterations. Our findings suggest that gene co-options can combine in a modular fashion, enabling rapid evolution of novel complex traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman T Kellenberger
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EA, UK.
| | - Udhaya Ponraj
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EA, UK
| | - Boris Delahaie
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EA, UK; CIRAD, UMR DIADE, Montpellier 34398, France; UMR DIADE, Université de Montpellier, CIRAD, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Róisín Fattorini
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EA, UK; Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Janneke Balk
- Department of Biochemistry and Metabolism, John Innes Centre, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK; School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 4JT, UK
| | - Sara Lopez-Gomollon
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EA, UK
| | - Karin H Müller
- Cambridge Advanced Imaging Centre, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK
| | - Allan G Ellis
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa
| | - Beverley J Glover
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EA, UK.
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4
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Lopez-Gomollon S. MEDIATOR 25: A missing link in tomato ripening. Plant Cell 2023; 35:963-964. [PMID: 36680408 PMCID: PMC10015156 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koad015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
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5
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Lopez-Gomollon S. Physalis: A new model crop to understand plant diversity. Plant Cell 2023; 35:338-339. [PMID: 36350573 PMCID: PMC9806580 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koac315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Lopez-Gomollon
- Assistant Features Editor, The Plant Cell, American Society of Plant Biologists, USA
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB23EA, UK
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6
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Martinho C, Lopez-Gomollon S. Detection of MicroRNAs by Northern Blot. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2630:47-66. [PMID: 36689175 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2982-6_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Small RNAs (sRNAs) are key regulators of transcriptomes and proteomes of organisms through their sequence-specific interaction with complementary RNA targets. sRNAs can be classified according to their origin and mode of action into different classes such as: microRNAs (miRNAs), small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs). The abundance and specific spatio-temporal expression of many sRNAs, especially miRNAs, is relevant for their biological function. Northern blotting is a widely used technique to study sRNAs because it is quantitative, relatively inexpensive, and readily available for most laboratories. This chapter describes the protocols for radioactive and non-radioactive sRNA Northern blot analysis, which includes RNA extraction, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, membrane transfer, hybridisation and detection of sRNA using oligonucleotide probes. The protocol is described to prepare most of the reagents needed in the lab, but also timesaving commercial reagent alternatives are included. Suggestions and nuances obtained from experience are included as Notes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Martinho
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Algal Development and Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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7
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Lopez-Gomollon S. Keep calm and methylate on: Ovule small RNAs methylate protein-coding genes in trans related with fertility. Plant Cell 2022; 34:3491-3492. [PMID: 35921142 PMCID: PMC9516194 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koac224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
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8
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Lopez-Gomollon S. Nurturing the next generation: the role of DNA methylation in imprinting and genome stability in maize. Plant Cell 2022; 34:3495-3496. [PMID: 35816204 PMCID: PMC9516187 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koac198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
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9
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Benoit M, Drost HG, Catoni M, Gouil Q, Lopez-Gomollon S, Baulcombe D, Paszkowski J. Environmental and epigenetic regulation of Rider retrotransposons in tomato. PLoS Genet 2019; 15:e1008370. [PMID: 31525177 PMCID: PMC6762207 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Transposable elements in crop plants are the powerful drivers of phenotypic variation that has been selected during domestication and breeding programs. In tomato, transpositions of the LTR (long terminal repeat) retrotransposon family Rider have contributed to various phenotypes of agronomical interest, such as fruit shape and colour. However, the mechanisms regulating Rider activity are largely unknown. We have developed a bioinformatics pipeline for the functional annotation of retrotransposons containing LTRs and defined all full-length Rider elements in the tomato genome. Subsequently, we showed that accumulation of Rider transcripts and transposition intermediates in the form of extrachromosomal DNA is triggered by drought stress and relies on abscisic acid signalling. We provide evidence that residual activity of Rider is controlled by epigenetic mechanisms involving siRNAs and the RNA-dependent DNA methylation pathway. Finally, we demonstrate the broad distribution of Rider-like elements in other plant species, including crops. Our work identifies Rider as an environment-responsive element and a potential source of genetic and epigenetic variation in plants. Transposons are major constituents of plant genomes and represent a powerful source of internal genetic and epigenetic variation. For example, domestication of maize has been facilitated by a dramatic change in plant architecture, the consequence of a transposition event. Insertion of transposons near genes often confers quantitative phenotypic variation linked to changes in transcriptional patterns, as documented for blood oranges and grapes. In tomato, the most widely grown fruit crop and model for fleshy fruit biology, occurrences of several beneficial traits related to fruit shape and plant architecture are due to the activity of the transposon family Rider. While Rider represents a unique endogenous source of genetic and epigenetic variation, mechanisms regulating Rider activity remain unexplored. By achieving experimentally-controlled activation of the Rider family, we shed light on the regulation of these transposons by drought stress, signalling by phytohormones, as well as epigenetic pathways. Furthermore, we reveal the presence of Rider-like elements in other economically important crops such as rapeseed, beetroot and quinoa. This suggests that drought-inducible Rider activation could be further harnessed to generate genetic and epigenetic variation for crop breeding, and highlights the potential of transposon-directed mutagenesis for crop improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Benoit
- The Sainsbury Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Hajk-Georg Drost
- The Sainsbury Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Marco Catoni
- The Sainsbury Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Quentin Gouil
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Sara Lopez-Gomollon
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - David Baulcombe
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jerzy Paszkowski
- The Sainsbury Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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10
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Mathers TC, Chen Y, Kaithakottil G, Legeai F, Mugford ST, Baa-Puyoulet P, Bretaudeau A, Clavijo B, Colella S, Collin O, Dalmay T, Derrien T, Feng H, Gabaldón T, Jordan A, Julca I, Kettles GJ, Kowitwanich K, Lavenier D, Lenzi P, Lopez-Gomollon S, Loska D, Mapleson D, Maumus F, Moxon S, Price DRG, Sugio A, van Munster M, Uzest M, Waite D, Jander G, Tagu D, Wilson ACC, van Oosterhout C, Swarbreck D, Hogenhout SA. Erratum to: Rapid transcriptional plasticity of duplicated gene clusters enables a clonally reproducing aphid to colonise diverse plant species. Genome Biol 2017; 18:63. [PMID: 28376841 PMCID: PMC5381131 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-017-1202-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas C Mathers
- Earlham Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UZ, UK.,The International Aphid Genomics Consortium, Miami, USA
| | - Yazhou Chen
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK.,The International Aphid Genomics Consortium, Miami, USA
| | | | - Fabrice Legeai
- The International Aphid Genomics Consortium, Miami, USA.,INRA, UMR 1349 IGEPP (Institute of Genetics Environment and Plant Protection), Domaine de la Motte, 35653, Le Rheu Cedex, France.,IRISA/INRIA, GenOuest Core Facility, Campus de Beaulieu, Rennes, 35042, France
| | - Sam T Mugford
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK.,The International Aphid Genomics Consortium, Miami, USA
| | - Patrice Baa-Puyoulet
- The International Aphid Genomics Consortium, Miami, USA.,Univ Lyon, INSA-Lyon, INRA, BF2I, UMR0203, F-69621, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Anthony Bretaudeau
- The International Aphid Genomics Consortium, Miami, USA.,INRA, UMR 1349 IGEPP (Institute of Genetics Environment and Plant Protection), Domaine de la Motte, 35653, Le Rheu Cedex, France.,IRISA/INRIA, GenOuest Core Facility, Campus de Beaulieu, Rennes, 35042, France
| | | | - Stefano Colella
- The International Aphid Genomics Consortium, Miami, USA.,Univ Lyon, INSA-Lyon, INRA, BF2I, UMR0203, F-69621, Villeurbanne, France.,Present Address: INRA, UMR1342 IRD-CIRAD-INRA-SupAgro-Université de Montpellier, Laboratoire des Symbioses Tropicales et Méditéranéennes, Campus International de Baillarguet, TA-A82/J, F-34398, Montpellier cedex 5, France
| | - Olivier Collin
- IRISA/INRIA, GenOuest Core Facility, Campus de Beaulieu, Rennes, 35042, France
| | - Tamas Dalmay
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Thomas Derrien
- CNRS, UMR 6290, Institut de Génétique et Developpement de Rennes, Université de Rennes 1, 2 Avenue du Pr. Léon Bernard, 35000, Rennes, France
| | - Honglin Feng
- The International Aphid Genomics Consortium, Miami, USA.,Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
| | - Toni Gabaldón
- The International Aphid Genomics Consortium, Miami, USA.,Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Dr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona, 08003, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), 08003, Barcelona, Spain.,Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Pg. Lluís Companys 23, 08010, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Jordan
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Irene Julca
- The International Aphid Genomics Consortium, Miami, USA.,Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Dr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona, 08003, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Graeme J Kettles
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK.,Present address: Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Hertforshire, ALF5 2JQ, UK
| | - Krissana Kowitwanich
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK.,Present address: J. R. Simplot Company, Boise, ID, USA
| | - Dominique Lavenier
- IRISA/INRIA, GenOuest Core Facility, Campus de Beaulieu, Rennes, 35042, France
| | - Paolo Lenzi
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK.,Present address: Alson H. Smith Jr. Agriculture and Extension Center, Virginia Tech, Winchester, 22602, VA, USA
| | - Sara Lopez-Gomollon
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK.,Present address: Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EA, UK
| | - Damian Loska
- The International Aphid Genomics Consortium, Miami, USA.,Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Dr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona, 08003, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniel Mapleson
- Earlham Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UZ, UK
| | - Florian Maumus
- The International Aphid Genomics Consortium, Miami, USA.,Unité de Recherche Génomique-Info (URGI), INRA, Université Paris-Saclay, 78026, Versailles, France
| | - Simon Moxon
- Earlham Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UZ, UK
| | - Daniel R G Price
- The International Aphid Genomics Consortium, Miami, USA.,Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA.,Present address: Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Akiko Sugio
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK.,INRA, UMR 1349 IGEPP (Institute of Genetics Environment and Plant Protection), Domaine de la Motte, 35653, Le Rheu Cedex, France
| | - Manuella van Munster
- The International Aphid Genomics Consortium, Miami, USA.,INRA, UMR BGPI, CIRAD TA-A54K, Campus International de Baillarguet, 34398, Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Marilyne Uzest
- The International Aphid Genomics Consortium, Miami, USA.,INRA, UMR BGPI, CIRAD TA-A54K, Campus International de Baillarguet, 34398, Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Darren Waite
- Earlham Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UZ, UK
| | - Georg Jander
- The International Aphid Genomics Consortium, Miami, USA.,Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Denis Tagu
- The International Aphid Genomics Consortium, Miami, USA.,INRA, UMR 1349 IGEPP (Institute of Genetics Environment and Plant Protection), Domaine de la Motte, 35653, Le Rheu Cedex, France
| | - Alex C C Wilson
- The International Aphid Genomics Consortium, Miami, USA.,Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
| | - Cock van Oosterhout
- The International Aphid Genomics Consortium, Miami, USA.,School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - David Swarbreck
- Earlham Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UZ, UK. .,The International Aphid Genomics Consortium, Miami, USA. .,School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK.
| | - Saskia A Hogenhout
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK. .,The International Aphid Genomics Consortium, Miami, USA. .,School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK.
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11
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Mathers TC, Chen Y, Kaithakottil G, Legeai F, Mugford ST, Baa-Puyoulet P, Bretaudeau A, Clavijo B, Colella S, Collin O, Dalmay T, Derrien T, Feng H, Gabaldón T, Jordan A, Julca I, Kettles GJ, Kowitwanich K, Lavenier D, Lenzi P, Lopez-Gomollon S, Loska D, Mapleson D, Maumus F, Moxon S, Price DRG, Sugio A, van Munster M, Uzest M, Waite D, Jander G, Tagu D, Wilson ACC, van Oosterhout C, Swarbreck D, Hogenhout SA. Rapid transcriptional plasticity of duplicated gene clusters enables a clonally reproducing aphid to colonise diverse plant species. Genome Biol 2017; 18:27. [PMID: 28190401 PMCID: PMC5304397 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-016-1145-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The prevailing paradigm of host-parasite evolution is that arms races lead to increasing specialisation via genetic adaptation. Insect herbivores are no exception and the majority have evolved to colonise a small number of closely related host species. Remarkably, the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae, colonises plant species across 40 families and single M. persicae clonal lineages can colonise distantly related plants. This remarkable ability makes M. persicae a highly destructive pest of many important crop species. Results To investigate the exceptional phenotypic plasticity of M. persicae, we sequenced the M. persicae genome and assessed how one clonal lineage responds to host plant species of different families. We show that genetically identical individuals are able to colonise distantly related host species through the differential regulation of genes belonging to aphid-expanded gene families. Multigene clusters collectively upregulate in single aphids within two days upon host switch. Furthermore, we demonstrate the functional significance of this rapid transcriptional change using RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated knock-down of genes belonging to the cathepsin B gene family. Knock-down of cathepsin B genes reduced aphid fitness, but only on the host that induced upregulation of these genes. Conclusions Previous research has focused on the role of genetic adaptation of parasites to their hosts. Here we show that the generalist aphid pest M. persicae is able to colonise diverse host plant species in the absence of genetic specialisation. This is achieved through rapid transcriptional plasticity of genes that have duplicated during aphid evolution. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13059-016-1145-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas C Mathers
- Earlham Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UZ, UK.,The International Aphid Genomics Consortium, Miami, USA
| | - Yazhou Chen
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK.,The International Aphid Genomics Consortium, Miami, USA
| | | | - Fabrice Legeai
- The International Aphid Genomics Consortium, Miami, USA.,INRA, UMR 1349 IGEPP (Institute of Genetics Environment and Plant Protection), Domaine de la Motte, 35653, Le Rheu Cedex, France.,IRISA/INRIA, GenOuest Core Facility, Campus de Beaulieu, Rennes, 35042, France
| | - Sam T Mugford
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK.,The International Aphid Genomics Consortium, Miami, USA
| | - Patrice Baa-Puyoulet
- The International Aphid Genomics Consortium, Miami, USA.,Univ Lyon, INSA-Lyon, INRA, BF2I, UMR0203, F-69621, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Anthony Bretaudeau
- The International Aphid Genomics Consortium, Miami, USA.,INRA, UMR 1349 IGEPP (Institute of Genetics Environment and Plant Protection), Domaine de la Motte, 35653, Le Rheu Cedex, France.,IRISA/INRIA, GenOuest Core Facility, Campus de Beaulieu, Rennes, 35042, France
| | | | - Stefano Colella
- The International Aphid Genomics Consortium, Miami, USA.,Univ Lyon, INSA-Lyon, INRA, BF2I, UMR0203, F-69621, Villeurbanne, France.,Present Address: INRA, UMR1342 IRD-CIRAD-INRA-SupAgro-Université de Montpellier, Laboratoire des Symbioses Tropicales et Méditéranéennes, Campus International de Baillarguet, TA-A82/J, F-34398, Montpellier cedex 5, France
| | - Olivier Collin
- IRISA/INRIA, GenOuest Core Facility, Campus de Beaulieu, Rennes, 35042, France
| | - Tamas Dalmay
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Thomas Derrien
- CNRS, UMR 6290, Institut de Génétique et Developpement de Rennes, Université de Rennes 1, 2 Avenue du Pr. Léon Bernard, 35000, Rennes, France
| | - Honglin Feng
- The International Aphid Genomics Consortium, Miami, USA.,Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA
| | - Toni Gabaldón
- The International Aphid Genomics Consortium, Miami, USA.,Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Dr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona, 08003, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), 08003, Barcelona, Spain.,Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Pg. Lluís Companys 23, 08010, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Jordan
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Irene Julca
- The International Aphid Genomics Consortium, Miami, USA.,Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Dr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona, 08003, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Graeme J Kettles
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK.,Present address: Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Hertforshire, ALF5 2JQ, UK
| | - Krissana Kowitwanich
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK.,Present address: J. R. Simplot Company, Boise, ID, USA
| | - Dominique Lavenier
- IRISA/INRIA, GenOuest Core Facility, Campus de Beaulieu, Rennes, 35042, France
| | - Paolo Lenzi
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK.,Present address: Alson H. Smith Jr. Agriculture and Extension Center, Virginia Tech, Winchester, 22602, VA, USA
| | - Sara Lopez-Gomollon
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK.,Present address: Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EA, UK
| | - Damian Loska
- The International Aphid Genomics Consortium, Miami, USA.,Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Dr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona, 08003, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniel Mapleson
- Earlham Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UZ, UK
| | - Florian Maumus
- The International Aphid Genomics Consortium, Miami, USA.,Unité de Recherche Génomique-Info (URGI), INRA, Université Paris-Saclay, 78026, Versailles, France
| | - Simon Moxon
- Earlham Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UZ, UK
| | - Daniel R G Price
- The International Aphid Genomics Consortium, Miami, USA.,Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA.,Present address: Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Akiko Sugio
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK.,INRA, UMR 1349 IGEPP (Institute of Genetics Environment and Plant Protection), Domaine de la Motte, 35653, Le Rheu Cedex, France
| | - Manuella van Munster
- The International Aphid Genomics Consortium, Miami, USA.,INRA, UMR BGPI, CIRAD TA-A54K, Campus International de Baillarguet, 34398, Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Marilyne Uzest
- The International Aphid Genomics Consortium, Miami, USA.,INRA, UMR BGPI, CIRAD TA-A54K, Campus International de Baillarguet, 34398, Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Darren Waite
- Earlham Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UZ, UK
| | - Georg Jander
- The International Aphid Genomics Consortium, Miami, USA.,Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Denis Tagu
- The International Aphid Genomics Consortium, Miami, USA.,INRA, UMR 1349 IGEPP (Institute of Genetics Environment and Plant Protection), Domaine de la Motte, 35653, Le Rheu Cedex, France
| | - Alex C C Wilson
- The International Aphid Genomics Consortium, Miami, USA.,Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA
| | - Cock van Oosterhout
- The International Aphid Genomics Consortium, Miami, USA.,School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - David Swarbreck
- Earlham Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UZ, UK. .,The International Aphid Genomics Consortium, Miami, USA. .,School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK.
| | - Saskia A Hogenhout
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK. .,The International Aphid Genomics Consortium, Miami, USA. .,School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK.
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Ahmed A, Ward NJ, Moxon S, Lopez-Gomollon S, Viaut C, Tomlinson ML, Patrushev I, Gilchrist MJ, Dalmay T, Dotlic D, Münsterberg AE, Wheeler GN. A Database of microRNA Expression Patterns in Xenopus laevis. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0138313. [PMID: 26506012 PMCID: PMC4624429 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0138313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 08/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, non-coding RNAs around 22 nucleotides long. They inhibit gene expression either by translational repression or by causing the degradation of the mRNAs they bind to. Many are highly conserved amongst diverse organisms and have restricted spatio-temporal expression patterns during embryonic development where they are thought to be involved in generating accuracy of developmental timing and in supporting cell fate decisions and tissue identity. We determined the expression patterns of 180 miRNAs in Xenopus laevis embryos using LNA oligonucleotides. In addition we carried out small RNA-seq on different stages of early Xenopus development, identified 44 miRNAs belonging to 29 new families and characterized the expression of 5 of these. Our analyses identified miRNA expression in many organs of the developing embryo. In particular a large number were expressed in neural tissue and in the somites. Surprisingly none of the miRNAs we have looked at show expression in the heart. Our results have been made freely available as a resource in both XenMARK and Xenbase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayisha Ahmed
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Nicole J. Ward
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Moxon
- The Genome Analysis Centre (TGAC), Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UH, United Kingdom
| | - Sara Lopez-Gomollon
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Camille Viaut
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew L. Tomlinson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Ilya Patrushev
- The Francis Crick Institute, Mill Hill Laboratory, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London, NW7 1AA, United Kingdom
| | - Michael J. Gilchrist
- The Francis Crick Institute, Mill Hill Laboratory, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London, NW7 1AA, United Kingdom
| | - Tamas Dalmay
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Dario Dotlic
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea E. Münsterberg
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Grant N. Wheeler
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Lopez-Gomollon S, Beckers M, Rathjen T, Moxon S, Maumus F, Mohorianu I, Moulton V, Dalmay T, Mock T. Global discovery and characterization of small non-coding RNAs in marine microalgae. BMC Genomics 2014; 15:697. [PMID: 25142467 PMCID: PMC4156623 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-15-697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2014] [Accepted: 07/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Marine phytoplankton are responsible for 50% of the CO2 that is fixed annually worldwide and contribute massively to other biogeochemical cycles in the oceans. Diatoms and coccolithophores play a significant role as the base of the marine food web and they sequester carbon due to their ability to form blooms and to biomineralise. To discover the presence and regulation of short non-coding RNAs (sRNAs) in these two important phytoplankton groups, we sequenced short RNA transcriptomes of two diatom species (Thalassiosira pseudonana, Fragilariopsis cylindrus) and validated them by Northern blots along with the coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi. RESULTS Despite an exhaustive search, we did not find canonical miRNAs in diatoms. The most prominent classes of sRNAs in diatoms were repeat-associated sRNAs and tRNA-derived sRNAs. The latter were also present in E. huxleyi. tRNA-derived sRNAs in diatoms were induced under important environmental stress conditions (iron and silicate limitation, oxidative stress, alkaline pH), and they were very abundant especially in the polar diatom F. cylindrus (20.7% of all sRNAs) even under optimal growth conditions. CONCLUSIONS This study provides first experimental evidence for the existence of short non-coding RNAs in marine microalgae. Our data suggest that canonical miRNAs are absent from diatoms. However, the group of tRNA-derived sRNAs seems to be very prominent in diatoms and coccolithophores and maybe used for acclimation to environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Tamas Dalmay
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK.
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Abstract
After chemical synthesis, the oligonucleotide preparation contains the desired full-length oligonucleotide but also all of the DNA molecules that were aborted during each cycle in the synthesis, and the by-products generated during the chemical reactions. The purification of oligonucleotides is a critical step for demanding applications where the exact length or sequence of the oligonucleotide is important, or for oligonucleotides longer than 50 bases. There are several methods of increasing oligonucleotide purity, the choice of which will depend on modifications of the oligonucleotides and their intended use. Polyacrylamide gel purification (PAGE purification) is the method of choice when the highest percentage of full-length oligonucleotide is desired. This chapter describes a protocol for oligonucleotide purification using denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and includes oligonucleotide preparation, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and purification from the gel slice by two different methods: by diffusion or by electroelution. This chapter also includes recommendations as well as protocol advice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Lopez-Gomollon
- University of East Anglia, School of Biological Sciences, Norwich, United Kingdom.
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15
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Lopez-Gomollon S, Mohorianu I, Szittya G, Moulton V, Dalmay T. Diverse correlation patterns between microRNAs and their targets during tomato fruit development indicates different modes of microRNA actions. Planta 2012; 236:1875-87. [PMID: 22922939 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-012-1734-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2012] [Accepted: 07/27/2012] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs negatively regulate the accumulation of mRNAs therefore when they are expressed in the same cells their expression profiles show an inverse correlation. We previously described one positively correlated miRNA/target pair, but it is not known how widespread this phenomenon is. Here, we investigated the correlation between the expression profiles of differentially expressed miRNAs and their targets during tomato fruit development using deep sequencing, Northern blot and RT-qPCR. We found an equal number of positively and negatively correlated miRNA/target pairs indicating that positive correlation is more frequent than previously thought. We also found that the correlation between microRNA and target expression profiles can vary between mRNAs belonging to the same gene family and even for the same target mRNA at different developmental stages. Since microRNAs always negatively regulate their targets, the high number of positively correlated microRNA/target pairs suggests that mutual exclusion could be as widespread as temporal regulation. The change of correlation during development suggests that the type of regulatory circuit directed by a microRNA can change over time and can be different for individual gene family members. Our results also highlight potential problems for expression profiling-based microRNA target identification/validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Lopez-Gomollon
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
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Alvarez-Fernandez R, Lopez-Gomollon S, Lopez-Martinez AF, Nicolas FE. Bioengineering RNA silencing across the life kingdoms. Recent Pat Biotechnol 2011; 5:118-46. [PMID: 21707526 DOI: 10.2174/187220811796365680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2011] [Accepted: 06/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
RNA silencing negatively regulates gene expression at transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels, guided by small RNA molecules. It modulates core regulatory pathways across the eukaryotes, such as developmental processes or stress responses. The widespread existence of this phenomenon and the key pathways regulated have led to the development of a new technology based on the modification of gene expression, which has been applied successfully in different areas such as medicine or agriculture. Here we review the most important patents related to RNA silencing across the life kingdoms, including biotechnological applications into medicine, crop science and bioengineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Alvarez-Fernandez
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EA, UK.
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Kuniyoshi TM, Gonzalez A, Lopez-Gomollon S, Valladares A, Bes MT, Fillat MF, Peleato ML. 2-oxoglutarate enhances NtcA binding activity to promoter regions of the microcystin synthesis gene cluster. FEBS Lett 2011; 585:3921-6. [PMID: 22062155 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2011.10.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2011] [Revised: 10/19/2011] [Accepted: 10/20/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
The binding affinity of NtcA towards promoter regions of the microcystin gene cluster from Microcystis aeruginosa PCC 7806 has been analyzed by band-shift assay (EMSA). The key nitrogen transcriptional regulator exhibits affinity for two fragments of the bidirectional mcyDA promoter, as well as for promoter regions of mcyE and mcyH. The presence of 2-oxoglutarate increased by 2.5 fold the affinity of NtcA for the mcyA promoter region. The 2-oxoglutarate effect peaked at 0.8 mM, a physiological concentration for this compound under nitrogen-limiting conditions. The results suggest that the 2-oxoglutarate level, as a signal of the C to N balance of the cells, regulates the microcystin gene cluster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taís M Kuniyoshi
- Departamento de Bioquimica y Biologia Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias and BIFI, Unidad Asociada Rocasolano (CSIC), Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
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Rellan-Alvarez R, Lopez-Gomollon S, Abadia J, Alvarez-Fernandez A. Development of a new high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry method for the determination of low molecular mass organic acids in plant tissue extracts. J Agric Food Chem 2011; 59:6864-6870. [PMID: 21619056 DOI: 10.1021/jf200482a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
A liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry method has been developed for the direct and simultaneous determination of 10 low molecular mass organic acids in different plant tissue extracts. The method does not include a derivatization step. Quantification was accomplished using (13)C-labeled malic and succinic acids as internal standards. Good limits of detection (0.05-1.27 pmol) were obtained for malic, 2-oxoglutaric, succinic, quinic, shikimic, cis-aconitic, and citric acids, whereas for oxalic, ascorbic, and fumaric acids limits of detection were 255, 25, and 11 pmol, respectively. Repeatability values for the retention time and peak area were <5%, with the exception of ascorbic acid. Analyte recovery was between 92% and 110% in most cases, with the exception of oxalic (39-108%), 2-oxoglutaric (44-69%), and ascorbic (22-86%) acids, which may require specific extraction procedures and use of the corresponding (13)C-labeled organic acid as internal standards to improve accuracy. The method was applied to three types of plant materials: sugar beet leaf extracts, tomato xylem sap, and commercial orange juice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Rellan-Alvarez
- Department of Plant Nutrition, Aula Dei Experimental Station, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Zaragoza, Spain.
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Mohorianu I, Schwach F, Jing R, Lopez-Gomollon S, Moxon S, Szittya G, Sorefan K, Moulton V, Dalmay T. Profiling of short RNAs during fleshy fruit development reveals stage-specific sRNAome expression patterns. Plant J 2011; 67:232-46. [PMID: 21443685 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-313x.2011.04586.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Plants feature a particularly diverse population of short (s)RNAs, the central component of all RNA silencing pathways. Next generation sequencing techniques enable deeper insights into this complex and highly conserved mechanism and allow identification and quantification of sRNAs. We employed deep sequencing to monitor the sRNAome of developing tomato fruits covering the period between closed flowers and ripened fruits by profiling sRNAs at 10 time-points. It is known that microRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in development but very little information is available about the majority of sRNAs that are not miRNAs. Here we show distinctive patterns of sRNA expression that often coincide with stages of the developmental process such as flowering, early and late fruit maturation. Moreover, thousands of non-miRNA sRNAs are differentially expressed during fruit development and ripening. Some of these differentially expressed sRNAs derived from transposons but many derive from protein coding genes or regions that show homology to protein coding genes, several of which are known to play a role in flower and fruit development. These findings raise the possibility of a regulative role of these sRNAs during fruit onset and maturation in a crop species. We also identified six new miRNAs and experimentally validated two target mRNAs. These two mRNAs are targeted by the same miRNA but do not belong to the same gene family, which is rare for plant miRNAs. Expression pattern and putative function of these targets indicate a possible role in glutamate accumulation, which contributes to establishing the taste of the fruit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Mohorianu
- School of Computing Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
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Nicolas FE, Lopez-Gomollon S, Lopez-Martinez AF, Dalmay T. Silencing human cancer: identification and uses of microRNAs. Recent Pat Anticancer Drug Discov 2011; 6:94-105. [PMID: 21110826 DOI: 10.2174/157489211793980033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2010] [Accepted: 04/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a new class of negative regulators that repress gene expression by pairing with their target messenger RNAs (mRNAs). There are hundreds of miRNAs coded in the human genome and thousands of target mRNAs participating in a wide variety of physiological processes such as development and cell identity. It is therefore not surprising that several recent reports involved deregulated miRNAs in the complex mechanism of human carcinogenesis, and proposed them as new key regulators to correct the unbalanced expression of oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes exhibited in cancer cells. This review summarises most of the recent patents related to the use of miRNA signatures in cancer diagnosis and prognosis, the detection and profiling of miRNAs from tumour samples and the identification of oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes targeted by miRNAs, as well as new cancer therapies based on miRNA modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco E Nicolas
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK.
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Surridge AK, Lopez-Gomollon S, Moxon S, Maroja LS, Rathjen T, Nadeau NJ, Dalmay T, Jiggins CD. Characterisation and expression of microRNAs in developing wings of the neotropical butterfly Heliconius melpomene. BMC Genomics 2011; 12:62. [PMID: 21266089 PMCID: PMC3039609 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-12-62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2010] [Accepted: 01/26/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heliconius butterflies are an excellent system for studies of adaptive convergent and divergent phenotypic traits. Wing colour patterns are used as signals to both predators and potential mates and are inherited in a Mendelian manner. The underlying genetic mechanisms of pattern formation have been studied for many years and shed light on broad issues, such as the repeatability of evolution. In Heliconius melpomene, the yellow hindwing bar is controlled by the HmYb locus. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression that have key roles in many biological processes, including development. miRNAs could act as regulators of genes involved in wing development, patterning and pigmentation. For this reason we characterised miRNAs in developing butterfly wings and examined differences in their expression between colour pattern races. RESULTS We sequenced small RNA libraries from two colour pattern races and detected 142 Heliconius miRNAs with homology to others found in miRBase. Several highly abundant miRNAs were differentially represented in the libraries between colour pattern races. These candidates were tested further using Northern blots, showing that differences in expression were primarily due to developmental stage rather than colour pattern. Assembly of sequenced reads to the HmYb region identified hme-miR-193 and hme-miR-2788; located 2380 bp apart in an intergenic region. These two miRNAs are expressed in wings and show an upregulation between 24 and 72 hours post-pupation, indicating a potential role in butterfly wing development. A search for miRNAs in all available H. melpomene BAC sequences (~2.5 Mb) did not reveal any other miRNAs and no novel miRNAs were predicted. CONCLUSIONS Here we describe the first butterfly miRNAs and characterise their expression in developing wings. Some show differences in expression across developing pupal stages and may have important functions in butterfly wing development. Two miRNAs were located in the HmYb region and were expressed in developing pupal wings. Future work will examine the expression of these miRNAs in different colour pattern races and identify miRNA targets among wing patterning genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison K Surridge
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB23EJ, UK
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