1
|
Mahé M, Rios-Fuller T, Katsara O, Schneider RJ. Non-canonical mRNA translation initiation in cell stress and cancer. NAR Cancer 2024; 6:zcae026. [PMID: 38828390 PMCID: PMC11140632 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcae026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The now well described canonical mRNA translation initiation mechanism of m7G 'cap' recognition by cap-binding protein eIF4E and assembly of the canonical pre-initiation complex consisting of scaffolding protein eIF4G and RNA helicase eIF4A has historically been thought to describe all cellular mRNA translation. However, the past decade has seen the discovery of alternative mechanisms to canonical eIF4E mediated mRNA translation initiation. Studies have shown that non-canonical alternate mechanisms of cellular mRNA translation initiation, whether cap-dependent or independent, serve to provide selective translation of mRNAs under cell physiological and pathological stress conditions. These conditions typically involve the global downregulation of canonical eIF4E1/cap-mediated mRNA translation, and selective translational reprogramming of the cell proteome, as occurs in tumor development and malignant progression. Cancer cells must be able to maintain physiological plasticity to acquire a migratory phenotype, invade tissues, metastasize, survive and adapt to severe microenvironmental stress conditions that involve inhibition of canonical mRNA translation initiation. In this review we describe the emerging, important role of non-canonical, alternate mechanisms of mRNA translation initiation in cancer, particularly in adaptation to stresses and the phenotypic cell fate changes involved in malignant progression and metastasis. These alternate translation initiation mechanisms provide new targets for oncology therapeutics development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Mahé
- Department of Microbiology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Tiffany Rios-Fuller
- Department of Microbiology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Olga Katsara
- Department of Microbiology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Robert J Schneider
- Department of Microbiology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Feng G, Wu Y, Hu Y, Shuai W, Yang X, Li Y, Ouyang L, Wang G. Small molecule inhibitors targeting m 6A regulators. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:30. [PMID: 38711100 PMCID: PMC11075261 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01546-5] [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: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
As the most common form of epigenetic regulation by RNA, N6 methyladenosine (m6A) modification is closely involved in physiological processes, such as growth and development, stem cell renewal and differentiation, and DNA damage response. Meanwhile, its aberrant expression in cancer tissues promotes the development of malignant tumors, as well as plays important roles in proliferation, metastasis, drug resistance, immunity and prognosis. This close association between m6A and cancers has garnered substantial attention in recent years. An increasing number of small molecules have emerged as potential agents to target m6A regulators for cancer treatment. These molecules target the epigenetic level, enabling precise intervention in RNA modifications and efficiently disrupting the survival mechanisms of tumor cells, thus paving the way for novel approaches in cancer treatment. However, there is currently a lack of a comprehensive review on small molecules targeting m6A regulators for anti-tumor. Here, we have comprehensively summarized the classification and functions of m6A regulators, elucidating their interactions with the proliferation, metastasis, drug resistance, and immune responses in common cancers. Furthermore, we have provided a comprehensive overview on the development, mode of action, pharmacology and structure-activity relationships of small molecules targeting m6A regulators. Our aim is to offer insights for subsequent drug design and optimization, while also providing an outlook on future prospects for small molecule development targeting m6A.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guotai Feng
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yongya Wu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yuan Hu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Wen Shuai
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiao Yang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Liang Ouyang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Guan Wang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Li J, Yang F, Wang Z, Zheng S, Zhang S, Wang C, He B, Wang J, Wang H. METTL16-mediated N6-methyladenosine modification of Soga1 enables proper chromosome segregation and chromosomal stability in colorectal cancer. Cell Prolif 2024; 57:e13590. [PMID: 38084791 PMCID: PMC11056707 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2024] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent internal modification in mammalian messenger RNAs and is associated with numerous biological processes. However, its role in chromosomal instability remains to be established. Here, we report that an RNA m6A methyltransferase, METTL16, plays an indispensable role in the progression of chromosome segregation and is required to preserve chromosome stability in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. Depletion or inhibition of the methyltransferase activity of METTL16 results in abnormal kinetochore-microtubule attachment during mitosis, leading to delayed mitosis, lagging chromosomes, chromosome mis-segregation and chromosomal instability. Mechanistically, METTL16 exerts its oncogenic effects by enhancing the expression of suppressor of glucose by autophagy 1 (Soga1) in an m6A-dependent manner. CDK1 phosphorylates Soga1, thereby triggering its direct interaction with the polo box domain of PLK1. This interaction facilitates PLK1 activation and promotes mitotic progression. Therefore, targeting the METTL16-Soga1 pathway may provide a potential treatment strategy against CRC because of its essential role in maintaining chromosomal stability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jimin Li
- Department of Laboratory MedicineThe Affiliated Anhui Provincial Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefeiChina
| | - Fang Yang
- Department of Clinical LaboratoryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College)WuhuChina
| | - Zeyu Wang
- Graduate School, Bengbu Medical CollegeBengbuChina
| | - Siqing Zheng
- School of PharmacyAnhui Medical UniversityHefeiChina
| | - Shuang Zhang
- Department of Laboratory MedicineThe Affiliated Anhui Provincial Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefeiChina
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Laboratory MedicineThe Affiliated Anhui Provincial Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefeiChina
| | - Bing He
- Department of Laboratory MedicineThe Affiliated Anhui Provincial Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefeiChina
| | - Jia‐Bei Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and MedicineUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHeifeiChina
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Laboratory MedicineThe Affiliated Anhui Provincial Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefeiChina
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Liu Y, Goebel GL, Kanis L, Hastürk O, Kemker C, Wu P. Aminothiazolone Inhibitors Disrupt the Protein-RNA Interaction of METTL16 and Modulate the m 6A RNA Modification. JACS AU 2024; 4:1436-1449. [PMID: 38665670 PMCID: PMC11040665 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.3c00832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Targeting RNA-binding and modifying proteins via small molecules to modulate post-transcriptional modifications have emerged as a new frontier for chemical biology and therapeutic research. One such RNA-binding protein that regulates the most prevalent eukaryotic RNA modification, N6-methyladenosine (m6A), is the methyltransferase-like protein 16 (METTL16), which plays an oncogenic role in cancers by cofunctioning with other nucleic acid-binding proteins. To date, no potent small-molecule inhibitor of METTL16 or modulator interfering with the METTL16-RNA interaction has been reported and validated, highlighting the unmet need to develop such small molecules to investigate the METTL16-involved regulatory network. Herein, we described the identification of a series of first-in-class aminothiazolone METTL16 inhibitors via a discovery pipeline that started with a fluorescence-polarization (FP)-based screening. Structural optimization of the initial hit yielded inhibitors, such as compound 45, that showed potent single-digit micromolar inhibition activity against the METTL16-RNA binding. The identified aminothiazolone inhibitors can be useful probes to elucidate the biological function of METTL16 upon perturbation and evaluate the therapeutic potential of METTL16 inhibition via small molecules at the post-transcriptional level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- Chemical
Genomics Centre, Max Planck Institute of
Molecular Physiology, Dortmund 44227, Germany
- Department
of Chemical Biology, Max Planck Institute
of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund 44227, Germany
- Faculty
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund
University, Dortmund 44227, Germany
| | - Georg L. Goebel
- Chemical
Genomics Centre, Max Planck Institute of
Molecular Physiology, Dortmund 44227, Germany
- Department
of Chemical Biology, Max Planck Institute
of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund 44227, Germany
- Faculty
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund
University, Dortmund 44227, Germany
| | - Laurin Kanis
- Chemical
Genomics Centre, Max Planck Institute of
Molecular Physiology, Dortmund 44227, Germany
- Department
of Chemical Biology, Max Planck Institute
of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund 44227, Germany
- Faculty
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund
University, Dortmund 44227, Germany
| | - Oguz Hastürk
- Chemical
Genomics Centre, Max Planck Institute of
Molecular Physiology, Dortmund 44227, Germany
- Department
of Chemical Biology, Max Planck Institute
of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund 44227, Germany
- Faculty
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund
University, Dortmund 44227, Germany
| | - Claus Kemker
- Chemical
Genomics Centre, Max Planck Institute of
Molecular Physiology, Dortmund 44227, Germany
- Department
of Chemical Biology, Max Planck Institute
of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund 44227, Germany
- Faculty
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund
University, Dortmund 44227, Germany
| | - Peng Wu
- Chemical
Genomics Centre, Max Planck Institute of
Molecular Physiology, Dortmund 44227, Germany
- Department
of Chemical Biology, Max Planck Institute
of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund 44227, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bi CF, Liu J, Hu XD, Yang LS, Zhang JF. Novel insights into the regulatory role of N6-methyladenosine methylation modified autophagy in sepsis. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:15676-15700. [PMID: 38112620 PMCID: PMC10781468 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Sepsis is defined as a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. It is characterized by high morbidity and mortality and one of the major diseases that seriously hang over global human health. Autophagy is a crucial regulator in the complicated pathophysiological processes of sepsis. The activation of autophagy is known to be of great significance for protecting sepsis induced organ dysfunction. Recent research has demonstrated that N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation is a well-known post-transcriptional RNA modification that controls epigenetic and gene expression as well as a number of biological processes in sepsis. In addition, m6A affects the stability, export, splicing and translation of transcripts involved in the autophagic process. Although it has been suggested that m6A methylation regulates the biological metabolic processes of autophagy and is more frequently seen in the progression of sepsis pathogenesis, the underlying molecular mechanisms of m6A-modified autophagy in sepsis have not been thoroughly elucidated. The present article fills this gap by providing an epigenetic review of the processes of m6A-modified autophagy in sepsis and its potential role in the development of novel therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Fei Bi
- Department of Emergency Medical, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750000, Ningxia, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750000, Ningxia, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Medical Experimental Center, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750000, Ningxia, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Hu
- Department of Emergency Medical, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750000, Ningxia, China
| | - Li-Shan Yang
- Department of Emergency Medical, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750000, Ningxia, China
| | - Jun-Fei Zhang
- Department of Emergency Medical, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750000, Ningxia, China
- Medical Experimental Center, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750000, Ningxia, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hunter OV, Ruiz JC, Flaherty JN, Conrad NK. Functional analysis of 3'-UTR hairpins supports a two-tiered model for posttranscriptional regulation of MAT2A by METTL16. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 29:1725-1737. [PMID: 37567786 PMCID: PMC10578476 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079695.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) is the methyl donor for nearly all cellular methylation events, so cells need to carefully control SAM levels. MAT2A encodes the only SAM synthetase expressed in the majority of human cells, and its 3'-UTR has six conserved regulatory hairpins (hp1-6) that can be methylated by the N6-methyladenosine methyltransferase METTL16. Hp1 begins 8 nt from the stop codon, whereas hp2-6 are clustered further downstream (∼800 nt). These hairpins have been proposed to regulate MAT2A mRNA levels in response to intracellular SAM levels by regulating intron detention of the last intron of MAT2A and by modulating the stability of the fully spliced mRNA. However, a dissection of these two posttranscriptional mechanisms has not been previously reported. Using a modular reporter system, we show that hp1 functions primarily when the detained intron is included in the reporter and when that intron has a suboptimal polypyrimidine tract. In contrast, the hp2-6 cluster modulates mRNA stability independent of the detained intron, although hp1 may make a minor contribution to the regulation of decay as well. Taken with previously published reports, these data support a two-tiered model for MAT2A posttranscriptional regulation by METTL16 through its interactions with hp1 and hp2-6. In the upstream tier, hp1 and METTL16 control MAT2A intron detention, whereas the second tier involves METTL16-dependent methylation of hp2-6 to control MAT2A mRNA stability. Thus, cells use a similar set of molecular factors to achieve considerable complexity in the posttranscriptional regulation of SAM homeostasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olga V Hunter
- Department of Microbiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Julio C Ruiz
- Department of Microbiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Juliana N Flaherty
- Department of Microbiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Nicholas K Conrad
- Department of Microbiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Liu J, Gu X, Guan Z, Huang D, Xing H, Zheng L. Role of m6A modification in regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in cancer. J Transl Med 2023; 21:774. [PMID: 37915034 PMCID: PMC10619263 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04651-0] [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: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling pathway plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of cancer. The dysregulation of this pathway has been linked to the development and initiation of various types of cancer. Recently, epigenetic modifications, particularly N6-methyladenosine (m6A), have been recognized as essential contributors to mRNA-related biological processes and translation. The abnormal expression of m6A modification enzymes has been associated with oncogenesis, tumor progression, and drug resistance. Here, we review the role of m6A modification in regulating the PI3K/AKT pathway in cancer and its implications in the development of novel strategies for cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Liu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Xinyu Gu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471000, Henan, China
| | - Zhenjie Guan
- Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Di Huang
- Department of Child Health Care, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China
| | - Huiwu Xing
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
| | - Lian Zheng
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wang C, Hou X, Guan Q, Zhou H, Zhou L, Liu L, Liu J, Li F, Li W, Liu H. RNA modification in cardiovascular disease: implications for therapeutic interventions. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:412. [PMID: 37884527 PMCID: PMC10603151 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01638-7] [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: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the world, with a high incidence and a youth-oriented tendency. RNA modification is ubiquitous and indispensable in cell, maintaining cell homeostasis and function by dynamically regulating gene expression. Accumulating evidence has revealed the role of aberrant gene expression in CVD caused by dysregulated RNA modification. In this review, we focus on nine common RNA modifications: N6-methyladenosine (m6A), N1-methyladenosine (m1A), 5-methylcytosine (m5C), N7-methylguanosine (m7G), N4-acetylcytosine (ac4C), pseudouridine (Ψ), uridylation, adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing, and modifications of U34 on tRNA wobble. We summarize the key regulators of RNA modification and their effects on gene expression, such as RNA splicing, maturation, transport, stability, and translation. Then, based on the classification of CVD, the mechanisms by which the disease occurs and progresses through RNA modifications are discussed. Potential therapeutic strategies, such as gene therapy, are reviewed based on these mechanisms. Herein, some of the CVD (such as stroke and peripheral vascular disease) are not included due to the limited availability of literature. Finally, the prospective applications and challenges of RNA modification in CVD are discussed for the purpose of facilitating clinical translation. Moreover, we look forward to more studies exploring the mechanisms and roles of RNA modification in CVD in the future, as there are substantial uncultivated areas to be explored.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cong Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Center for Gene Diagnosis and Therapy, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xuyang Hou
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Center for Gene Diagnosis and Therapy, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qing Guan
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Center for Gene Diagnosis and Therapy, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Huiling Zhou
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Center for Gene Diagnosis and Therapy, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Li Zhou
- Department of Pathology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, The Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lijun Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Center for Gene Diagnosis and Therapy, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jijia Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Haidan Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Clinical Center for Gene Diagnosis and Therapy, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Breger K, Kunkler CN, O'Leary NJ, Hulewicz JP, Brown JA. Ghost authors revealed: The structure and function of human N 6 -methyladenosine RNA methyltransferases. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2023; 15:e1810. [PMID: 37674370 PMCID: PMC10915109 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Despite the discovery of modified nucleic acids nearly 75 years ago, their biological functions are still being elucidated. N6 -methyladenosine (m6 A) is the most abundant modification in eukaryotic messenger RNA (mRNA) and has also been detected in non-coding RNAs, including long non-coding RNA, ribosomal RNA, and small nuclear RNA. In general, m6 A marks can alter RNA secondary structure and initiate unique RNA-protein interactions that can alter splicing, mRNA turnover, and translation, just to name a few. Although m6 A marks in human RNAs have been known to exist since 1974, the structures and functions of methyltransferases responsible for writing m6 A marks have been established only recently. Thus far, there are four confirmed human methyltransferases that catalyze the transfer of a methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) to the N6 position of adenosine, producing m6 A: methyltransferase-like protein (METTL) 3/METTL14 complex, METTL16, METTL5, and zinc-finger CCHC-domain-containing protein 4. Though the methyltransferases have unique RNA targets, all human m6 A RNA methyltransferases contain a Rossmann fold with a conserved SAM-binding pocket, suggesting that they utilize a similar catalytic mechanism for methyl transfer. For each of the human m6 A RNA methyltransferases, we present the biological functions and links to human disease, RNA targets, catalytic and kinetic mechanisms, and macromolecular structures. We also discuss m6 A marks in human viruses and parasites, assigning m6 A marks in the transcriptome to specific methyltransferases, small molecules targeting m6 A methyltransferases, and the enzymes responsible for hypermodified m6 A marks and their biological functions in humans. Understanding m6 A methyltransferases is a critical steppingstone toward establishing the m6 A epitranscriptome and more broadly the RNome. This article is categorized under: RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein-RNA Recognition RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > RNA-Protein Complexes RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein-RNA Interactions: Functional Implications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kurtis Breger
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Charlotte N Kunkler
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Nathan J O'Leary
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Jacob P Hulewicz
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Jessica A Brown
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| |
Collapse
|