1
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Martínez-Lumbreras S, Träger LK, Mulorz MM, Payr M, Dikaya V, Hipp C, König J, Sattler M. Intramolecular autoinhibition regulates the selectivity of PRPF40A tandem WW domains for proline-rich motifs. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3888. [PMID: 38719828 PMCID: PMC11079029 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48004-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
PRPF40A plays an important role in the regulation of pre-mRNA splicing by mediating protein-protein interactions in the early steps of spliceosome assembly. By binding to proteins at the 5´ and 3´ splice sites, PRPF40A promotes spliceosome assembly by bridging the recognition of the splices. The PRPF40A WW domains are expected to recognize proline-rich sequences in SF1 and SF3A1 in the early spliceosome complexes E and A, respectively. Here, we combine NMR, SAXS and ITC to determine the structure of the PRPF40A tandem WW domains in solution and characterize the binding specificity and mechanism for proline-rich motifs recognition. Our structure of the PRPF40A WW tandem in complex with a high-affinity SF1 peptide reveals contributions of both WW domains, which also enables tryptophan sandwiching by two proline residues in the ligand. Unexpectedly, a proline-rich motif in the N-terminal region of PRPF40A mediates intramolecular interactions with the WW tandem. Using NMR, ITC, mutational analysis in vitro, and immunoprecipitation experiments in cells, we show that the intramolecular interaction acts as an autoinhibitory filter for proof-reading of high-affinity proline-rich motifs in bona fide PRPF40A binding partners. We propose that similar autoinhibitory mechanisms are present in most WW tandem-containing proteins to enhance binding selectivity and regulation of WW/proline-rich peptide interaction networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Martínez-Lumbreras
- Institute of Structural Biology, Molecular Targets and Therapeutics Center, Helmholtz Munich, Ingolstädter Landstrasse 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany.
- TUM School of Natural Sciences, Department of Bioscience and Bavarian NMR Center, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85748, Garching, Germany.
| | - Lena K Träger
- TUM School of Natural Sciences, Department of Bioscience and Bavarian NMR Center, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Miriam M Mulorz
- Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB) gGmbH, Ackermannweg 4, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Marco Payr
- TUM School of Natural Sciences, Department of Bioscience and Bavarian NMR Center, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Varvara Dikaya
- TUM School of Natural Sciences, Department of Bioscience and Bavarian NMR Center, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Clara Hipp
- Institute of Structural Biology, Molecular Targets and Therapeutics Center, Helmholtz Munich, Ingolstädter Landstrasse 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
- TUM School of Natural Sciences, Department of Bioscience and Bavarian NMR Center, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Julian König
- Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB) gGmbH, Ackermannweg 4, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Michael Sattler
- Institute of Structural Biology, Molecular Targets and Therapeutics Center, Helmholtz Munich, Ingolstädter Landstrasse 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany.
- TUM School of Natural Sciences, Department of Bioscience and Bavarian NMR Center, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85748, Garching, Germany.
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2
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Yellamaty R, Sharma S. Critical Cellular Functions and Mechanisms of Action of the RNA Helicase UAP56. J Mol Biol 2024; 436:168604. [PMID: 38729260 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2024.168604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Posttranscriptional maturation and export from the nucleus to the cytoplasm are essential steps in the normal processing of many cellular RNAs. The RNA helicase UAP56 (U2AF associated protein 56; also known as DDX39B) has emerged as a critical player in facilitating and co-transcriptionally linking these steps. Originally identified as a helicase involved in pre-mRNA splicing, UAP56 has been shown to facilitate formation of the A complex during spliceosome assembly. Additionally, it has been found to be critical for interactions between components of the exon junction and transcription and export complexes to promote the loading of export receptors. Although it appears to be structurally similar to other helicase superfamily 2 members, UAP56's ability to interact with multiple different protein partners allows it to perform its various cellular functions. Herein, we describe the structure-activity relationship studies that identified protein interactions of UAP56 and its human paralog URH49 (UAP56-related helicase 49; also known as DDX39A) and are beginning to reveal molecular mechanisms by which interacting proteins and substrate RNAs may regulate these helicases. We also provide an overview of reports that have demonstrated less well-characterized roles for UAP56, including R-loop resolution and telomere maintenance. Finally, we discuss studies that indicate a potential pathogenic effect of UAP56 in the development of autoimmune diseases and cancer, and identify the association of somatic and genetic mutations in UAP56 with neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Yellamaty
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine-Phoenix, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
| | - Shalini Sharma
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine-Phoenix, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA.
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3
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Downs SR, Grace B, Pleiss JA. Decoding branch points and unlocking splicing secrets. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2024; 31:732-734. [PMID: 38740946 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-024-01308-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Sara R Downs
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Bec Grace
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Pleiss
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
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4
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Zhang X, Zhan X, Bian T, Yang F, Li P, Lu Y, Xing Z, Fan R, Zhang QC, Shi Y. Structural insights into branch site proofreading by human spliceosome. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2024; 31:835-845. [PMID: 38196034 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-023-01188-0] [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: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Selection of the pre-mRNA branch site (BS) by the U2 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) is crucial to prespliceosome (A complex) assembly. The RNA helicase PRP5 proofreads BS selection but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here we report the atomic structures of two sequential complexes leading to prespliceosome assembly: human 17S U2 snRNP and a cross-exon pre-A complex. PRP5 is anchored on 17S U2 snRNP mainly through occupation of the RNA path of SF3B1 by an acidic loop of PRP5; the helicase domain of PRP5 associates with U2 snRNA; the BS-interacting stem-loop (BSL) of U2 snRNA is shielded by TAT-SF1, unable to engage the BS. In the pre-A complex, an initial U2-BS duplex is formed; the translocated helicase domain of PRP5 stays with U2 snRNA and the acidic loop still occupies the RNA path. The pre-A conformation is specifically stabilized by the splicing factors SF1, DNAJC8 and SF3A2. Cancer-derived mutations in SF3B1 damage its association with PRP5, compromising BS proofreading. Together, these findings reveal key insights into prespliceosome assembly and BS selection or proofreading by PRP5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Zhang
- Research Center for Industries of the Future, Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC; MOE Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles and Cellular Dynamics, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
| | - Xiechao Zhan
- Research Center for Industries of the Future, Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Tong Bian
- Research Center for Industries of the Future, Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- College of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fenghua Yang
- Research Center for Industries of the Future, Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- College of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pan Li
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology & Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure; Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences; School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yichen Lu
- Research Center for Industries of the Future, Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- College of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhihan Xing
- Research Center for Industries of the Future, Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Rongyan Fan
- Research Center for Industries of the Future, Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Qiangfeng Cliff Zhang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology & Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure; Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences; School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yigong Shi
- Research Center for Industries of the Future, Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology & Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure; Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences; School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
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5
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Boddu PC, Gupta AK, Roy R, De La Peña Avalos B, Olazabal-Herrero A, Neuenkirchen N, Zimmer JT, Chandhok NS, King D, Nannya Y, Ogawa S, Lin H, Simon MD, Dray E, Kupfer GM, Verma A, Neugebauer KM, Pillai MM. Transcription elongation defects link oncogenic SF3B1 mutations to targetable alterations in chromatin landscape. Mol Cell 2024; 84:1475-1495.e18. [PMID: 38521065 PMCID: PMC11061666 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2024.02.032] [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: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Transcription and splicing of pre-messenger RNA are closely coordinated, but how this functional coupling is disrupted in human diseases remains unexplored. Using isogenic cell lines, patient samples, and a mutant mouse model, we investigated how cancer-associated mutations in SF3B1 alter transcription. We found that these mutations reduce the elongation rate of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) along gene bodies and its density at promoters. The elongation defect results from disrupted pre-spliceosome assembly due to impaired protein-protein interactions of mutant SF3B1. The decreased promoter-proximal RNAPII density reduces both chromatin accessibility and H3K4me3 marks at promoters. Through an unbiased screen, we identified epigenetic factors in the Sin3/HDAC/H3K4me pathway, which, when modulated, reverse both transcription and chromatin changes. Our findings reveal how splicing factor mutant states behave functionally as epigenetic disorders through impaired transcription-related changes to the chromatin landscape. We also present a rationale for targeting the Sin3/HDAC complex as a therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prajwal C Boddu
- Section of Hematology, Yale Cancer Center and Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 George Street, Suite 786, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Abhishek K Gupta
- Section of Hematology, Yale Cancer Center and Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 George Street, Suite 786, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Rahul Roy
- Section of Hematology, Yale Cancer Center and Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 George Street, Suite 786, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Bárbara De La Peña Avalos
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center (UTHSC) at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Anne Olazabal-Herrero
- Section of Hematology, Yale Cancer Center and Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 George Street, Suite 786, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Nils Neuenkirchen
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Joshua T Zimmer
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Namrata S Chandhok
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Darren King
- Section of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yasuhito Nannya
- Department of Pathology and Tumor Biology, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Seishi Ogawa
- Department of Pathology and Tumor Biology, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Haifan Lin
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Matthew D Simon
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Eloise Dray
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center (UTHSC) at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Gary M Kupfer
- Department of Oncology and Pediatrics, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Amit Verma
- Division of Hemato-Oncology, Department of Medicine and Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein-Montefiore Cancer Center, New York, USA
| | - Karla M Neugebauer
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; Yale Center for RNA Science and Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Manoj M Pillai
- Section of Hematology, Yale Cancer Center and Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 George Street, Suite 786, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Yale Center for RNA Science and Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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6
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Beusch I, Madhani HD. Understanding the dynamic design of the spliceosome. Trends Biochem Sci 2024:S0968-0004(24)00078-1. [PMID: 38641465 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2024.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
The spliceosome catalyzes the splicing of pre-mRNAs. Although the spliceosome evolved from a prokaryotic self-splicing intron and an associated protein, it is a vastly more complex and dynamic ribonucleoprotein (RNP) whose function requires at least eight ATPases and multiple RNA rearrangements. These features afford stepwise opportunities for multiple inspections of the intron substrate, coupled with spliceosome disassembly for substrates that fail inspection. Early work using splicing-defective pre-mRNAs or small nuclear (sn)RNAs in Saccharomyces cerevisiae demonstrated that such checks could occur in catalytically active spliceosomes. We review recent results on pre-mRNA splicing in various systems, including humans, suggesting that earlier steps in spliceosome assembly are also subject to such quality control. The inspection-rejection framework helps explain the dynamic nature of the spliceosome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Beusch
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Hiten D Madhani
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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7
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Hunter O, Talkish J, Quick-Cleveland J, Igel H, Tan A, Kuersten S, Katzman S, Donohue JP, S Jurica M, Ares M. Broad variation in response of individual introns to splicing inhibitors in a humanized yeast strain. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2024; 30:149-170. [PMID: 38071476 PMCID: PMC10798247 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079866.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Intron branchpoint (BP) recognition by the U2 snRNP is a critical step of splicing, vulnerable to recurrent cancer mutations and bacterial natural product inhibitors. The BP binds a conserved pocket in the SF3B1 (human) or Hsh155 (yeast) U2 snRNP protein. Amino acids that line this pocket affect the binding of splicing inhibitors like Pladienolide-B (Plad-B), such that organisms differ in their sensitivity. To study the mechanism of splicing inhibitor action in a simplified system, we modified the naturally Plad-B resistant yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae by changing 14 amino acids in the Hsh155 BP pocket to those from human. This humanized yeast grows normally, and splicing is largely unaffected by the mutation. Splicing is inhibited within minutes after the addition of Plad-B, and different introns appear inhibited to different extents. Intron-specific inhibition differences are also observed during cotranscriptional splicing in Plad-B using single-molecule intron tracking to minimize gene-specific transcription and decay rates that cloud estimates of inhibition by standard RNA-seq. Comparison of Plad-B intron sensitivities to those of the structurally distinct inhibitor Thailanstatin-A reveals intron-specific differences in sensitivity to different compounds. This work exposes a complex relationship between the binding of different members of this class of inhibitors to the spliceosome and intron-specific rates of BP recognition and catalysis. Introns with variant BP sequences seem particularly sensitive, echoing observations from mammalian cells, where monitoring individual introns is complicated by multi-intron gene architecture and alternative splicing. The compact yeast system may hasten the characterization of splicing inhibitors, accelerating improvements in selectivity and therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oarteze Hunter
- Center for Molecular Biology of RNA, University of California, Santa Cruz, California 95064, USA
| | - Jason Talkish
- Center for Molecular Biology of RNA, University of California, Santa Cruz, California 95064, USA
| | - Jen Quick-Cleveland
- Center for Molecular Biology of RNA, University of California, Santa Cruz, California 95064, USA
| | - Haller Igel
- Center for Molecular Biology of RNA, University of California, Santa Cruz, California 95064, USA
| | - Asako Tan
- Illumina, Inc., Madison, Wisconsin 53719, USA
| | | | - Sol Katzman
- Center for Molecular Biology of RNA, University of California, Santa Cruz, California 95064, USA
| | - John Paul Donohue
- Center for Molecular Biology of RNA, University of California, Santa Cruz, California 95064, USA
| | - Melissa S Jurica
- Center for Molecular Biology of RNA, University of California, Santa Cruz, California 95064, USA
| | - Manuel Ares
- Center for Molecular Biology of RNA, University of California, Santa Cruz, California 95064, USA
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8
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Guerra-Moreno Á, Valcárcel J. AI-assisted proofreading of RNA splicing. Genes Dev 2023; 37:945-947. [PMID: 38092520 PMCID: PMC10760631 DOI: 10.1101/gad.351373.123] [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] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
RNA helicases orchestrate proofreading mechanisms that facilitate accurate intron removal from pre-mRNAs. How these activities are recruited to spliceosome/pre-mRNA complexes remains poorly understood. In this issue of Genes & Development, Zhang and colleagues (pp. 968-983) combine biochemical experiments with AI-based structure prediction methods to generate a model for the interaction between SF3B1, a core splicing factor essential for the recognition of the intron branchpoint, and SUGP1, a protein that bridges SF3B1 with the helicase DHX15. Interaction with SF3B1 exposes the G-patch domain of SUGP1, facilitating binding to and activation of DHX15. The model can explain the activation of cryptic 3' splice sites induced by mutations in SF3B1 or SUGP1 frequently found in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángel Guerra-Moreno
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Juan Valcárcel
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona 08003, Spain;
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona 08003, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), 08010 Barcelona, Spain
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9
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Chalivendra S, Shi S, Li X, Kuang Z, Giovinazzo J, Zhang L, Rossi J, Saviola AJ, Wang J, Welty R, Liu S, Vaeth K, Zhou ZH, Hansen KC, Taliaferro JM, Zhao R. Selected humanization of yeast U1 snRNP leads to global suppression of pre-mRNA splicing and mitochondrial dysfunction in the budding yeast. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.15.571893. [PMID: 38168357 PMCID: PMC10760170 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.15.571893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The recognition of 5' splice site (5' ss) is one of the earliest steps of pre-mRNA splicing. To better understand the mechanism and regulation of 5' ss recognition, we selectively humanized components of the yeast U1 snRNP to reveal the function of these components in 5' ss recognition and splicing. We targeted U1C and Luc7, two proteins that interact with and stabilize the yeast U1 (yU1) snRNA and the 5' ss RNA duplex. We replaced the Zinc-Finger (ZnF) domain of yU1C with its human counterpart, which resulted in cold-sensitive growth phenotype and moderate splicing defects. Next, we added an auxin-inducible degron to yLuc7 protein and found that Luc7-depleted yU1 snRNP resulted in the concomitant loss of PRP40 and Snu71 (two other essential yeast U1 snRNP proteins), and further biochemical analyses suggest a model of how these three proteins interact with each other in the U1 snRNP. The loss of these proteins resulted in a significant growth retardation accompanied by a global suppression of pre-mRNA splicing. The splicing suppression led to mitochondrial dysfunction as revealed by a release of Fe 2+ into the growth medium and an induction of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species. Together, these observations indicate that the human U1C ZnF can substitute that of yeast, Luc7 is essential for the incorporation of the Luc7-Prp40-Snu71 trimer into yeast U1 snRNP, and splicing plays a major role in the regulation of mitochondria function in yeast.
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10
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Hunter O, Talkish J, Quick-Cleveland J, Igel H, Tan A, Kuersten S, Katzman S, Donohue JP, Jurica M, Ares M. Broad variation in response of individual introns to splicing inhibitors in a humanized yeast strain. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.05.560965. [PMID: 37873484 PMCID: PMC10592967 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.05.560965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Intron branch point (BP) recognition by the U2 snRNP is a critical step of splicing, vulnerable to recurrent cancer mutations and bacterial natural product inhibitors. The BP binds a conserved pocket in the SF3B1 (human) or Hsh155 (yeast) U2 snRNP protein. Amino acids that line this pocket affect binding of splicing inhibitors like Pladienolide-B (Plad-B), such that organisms differ in their sensitivity. To study the mechanism of splicing inhibitor action in a simplified system, we modified the naturally Plad-B resistant yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae by changing 14 amino acids in the Hsh155 BP pocket to those from human. This humanized yeast grows normally, and splicing is largely unaffected by the mutation. Splicing is inhibited within minutes after addition of Plad-B, and different introns appear inhibited to different extents. Intron-specific inhibition differences are also observed during co-transcriptional splicing in Plad-B using single-molecule intron tracking (SMIT) to minimize gene-specific transcription and decay rates that cloud estimates of inhibition by standard RNA-seq. Comparison of Plad-B intron sensitivities to those of the structurally distinct inhibitor Thailanstatin-A reveals intron-specific differences in sensitivity to different compounds. This work exposes a complex relationship between binding of different members of this class of inhibitors to the spliceosome and intron-specific rates of BP recognition and catalysis. Introns with variant BP sequences seem particularly sensitive, echoing observations from mammalian cells, where monitoring individual introns is complicated by multi-intron gene architecture and alternative splicing. The compact yeast system may hasten characterization of splicing inhibitors, accelerating improvements in selectivity and therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oarteze Hunter
- Center for Molecular Biology of RNA, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064
| | - Jason Talkish
- Center for Molecular Biology of RNA, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064
| | - Jen Quick-Cleveland
- Center for Molecular Biology of RNA, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064
| | - Haller Igel
- Center for Molecular Biology of RNA, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064
| | | | | | - Sol Katzman
- Center for Molecular Biology of RNA, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064
| | - John Paul Donohue
- Center for Molecular Biology of RNA, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064
| | - Melissa Jurica
- Center for Molecular Biology of RNA, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064
| | - Manuel Ares
- Center for Molecular Biology of RNA, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064
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11
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Xie J, Wang L, Lin RJ. Variations of intronic branchpoint motif: identification and functional implications in splicing and disease. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1142. [PMID: 37949953 PMCID: PMC10638238 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05513-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The branchpoint (BP) motif is an essential intronic element for spliceosomal pre-mRNA splicing. In mammals, its sequence composition, distance to the downstream exon, and number of BPs per 3´ splice site are highly variable, unlike the GT/AG dinucleotides at the intron ends. These variations appear to provide evolutionary advantages for fostering alternative splicing, satisfying more diverse cellular contexts, and promoting resilience to genetic changes, thus contributing to an extra layer of complexity for gene regulation. Importantly, variants in the BP motif itself or in genes encoding BP-interacting factors cause human genetic diseases or cancers, highlighting the critical function of BP motif and the need to precisely identify functional BPs for faithful interpretation of their roles in splicing. In this perspective, we will succinctly summarize the major findings related to BP motif variations, discuss the relevant issues/challenges, and provide our insights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiuyong Xie
- Department of Physiology & Pathophysiology, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0J9, Canada.
| | - Lili Wang
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA.
| | - Ren-Jang Lin
- Center for RNA Biology & Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA.
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12
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Feng Q, Krick K, Chu J, Burge CB. Splicing quality control mediated by DHX15 and its G-patch activator SUGP1. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113223. [PMID: 37805921 PMCID: PMC10842378 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Pre-mRNA splicing is surveilled at different stages by quality control (QC) mechanisms. The leukemia-associated DExH-box family helicase hDHX15/scPrp43 is known to disassemble spliceosomes after splicing. Here, using rapid protein depletion and analysis of nascent and mature RNA to enrich for direct effects, we identify a widespread splicing QC function for DHX15 in human cells, consistent with recent in vitro studies. We find that suboptimal introns with weak splice sites, multiple branch points, and cryptic introns are repressed by DHX15, suggesting a general role in promoting splicing fidelity. We identify SUGP1 as a G-patch factor that activates DHX15's splicing QC function. This interaction is dependent on both DHX15's ATPase activity and on SUGP1's U2AF ligand motif (ULM) domain. Together, our results support a model in which DHX15 plays a major role in splicing QC when recruited and activated by SUGP1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Feng
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
| | - Keegan Krick
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Jennifer Chu
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Christopher B Burge
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
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13
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Zheng B, Chen X, Ling Q, Cheng Q, Ye S. Role and therapeutic potential of DEAD-box RNA helicase family in colorectal cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1278282. [PMID: 38023215 PMCID: PMC10654640 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1278282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed and the second cancer-related death worldwide, leading to more than 0.9 million deaths every year. Unfortunately, this disease is changing rapidly to a younger age, and in a more advanced stage when diagnosed. The DEAD-box RNA helicase proteins are the largest family of RNA helicases so far. They regulate almost every aspect of RNA physiological processes, including RNA transcription, editing, splicing and transport. Aberrant expression and critical roles of the DEAD-box RNA helicase proteins have been found in CRC. In this review, we first summarize the protein structure, cellular distribution, and diverse biological functions of DEAD-box RNA helicases. Then, we discuss the distinct roles of DEAD-box RNA helicase family in CRC and describe the cellular mechanism of actions based on recent studies, with an aim to provide future strategies for the treatment of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bichun Zheng
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, The Affiliated People’s Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
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14
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Bohnsack KE, Yi S, Venus S, Jankowsky E, Bohnsack MT. Cellular functions of eukaryotic RNA helicases and their links to human diseases. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2023; 24:749-769. [PMID: 37474727 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-023-00628-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
RNA helicases are highly conserved proteins that use nucleoside triphosphates to bind or remodel RNA, RNA-protein complexes or both. RNA helicases are classified into the DEAD-box, DEAH/RHA, Ski2-like, Upf1-like and RIG-I families, and are the largest class of enzymes active in eukaryotic RNA metabolism - virtually all aspects of gene expression and its regulation involve RNA helicases. Mutation and dysregulation of these enzymes have been linked to a multitude of diseases, including cancer and neurological disorders. In this Review, we discuss the regulation and functional mechanisms of RNA helicases and their roles in eukaryotic RNA metabolism, including in transcription regulation, pre-mRNA splicing, ribosome assembly, translation and RNA decay. We highlight intriguing models that link helicase structure, mechanisms of function (such as local strand unwinding, translocation, winching, RNA clamping and displacing RNA-binding proteins) and biological roles, including emerging connections between RNA helicases and cellular condensates formed through liquid-liquid phase separation. We also discuss associations of RNA helicases with human diseases and recent efforts towards the design of small-molecule inhibitors of these pivotal regulators of eukaryotic gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E Bohnsack
- Department of Molecular Biology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Soon Yi
- Center for RNA Science and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Sarah Venus
- Center for RNA Science and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Eckhard Jankowsky
- Center for RNA Science and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
- Moderna, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Markus T Bohnsack
- Department of Molecular Biology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
- Göttingen Centre for Molecular Biosciences, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany.
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15
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Beusch I, Rao B, Studer MK, Luhovska T, Šukytė V, Lei S, Oses-Prieto J, SeGraves E, Burlingame A, Jonas S, Madhani HD. Targeted high-throughput mutagenesis of the human spliceosome reveals its in vivo operating principles. Mol Cell 2023; 83:2578-2594.e9. [PMID: 37402368 PMCID: PMC10484158 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
The spliceosome is a staggeringly complex machine, comprising, in humans, 5 snRNAs and >150 proteins. We scaled haploid CRISPR-Cas9 base editing to target the entire human spliceosome and investigated the mutants using the U2 snRNP/SF3b inhibitor, pladienolide B. Hypersensitive substitutions define functional sites in the U1/U2-containing A complex but also in components that act as late as the second chemical step after SF3b is dissociated. Viable resistance substitutions map not only to the pladienolide B-binding site but also to the G-patch domain of SUGP1, which lacks orthologs in yeast. We used these mutants and biochemical approaches to identify the spliceosomal disassemblase DHX15/hPrp43 as the ATPase ligand for SUGP1. These and other data support a model in which SUGP1 promotes splicing fidelity by triggering early spliceosome disassembly in response to kinetic blocks. Our approach provides a template for the analysis of essential cellular machines in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Beusch
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - Beiduo Rao
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - Michael K Studer
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tetiana Luhovska
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Viktorija Šukytė
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Susan Lei
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - Juan Oses-Prieto
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - Em SeGraves
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - Alma Burlingame
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - Stefanie Jonas
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hiten D Madhani
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, USA.
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16
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Nagasawa CK, Garcia-Blanco MA. Early Splicing Complexes and Human Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11412. [PMID: 37511171 PMCID: PMC10379813 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411412] [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: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade, our understanding of spliceosome structure and function has significantly improved, refining the study of the impact of dysregulated splicing on human disease. As a result, targeted splicing therapeutics have been developed, treating various diseases including spinal muscular atrophy and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. These advancements are very promising and emphasize the critical role of proper splicing in maintaining human health. Herein, we provide an overview of the current information on the composition and assembly of early splicing complexes-commitment complex and pre-spliceosome-and their association with human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe K. Nagasawa
- Human Pathophysiology and Translational Medicine Program, Institute for Translational Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-5302, USA;
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-5302, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903-2628, USA
| | - Mariano A. Garcia-Blanco
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-5302, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903-2628, USA
- Institute of Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-5302, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-5302, USA
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17
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Rodrigues KS, Petroski LP, Utumi PH, Ferrasa A, Herai RH. IARA: a complete and curated atlas of the biogenesis of spliceosome machinery during RNA splicing. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202201593. [PMID: 36609432 PMCID: PMC9834665 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Splicing is one of the most important post-transcriptional processing systems and is responsible for the generation of transcriptome diversity in all living eukaryotes. Splicing is regulated by the spliceosome machinery, which is responsible for each step of primary RNA processing. However, current molecules and stages involved in RNA splicing are still spread over different studies. Thus, a curated atlas of spliceosome-related molecules and all involved stages during RNA processing can provide all researchers with a reliable resource to better investigate this important mechanism. Here, we present IARA (website access: https://pucpr-bioinformatics.github.io/atlas/), an extensively curated and constantly updated catalog of molecules involved in spliceosome machinery. IARA has a map of the steps involved in the human splicing mechanism, and it allows a detailed overview of the molecules involved throughout the distinct steps of splicing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelren S Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Neurogenetics, Graduate Program in Health Sciences (PPGCS), School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Luiz P Petroski
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Neurogenetics, Graduate Program in Health Sciences (PPGCS), School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Paulo H Utumi
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Neurogenetics, Graduate Program in Health Sciences (PPGCS), School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Adriano Ferrasa
- Informatics Department, Universidade Estadual de Ponta GrossaPonta Grossa, Brazil
| | - Roberto H Herai
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Neurogenetics, Graduate Program in Health Sciences (PPGCS), School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
- Research Division, Buko Kaesemodel Institute, Curitiba, Brazil
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18
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Boddu PC, Gupta A, Roy R, De La Pena Avalos B, Herrero AO, Neuenkirchen N, Zimmer J, Chandhok N, King D, Nannya Y, Ogawa S, Lin H, Simon M, Dray E, Kupfer G, Verma AK, Neugebauer KM, Pillai MM. Transcription elongation defects link oncogenic splicing factor mutations to targetable alterations in chromatin landscape. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.25.530019. [PMID: 36891287 PMCID: PMC9994134 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.25.530019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Transcription and splicing of pre-messenger RNA are closely coordinated, but how this functional coupling is disrupted in human disease remains unexplored. Here, we investigated the impact of non-synonymous mutations in SF3B1 and U2AF1, two commonly mutated splicing factors in cancer, on transcription. We find that the mutations impair RNA Polymerase II (RNAPII) transcription elongation along gene bodies leading to transcription-replication conflicts, replication stress and altered chromatin organization. This elongation defect is linked to disrupted pre-spliceosome assembly due to impaired association of HTATSF1 with mutant SF3B1. Through an unbiased screen, we identified epigenetic factors in the Sin3/HDAC complex, which, when modulated, normalize transcription defects and their downstream effects. Our findings shed light on the mechanisms by which oncogenic mutant spliceosomes impact chromatin organization through their effects on RNAPII transcription elongation and present a rationale for targeting the Sin3/HDAC complex as a potential therapeutic strategy. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT HIGHLIGHTS Oncogenic mutations of SF3B1 and U2AF1 cause a gene-body RNAPII elongation defectRNAPII transcription elongation defect leads to transcription replication conflicts, DNA damage response, and changes to chromatin organization and H3K4me3 marksThe transcription elongation defect is linked to disruption of the early spliceosome formation through impaired interaction of HTATSF1 with mutant SF3B1.Changes to chromatin organization reveal potential therapeutic strategies by targeting the Sin3/HDAC pathway.
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19
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Mechanisms of the RNA helicases DDX42 and DDX46 in human U2 snRNP assembly. Nat Commun 2023; 14:897. [PMID: 36797247 PMCID: PMC9935549 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36489-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Three RNA helicases - DDX42, DDX46 and DHX15 - are found to be associated with human U2 snRNP, but their roles and mechanisms in U2 snRNP and spliceosome assembly are insufficiently understood. Here we report the cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of the DDX42-SF3b complex and a putative assembly precursor of 17S U2 snRNP that contains DDX42 (DDX42-U2 complex). DDX42 is anchored on SF3B1 through N-terminal sequences, with its N-plug occupying the RNA path of SF3B1. The binding mode of DDX42 to SF3B1 is in striking analogy to that of DDX46. In the DDX42-U2 complex, the N-terminus of DDX42 remains anchored on SF3B1, but the helicase domain has been displaced by U2 snRNA and TAT-SF1. Through in vitro assays, we show DDX42 and DDX46 are mutually exclusive in terms of binding to SF3b. Cancer-driving mutations of SF3B1 target the residues in the RNA path that directly interact with DDX42 and DDX46. These findings reveal the distinct roles of DDX42 and DDX46 in assembly of 17S U2 snRNP and provide insights into the mechanisms of SF3B1 cancer mutations.
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20
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Tholen J, Galej WP. Structural studies of the spliceosome: Bridging the gaps. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2022; 77:102461. [PMID: 36116369 PMCID: PMC9762485 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2022.102461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The spliceosome is a multi-megadalton RNA-protein complex responsible for the removal of non-coding introns from pre-mRNAs. Due to its complexity and dynamic nature, it has proven to be a very challenging target for structural studies. Developments in single particle cryo-EM have overcome these previous limitations and paved the way towards a structural characterisation of the splicing machinery. Despite tremendous progress, many aspects of spliceosome structure and function remain elusive. In particular, the events leading to the definition of exon-intron boundaries, alternative and non-canonical splicing events, and cross-talk with other cellular machineries. Efforts are being made to address these knowledge gaps and further our mechanistic understanding of the spliceosome. Here, we summarise recent progress in the structural and functional analysis of the spliceosome.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Tholen
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, 38042 Grenoble, France. https://twitter.com/@Structjon
| | - W P Galej
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, 38042 Grenoble, France.
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21
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Nameki N, Takizawa M, Suzuki T, Tani S, Kobayashi N, Sakamoto T, Muto Y, Kuwasako K. Structural basis for the interaction between the first SURP domain of the SF3A1 subunit in U2 snRNP and the human splicing factor SF1. Protein Sci 2022; 31:e4437. [PMID: 36173164 PMCID: PMC9514218 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4437] [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: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
SURP domains are exclusively found in splicing-related proteins in all eukaryotes. SF3A1, a component of the U2 snRNP, has two tandem SURP domains, SURP1, and SURP2. SURP2 is permanently associated with a specific short region of SF3A3 within the SF3A protein complex whereas, SURP1 binds to the splicing factor SF1 for recruitment of U2 snRNP to the early spliceosomal complex, from which SF1 is dissociated during complex conversion. Here, we determined the solution structure of the complex of SURP1 and the human SF1 fragment using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methods. SURP1 adopts the canonical topology of α1-α2-310 -α3, in which α1 and α2 are connected by a single glycine residue in a particular backbone conformation, allowing the two α-helices to be fixed at an acute angle. A hydrophobic patch, which is part of the characteristic surface formed by α1 and α2, specifically contacts a hydrophobic cluster on a 16-residue α-helix of the SF1 fragment. Furthermore, whereas only hydrophobic interactions occurred between SURP2 and the SF3A3 fragment, several salt bridges and hydrogen bonds were found between the residues of SURP1 and the SF1 fragment. This finding was confirmed through mutational studies using bio-layer interferometry. The study also revealed that the dissociation constant between SURP1 and the SF1 fragment peptide was approximately 20 μM, indicating a weak or transient interaction. Collectively, these results indicate that the interplay between U2 snRNP and SF1 involves a transient interaction of SURP1, and this transient interaction appears to be common to most SURP domains, except for SURP2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobukazu Nameki
- Division of Molecular Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Gunma University, Kiryu, Gunma, Japan
| | - Masayuki Takizawa
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Musashino University, Nishitokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takayuki Suzuki
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Musashino University, Nishitokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shoko Tani
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Musashino University, Nishitokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naohiro Kobayashi
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Taiichi Sakamoto
- Department of Life Science, Faculty of Advanced Engineering, Chiba Institute of Technology, Narashino, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yutaka Muto
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Musashino University, Nishitokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kanako Kuwasako
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Musashino University, Nishitokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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22
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Vorländer MK, Pacheco-Fiallos B, Plaschka C. Structural basis of mRNA maturation: Time to put it together. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2022; 75:102431. [PMID: 35930970 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2022.102431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
In eukaryotes, the expression of genetic information begins in the cell nucleus with precursor messenger RNA (pre-mRNA) transcription and processing into mature mRNA. The mRNA is subsequently recognized and packaged by proteins into an mRNA ribonucleoprotein complex (mRNP) and exported to the cytoplasm for translation. Each of the nuclear mRNA maturation steps is carried out by a dedicated molecular machine. Here, we highlight recent structural and mechanistic insights into how these machines function, including the capping enzyme, the spliceosome, the 3'-end processing machinery, and the transcription-export complex. While we increasingly understand individual steps of nuclear gene expression, many questions remain. For example, we are only beginning to reveal how mature mRNAs are recognized and packaged for nuclear export and how mRNA maturation events are coupled to transcription and to each other. Advances in the preparation of recombinant and endogenous protein-nucleic acid complexes, cryo-electron microscopy, and machine learning promise exciting insights into the mechanisms of nuclear gene expression and its spatial organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias K Vorländer
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria. https://twitter.com/@MVorlandr
| | - Belén Pacheco-Fiallos
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria; Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, 1030, Vienna, Austria. https://twitter.com/@bpachecofiallos
| | - Clemens Plaschka
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria.
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23
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Neuhaus D. Zinc finger structure determination by NMR: Why zinc fingers can be a handful. PROGRESS IN NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE SPECTROSCOPY 2022; 130-131:62-105. [PMID: 36113918 PMCID: PMC7614390 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnmrs.2022.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Zinc fingers can be loosely defined as protein domains containing one or more tetrahedrally-co-ordinated zinc ions whose role is to stabilise the structure rather than to be involved in enzymatic chemistry; such zinc ions are often referred to as "structural zincs". Although structural zincs can occur in proteins of any size, they assume particular significance for very small protein domains, where they are often essential for maintaining a folded state. Such small structures, that sometimes have only marginal stability, can present particular difficulties in terms of sample preparation, handling and structure determination, and early on they gained a reputation for being resistant to crystallisation. As a result, NMR has played a more prominent role in structural studies of zinc finger proteins than it has for many other types of proteins. This review will present an overview of the particular issues that arise for structure determination of zinc fingers by NMR, and ways in which these may be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Neuhaus
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK.
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24
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Maul-Newby HM, Amorello AN, Sharma T, Kim JH, Modena MS, Prichard BE, Jurica MS. A model for DHX15 mediated disassembly of A-complex spliceosomes. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2022; 28:583-595. [PMID: 35046126 PMCID: PMC8925973 DOI: 10.1261/rna.078977.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
A critical step of pre-mRNA splicing is the recruitment of U2 snRNP to the branch point sequence of an intron. U2 snRNP conformation changes extensively during branch helix formation, and several RNA-dependent ATPases are implicated in the process. However, the molecular mechanisms involved remain to be fully dissected. We took advantage of the differential nucleotide triphosphates requirements for DExD/H-box enzymes to probe their contributions to in vitro spliceosome assembly. Both ATP and GTP hydrolysis support the formation of A-complex, indicating the activity of a DEAH-enzyme because DEAD-enzymes are selective for ATP. We immunodepleted DHX15 to assess its involvement, and although splicing efficiency decreases with reduced DHX15, A-complex accumulation incongruently increases. DHX15 depletion also results in the persistence of the atypical ATP-independent interaction between U2 snRNP and a minimal substrate that is otherwise destabilized in the presence of either ATP or GTP. These results lead us to hypothesize that DHX15 plays a quality control function in U2 snRNP's engagement with an intron. In efforts to identify the RNA target of DHX15, we determined that an extended polypyrimidine tract is not necessary for disruption of the atypical interaction between U2 snRNP and the minimal substrate. We also examined U2 snRNA by RNase H digestion and identified nucleotides in the branch binding region that become accessible with both ATP and GTP hydrolysis, again implicating a DEAH-enzyme. Together, our results demonstrate that multiple ATP-dependent rearrangements are likely involved in U2 snRNP addition to the spliceosome and that DHX15 may have an expanded role in maintaining splicing fidelity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah M Maul-Newby
- Department of Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California 95064, USA
- Center for Molecular Biology of RNA, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California 95064, USA
| | - Angela N Amorello
- Department of Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California 95064, USA
- Center for Molecular Biology of RNA, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California 95064, USA
| | - Turvi Sharma
- Department of Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California 95064, USA
- Center for Molecular Biology of RNA, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California 95064, USA
| | - John H Kim
- Department of Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California 95064, USA
- Center for Molecular Biology of RNA, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California 95064, USA
| | - Matthew S Modena
- Department of Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California 95064, USA
- Center for Molecular Biology of RNA, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California 95064, USA
| | - Beth E Prichard
- Department of Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California 95064, USA
- Center for Molecular Biology of RNA, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California 95064, USA
| | - Melissa S Jurica
- Department of Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California 95064, USA
- Center for Molecular Biology of RNA, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California 95064, USA
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Abstract
Recognition of the intron branch site (BS) by the U2 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) is a critical event during spliceosome assembly. In mammals, BS sequences are poorly conserved, and unambiguous intron recognition cannot be achieved solely through a base-pairing mechanism. We isolated human 17S U2 snRNP and reconstituted in vitro its adenosine 5´-triphosphate (ATP)–dependent remodeling and binding to the pre–messenger RNA substrate. We determined a series of high-resolution (2.0 to 2.2 angstrom) structures providing snapshots of the BS selection process. The substrate-bound U2 snRNP shows that SF3B6 stabilizes the BS:U2 snRNA duplex, which could aid binding of introns with poor sequence complementarity. ATP-dependent remodeling uncoupled from substrate binding captures U2 snRNA in a conformation that competes with BS recognition, providing a selection mechanism based on branch helix stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Tholen
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory; 71 Avenue des Martyrs, 38042 Grenoble, France
- Collaboration for joint PhD degree between EMBL and Heidelberg University, Faculty of Biosciences
| | - Michal Razew
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory; 71 Avenue des Martyrs, 38042 Grenoble, France
| | - Felix Weis
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Structural and Computational Biology Unit; Meyerhofstraße 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Wojciech P. Galej
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory; 71 Avenue des Martyrs, 38042 Grenoble, France
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26
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Karbstein K. Attacking a DEAD problem: The role of DEAD-box ATPases in ribosome assembly and beyond. Methods Enzymol 2022; 673:19-38. [PMID: 35965007 PMCID: PMC10154911 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2022.03.033] [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] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
DEAD-box proteins are a subfamily of ATPases with similarity to RecA-type helicases that are involved in all aspects of RNA Biology. Despite their potential to regulate these processes via their RNA-dependent ATPase activity, their roles remain poorly characterized. Here I describe a roadmap to study these proteins in the context of ribosome assembly, the process that utilizes more than half of all DEAD-box proteins encoded in the yeast genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Karbstein
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL, United States; HHMI Faculty Scholar, Chevy Chase, MD, United States; The Skaggs Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL, United States.
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