1
|
Migunova E, Rajamani S, Bonanni S, Wang F, Zhou C, Dubrovsky EB. Cardiac RNase Z edited via CRISPR-Cas9 drives heart hypertrophy in Drosophila. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286214. [PMID: 37228086 PMCID: PMC10212119 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286214] [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: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiomyopathy (CM) is a group of diseases distinguished by morphological and functional abnormalities in the myocardium. It is etiologically heterogeneous and may develop via cell autonomous and/or non-autonomous mechanisms. One of the most severe forms of CM has been linked to the deficiency of the ubiquitously expressed RNase Z endoribonuclease. RNase Z cleaves off the 3'-trailer of both nuclear and mitochondrial primary tRNA (pre-tRNA) transcripts. Cells mutant for RNase Z accumulate unprocessed pre-tRNA molecules. Patients carrying RNase Z variants with reduced enzymatic activity display a plethora of symptoms including muscular hypotonia, microcephaly and severe heart hypertrophy; still, they die primarily due to acute heart decompensation. Determining whether the underlying mechanism of heart malfunction is cell autonomous or not will provide an opportunity to develop novel strategies of more efficient treatments for these patients. In this study, we used CRISPR-TRiM technology to create Drosophila models that carry cardiomyopathy-linked alleles of RNase Z only in the cardiomyocytes. We found that this modification is sufficient for flies to develop heart hypertrophy and systolic dysfunction. These observations support the idea that the RNase Z linked CM is driven by cell autonomous mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Migunova
- Department of Biological Sciences, Fordham University, Bronx, NY, United States of America
| | - Saathvika Rajamani
- Department of Biological Sciences, Fordham University, Bronx, NY, United States of America
| | - Stefania Bonanni
- Department of Biological Sciences, Fordham University, Bronx, NY, United States of America
| | - Fei Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Chao Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Edward B. Dubrovsky
- Department of Biological Sciences, Fordham University, Bronx, NY, United States of America
- Center for Cancer, Genetic Diseases, and Gene Regulation, Fordham University, Bronx, NY, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Migunova E, Theophilopoulos J, Mercadante M, Men J, Zhou C, Dubrovsky EB. ELAC2/RNaseZ-linked cardiac hypertrophy in Drosophila melanogaster. Dis Model Mech 2021; 14:271965. [PMID: 34338278 PMCID: PMC8419712 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.048931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A severe form of infantile cardiomyopathy (CM) has been linked to mutations in ELAC2, a highly conserved human gene. It encodes Zinc phosphodiesterase ELAC protein 2 (ELAC2), which plays an essential role in the production of mature tRNAs. To establish a causal connection between ELAC2 variants and CM, here we used the Drosophila melanogaster model organism, which carries the ELAC2 homolog RNaseZ. Even though RNaseZ and ELAC2 have diverged in some of their biological functions, our study demonstrates the use of the fly model to study the mechanism of ELAC2-related pathology. We established transgenic lines harboring RNaseZ with CM-linked mutations in the background of endogenous RNaseZ knockout. Importantly, we found that the phenotype of these flies is consistent with the pathological features in human patients. Specifically, expression of CM-linked variants in flies caused heart hypertrophy and led to reduction in cardiac contractility associated with a rare form of CM. This study provides first experimental evidence for the pathogenicity of CM-causing mutations in the ELAC2 protein, and the foundation to improve our understanding and diagnosis of this rare infantile disease. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper. Summary: A newly established Drosophila model recapitulates key features of human heart pathology linked to mutations in ELAC2, thus providing experimental evidence of the pathogenicity of ELAC2 variants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Migunova
- Department of Biological Sciences, Fordham University, Bronx, NY 10458, USA
| | | | - Marisa Mercadante
- Department of Biological Sciences, Fordham University, Bronx, NY 10458, USA
| | - Jing Men
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO 63105, USA.,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA
| | - Chao Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO 63105, USA
| | - Edward B Dubrovsky
- Department of Biological Sciences, Fordham University, Bronx, NY 10458, USA.,Center for Cancer, Genetic diseases, and Gene Regulation, Department of Biological Sciences, Fordham University, Bronx, NY 10458, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Molla-Herman A, Angelova MT, Ginestet M, Carré C, Antoniewski C, Huynh JR. tRNA Fragments Populations Analysis in Mutants Affecting tRNAs Processing and tRNA Methylation. Front Genet 2020; 11:518949. [PMID: 33193603 PMCID: PMC7586317 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.518949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
tRNA fragments (tRFs) are a class of small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) derived from tRNAs. tRFs are highly abundant in many cell types including stem cells and cancer cells, and are found in all domains of life. Beyond translation control, tRFs have several functions ranging from transposon silencing to cell proliferation control. However, the analysis of tRFs presents specific challenges and their biogenesis is not well understood. They are very heterogeneous and highly modified by numerous post-transcriptional modifications. Here we describe a bioinformatic pipeline (tRFs-Galaxy) to study tRFs populations and shed light onto tRNA fragments biogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster. Indeed, we used small RNAs Illumina sequencing datasets extracted from wild type and mutant ovaries affecting two different highly conserved steps of tRNA biogenesis: 5'pre-tRNA processing (RNase-P subunit Rpp30) and tRNA 2'-O-methylation (dTrm7_34 and dTrm7_32). Using our pipeline, we show how defects in tRNA biogenesis affect nuclear and mitochondrial tRFs populations and other small non-coding RNAs biogenesis, such as small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs). This tRF analysis workflow will advance the current understanding of tRFs biogenesis, which is crucial to better comprehend tRFs roles and their implication in human pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anahi Molla-Herman
- Collège de France, CIRB, CNRS Inserm UMR 7241, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Margarita T. Angelova
- Transgenerational Epigenetics & Small RNA Biology, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Laboratoire de Biologie du Développement - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Paris, France
| | - Maud Ginestet
- Collège de France, CIRB, CNRS Inserm UMR 7241, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Clément Carré
- Transgenerational Epigenetics & Small RNA Biology, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Laboratoire de Biologie du Développement - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Paris, France
| | - Christophe Antoniewski
- ARTbio Bioinformatics Analysis Facility, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Paris, France
| | - Jean-René Huynh
- Collège de France, CIRB, CNRS Inserm UMR 7241, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Andreenkov OV, Volkova EI, Demakov SA, Xie X, Dubrovsky EB, Zhimulev IF. Targeted mutagenesis of Drosophila RNaseZ gene by homologous recombination. DOKL BIOCHEM BIOPHYS 2017; 471:399-402. [PMID: 28058688 DOI: 10.1134/s1607672916060065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
For the first time we used a homologous recombination method to obtain complete and precise deletion of Drosophila dRNaseZ gene. In the founder line of flies in which the RNaseZ sequence was replaced by attP site, the full-length sequence of the gene was reintegrated, and its functionality was shown. This approach will allow us to generate further gene mutations in different domains of dRNaseZ protein and discover a broad spectrum and uncover functions outside of tRNA processing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- O V Andreenkov
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, pr. Akademika Lavrent'eva 8, Novosibirsk, 2630090, Russia
| | - E I Volkova
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, pr. Akademika Lavrent'eva 8, Novosibirsk, 2630090, Russia
| | - S A Demakov
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, pr. Akademika Lavrent'eva 8, Novosibirsk, 2630090, Russia.
| | - X Xie
- Fordham University, New York, USA
| | | | - I F Zhimulev
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, pr. Akademika Lavrent'eva 8, Novosibirsk, 2630090, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Molla-Herman A, Vallés AM, Ganem-Elbaz C, Antoniewski C, Huynh JR. tRNA processing defects induce replication stress and Chk2-dependent disruption of piRNA transcription. EMBO J 2015; 34:3009-27. [PMID: 26471728 PMCID: PMC4687792 DOI: 10.15252/embj.201591006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2015] [Revised: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/04/2015] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
RNase P is a conserved endonuclease that processes the 5' trailer of tRNA precursors. We have isolated mutations in Rpp30, a subunit of RNase P, and find that these induce complete sterility in Drosophila females. Here, we show that sterility is not due to a shortage of mature tRNAs, but that atrophied ovaries result from the activation of several DNA damage checkpoint proteins, including p53, Claspin, and Chk2. Indeed, we find that tRNA processing defects lead to increased replication stress and de-repression of transposable elements in mutant ovaries. We also report that transcription of major piRNA sources collapse in mutant germ cells and that this correlates with a decrease in heterochromatic H3K9me3 marks on the corresponding piRNA-producing loci. Our data thus link tRNA processing, DNA replication, and genome defense by small RNAs. This unexpected connection reveals constraints that could shape genome organization during evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anahi Molla-Herman
- Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Institut Curie, Paris, France CNRS UMR3215, Inserm U934, Paris, France
| | - Ana Maria Vallés
- Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Institut Curie, Paris, France CNRS UMR3215, Inserm U934, Paris, France
| | - Carine Ganem-Elbaz
- Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Institut Curie, Paris, France CNRS UMR3215, Inserm U934, Paris, France
| | - Christophe Antoniewski
- GED, UPMC, CNRS UMR 7622, IBPS, Developmental Biology Laboratory (IBPS-LBD), Paris, France
| | - Jean-René Huynh
- Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Institut Curie, Paris, France CNRS UMR3215, Inserm U934, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Xie X, Dubrovsky EB. Knockout of Drosophila RNase ZL impairs mitochondrial transcript processing, respiration and cell cycle progression. Nucleic Acids Res 2015; 43:10364-75. [PMID: 26553808 PMCID: PMC4666369 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkv1149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
RNase Z(L) is a highly conserved tRNA 3'-end processing endoribonuclease. Similar to its mammalian counterpart, Drosophila RNase Z(L) (dRNaseZ) has a mitochondria targeting signal (MTS) flanked by two methionines at the N-terminus. Alternative translation initiation yields two protein forms: the long one is mitochondrial, and the short one may localize in the nucleus or cytosol. Here, we have generated a mitochondria specific knockout of the dRNaseZ gene. In this in vivo model, cells deprived of dRNaseZ activity display impaired mitochondrial polycistronic transcript processing, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a switch to aerobic glycolysis compensating for cellular ATP. Damaged mitochondria impose a cell cycle delay at the G2 phase disrupting cell proliferation without affecting cell viability. Antioxidants attenuate genotoxic stress and rescue cell proliferation, implying a critical role for ROS. We suggest that under a low-stress condition, ROS activate tumor suppressor p53, which modulates cell cycle progression and promotes cell survival. Transcriptional profiling of p53 targets confirms upregulation of antioxidant and cycB-Cdk1 inhibitor genes without induction of apoptotic genes. This study implicates Drosophila RNase Z(L) in a novel retrograde signaling pathway initiated by the damage in mitochondria and manifested in a cell cycle delay before the mitotic entry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xie Xie
- Department of Biology, Fordham University, Bronx, NY 10458, USA
| | - Edward B Dubrovsky
- Department of Biology, Fordham University, Bronx, NY 10458, USA Center for Cancer, Genetic Diseases, and Gene Regulation, Fordham University, Bronx, NY 10458, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Huang JZ, E ZG, Zhang HL, Shu QY. Workable male sterility systems for hybrid rice: Genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, and utilization. RICE (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2014; 7:13. [PMID: 26055995 PMCID: PMC4883997 DOI: 10.1186/s12284-014-0013-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2014] [Accepted: 06/28/2014] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The exploitation of male sterility systems has enabled the commercialization of heterosis in rice, with greatly increased yield and total production of this major staple food crop. Hybrid rice, which was adopted in the 1970s, now covers nearly 13.6 million hectares each year in China alone. Various types of cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) and environment-conditioned genic male sterility (EGMS) systems have been applied in hybrid rice production. In this paper, recent advances in genetics, biochemistry, and molecular biology are reviewed with an emphasis on major male sterility systems in rice: five CMS systems, i.e., BT-, HL-, WA-, LD- and CW- CMS, and two EGMS systems, i.e., photoperiod- and temperature-sensitive genic male sterility (P/TGMS). The interaction of chimeric mitochondrial genes with nuclear genes causes CMS, which may be restored by restorer of fertility (Rf) genes. The PGMS, on the other hand, is conditioned by a non-coding RNA gene. A survey of the various CMS and EGMS lines used in hybrid rice production over the past three decades shows that the two-line system utilizing EGMS lines is playing a steadily larger role and TGMS lines predominate the current two-line system for hybrid rice production. The findings and experience gained during development and application of, and research on male sterility in rice not only advanced our understanding but also shed light on applications to other crops.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Zhong Huang
- />State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Institute of Nuclear Agricultural Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310029 China
| | - Zhi-Guo E
- />China National Rice Research Institute, 28 Shuidaosuo Road, Fuyang, 311401 Zhejiang, China
| | - Hua-Li Zhang
- />State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Institute of Nuclear Agricultural Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310029 China
| | - Qing-Yao Shu
- />State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Institute of Nuclear Agricultural Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310029 China
| |
Collapse
|