1
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Hyder U, Challa A, Thornton M, Nandu T, Kraus WL, D’Orso I. KAP1 negatively regulates RNA polymerase II elongation kinetics to activate signal-induced transcription. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.05.592422. [PMID: 38746145 PMCID: PMC11092767 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.05.592422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Signal-induced transcriptional programs regulate critical biological processes through the precise spatiotemporal activation of Immediate Early Genes (IEGs); however, the mechanisms of transcription induction remain poorly understood. By combining an acute depletion system with high resolution genomics approaches to interrogate synchronized, temporal transcription, we reveal that KAP1/TRIM28 is a first responder that fulfills the temporal and heightened transcriptional demand of IEGs. Unexpectedly, acute KAP1 loss triggers an increase in RNA polymerase II elongation kinetics during early stimulation time points. This elongation defect derails the normal progression through the transcriptional cycle during late stimulation time points, ultimately leading to decreased recruitment of the transcription apparatus for re-initiation thereby dampening IEGs transcriptional output. Collectively, KAP1 plays a counterintuitive role by negatively regulating transcription elongation to support full activation across multiple transcription cycles of genes critical for cell physiology and organismal functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usman Hyder
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Ashwini Challa
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Micah Thornton
- Laboratory of Signaling and Gene Regulation, Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Tulip Nandu
- Laboratory of Signaling and Gene Regulation, Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - W. Lee Kraus
- Laboratory of Signaling and Gene Regulation, Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Iván D’Orso
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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2
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Tufan T, Comertpay G, Villani A, Nelson GM, Terekhova M, Kelley S, Zakharov P, Ellison RM, Shpynov O, Raymond M, Sun J, Chen Y, Bockelmann E, Stremska M, Peterson LW, Boeckaerts L, Goldman SR, Etchegaray JI, Artyomov MN, Peri F, Ravichandran KS. Rapid unleashing of macrophage efferocytic capacity via transcriptional pause release. Nature 2024; 628:408-415. [PMID: 38480883 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07172-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
During development, inflammation or tissue injury, macrophages may successively engulf and process multiple apoptotic corpses via efferocytosis to achieve tissue homeostasis1. How macrophages may rapidly adapt their transcription to achieve continuous corpse uptake is incompletely understood. Transcriptional pause/release is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism, in which RNA polymerase (Pol) II initiates transcription for 20-60 nucleotides, is paused for minutes to hours and is then released to make full-length mRNA2. Here we show that macrophages, within minutes of corpse encounter, use transcriptional pause/release to unleash a rapid transcriptional response. For human and mouse macrophages, the Pol II pause/release was required for continuous efferocytosis in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, blocking Pol II pause/release did not impede Fc receptor-mediated phagocytosis, yeast uptake or bacterial phagocytosis. Integration of data from three genomic approaches-precision nuclear run-on sequencing, RNA sequencing, and assay for transposase-accessible chromatin using sequencing (ATAC-seq)-on efferocytic macrophages at different time points revealed that Pol II pause/release controls expression of select transcription factors and downstream target genes. Mechanistic studies on transcription factor EGR3, prominently regulated by pause/release, uncovered EGR3-related reprogramming of other macrophage genes involved in cytoskeleton and corpse processing. Using lysosomal probes and a new genetic fluorescent reporter, we identify a role for pause/release in phagosome acidification during efferocytosis. Furthermore, microglia from egr3-deficient zebrafish embryos displayed reduced phagocytosis of apoptotic neurons and fewer maturing phagosomes, supporting defective corpse processing. Collectively, these data indicate that macrophages use Pol II pause/release as a mechanism to rapidly alter their transcriptional programs for efficient processing of the ingested apoptotic corpses and for successive efferocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Turan Tufan
- Division of Immunobiology, Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Gamze Comertpay
- Division of Immunobiology, Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Ambra Villani
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Geoffrey M Nelson
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marina Terekhova
- Division of Immunobiology, Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Shannon Kelley
- Division of Immunobiology, Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Pavel Zakharov
- Division of Immunobiology, Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Rochelle M Ellison
- Division of Immunobiology, Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Oleg Shpynov
- Division of Immunobiology, Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- JetBrains Research, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Raymond
- Department of Neuroscience and MIC, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Jerry Sun
- Division of Immunobiology, Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Yitan Chen
- Division of Immunobiology, Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Enno Bockelmann
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marta Stremska
- Division of Immunobiology, Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Lance W Peterson
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Laura Boeckaerts
- Unit for Cell Clearance in Health and Disease, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research and the Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Seth R Goldman
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - J Iker Etchegaray
- Division of Immunobiology, Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Maxim N Artyomov
- Division of Immunobiology, Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Francesca Peri
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Kodi S Ravichandran
- Division of Immunobiology, Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience and MIC, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
- Unit for Cell Clearance in Health and Disease, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research and the Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
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3
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Ajit K, Alagia A, Burger K, Gullerova M. Tyrosine 1-phosphorylated RNA polymerase II transcribes PROMPTs to facilitate proximal promoter pausing and induce global transcriptional repression in response to DNA damage. Genome Res 2024; 34:201-216. [PMID: 38467418 PMCID: PMC10984383 DOI: 10.1101/gr.278644.123] [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: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
DNA damage triggers a complex transcriptional response that involves both activation and repression of gene expression. In this study, we investigated global changes in transcription in response to ionizing irradiation (IR), which induces double-strand breaks in DNA. We used mNET-seq to profile nascent transcripts bound to different phosphorylated forms of the RNA polymerase II (RNA Pol II) C-terminal domain (CTD). We found that IR leads to global transcriptional repression of protein-coding genes, accompanied by an increase in antisense transcripts near promoters, called PROMPTs, transcribed by RNA Pol II phosphorylated on tyrosine 1 (Y1P) residue of the CTD. These Y1P-transcribed PROMPTs are enriched for PRC2 binding sites and associated with RNA Pol II proximal promoter pausing. We show the interaction between Y1P RNA Pol II and PRC2, as well as PRC2 binding to PROMPTs. Inhibition of PROMPTs or depletion of PRC2 leads to loss of transcriptional repression. Our results reveal a novel function of Y1P-dependent PROMPTs in mediating PRC2 recruitment to chromatin and RNA Pol II promoter pausing in response to DNA damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamal Ajit
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, Oxford, OX1 3RE, United Kingdom
| | - Adele Alagia
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, Oxford, OX1 3RE, United Kingdom
| | - Kaspar Burger
- Mildred Scheel Early Career Center for Cancer Research, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biocenter of the University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Monika Gullerova
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, Oxford, OX1 3RE, United Kingdom;
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4
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Arnold B, Riegger RJ, Okuda EK, Slišković I, Keller M, Bakisoglu C, McNicoll F, Zarnack K, Müller-McNicoll M. hGRAD: A versatile "one-fits-all" system to acutely deplete RNA binding proteins from condensates. J Cell Biol 2024; 223:e202304030. [PMID: 38108808 PMCID: PMC10726014 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202304030] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuclear RNA binding proteins (RBPs) are difficult to study because they often belong to large protein families and form extensive networks of auto- and crossregulation. They are highly abundant and many localize to condensates with a slow turnover, requiring long depletion times or knockouts that cannot distinguish between direct and indirect or compensatory effects. Here, we developed a system that is optimized for the rapid degradation of nuclear RBPs, called hGRAD. It comes as a "one-fits-all" plasmid, and integration into any cell line with endogenously GFP-tagged proteins allows for an inducible, rapid, and complete knockdown. We show that the nuclear RBPs SRSF3, SRSF5, SRRM2, and NONO are completely cleared from nuclear speckles and paraspeckles within 2 h. hGRAD works in various cell types, is more efficient than previous methods, and does not require the expression of exogenous ubiquitin ligases. Combining SRSF5 hGRAD degradation with Nascent-seq uncovered transient transcript changes, compensatory mechanisms, and an effect of SRSF5 on transcript stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Arnold
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Ricarda J. Riegger
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Ellen Kazumi Okuda
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School for Cellular Biophysics, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Irena Slišković
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Mario Keller
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Cem Bakisoglu
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - François McNicoll
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Kathi Zarnack
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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5
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Solano LE, D’Sa NM, Nikolaidis N. PRRGO: A Tool for Visualizing and Mapping Globally Expressed Genes in Public Gene Expression Omnibus RNA-Sequencing Studies to PageRank-scored Gene Ontology Terms. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.21.576540. [PMID: 38328158 PMCID: PMC10849496 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.21.576540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
We herein report PageRankeR Gene Ontology (PRRGO), a downloadable web application that can integrate differentially expressed gene (DEG) data from the gene expression omnibus (GEO) GEO2R web tool with the gene ontology (GO) database [1]. Unlike existing tools, PRRGO computes the PageRank for the entire GO network and can generate both interactive GO networks on the web interface and comma-separated values (CSV) files containing the DEG statistics categorized by GO term. These hierarchical and tabular GO-DEG data are especially conducive to hypothesis generation and overlap studies with the use of PageRank data, which can provide a metric of GO term centrality. We verified the tool for accuracy and reliability across nine independent heat shock (HS) studies for which the RNA-seq data was publicly available on GEO and found that the tool produced increasing concordance between study DEGs, GO terms, and select HS-specific GO terms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis E. Solano
- Department of Biological Science, Center for Applied Biotechnology Studies, and Center for Computational and Applied Mathematics, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, California State University Fullerton, Fullerton, CA 92834-6850
- Center for Complex Biological Systems, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA
| | - Nicholas M. D’Sa
- Department of Biological Science, Center for Applied Biotechnology Studies, and Center for Computational and Applied Mathematics, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, California State University Fullerton, Fullerton, CA 92834-6850
- University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA
| | - Nikolas Nikolaidis
- Department of Biological Science, Center for Applied Biotechnology Studies, and Center for Computational and Applied Mathematics, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, California State University Fullerton, Fullerton, CA 92834-6850
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6
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Tullius TW, Isaac RS, Ranchalis J, Dubocanin D, Churchman LS, Stergachis AB. RNA polymerases reshape chromatin and coordinate transcription on individual fibers. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.22.573133. [PMID: 38187631 PMCID: PMC10769320 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.22.573133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
During eukaryotic transcription, RNA polymerases must initiate and pause within a crowded, complex environment, surrounded by nucleosomes and other transcriptional activity. This environment creates a spatial arrangement along individual chromatin fibers ripe for both competition and coordination, yet these relationships remain largely unknown owing to the inherent limitations of traditional structural and sequencing methodologies. To address these limitations, we employed long-read chromatin fiber sequencing (Fiber-seq) to visualize RNA polymerases within their native chromatin context at single-molecule and near single-nucleotide resolution along up to 30 kb fibers. We demonstrate that Fiber-seq enables the identification of single-molecule RNA Polymerase (Pol) II and III transcription associated footprints, which, in aggregate, mirror bulk short-read sequencing-based measurements of transcription. We show that Pol II pausing destabilizes downstream nucleosomes, with frequently paused genes maintaining a short-term memory of these destabilized nucleosomes. Furthermore, we demonstrate pervasive direct coordination and anti-coordination between nearby Pol II genes, Pol III genes, transcribed enhancers, and insulator elements. This coordination is largely limited to spatially organized elements within 5 kb of each other, implicating short-range chromatin environments as a predominant determinant of coordinated polymerase initiation. Overall, transcription initiation reshapes surrounding nucleosome architecture and coordinates nearby transcriptional machinery along individual chromatin fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas W Tullius
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - R Stefan Isaac
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jane Ranchalis
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Danilo Dubocanin
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - L Stirling Churchman
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Andrew B Stergachis
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
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7
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Liu L, Zhao Y, Siepel A. DNA-sequence and epigenomic determinants of local rates of transcription elongation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.21.572932. [PMID: 38187771 PMCID: PMC10769381 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.21.572932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Across all branches of life, transcription elongation is a crucial, regulated phase in gene expression. Many recent studies in eukaryotes have focused on the regulation of promoter-proximal pausing of RNA Polymerase II (Pol II), but rates of productive elongation also vary substantially throughout the gene body, both within and across genes. Here, we introduce a probabilistic model for systematically evaluating potential determinants of the local elongation rate based on nascent RNA sequencing (NRS) data. Our model is derived from a unified model for both the kinetics of Pol II movement along the DNA template and the generation of NRS read counts at steady state. It allows for a continuously variable elongation rate along the gene body, with the rate at each nucleotide defined by a generalized linear relationship with nearby genomic and epigenomic features. High-dimensional feature vectors are accommodated through a sparse-regression extension. We show with simulations that the model allows accurate detection of associated features and accurate prediction of local elongation rates. In an analysis of public PRO-seq and epigenomic data, we identify several features that are strongly associated with reductions in the local elongation rate, including DNA methylation, splice sites, RNA stem-loops, CTCF binding sites, and several histone marks, including H3K36me3 and H4K20me1. By contrast, low-complexity sequences and H3K79me2 marks are associated with increases in elongation rate. In an analysis of DNA k -mers, we find that cytosine nucleotides are strongly associated with reductions in local elongation rate, particularly when preceded by guanines and followed by adenines or thymines. Increases in elongation rate are associated with thymines and A+T-rich k -mers. These associations are generally shared across cell types, and by considering them our model is effective at predicting features of held-out PRO-seq data. Overall, our analysis is the first to permit genome-wide predictions of relative nucleotide-specific elongation rates based on complex sets of genomic and epigenomic covariates. We have made predictions available for the K562, CD14+, MCF-7, and HeLa-S3 cell types in a UCSC Genome Browser track.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingjie Liu
- Simons Center for Quantitative Biology, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY
- Graduate Program in Genetics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
| | - Yixin Zhao
- Simons Center for Quantitative Biology, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY
| | - Adam Siepel
- Simons Center for Quantitative Biology, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY
- Graduate Program in Genetics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
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8
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Zhao Y, Liu L, Hassett R, Siepel A. Model-based characterization of the equilibrium dynamics of transcription initiation and promoter-proximal pausing in human cells. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:e106. [PMID: 37889042 PMCID: PMC10681744 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In metazoans, both transcription initiation and the escape of RNA polymerase (RNAP) from promoter-proximal pausing are key rate-limiting steps in gene expression. These processes play out at physically proximal sites on the DNA template and appear to influence one another through steric interactions. Here, we examine the dynamics of these processes using a combination of statistical modeling, simulation, and analysis of real nascent RNA sequencing data. We develop a simple probabilistic model that jointly describes the kinetics of transcription initiation, pause-escape, and elongation, and the generation of nascent RNA sequencing read counts under steady-state conditions. We then extend this initial model to allow for variability across cells in promoter-proximal pause site locations and steric hindrance of transcription initiation from paused RNAPs. In an extensive series of simulations, we show that this model enables accurate estimation of initiation and pause-escape rates. Furthermore, we show by simulation and analysis of real data that pause-escape is often strongly rate-limiting and that steric hindrance can dramatically reduce initiation rates. Our modeling framework is applicable to a variety of inference problems, and our software for estimation and simulation is freely available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixin Zhao
- Simons Center for Quantitative Biology, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
| | - Lingjie Liu
- Simons Center for Quantitative Biology, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
- Graduate Program in Genetics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Rebecca Hassett
- Simons Center for Quantitative Biology, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
| | - Adam Siepel
- Simons Center for Quantitative Biology, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
- Graduate Program in Genetics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
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9
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D’Orso I, Forst CV. Mathematical Models of HIV-1 Dynamics, Transcription, and Latency. Viruses 2023; 15:2119. [PMID: 37896896 PMCID: PMC10612035 DOI: 10.3390/v15102119] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
HIV-1 latency is a major barrier to curing infections with antiretroviral therapy and, consequently, to eliminating the disease globally. The establishment, maintenance, and potential clearance of latent infection are complex dynamic processes and can be best described with the help of mathematical models followed by experimental validation. Here, we review the use of viral dynamics models for HIV-1, with a focus on applications to the latent reservoir. Such models have been used to explain the multi-phasic decay of viral load during antiretroviral therapy, the early seeding of the latent reservoir during acute infection and the limited inflow during treatment, the dynamics of viral blips, and the phenomenon of post-treatment control. Finally, we discuss that mathematical models have been used to predict the efficacy of potential HIV-1 cure strategies, such as latency-reversing agents, early treatment initiation, or gene therapies, and to provide guidance for designing trials of these novel interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iván D’Orso
- Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA;
| | - Christian V. Forst
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
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10
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Ramalingam V, Yu X, Slaughter BD, Unruh JR, Brennan KJ, Onyshchenko A, Lange JJ, Natarajan M, Buck M, Zeitlinger J. Lola-I is a promoter pioneer factor that establishes de novo Pol II pausing during development. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5862. [PMID: 37735176 PMCID: PMC10514308 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41408-1] [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: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
While the accessibility of enhancers is dynamically regulated during development, promoters tend to be constitutively accessible and poised for activation by paused Pol II. By studying Lola-I, a Drosophila zinc finger transcription factor, we show here that the promoter state can also be subject to developmental regulation independently of gene activation. Lola-I is ubiquitously expressed at the end of embryogenesis and causes its target promoters to become accessible and acquire paused Pol II throughout the embryo. This promoter transition is required but not sufficient for tissue-specific target gene activation. Lola-I mediates this function by depleting promoter nucleosomes, similar to the action of pioneer factors at enhancers. These results uncover a level of regulation for promoters that is normally found at enhancers and reveal a mechanism for the de novo establishment of paused Pol II at promoters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivekanandan Ramalingam
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center----, Kansas City, KS, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Xinyang Yu
- Department of Biochemistry, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | | | - Jay R Unruh
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | | | | | - Jeffrey J Lange
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | | | - Michael Buck
- Department of Biochemistry, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Julia Zeitlinger
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center----, Kansas City, KS, USA.
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11
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Xu W, Li X. Regulation of Pol II Pausing during Daily Gene Transcription in Mouse Liver. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1107. [PMID: 37626993 PMCID: PMC10452108 DOI: 10.3390/biology12081107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Cell autonomous circadian oscillation is present in central and various peripheral tissues. The intrinsic tissue clock and various extrinsic cues drive gene expression rhythms. Transcription regulation is thought to be the main driving force for gene rhythms. However, how transcription rhythms arise remains to be fully characterized due to the fact that transcription is regulated at multiple steps. In particular, Pol II recruitment, pause release, and premature transcription termination are critical regulatory steps that determine the status of Pol II pausing and transcription output near the transcription start site (TSS) of the promoter. Recently, we showed that Pol II pausing exhibits genome-wide changes during daily transcription in mouse liver. In this article, we review historical as well as recent findings on the regulation of transcription rhythms by the circadian clock and other transcription factors, and the potential limitations of those results in explaining rhythmic transcription at the TSS. We then discuss our results on the genome-wide characteristics of daily changes in Pol II pausing, the possible regulatory mechanisms involved, and their relevance to future research on circadian transcription regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xiaodong Li
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China;
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12
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Klein DC, Lardo SM, McCannell KN, Hainer SJ. FACT regulates pluripotency through proximal and distal regulation of gene expression in murine embryonic stem cells. BMC Biol 2023; 21:167. [PMID: 37542287 PMCID: PMC10403911 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01669-0] [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: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The FACT complex is a conserved histone chaperone with critical roles in transcription and histone deposition. FACT is essential in pluripotent and cancer cells, but otherwise dispensable for most mammalian cell types. FACT deletion or inhibition can block induction of pluripotent stem cells, yet the mechanism through which FACT regulates cell fate decisions remains unclear. RESULTS To explore the mechanism for FACT function, we generated AID-tagged murine embryonic cell lines for FACT subunit SPT16 and paired depletion with nascent transcription and chromatin accessibility analyses. We also analyzed SPT16 occupancy using CUT&RUN and found that SPT16 localizes to both promoter and enhancer elements, with a strong overlap in binding with OCT4, SOX2, and NANOG. Over a timecourse of SPT16 depletion, nucleosomes invade new loci, including promoters, regions bound by SPT16, OCT4, SOX2, and NANOG, and TSS-distal DNaseI hypersensitive sites. Simultaneously, transcription of Pou5f1 (encoding OCT4), Sox2, Nanog, and enhancer RNAs produced from these genes' associated enhancers are downregulated. CONCLUSIONS We propose that FACT maintains cellular pluripotency through a precise nucleosome-based regulatory mechanism for appropriate expression of both coding and non-coding transcripts associated with pluripotency.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Klein
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Santana M Lardo
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Kurtis N McCannell
- Department of Biology and Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Sarah J Hainer
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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13
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DeBerardine M, Booth GT, Versluis PP, Lis JT. The NELF pausing checkpoint mediates the functional divergence of Cdk9. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2762. [PMID: 37179384 PMCID: PMC10182999 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38359-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Promoter-proximal pausing by RNA Pol II is a rate-determining step in gene transcription that is hypothesized to be a prominent point at which regulatory factors act. The pausing factor NELF is known to induce and stabilize pausing, but not all kinds of pausing are NELF-mediated. Here, we find that NELF-depleted Drosophila melanogaster cells functionally recapitulate the NELF-independent pausing we previously observed in fission yeast (which lack NELF). Critically, only NELF-mediated pausing establishes a strict requirement for Cdk9 kinase activity for the release of paused Pol II into productive elongation. Upon inhibition of Cdk9, cells with NELF efficiently shutdown gene transcription, while in NELF-depleted cells, defective, non-productive transcription continues unabated. By introducing a strict checkpoint for Cdk9, the evolution of NELF was likely critical to enable increased regulation of Cdk9 in higher eukaryotes, as Cdk9 availability can be restricted to limit gene transcription without inducing wasteful, non-productive transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael DeBerardine
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Gregory T Booth
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Kanvas Biosciences, Monmouth Junction, NJ, USA
| | - Philip P Versluis
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - John T Lis
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
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14
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Chivu AG, Abuhashem A, Barshad G, Rice EJ, Leger MM, Vill AC, Wong W, Brady R, Smith JJ, Wikramanayake AH, Arenas-Mena C, Brito IL, Ruiz-Trillo I, Hadjantonakis AK, Lis JT, Lewis JJ, Danko CG. Evolution of promoter-proximal pausing enabled a new layer of transcription control. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2679520. [PMID: 36993251 PMCID: PMC10055653 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2679520/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Promoter-proximal pausing of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) is a key regulatory step during transcription. Despite the central role of pausing in gene regulation, we do not understand the evolutionary processes that led to the emergence of Pol II pausing or its transition to a rate-limiting step actively controlled by transcription factors. Here we analyzed transcription in species across the tree of life. We found that unicellular eukaryotes display a slow acceleration of Pol II near transcription start sites. This proto-paused-like state transitioned to a longer, focused pause in derived metazoans which coincided with the evolution of new subunits in the NELF and 7SK complexes. Depletion of NELF reverts the mammalian focal pause to a proto-pause-like state and compromises transcriptional activation for a set of heat shock genes. Collectively, this work details the evolutionary history of Pol II pausing and sheds light on how new transcriptional regulatory mechanisms evolve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra G. Chivu
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Abderhman Abuhashem
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, NY 10065, USA
- Weill Cornell/Rockefeller/Sloan Kettering Tri-Institutional MD-PhD Program, NY 10065, USA
- Biochemistry Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Cornell University, NY 10065, USA
| | - Gilad Barshad
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Edward J. Rice
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Michelle M. Leger
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Barcelona, 08003, Spain
| | - Albert C. Vill
- Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Wilfred Wong
- Computational and Systems Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Tri-Institutional training Program in Computational Biology and Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Rebecca Brady
- Department of Biology, Ithaca College, Ithaca NY 14850, USA
| | - Jeramiah J. Smith
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
| | | | - César Arenas-Mena
- Department of Biology at the College of Staten Island and PhD Programs in Biology and Biochemistry at The Graduate Center, The City University of New York (CUNY), Staten Island, NY 10314, USA
| | - Ilana L. Brito
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| | - Iñaki Ruiz-Trillo
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Barcelona, 08003, Spain
- ICREA, Pg. Lluis Companys 23, 08010 Barcelona, Spain., Barcelona, 08003, Spain
| | - Anna-Katerina Hadjantonakis
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, NY 10065, USA
- Biochemistry Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Cornell University, NY 10065, USA
| | - John T. Lis
- Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - James J. Lewis
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
- Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Clemson University, 105 Collings St, Clemson, SC 29634
| | - Charles G. Danko
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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15
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Das SK, Lewis BA, Levens D. MYC: a complex problem. Trends Cell Biol 2023; 33:235-246. [PMID: 35963793 PMCID: PMC9911561 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2022.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The MYC protooncogene functions as a universal amplifier of transcription through interaction with numerous factors and complexes that regulate almost every cellular process. However, a comprehensive model that explains MYC's actions and the interplay governing the complicated dynamics of components of the transcription and replication machinery is still lacking. Here, we review the potency of MYC as an oncogenic driver and how it regulates the broad spectrum of complexes (effectors and regulators). We propose a 'hand-over model' for differential partitioning and trafficking of unstructured MYC via a loose interaction network between various gene-regulatory complexes and factors. Additionally, the article discusses how unstructured-MYC energetically favors efficient modulation of the energy landscape of the transcription cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhendu K Das
- Gene Regulation Section, Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Bethesda, MD 20892-1500, USA
| | - Brian A Lewis
- Gene Regulation Section, Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Bethesda, MD 20892-1500, USA
| | - David Levens
- Gene Regulation Section, Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Bethesda, MD 20892-1500, USA.
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16
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Akcan TS, Vilov S, Heinig M. Predictive model of transcriptional elongation control identifies trans regulatory factors from chromatin signatures. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:1608-1624. [PMID: 36727445 PMCID: PMC9976927 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac1272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Promoter-proximal Polymerase II (Pol II) pausing is a key rate-limiting step for gene expression. DNA and RNA-binding trans-acting factors regulating the extent of pausing have been identified. However, we lack a quantitative model of how interactions of these factors determine pausing, therefore the relative importance of implicated factors is unknown. Moreover, previously unknown regulators might exist. Here we address this gap with a machine learning model that accurately predicts the extent of promoter-proximal Pol II pausing from large-scale genome and transcriptome binding maps and gene annotation and sequence composition features. We demonstrate high accuracy and generalizability of the model by validation on an independent cell line which reveals the model's cell line agnostic character. Model interpretation in light of prior knowledge about molecular functions of regulatory factors confirms the interconnection of pausing with other RNA processing steps. Harnessing underlying feature contributions, we assess the relative importance of each factor, quantify their predictive effects and systematically identify previously unknown regulators of pausing. We additionally identify 16 previously unknown 7SK ncRNA interacting RNA-binding proteins predictive of pausing. Our work provides a framework to further our understanding of the regulation of the critical early steps in transcriptional elongation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toray S Akcan
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany.,Department of Computer Science, TUM School of Computation, Information and Technology, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sergey Vilov
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Matthias Heinig
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany.,Department of Computer Science, TUM School of Computation, Information and Technology, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Munich Heart Association, Partner Site Munich, 10785 Berlin, Germany
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17
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Balaban C, Sztacho M, Antiga L, Miladinović A, Harata M, Hozák P. PIP2-Effector Protein MPRIP Regulates RNA Polymerase II Condensation and Transcription. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13030426. [PMID: 36979361 PMCID: PMC10046169 DOI: 10.3390/biom13030426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The specific post-translational modifications of the C-terminal domain (CTD) of the Rpb1 subunit of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) correlate with different stages of transcription. The phosphorylation of the Ser5 residues of this domain associates with the initiation condensates, which are formed through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). The subsequent Tyr1 phosphorylation of the CTD peaks at the promoter-proximal region and is involved in the pause-release of RNAPII. By implementing super-resolution microscopy techniques, we previously reported that the nuclear Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) associates with the Ser5-phosphorylated-RNAPII complex and facilitates the RNAPII transcription. In this study, we identified Myosin Phosphatase Rho-Interacting Protein (MPRIP) as a novel regulator of the RNAPII transcription that recruits Tyr1-phosphorylated CTD (Tyr1P-CTD) to nuclear PIP2-containing structures. The depletion of MPRIP increases the number of the initiation condensates, indicating a defect in the transcription. We hypothesize that MPRIP regulates the condensation and transcription through affecting the association of the RNAPII complex with nuclear PIP2-rich structures. The identification of Tyr1P-CTD as an interactor of PIP2 and MPRIP further points to a regulatory role in RNAPII pause-release, where the susceptibility of the transcriptional complex to leave the initiation condensate depends on its association with nuclear PIP2-rich structures. Moreover, the N-terminal domain of MPRIP, which is responsible for the interaction with the Tyr1P-CTD, contains an F-actin binding region that offers an explanation of how nuclear F-actin formations can affect the RNAPII transcription and condensation. Overall, our findings shed light on the role of PIP2 in RNAPII transcription through identifying the F-actin binding protein MPRIP as a transcription regulator and a determinant of the condensation of RNAPII.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Balaban
- Department of Biology of the Cell Nucleus, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Sztacho
- Department of Biology of the Cell Nucleus, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
- Correspondence: (M.S.); (P.H.)
| | - Ludovica Antiga
- Department of Biology of the Cell Nucleus, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ana Miladinović
- Department of Biology of the Cell Nucleus, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Masahiko Harata
- Laboratory of Molecular Biochemistry, Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1, Aramaki Aza Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-0845, Japan
| | - Pavel Hozák
- Department of Biology of the Cell Nucleus, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
- Correspondence: (M.S.); (P.H.)
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18
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Abuhashem A, Chivu AG, Zhao Y, Rice EJ, Siepel A, Danko CG, Hadjantonakis AK. RNA Pol II pausing facilitates phased pluripotency transitions by buffering transcription. Genes Dev 2022; 36:gad.349565.122. [PMID: 35981753 PMCID: PMC9480856 DOI: 10.1101/gad.349565.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Promoter-proximal RNA Pol II pausing is a critical step in transcriptional control. Pol II pausing has been predominantly studied in tissue culture systems. While Pol II pausing has been shown to be required for mammalian development, the phenotypic and mechanistic details of this requirement are unknown. Here, we found that loss of Pol II pausing stalls pluripotent state transitions within the epiblast of the early mouse embryo. Using Nelfb -/- mice and a NELFB degron mouse pluripotent stem cell model, we show that embryonic stem cells (ESCs) representing the naïve state of pluripotency successfully initiate a transition program but fail to balance levels of induced and repressed genes and enhancers in the absence of NELF. We found an increase in chromatin-associated NELF during transition from the naïve to later pluripotent states. Overall, our work defines the acute and long-term molecular consequences of NELF loss and reveals a role for Pol II pausing in the pluripotency continuum as a modulator of cell state transitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abderhman Abuhashem
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
- Weill Cornell/Rockefeller/Sloan Kettering Tri-Institutional MD-PhD Program, New York, New York 10065, USA
- Biochemistry Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Cornell University, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Alexandra G Chivu
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
| | - Yixin Zhao
- Simons Center for Quantitative Biology, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York 11724, USA
| | - Edward J Rice
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
| | - Adam Siepel
- Simons Center for Quantitative Biology, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York 11724, USA
| | - Charles G Danko
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
| | - Anna-Katerina Hadjantonakis
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
- Biochemistry Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Cornell University, New York, New York 10065, USA
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19
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Kyung J, Jeon M, Lee I. Recent advances in the chromatin-based mechanism of FLOWERING LOCUS C repression through autonomous pathway genes. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:964931. [PMID: 36035698 PMCID: PMC9411803 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.964931] [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: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Proper timing of flowering, a phase transition from vegetative to reproductive development, is crucial for plant fitness. The floral repressor FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) is the major determinant of flowering in Arabidopsis thaliana. In rapid-cycling A. thaliana accessions, which bloom rapidly, FLC is constitutively repressed by autonomous pathway (AP) genes, regardless of photoperiod. Diverse AP genes have been identified over the past two decades, and most of them repress FLC through histone modifications. However, the detailed mechanism underlying such modifications remains unclear. Several recent studies have revealed novel mechanisms to control FLC repression in concert with histone modifications. This review summarizes the latest advances in understanding the novel mechanisms by which AP proteins regulate FLC repression, including changes in chromatin architecture, RNA polymerase pausing, and liquid-liquid phase separation- and ncRNA-mediated gene silencing. Furthermore, we discuss how each mechanism is coupled with histone modifications in FLC chromatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinseul Kyung
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
- Research Center for Plant Plasticity, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Myeongjune Jeon
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
- Research Center for Plant Plasticity, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ilha Lee
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
- Research Center for Plant Plasticity, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
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20
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Himanen SV, Puustinen MC, Da Silva AJ, Vihervaara A, Sistonen L. HSFs drive transcription of distinct genes and enhancers during oxidative stress and heat shock. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:6102-6115. [PMID: 35687139 PMCID: PMC9226494 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Reprogramming of transcription is critical for the survival under cellular stress. Heat shock has provided an excellent model to investigate nascent transcription in stressed cells, but the molecular mechanisms orchestrating RNA synthesis during other types of stress are unknown. We utilized PRO-seq and ChIP-seq to study how Heat Shock Factors, HSF1 and HSF2, coordinate transcription at genes and enhancers upon oxidative stress and heat shock. We show that pause-release of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) is a universal mechanism regulating gene transcription in stressed cells, while enhancers are activated at the level of Pol II recruitment. Moreover, besides functioning as conventional promoter-binding transcription factors, HSF1 and HSF2 bind to stress-induced enhancers to trigger Pol II pause-release from poised gene promoters. Importantly, HSFs act at distinct genes and enhancers in a stress type-specific manner. HSF1 binds to many chaperone genes upon oxidative and heat stress but activates them only in heat-shocked cells. Under oxidative stress, HSF1 localizes to a unique set of promoters and enhancers to trans-activate oxidative stress-specific genes. Taken together, we show that HSFs function as multi-stress-responsive factors that activate distinct genes and enhancers when encountering changes in temperature and redox state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samu V Himanen
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Cell Biology, Åbo Akademi University, 20520 Turku, Finland.,Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Mikael C Puustinen
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Cell Biology, Åbo Akademi University, 20520 Turku, Finland.,Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Alejandro J Da Silva
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Cell Biology, Åbo Akademi University, 20520 Turku, Finland.,Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Anniina Vihervaara
- Department of Gene Technology, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 17165 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lea Sistonen
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Cell Biology, Åbo Akademi University, 20520 Turku, Finland.,Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, 20520 Turku, Finland
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21
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Xiong L, Tolen EA, Choi J, Velychko S, Caizzi L, Velychko T, Adachi K, MacCarthy CM, Lidschreiber M, Cramer P, Schöler HR. Oct4 differentially regulates chromatin opening and enhancer transcription in pluripotent stem cells. eLife 2022; 11:71533. [PMID: 35621159 PMCID: PMC9142147 DOI: 10.7554/elife.71533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor Oct4 is essential for the maintenance and induction of stem cell pluripotency, but its functional roles are not fully understood. Here, we investigate the functions of Oct4 by depleting and subsequently recovering it in mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and conducting a time-resolved multiomics analysis. Oct4 depletion leads to an immediate loss of its binding to enhancers, accompanied by a decrease in mRNA synthesis from its target genes that are part of the transcriptional network that maintains pluripotency. Gradual decrease of Oct4 binding to enhancers does not immediately change the chromatin accessibility but reduces transcription of enhancers. Conversely, partial recovery of Oct4 expression results in a rapid increase in chromatin accessibility, whereas enhancer transcription does not fully recover. These results indicate different concentration-dependent activities of Oct4. Whereas normal ESC levels of Oct4 are required for transcription of pluripotency enhancers, low levels of Oct4 are sufficient to retain chromatin accessibility, likely together with other factors such as Sox2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Xiong
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Erik A Tolen
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Münster, Germany
| | - Jinmi Choi
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sergiy Velychko
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Münster, Germany
| | - Livia Caizzi
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Taras Velychko
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Kenjiro Adachi
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Münster, Germany
| | - Caitlin M MacCarthy
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Münster, Germany
| | - Michael Lidschreiber
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Patrick Cramer
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Hans R Schöler
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Münster, Germany
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22
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Baar T, Dümcke S, Gressel S, Schwalb B, Dilthey A, Cramer P, Tresch A. RNA transcription and degradation of Alu retrotransposons depends on sequence features and evolutionary history. G3 GENES|GENOMES|GENETICS 2022; 12:6543614. [PMID: 35253846 PMCID: PMC9073682 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkac054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Alu elements are one of the most successful groups of RNA retrotransposons and make up 11% of the human genome with over 1 million individual loci. They are linked to genetic defects, increases in sequence diversity, and influence transcriptional activity. Still, their RNA metabolism is poorly understood yet. It is even unclear whether Alu elements are mostly transcribed by RNA Polymerase II or III. We have conducted a transcription shutoff experiment by α-amanitin and metabolic RNA labeling by 4-thiouridine combined with RNA fragmentation (TT-seq) and RNA-seq to shed further light on the origin and life cycle of Alu transcripts. We find that Alu RNAs are more stable than previously thought and seem to originate in part from RNA Polymerase II activity, as previous reports suggest. Their expression however seems to be independent of the transcriptional activity of adjacent genes. Furthermore, we have developed a novel statistical test for detecting the expression of quantitative trait loci in Alu elements that relies on the de Bruijn graph representation of all Alu sequences. It controls for both statistical significance and biological relevance using a tuned k-mer representation, discovering influential sequence features missed by regular motif search. In addition, we discover several point mutations using a generalized linear model, and motifs of interest, which also match transcription factor-binding motifs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Till Baar
- Institute of Medical Statistics and Computational Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne 50937, Germany
| | | | - Saskia Gressel
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen 37077, Germany
| | - Björn Schwalb
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen 37077, Germany
| | - Alexander Dilthey
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
| | - Patrick Cramer
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen 37077, Germany
| | - Achim Tresch
- Institute of Medical Statistics and Computational Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne 50937, Germany
- CECAD, University of Cologne, Cologne 50931, Germany
- Center for Data and Simulation Science, University of Cologne, Cologne 50923, Germany
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23
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Heat shock induces premature transcript termination and reconfigures the human transcriptome. Mol Cell 2022; 82:1573-1588.e10. [PMID: 35114099 PMCID: PMC9098121 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2022.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The heat shock (HS) response involves rapid induction of HS genes, whereas transcriptional repression is established more slowly at most other genes. Previous data suggested that such repression results from inhibition of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) pause release, but here, we show that HS strongly affects other phases of the transcription cycle. Intriguingly, while elongation rates increase upon HS, processivity markedly decreases, so that RNAPII frequently fails to reach the end of genes. Indeed, HS results in widespread premature transcript termination at cryptic, intronic polyadenylation (IPA) sites near gene 5'-ends, likely via inhibition of U1 telescripting. This results in dramatic reconfiguration of the human transcriptome with production of new, previously unannotated, short mRNAs that accumulate in the nucleus. Together, these results shed new light on the basic transcription mechanisms induced by growth at elevated temperature and show that a genome-wide shift toward usage of IPA sites can occur under physiological conditions.
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24
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Agapov A, Olina A, Kulbachinskiy A. OUP accepted manuscript. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:3018-3041. [PMID: 35323981 PMCID: PMC8989532 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular DNA is continuously transcribed into RNA by multisubunit RNA polymerases (RNAPs). The continuity of transcription can be disrupted by DNA lesions that arise from the activities of cellular enzymes, reactions with endogenous and exogenous chemicals or irradiation. Here, we review available data on translesion RNA synthesis by multisubunit RNAPs from various domains of life, define common principles and variations in DNA damage sensing by RNAP, and consider existing controversies in the field of translesion transcription. Depending on the type of DNA lesion, it may be correctly bypassed by RNAP, or lead to transcriptional mutagenesis, or result in transcription stalling. Various lesions can affect the loading of the templating base into the active site of RNAP, or interfere with nucleotide binding and incorporation into RNA, or impair RNAP translocation. Stalled RNAP acts as a sensor of DNA damage during transcription-coupled repair. The outcome of DNA lesion recognition by RNAP depends on the interplay between multiple transcription and repair factors, which can stimulate RNAP bypass or increase RNAP stalling, and plays the central role in maintaining the DNA integrity. Unveiling the mechanisms of translesion transcription in various systems is thus instrumental for understanding molecular pathways underlying gene regulation and genome stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksei Agapov
- Correspondence may also be addressed to Aleksei Agapov. Tel: +7 499 196 0015; Fax: +7 499 196 0015;
| | - Anna Olina
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute” Moscow 123182, Russia
| | - Andrey Kulbachinskiy
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +7 499 196 0015; Fax: +7 499 196 0015;
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25
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Shao R, Kumar B, Lidschreiber K, Lidschreiber M, Cramer P, Elsässer SJ. Distinct transcription kinetics of pluripotent cell states. Mol Syst Biol 2022; 18:e10407. [PMID: 35020268 PMCID: PMC8754154 DOI: 10.15252/msb.202110407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) can adopt naïve, ground, and paused pluripotent states that give rise to unique transcriptomes. Here, we use transient transcriptome sequencing (TT-seq) to define both coding and non-coding transcription units (TUs) in these three pluripotent states and combine TT-seq with RNA polymerase II occupancy profiling to unravel the kinetics of RNA metabolism genome-wide. Compared to the naïve state (serum), RNA synthesis and turnover rates are globally reduced in the ground state (2i) and the paused state (mTORi). The global reduction in RNA synthesis goes along with a genome-wide decrease of polymerase elongation velocity, which is related to epigenomic features and alterations in the Pol II termination window. Our data suggest that transcription activity is the main determinant of steady state mRNA levels in the naïve state and that genome-wide changes in transcription kinetics invoke ground and paused pluripotent states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Shao
- Science for Life LaboratoryDepartment of Medical Biochemistry and BiophysicsDivision of Genome BiologyKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
- Ming Wai Lau Centre for Reparative MedicineStockholm nodeKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - Banushree Kumar
- Science for Life LaboratoryDepartment of Medical Biochemistry and BiophysicsDivision of Genome BiologyKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
- Ming Wai Lau Centre for Reparative MedicineStockholm nodeKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - Katja Lidschreiber
- Department of Biosciences and NutritionKarolinska InstitutetHuddingeSweden
- Department of Molecular BiologyMax Planck Institute for Biophysical ChemistryGöttingenGermany
| | - Michael Lidschreiber
- Department of Biosciences and NutritionKarolinska InstitutetHuddingeSweden
- Department of Molecular BiologyMax Planck Institute for Biophysical ChemistryGöttingenGermany
| | - Patrick Cramer
- Department of Biosciences and NutritionKarolinska InstitutetHuddingeSweden
- Department of Molecular BiologyMax Planck Institute for Biophysical ChemistryGöttingenGermany
| | - Simon J Elsässer
- Science for Life LaboratoryDepartment of Medical Biochemistry and BiophysicsDivision of Genome BiologyKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
- Ming Wai Lau Centre for Reparative MedicineStockholm nodeKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
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26
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Abuhashem A, Garg V, Hadjantonakis AK. RNA polymerase II pausing in development: orchestrating transcription. Open Biol 2022; 12:210220. [PMID: 34982944 PMCID: PMC8727152 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.210220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The coordinated regulation of transcriptional networks underpins cellular identity and developmental progression. RNA polymerase II promoter-proximal pausing (Pol II pausing) is a prevalent mechanism by which cells can control and synchronize transcription. Pol II pausing regulates the productive elongation step of transcription at key genes downstream of a variety of signalling pathways, such as FGF and Nodal. Recent advances in our understanding of the Pol II pausing machinery and its role in transcription call for an assessment of these findings within the context of development. In this review, we discuss our current understanding of the molecular basis of Pol II pausing and its function during organismal development. By critically assessing the tools used to study this process we conclude that combining recently developed genomics approaches with refined perturbation systems has the potential to expand our understanding of Pol II pausing mechanistically and functionally in the context of development and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abderhman Abuhashem
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA,Weill Cornell/Rockefeller/Sloan Kettering Tri-Institutional MD-PhD Program, New York, NY 10021, USA,Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Vidur Garg
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Anna-Katerina Hadjantonakis
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA,Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021, USA
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27
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Parrello D, Vlasenok M, Kranz L, Nechaev S. Targeting the Transcriptome Through Globally Acting Components. Front Genet 2021; 12:749850. [PMID: 34603400 PMCID: PMC8481634 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.749850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription is a step in gene expression that defines the identity of cells and its dysregulation is associated with diseases. With advancing technologies revealing molecular underpinnings of the cell with ever-higher precision, our ability to view the transcriptomes may have surpassed our knowledge of the principles behind their organization. The human RNA polymerase II (Pol II) machinery comprises thousands of components that, in conjunction with epigenetic and other mechanisms, drive specialized programs of development, differentiation, and responses to the environment. Parts of these programs are repurposed in oncogenic transformation. Targeting of cancers is commonly done by inhibiting general or broadly acting components of the cellular machinery. The critical unanswered question is how globally acting or general factors exert cell type specific effects on transcription. One solution, which is discussed here, may be among the events that take place at genes during early Pol II transcription elongation. This essay turns the spotlight on the well-known phenomenon of promoter-proximal Pol II pausing as a step that separates signals that establish pausing genome-wide from those that release the paused Pol II into the gene. Concepts generated in this rapidly developing field will enhance our understanding of basic principles behind transcriptome organization and hopefully translate into better therapies at the bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien Parrello
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine, Grand Forks, ND, United States
| | - Maria Vlasenok
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Lincoln Kranz
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine, Grand Forks, ND, United States
| | - Sergei Nechaev
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine, Grand Forks, ND, United States
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28
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Castillo-Guzman D, Chédin F. Defining R-loop classes and their contributions to genome instability. DNA Repair (Amst) 2021; 106:103182. [PMID: 34303066 PMCID: PMC8691176 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2021.103182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
R-loops are non-B DNA structures that form during transcription when the nascent RNA anneals to the template DNA strand forming a RNA:DNA hybrid. Understanding the genomic distribution and function of R-loops is an important goal, since R-loops have been implicated in a number of adaptive and maladaptive processes under physiological and pathological conditions. Based on R-loop mapping datasets, we propose the existence of two main classes of R-loops, each associated with unique characteristics. Promoter-paused R-loops (Class I) are short R-loops that form at high frequency during promoter-proximal pausing by RNA polymerase II. Elongation-associated R-loops (Class II) are long structures that occur throughout gene bodies at modest frequencies. We further discuss the relationships between each R-loop class with instances of genome instability and suggest that increased class I R-loops, resulting from enhanced promoter-proximal pausing, represent the main culprits for R-loop mediated genome instability under pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisy Castillo-Guzman
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Genome Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, United States
| | - Frédéric Chédin
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Genome Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, United States.
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29
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Pancholi A, Klingberg T, Zhang W, Prizak R, Mamontova I, Noa A, Sobucki M, Kobitski AY, Nienhaus GU, Zaburdaev V, Hilbert L. RNA polymerase II clusters form in line with surface condensation on regulatory chromatin. Mol Syst Biol 2021; 17:e10272. [PMID: 34569155 PMCID: PMC8474054 DOI: 10.15252/msb.202110272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
It is essential for cells to control which genes are transcribed into RNA. In eukaryotes, two major control points are recruitment of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) into a paused state, and subsequent pause release toward transcription. Pol II recruitment and pause release occur in association with macromolecular clusters, which were proposed to be formed by a liquid-liquid phase separation mechanism. How such a phase separation mechanism relates to the interaction of Pol II with DNA during recruitment and transcription, however, remains poorly understood. Here, we use live and super-resolution microscopy in zebrafish embryos to reveal Pol II clusters with a large variety of shapes, which can be explained by a theoretical model in which regulatory chromatin regions provide surfaces for liquid-phase condensation at concentrations that are too low for canonical liquid-liquid phase separation. Model simulations and chemical perturbation experiments indicate that recruited Pol II contributes to the formation of these surface-associated condensates, whereas elongating Pol II is excluded from these condensates and thereby drives their unfolding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Pancholi
- Zoological InstituteDepartment of Systems Biology and BioinformaticsKarlsruhe Institute of TechnologyKarlsruheGermany
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems—Biological Information ProcessingKarlsruhe Institute of TechnologyEggenstein‐LeopoldshafenGermany
| | - Tim Klingberg
- Department of BiologyFriedrich‐Alexander‐Universität Erlangen‐NürnbergErlangenGermany
- Max‐Planck‐Zentrum für Physik und MedizinErlangenGermany
| | - Weichun Zhang
- Institute of Applied PhysicsKarlsruhe Institute of TechnologyKarlsruheGermany
- Institute of NanotechnologyKarlsruhe Institute of TechnologyEggenstein‐LeopoldshafenGermany
| | - Roshan Prizak
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems—Biological Information ProcessingKarlsruhe Institute of TechnologyEggenstein‐LeopoldshafenGermany
| | - Irina Mamontova
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems—Biological Information ProcessingKarlsruhe Institute of TechnologyEggenstein‐LeopoldshafenGermany
| | - Amra Noa
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems—Biological Information ProcessingKarlsruhe Institute of TechnologyEggenstein‐LeopoldshafenGermany
| | - Marcel Sobucki
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems—Biological Information ProcessingKarlsruhe Institute of TechnologyEggenstein‐LeopoldshafenGermany
| | - Andrei Yu Kobitski
- Institute of Applied PhysicsKarlsruhe Institute of TechnologyKarlsruheGermany
| | - Gerd Ulrich Nienhaus
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems—Biological Information ProcessingKarlsruhe Institute of TechnologyEggenstein‐LeopoldshafenGermany
- Institute of Applied PhysicsKarlsruhe Institute of TechnologyKarlsruheGermany
- Institute of NanotechnologyKarlsruhe Institute of TechnologyEggenstein‐LeopoldshafenGermany
- Department of PhysicsUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaILUSA
| | - Vasily Zaburdaev
- Department of BiologyFriedrich‐Alexander‐Universität Erlangen‐NürnbergErlangenGermany
- Max‐Planck‐Zentrum für Physik und MedizinErlangenGermany
| | - Lennart Hilbert
- Zoological InstituteDepartment of Systems Biology and BioinformaticsKarlsruhe Institute of TechnologyKarlsruheGermany
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems—Biological Information ProcessingKarlsruhe Institute of TechnologyEggenstein‐LeopoldshafenGermany
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30
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Liquid-liquid phase separation in human health and diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:290. [PMID: 34334791 PMCID: PMC8326283 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00678-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) represents a vital and ubiquitous phenomenon underlying the formation of membraneless organelles in eukaryotic cells (also known as biomolecular condensates or droplets). Recent studies have revealed evidences that indicate that LLPS plays a vital role in human health and diseases. In this review, we describe our current understanding of LLPS and summarize its physiological functions. We further describe the role of LLPS in the development of human diseases. Additionally, we review the recently developed methods for studying LLPS. Although LLPS research is in its infancy-but is fast-growing-it is clear that LLPS plays an essential role in the development of pathophysiological conditions. This highlights the need for an overview of the recent advances in the field to translate our current knowledge regarding LLPS into therapeutic discoveries.
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31
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Narain A, Bhandare P, Adhikari B, Backes S, Eilers M, Dölken L, Schlosser A, Erhard F, Baluapuri A, Wolf E. Targeted protein degradation reveals a direct role of SPT6 in RNAPII elongation and termination. Mol Cell 2021; 81:3110-3127.e14. [PMID: 34233157 PMCID: PMC8354102 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2021.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
SPT6 is a histone chaperone that tightly binds RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) during transcription elongation. However, its primary role in transcription is uncertain. We used targeted protein degradation to rapidly deplete SPT6 in human cells and analyzed defects in RNAPII behavior by a multi-omics approach and mathematical modeling. Our data indicate that SPT6 is a crucial factor for RNAPII processivity and is therefore required for the productive transcription of protein-coding genes. Unexpectedly, SPT6 also has a vital role in RNAPII termination, as acute depletion induced readthrough transcription for thousands of genes. Long-term depletion of SPT6 induced cryptic intragenic transcription, as observed earlier in yeast. However, this phenotype was not observed upon acute SPT6 depletion and therefore can be attributed to accumulated epigenetic perturbations in the prolonged absence of SPT6. In conclusion, targeted degradation of SPT6 allowed the temporal discrimination of its function as an epigenetic safeguard and RNAPII elongation factor. Auxin-inducible degradation discriminates direct roles of human SPT6 in transcription Acute loss of SPT6 globally impairs RNAPII processivity and speed SPT6 is required for efficient transcription termination on protein-coding genes Long-term loss of SPT6 ultimately results in cryptic intragenic transcription
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwin Narain
- Cancer Systems Biology Group, Theodor Boveri Institute, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Pranjali Bhandare
- Cancer Systems Biology Group, Theodor Boveri Institute, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Bikash Adhikari
- Cancer Systems Biology Group, Theodor Boveri Institute, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Simone Backes
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Versbacher Straße 7, 97078 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Martin Eilers
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Theodor Boveri Institute, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Lars Dölken
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Versbacher Straße 7, 97078 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Schlosser
- Rudolf Virchow Center, Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging, University of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 2, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Florian Erhard
- Computational Systems Virology and Bioinformatics, Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Versbacher Straße 7, 97078 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Apoorva Baluapuri
- Cancer Systems Biology Group, Theodor Boveri Institute, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Elmar Wolf
- Cancer Systems Biology Group, Theodor Boveri Institute, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany; Mildred Scheel Early Career Center, University of Würzburg, Beethovenstraße 1A, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
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32
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Weems JC, Slaughter BD, Unruh JR, Weaver KJ, Miller BD, Delventhal KM, Conaway JW, Conaway RC. A role for the Cockayne Syndrome B (CSB)-Elongin ubiquitin ligase complex in signal-dependent RNA polymerase II transcription. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:100862. [PMID: 34116057 PMCID: PMC8294581 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The Elongin complex was originally identified as an RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) elongation factor and subsequently as the substrate recognition component of a Cullin-RING E3 ubiquitin ligase. More recent evidence indicates that the Elongin ubiquitin ligase assembles with the Cockayne syndrome B helicase (CSB) in response to DNA damage and can target stalled polymerases for ubiquitylation and removal from the genome. In this report, we present evidence that the CSB-Elongin ubiquitin ligase pathway has roles beyond the DNA damage response in the activation of RNAPII-mediated transcription. We observed that assembly of the CSB-Elongin ubiquitin ligase is induced not just by DNA damage, but also by a variety of signals that activate RNAPII-mediated transcription, including endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, amino acid starvation, retinoic acid, glucocorticoids, and doxycycline treatment of cells carrying several copies of a doxycycline-inducible reporter. Using glucocorticoid receptor (GR)-regulated genes as a model, we showed that glucocorticoid-induced transcription is accompanied by rapid recruitment of CSB and the Elongin ubiquitin ligase to target genes in a step that depends upon the presence of transcribing RNAPII on those genes. Consistent with the idea that the CSB-Elongin pathway plays a direct role in GR-regulated transcription, mouse cells lacking the Elongin subunit Elongin A exhibit delays in both RNAPII accumulation on and dismissal from target genes following glucocorticoid addition and withdrawal, respectively. Taken together, our findings bring to light a new role for the CSB-Elongin pathway in RNAPII-mediated transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juston C Weems
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
| | | | - Jay R Unruh
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
| | - Kyle J Weaver
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
| | - Brandon D Miller
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
| | - Kym M Delventhal
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
| | - Joan W Conaway
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA.
| | - Ronald C Conaway
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA.
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33
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Gajos M, Jasnovidova O, van Bömmel A, Freier S, Vingron M, Mayer A. Conserved DNA sequence features underlie pervasive RNA polymerase pausing. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:4402-4420. [PMID: 33788942 PMCID: PMC8096220 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pausing of transcribing RNA polymerase is regulated and creates opportunities to control gene expression. Research in metazoans has so far mainly focused on RNA polymerase II (Pol II) promoter-proximal pausing leaving the pervasive nature of pausing and its regulatory potential in mammalian cells unclear. Here, we developed a pause detecting algorithm (PDA) for nucleotide-resolution occupancy data and a new native elongating transcript sequencing approach, termed nested NET-seq, that strongly reduces artifactual peaks commonly misinterpreted as pausing sites. Leveraging PDA and nested NET-seq reveal widespread genome-wide Pol II pausing at single-nucleotide resolution in human cells. Notably, the majority of Pol II pauses occur outside of promoter-proximal gene regions primarily along the gene-body of transcribed genes. Sequence analysis combined with machine learning modeling reveals DNA sequence properties underlying widespread transcriptional pausing including a new pause motif. Interestingly, key sequence determinants of RNA polymerase pausing are conserved between human cells and bacteria. These studies indicate pervasive sequence-induced transcriptional pausing in human cells and the knowledge of exact pause locations implies potential functional roles in gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martyna Gajos
- Otto-Warburg-Laboratory, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin 14195, Germany.,Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin 14195, Germany
| | - Olga Jasnovidova
- Otto-Warburg-Laboratory, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin 14195, Germany
| | - Alena van Bömmel
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin 14195, Germany.,Department of Computational Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin 14195, Germany
| | - Susanne Freier
- Otto-Warburg-Laboratory, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin 14195, Germany
| | - Martin Vingron
- Department of Computational Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin 14195, Germany
| | - Andreas Mayer
- Otto-Warburg-Laboratory, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin 14195, Germany
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34
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Jaeger MG, Winter GE. Fast-acting chemical tools to delineate causality in transcriptional control. Mol Cell 2021; 81:1617-1630. [PMID: 33689749 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2021.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Multi-dimensional omics profiling continues to illuminate the complexity of cellular processes. Because of difficult mechanistic interpretation of phenotypes induced by slow perturbation, fast experimental setups are increasingly used to dissect causal interactions directly in cells. Here we review a growing body of studies that leverage rapid pharmacological perturbation to delineate causality in gene control. When coupled with kinetically matched readouts, fast chemical genetic tools allow recording of primary phenotypes before confounding secondary effects manifest. The toolbox encompasses directly acting probes, such as active-site inhibitors and proteolysis-targeting chimeras, as well as strategies using genetic engineering to render target proteins chemically tractable, such as analog-sensitive and degron systems. We anticipate that extrapolation of these concepts to single-cell setups will further transform our mechanistic understanding of transcriptional control in the future. Importantly, the concept of leveraging speed to derive causality should be broadly applicable to many aspects of biological regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin G Jaeger
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Georg E Winter
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria.
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35
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Caizzi L, Monteiro-Martins S, Schwalb B, Lysakovskaia K, Schmitzova J, Sawicka A, Chen Y, Lidschreiber M, Cramer P. Efficient RNA polymerase II pause release requires U2 snRNP function. Mol Cell 2021; 81:1920-1934.e9. [PMID: 33689748 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2021.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Transcription by RNA polymerase II (Pol II) is coupled to pre-mRNA splicing, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Co-transcriptional splicing requires assembly of a functional spliceosome on nascent pre-mRNA, but whether and how this influences Pol II transcription remains unclear. Here we show that inhibition of pre-mRNA branch site recognition by the spliceosome component U2 snRNP leads to a widespread and strong decrease in new RNA synthesis from human genes. Multiomics analysis reveals that inhibition of U2 snRNP function increases the duration of Pol II pausing in the promoter-proximal region, impairs recruitment of the pause release factor P-TEFb, and reduces Pol II elongation velocity at the beginning of genes. Our results indicate that efficient release of paused Pol II into active transcription elongation requires the formation of functional spliceosomes and that eukaryotic mRNA biogenesis relies on positive feedback from the splicing machinery to the transcription machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia Caizzi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sara Monteiro-Martins
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Björn Schwalb
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Kseniia Lysakovskaia
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jana Schmitzova
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Anna Sawicka
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ying Chen
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Michael Lidschreiber
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Patrick Cramer
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany.
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36
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Rawat P, Boehning M, Hummel B, Aprile-Garcia F, Pandit AS, Eisenhardt N, Khavaran A, Niskanen E, Vos SM, Palvimo JJ, Pichler A, Cramer P, Sawarkar R. Stress-induced nuclear condensation of NELF drives transcriptional downregulation. Mol Cell 2021; 81:1013-1026.e11. [PMID: 33548202 PMCID: PMC7939545 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2021.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In response to stress, human cells coordinately downregulate transcription and translation of housekeeping genes. To downregulate transcription, the negative elongation factor (NELF) is recruited to gene promoters impairing RNA polymerase II elongation. Here we report that NELF rapidly forms nuclear condensates upon stress in human cells. Condensate formation requires NELF dephosphorylation and SUMOylation induced by stress. The intrinsically disordered region (IDR) in NELFA is necessary for nuclear NELF condensation and can be functionally replaced by the IDR of FUS or EWSR1 protein. We find that biomolecular condensation facilitates enhanced recruitment of NELF to promoters upon stress to drive transcriptional downregulation. Importantly, NELF condensation is required for cellular viability under stressful conditions. We propose that stress-induced NELF condensates reported here are nuclear counterparts of cytosolic stress granules. These two stress-inducible condensates may drive the coordinated downregulation of transcription and translation, likely forming a critical node of the stress survival strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashant Rawat
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; International Max Planck Research School for Molecular and Cellular Biology (IMPRS-MCB), Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Marc Boehning
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Barbara Hummel
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Anwit S Pandit
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany; CIBSS, Centre for Integrative Biological Signaling Studies, Freiburg, Germany; Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine, Albert Ludwigs University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nathalie Eisenhardt
- Department of Epigenetics, Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ashkan Khavaran
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Einari Niskanen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Seychelle M Vos
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jorma J Palvimo
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Andrea Pichler
- Department of Epigenetics, Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Patrick Cramer
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Ritwick Sawarkar
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany; CIBSS, Centre for Integrative Biological Signaling Studies, Freiburg, Germany; MRC, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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37
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Eleazer R, Fondufe‐Mittendorf YN. The multifaceted role of PARP1 in RNA biogenesis. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2021; 12:e1617. [PMID: 32656996 PMCID: PMC7856298 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs) are abundant nuclear proteins that synthesize ADP ribose polymers (pADPr) and catalyze the addition of (p)ADPr to target biomolecules. PARP1, the most abundant and well-studied PARP, is a multifunctional enzyme that participates in numerous critical cellular processes. A considerable amount of PARP research has focused on PARP1's role in DNA damage. However, an increasing body of evidence outlines more routine roles for PARP and PARylation in nearly every step of RNA biogenesis and metabolism. PARP1's involvement in these RNA processes is pleiotropic and has been ascribed to PARP1's unique flexible domain structures. PARP1 domains are modular self-arranged enabling it to recognize structurally diverse substrates and to act simultaneously through multiple discrete mechanisms. These mechanisms include direct PARP1-protein binding, PARP1-nucleic acid binding, covalent PARylation of target molecules, covalent autoPARylation, and induction of noncovalent interactions with PAR molecules. A combination of these mechanisms has been implicated in PARP1's context-specific regulation of RNA biogenesis and metabolism. We examine the mechanisms of PARP1 regulation in transcription initiation, elongation and termination, co-transcriptional splicing, RNA export, and post-transcriptional RNA processing. Finally, we consider promising new investigative avenues for PARP1 involvement in these processes with an emphasis on PARP1 regulation of subcellular condensates. This article is categorized under: RNA Processing > Splicing Regulation/Alternative Splicing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah Eleazer
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry and Markey Cancer CenterUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Yvonne N. Fondufe‐Mittendorf
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry and Markey Cancer CenterUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKentuckyUSA
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38
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Sawicka A, Villamil G, Lidschreiber M, Darzacq X, Dugast-Darzacq C, Schwalb B, Cramer P. Transcription activation depends on the length of the RNA polymerase II C-terminal domain. EMBO J 2021; 40:e107015. [PMID: 33555055 PMCID: PMC8090853 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2020107015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotic RNA polymerase II (Pol II) contains a tail‐like, intrinsically disordered carboxy‐terminal domain (CTD) comprised of heptad‐repeats, that functions in coordination of the transcription cycle and in coupling transcription to co‐transcriptional processes. The CTD repeat number varies between species and generally increases with genome size, but the reasons for this are unclear. Here, we show that shortening the CTD in human cells to half of its length does not generally change pre‐mRNA synthesis or processing in cells. However, CTD shortening decreases the duration of promoter‐proximal Pol II pausing, alters transcription of putative enhancer elements, and delays transcription activation after stimulation of the MAP kinase pathway. We suggest that a long CTD is required for efficient enhancer‐dependent recruitment of Pol II to target genes for their rapid activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Sawicka
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Gabriel Villamil
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Michael Lidschreiber
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Xavier Darzacq
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.,CIRM Center of Excellence, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Claire Dugast-Darzacq
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.,CIRM Center of Excellence, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Björn Schwalb
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Patrick Cramer
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
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39
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Morral N, Liu S, Conteh AM, Chu X, Wang Y, Dong XC, Liu Y, Linnemann AK, Wan J. Aberrant gene expression induced by a high fat diet is linked to H3K9 acetylation in the promoter-proximal region. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2021; 1864:194691. [PMID: 33556624 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2021.194691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease, with an estimated global prevalence of 1 in 4 individuals. Aberrant transcriptional control of gene expression is central to the pathophysiology of metabolic diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms leading to gene dysregulation are not well understood. Histone modifications play important roles in the control of transcription. Acetylation of histone 3 at lysine 9 (H3K9ac) is associated with transcriptional activity and is implicated in transcript elongation by controlling RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) pause-release. Hence, changes in this histone modification may shed information on novel pathways linking transcription control and metabolic dysfunction. Here, we carried out genome-wide analysis of H3K9ac in the liver of mice fed a control or a high-fat diet (an animal model of NAFLD), and asked whether this histone mark associates with changes in gene expression. We found that over 70% of RNAPII peaks in promoter-proximal regions overlapped with H3K9ac, consistent with a role of H3K9ac in the regulation of transcription. When comparing high-fat with control diet, approximately 17% of the differentially expressed genes were associated with changes in H3K9ac in their promoters, showing a strong correlation between changes in H3K9ac signal and gene expression. Overall, our data indicate that in response to a high-fat diet, dysregulated gene expression of a subset of genes may be attributable to changes in transcription elongation driven by H3K9ac. Our results point at an added mechanism of gene regulation that may be important in the development of metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Núria Morral
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America.
| | - Sheng Liu
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America
| | - Abass M Conteh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America
| | - Xiaona Chu
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America
| | - X Charlie Dong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America
| | - Yunlong Liu
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America; Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America
| | - Amelia K Linnemann
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America; Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America
| | - Jun Wan
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America; Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America
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40
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Akter S, Sharma RK, Sharma S, Rastogi S, Fiebich BL, Akundi RS. Exogenous ATP modulates PGE 2 release in macrophages through sustained phosphorylation of CDK9 and p38 MAPK. J Leukoc Biol 2021; 110:663-677. [PMID: 33438260 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.3a1219-697rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
An important mediator of inflammation is prostaglandin E2 (PGE2 ), whose levels are determined by the activity of the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX). Of the two isoforms of the enzyme, COX-2 has been shown to be induced in macrophages during inflammation. Although general COX inhibitors, belonging to the class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or specific COX-2 inhibitors, called coxibs, are useful in the control of acute inflammation, adverse reactions were seen when used chronically in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis or neurodegenerative diseases. Extracellular ATP (eATP) has been reported as a damage-associated molecular pattern signal. In this report, we show that eATP synergistically increases the levels of COX-2 enzyme and PGE2 in LPS-activated RAW264.7 macrophages and human monocytes. Activation of macrophages also occurred when cultured in media obtained from dying neurons that contained higher levels of ATP. We show that eATP increases the levels of COX-2 protein, which is sustained up to 36 h poststimulation. This is in turn due to sustained levels of phosphorylated, or activated, cyclin-dependent kinase 9 and p38 MAPK in ATP-treated cells compared to LPS-stimulated cells. The eATP-dependent increase in COX-2/PGE2 levels in LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells could be abolished using antagonists for purinergic P2X7 -and P2Y6 receptors. Similarly, the increase in COX-2/PGE2 levels in the peritoneum of LPS-treated mice could be significantly abolished in mice that were preinjected with the nonspecific P2 receptor antagonist, suramin. P2 receptor antagonists, therefore, should be explored in our search for an ideal anti-inflammatory candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shamima Akter
- Neuroinflammation Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, South Asian University, New Delhi, India
| | - Rakesh Kumar Sharma
- Neuroinflammation Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, South Asian University, New Delhi, India
| | - Shilpa Sharma
- Neuroinflammation Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, South Asian University, New Delhi, India
| | - Saumya Rastogi
- Neuroinflammation Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, South Asian University, New Delhi, India
| | - Bernd L Fiebich
- Neuroimmunology and Neurochemistry Research Group, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ravi Shankar Akundi
- Neuroinflammation Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, South Asian University, New Delhi, India
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41
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Lidschreiber K, Jung LA, von der Emde H, Dave K, Taipale J, Cramer P, Lidschreiber M. Transcriptionally active enhancers in human cancer cells. Mol Syst Biol 2021; 17:e9873. [PMID: 33502116 PMCID: PMC7838827 DOI: 10.15252/msb.20209873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The growth of human cancer cells is driven by aberrant enhancer and gene transcription activity. Here, we use transient transcriptome sequencing (TT-seq) to map thousands of transcriptionally active putative enhancers in fourteen human cancer cell lines covering seven types of cancer. These enhancers were associated with cell type-specific gene expression, enriched for genetic variants that predispose to cancer, and included functionally verified enhancers. Enhancer-promoter (E-P) pairing by correlation of transcription activity revealed ~ 40,000 putative E-P pairs, which were depleted for housekeeping genes and enriched for transcription factors, cancer-associated genes, and 3D conformational proximity. The cell type specificity and transcription activity of target genes increased with the number of paired putative enhancers. Our results represent a rich resource for future studies of gene regulation by enhancers and their role in driving cancerous cell growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Lidschreiber
- Department of Molecular BiologyMax Planck Institute for Biophysical ChemistryGöttingenGermany
- Department of Biosciences and NutritionKarolinska InstitutetNEOHuddingeSweden
| | - Lisa A Jung
- Department of Biosciences and NutritionKarolinska InstitutetNEOHuddingeSweden
- Department of Cell and Molecular BiologyKarolinska InstitutetBiomedicumSolnaSweden
| | - Henrik von der Emde
- Department of Molecular BiologyMax Planck Institute for Biophysical ChemistryGöttingenGermany
| | - Kashyap Dave
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and BiophysicsKarolinska InstitutetBiomedicumSolnaSweden
| | - Jussi Taipale
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and BiophysicsKarolinska InstitutetBiomedicumSolnaSweden
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
- Genome‐Scale Biology ProgramUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Patrick Cramer
- Department of Molecular BiologyMax Planck Institute for Biophysical ChemistryGöttingenGermany
- Department of Biosciences and NutritionKarolinska InstitutetNEOHuddingeSweden
| | - Michael Lidschreiber
- Department of Molecular BiologyMax Planck Institute for Biophysical ChemistryGöttingenGermany
- Department of Biosciences and NutritionKarolinska InstitutetNEOHuddingeSweden
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42
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McCleary-Wheeler AL, Paradise BD, Almada LL, Carlson AJ, Marks DL, Vrabel A, Vera RE, Sigafoos AN, Olson RL, Fernandez-Zapico ME. TFII-I-mediated polymerase pausing antagonizes GLI2 induction by TGFβ. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:7169-7181. [PMID: 32544250 PMCID: PMC7367210 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The modulation of GLI2, an oncogenic transcription factor commonly upregulated in cancer, is in many cases not due to genetic defects, suggesting dysregulation through alternative mechanisms. The identity of these molecular events remains for the most part unknown. Here, we identified TFII-I as a novel repressor of GLI2 expression. Mapping experiments suggest that the INR region of the GLI2 promoter is necessary for GLI2 repression. ChIP studies showed that TFII-I binds to this INR. TFII-I knockdown decreased the binding of NELF-A, a component of the promoter–proximal pausing complex at this site, and enriched phosphorylated RNAPII serine 2 in the GLI2 gene body. Immunoprecipitation studies demonstrate TFII-I interaction with SPT5, another pausing complex component. TFII-I overexpression antagonized GLI2 induction by TGFβ, a known activator of GLI2 in cancer cells. TGFβ reduced endogenous TFII-I binding to the INR and increased RNAPII SerP2 in the gene body. We demonstrate that this regulatory mechanism is not exclusive of GLI2. TGFβ-induced genes CCR7, TGFβ1 and EGR3 showed similar decreased TFII-I and NELF-A INR binding and increased RNAPII SerP2 in the gene body post-TGFβ treatment. Together these results identify TFII-I as a novel repressor of a subset of TGFβ-responsive genes through the regulation of RNAPII pausing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela L McCleary-Wheeler
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.,Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Brooke D Paradise
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.,Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Luciana L Almada
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Annika J Carlson
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - David L Marks
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Anne Vrabel
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Renzo E Vera
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Ashley N Sigafoos
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Rachel L Olson
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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43
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Liquid-liquid phase separation in biology: mechanisms, physiological functions and human diseases. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2020; 63:953-985. [PMID: 32548680 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-020-1702-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cells are compartmentalized by numerous membrane-enclosed organelles and membraneless compartments to ensure that a wide variety of cellular activities occur in a spatially and temporally controlled manner. The molecular mechanisms underlying the dynamics of membrane-bound organelles, such as their fusion and fission, vesicle-mediated trafficking and membrane contactmediated inter-organelle interactions, have been extensively characterized. However, the molecular details of the assembly and functions of membraneless compartments remain elusive. Mounting evidence has emerged recently that a large number of membraneless compartments, collectively called biomacromolecular condensates, are assembled via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). Phase-separated condensates participate in various biological activities, including higher-order chromatin organization, gene expression, triage of misfolded or unwanted proteins for autophagic degradation, assembly of signaling clusters and actin- and microtubule-based cytoskeletal networks, asymmetric segregations of cell fate determinants and formation of pre- and post-synaptic density signaling assemblies. Biomacromolecular condensates can transition into different material states such as gel-like structures and solid aggregates. The material properties of condensates are crucial for fulfilment of their distinct functions, such as biochemical reaction centers, signaling hubs and supporting architectures. Cells have evolved multiple mechanisms to ensure that biomacromolecular condensates are assembled and disassembled in a tightly controlled manner. Aberrant phase separation and transition are causatively associated with a variety of human diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases and cancers. This review summarizes recent major progress in elucidating the roles of LLPS in various biological pathways and diseases.
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44
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Turowski TW, Petfalski E, Goddard BD, French SL, Helwak A, Tollervey D. Nascent Transcript Folding Plays a Major Role in Determining RNA Polymerase Elongation Rates. Mol Cell 2020; 79:488-503.e11. [PMID: 32585128 PMCID: PMC7427326 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2020.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Transcription elongation rates influence RNA processing, but sequence-specific regulation is poorly understood. We addressed this in vivo, analyzing RNAPI in S. cerevisiae. Mapping RNAPI by Miller chromatin spreads or UV crosslinking revealed 5' enrichment and strikingly uneven local polymerase occupancy along the rDNA, indicating substantial variation in transcription speed. Two features of the nascent transcript correlated with RNAPI distribution: folding energy and GC content in the transcription bubble. In vitro experiments confirmed that strong RNA structures close to the polymerase promote forward translocation and limit backtracking, whereas high GC in the transcription bubble slows elongation. A mathematical model for RNAPI elongation confirmed the importance of nascent RNA folding in transcription. RNAPI from S. pombe was similarly sensitive to transcript folding, as were S. cerevisiae RNAPII and RNAPIII. For RNAPII, unstructured RNA, which favors slowed elongation, was associated with faster cotranscriptional splicing and proximal splice site use, indicating regulatory significance for transcript folding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz W Turowski
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Elisabeth Petfalski
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Benjamin D Goddard
- School of Mathematics and Maxwell Institute for Mathematical Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Sarah L French
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Aleksandra Helwak
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - David Tollervey
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
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