1
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Audry J, Zhang H, Kerr C, Berkner KL, Runge K. Ccq1 restrains Mre11-mediated degradation to distinguish short telomeres from double-strand breaks. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:3722-3739. [PMID: 38321948 PMCID: PMC11040153 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae044] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Telomeres protect chromosome ends and are distinguished from DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) by means of a specialized chromatin composed of DNA repeats bound by a multiprotein complex called shelterin. We investigated the role of telomere-associated proteins in establishing end-protection by studying viable mutants lacking these proteins. Mutants were studied using a Schizosaccharomyces pombe model system that induces cutting of a 'proto-telomere' bearing telomere repeats to rapidly form a new stable chromosomal end, in contrast to the rapid degradation of a control DSB. Cells lacking the telomere-associated proteins Taz1, Rap1, Poz1 or Rif1 formed a chromosome end that was stable. Surprisingly, cells lacking Ccq1, or impaired for recruiting Ccq1 to the telomere, converted the cleaved proto-telomere to a rapidly degraded DSB. Ccq1 recruits telomerase, establishes heterochromatin and affects DNA damage checkpoint activation; however, these functions were separable from protection of the new telomere by Ccq1. In cells lacking Ccq1, telomere degradation was greatly reduced by eliminating the nuclease activity of Mre11 (part of the Mre11-Rad50-Nbs1/Xrs2 DSB processing complex), and higher amounts of nuclease-deficient Mre11 associated with the new telomere. These results demonstrate a novel function for S. pombe Ccq1 to effect end-protection by restraining Mre11-dependent degradation of the DNA end.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Audry
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Haitao Zhang
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Carly Kerr
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Kathleen L Berkner
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Kurt W Runge
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
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2
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Dey A, Monroy-Eklund A, Klotz K, Saha A, Davis J, Li B, Laederach A, Chakrabarti K. In vivo architecture of the telomerase RNA catalytic core in Trypanosoma brucei. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:12445-12466. [PMID: 34850114 PMCID: PMC8643685 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab1042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomerase is a unique ribonucleoprotein (RNP) reverse transcriptase that utilizes its cognate RNA molecule as a template for telomere DNA repeat synthesis. Telomerase contains the reverse transcriptase protein, TERT and the template RNA, TR, as its core components. The 5'-half of TR forms a highly conserved catalytic core comprising of the template region and adjacent domains necessary for telomere synthesis. However, how telomerase RNA folding takes place in vivo has not been fully understood due to low abundance of the native RNP. Here, using unicellular pathogen Trypanosoma brucei as a model, we reveal important regional folding information of the native telomerase RNA core domains, i.e. TR template, template boundary element, template proximal helix and Helix IV (eCR4-CR5) domain. For this purpose, we uniquely combined in-cell probing with targeted high-throughput RNA sequencing and mutational mapping under three conditions: in vivo (in WT and TERT-/- cells), in an immunopurified catalytically active telomerase RNP complex and ex vivo (deproteinized). We discover that TR forms at least two different conformers with distinct folding topologies in the insect and mammalian developmental stages of T. brucei. Also, TERT does not significantly affect the RNA folding in vivo, suggesting that the telomerase RNA in T. brucei exists in a conformationally preorganized stable structure. Our observed differences in RNA (TR) folding at two distinct developmental stages of T. brucei suggest that important conformational changes are a key component of T. brucei development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Dey
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Anais Monroy-Eklund
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Kaitlin Klotz
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Arpita Saha
- Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease, Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, College of Sciences and Health Professions, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH 44115, USA
| | - Justin Davis
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Bibo Li
- Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease, Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, College of Sciences and Health Professions, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH 44115, USA
| | - Alain Laederach
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Kausik Chakrabarti
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +1 704 687 1882; Fax: +1 704 687 1488;
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3
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Caterino M, Paeschke K. Action and function of helicases on RNA G-quadruplexes. Methods 2021; 204:110-125. [PMID: 34509630 PMCID: PMC9236196 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2021.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Methodological progresses and piling evidence prove the rG4 biology in vivo. rG4s step in virtually every aspect of RNA biology. Helicases unwinding of rG4s is a fine regulatory layer to the downstream processes and general cell homeostasis. The current knowledge is however limited to a few cell lines. The regulation of helicases themselves is delineating as a important question. Non-helicase rG4-processing proteins likely play a role.
The nucleic acid structure called G-quadruplex (G4) is currently discussed to function in nucleic acid-based mechanisms that influence several cellular processes. They can modulate the cellular machinery either positively or negatively, both at the DNA and RNA level. The majority of what we know about G4 biology comes from DNA G4 (dG4) research. RNA G4s (rG4), on the other hand, are gaining interest as researchers become more aware of their role in several aspects of cellular homeostasis. In either case, the correct regulation of G4 structures within cells is essential and demands specialized proteins able to resolve them. Small changes in the formation and unfolding of G4 structures can have severe consequences for the cells that could even stimulate genome instability, apoptosis or proliferation. Helicases are the most relevant negative G4 regulators, which prevent and unfold G4 formation within cells during different pathways. Yet, and despite their importance only a handful of rG4 unwinding helicases have been identified and characterized thus far. This review addresses the current knowledge on rG4s-processing helicases with a focus on methodological approaches. An example of a non-helicase rG4s-unwinding protein is also briefly described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Caterino
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Katrin Paeschke
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany.
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4
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Hu X, Kim JK, Yu C, Jun HI, Liu J, Sankaran B, Huang L, Qiao F. Quality-Control Mechanism for Telomerase RNA Folding in the Cell. Cell Rep 2020; 33:108568. [PMID: 33378677 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs can often fold into different conformations. Telomerase RNA, an essential component of the telomerase ribonucleoprotein (RNP) enzyme, must fold into a defined structure to fulfill its function with the protein catalytic subunit (TERT) and other accessory factors. However, the mechanism by which the correct folding of telomerase RNA is warranted in a cell is still unknown. Here we show that La-related protein Pof8 specifically recognizes the conserved pseudoknot region of telomerase RNA and instructs the binding of the Lsm2-8 complex to its mature 3' end, thus selectively protecting the correctly folded RNA from exonucleolytic degradation. In the absence of Pof8, TERT assembles with misfolded RNA and produces little telomerase activity. Therefore, Pof8 plays a key role in telomerase RNA folding quality control, ensuring that TERT only assembles with functional telomerase RNA to form active telomerase. Our finding reveals a mechanism for non-coding RNA folding quality control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xichan Hu
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-1700, USA
| | - Jin-Kwang Kim
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-1700, USA
| | - Clinton Yu
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-4560, USA
| | - Hyun-Ik Jun
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-1700, USA
| | - Jinqiang Liu
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-1700, USA
| | - Banumathi Sankaran
- Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging, Berkeley Center for Structural Biology, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Lan Huang
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-4560, USA
| | - Feng Qiao
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-1700, USA.
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5
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Schult P, Paeschke K. The DEAH helicase DHX36 and its role in G-quadruplex-dependent processes. Biol Chem 2020; 402:581-591. [PMID: 33021960 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2020-0292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
DHX36 is a member of the DExD/H box helicase family, which comprises a large number of proteins involved in various cellular functions. Recently, the function of DHX36 in the regulation of G-quadruplexes (G4s) was demonstrated. G4s are alternative nucleic acid structures, which influence many cellular pathways on a transcriptional and post-transcriptional level. In this review we provide an overview of the current knowledge about DHX36 structure, substrate specificity, and mechanism of action based on the available models and crystal structures. Moreover, we outline its multiple functions in cellular homeostasis, immunity, and disease. Finally, we discuss the open questions and provide potential directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Schult
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, D-53127Bonn, Germany
| | - Katrin Paeschke
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, D-53127Bonn, Germany
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6
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Li X, Yin F, Xu X, Liu L, Xue Q, Tong L, Jiang W, Li C. A facile DNA/RNA nanoflower for sensitive imaging of telomerase RNA in living cells based on "zipper lock-and-key" strategy. Biosens Bioelectron 2019; 147:111788. [PMID: 31671380 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2019.111788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 10/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The sensitive imaging of telomerase RNA (TR) in living cells is crucial for improved guidance in cancer clinical diagnosis because its expression level is closely related to malignant diseases. The efficient delivery of multiple nucleic acid probes to target cells is critical for nucleic acid-based methods to successfully image low-abundance TR in living cells. While novel nanomaterials enhance delivery efficiency, uncontrolled loading and slow intracellular release remain major challenges for multiple-probe delivery. Here, we designed a facile DNA/RNA nanoflower (NF) to perform the controlled loading of multiple probes and rapid intracellular release based on the "zipper lock-and-key" strategy. First, a long RNA generated by rolling circle transcription acts as both the "smart zipper lock" and the delivery carrier to alternately lock multiple functional DNAs through DNA-RNA base pairing, and the resulting RNA/DNA hybrids self-assemble into packed NFs. The functional DNAs include the fluorescence molecular beacon H1 for TR recognition, H2 for hybrid chain reaction (HCR) and DNA-cholesterol for size control. After NF internalization by the cells, the intracellular RNase H acts as the "key" to specifically open the DNA/RNA NFs by cleaving the RNA in the DNA/RNA hybrid, releasing high amounts of H1 and H2 in a confined space and thereby facilitating the HCR amplification analysis of cytoplasmic TR. With the addition of a DNA-nuclear localization peptide component in the same NF, nuclear TR can also be sensitively detected. Compared with the regular H1/H2 mixture, the DNA/RNA NFs produced a higher-contrast fluorescence signal. This indicated that the proposed strategy allowed the side arms of H1/H2 to be sealed into the RNA sequence-programmed "zipper lock" by controlled loading, avoiding mutual nonspecific H1/H2 hybridization. In addition, due to the fast kinetics of the RNase endonuclease reaction, the loaded H1/H2 was quickly released. Furthermore, the strategy was successfully used to assay the expression levels of TR in HeLa, HepG2 and HL-7702 cells, demonstrating that this approach holds the potential for the sensitive detection of low-abundance biomarkers in living cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Li
- Department of Chemistry, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, 252059, PR China; Key Laboratory for Colloid and Interface Chemistry of Education Ministry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, 250100, Jinan, PR China
| | - Fei Yin
- Department of Chemistry, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, 252059, PR China
| | - Xiaowen Xu
- Key Laboratory for Colloid and Interface Chemistry of Education Ministry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, 250100, Jinan, PR China
| | - Liqi Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, 252059, PR China
| | - Qingwang Xue
- Department of Chemistry, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, 252059, PR China
| | - Lin Tong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33174, USA
| | - Wei Jiang
- Key Laboratory for Colloid and Interface Chemistry of Education Ministry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, 250100, Jinan, PR China
| | - Chenzhong Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33174, USA.
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7
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A Heterochromatin Domain Forms Gradually at a New Telomere and Is Dynamic at Stable Telomeres. Mol Cell Biol 2018; 38:MCB.00393-17. [PMID: 29784772 PMCID: PMC6048312 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00393-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Heterochromatin domains play important roles in chromosome biology, organismal development, and aging, including centromere function, mammalian female X chromosome inactivation, and senescence-associated heterochromatin foci. In the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe and metazoans, heterochromatin contains histone H3 that is dimethylated at lysine 9. Heterochromatin domains play important roles in chromosome biology, organismal development, and aging, including centromere function, mammalian female X chromosome inactivation, and senescence-associated heterochromatin foci. In the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe and metazoans, heterochromatin contains histone H3 that is dimethylated at lysine 9. While factors required for heterochromatin have been identified, the dynamics of heterochromatin formation are poorly understood. Telomeres convert adjacent chromatin into heterochromatin. To form a new heterochromatic region in S. pombe, an inducible DNA double-strand break (DSB) was engineered next to 48 bp of telomere repeats in euchromatin, which caused formation of a new telomere and the establishment and gradual spreading of a new heterochromatin domain. However, spreading was dynamic even after the telomere had reached its stable length, with reporter genes within the heterochromatin domain showing variegated expression. The system also revealed the presence of repeats located near the boundaries of euchromatin and heterochromatin that are oriented to allow the efficient healing of a euchromatic DSB to cap the chromosome end with a new telomere. Telomere formation in S. pombe therefore reveals novel aspects of heterochromatin dynamics and fail-safe mechanisms to repair subtelomeric breaks, with implications for similar processes in metazoan genomes.
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8
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Collopy LC, Ware TL, Goncalves T, Í Kongsstovu S, Yang Q, Amelina H, Pinder C, Alenazi A, Moiseeva V, Pearson SR, Armstrong CA, Tomita K. LARP7 family proteins have conserved function in telomerase assembly. Nat Commun 2018; 9:557. [PMID: 29422501 PMCID: PMC5805788 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-02296-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the intricacies of telomerase regulation is crucial due to the potential health benefits of modifying its activity. Telomerase is composed of an RNA component and reverse transcriptase. However, additional factors required during biogenesis vary between species. Here we have identified fission yeast Lar7 as a member of the conserved LARP7 family, which includes the Tetrahymena telomerase-binding protein p65 and human LARP7. We show that Lar7 has conserved RNA-recognition motifs, which bind telomerase RNA to protect it from exosomal degradation. In addition, Lar7 is required to stabilise the association of telomerase RNA with the protective complex LSm2–8, and telomerase reverse transcriptase. Lar7 remains a component of the mature telomerase complex and is required for telomerase localisation to the telomere. Collectively, we demonstrate that Lar7 is a crucial player in fission yeast telomerase biogenesis, similarly to p65 in Tetrahymena, and highlight the LARP7 family as a conserved factor in telomere maintenance. The telomerase holoenzyme is minimally composed of the reverse transcriptase and the RNA template. Here the authors identify Lar7 as a member of the full complex that helps to stabilise it and protect telomerase RNA from degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura C Collopy
- Chromosome Maintenance Group, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Tracy L Ware
- Chromosome Maintenance Group, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, WC1E 6DD, UK.,Department of Biology, Salem State University, Salem, MA, 01970, USA
| | - Tomas Goncalves
- Chromosome Maintenance Group, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, WC1E 6DD, UK.,Division of Biosciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Sunnvør Í Kongsstovu
- Chromosome Maintenance Group, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, WC1E 6DD, UK.,MSc Human Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Qian Yang
- Chromosome Maintenance Group, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Hanna Amelina
- Chromosome Maintenance Group, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Corinne Pinder
- Chromosome Maintenance Group, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, WC1E 6DD, UK.,Division of Biosciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Ala Alenazi
- Chromosome Maintenance Group, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, WC1E 6DD, UK.,MSc Human Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Vera Moiseeva
- Chromosome Maintenance Group, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Siân R Pearson
- Chromosome Maintenance Group, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Christine A Armstrong
- Chromosome Maintenance Group, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Kazunori Tomita
- Chromosome Maintenance Group, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, WC1E 6DD, UK.
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9
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LARP7-like protein Pof8 regulates telomerase assembly and poly(A)+TERRA expression in fission yeast. Nat Commun 2018; 9:586. [PMID: 29422503 PMCID: PMC5805695 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-02874-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomerase is a reverse transcriptase complex that ensures stable maintenance of linear eukaryotic chromosome ends by overcoming the end replication problem, posed by the inability of replicative DNA polymerases to fully replicate linear DNA. The catalytic subunit TERT must be assembled properly with its telomerase RNA for telomerase to function, and studies in Tetrahymena have established that p65, a La-related protein 7 (LARP7) family protein, utilizes its C-terminal xRRM domain to promote assembly of the telomerase ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex. However, LARP7-dependent telomerase complex assembly has been considered as unique to ciliates that utilize RNA polymerase III to transcribe telomerase RNA. Here we show evidence that fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe utilizes the p65-related protein Pof8 and its xRRM domain to promote assembly of RNA polymerase II-encoded telomerase RNA with TERT. Furthermore, we show that Pof8 contributes to repression of the transcription of noncoding RNAs at telomeres. A functional telomerase complex requires that the catalytic TERT subunit be assembled with the template RNA TER1. Here the authors show that Pof8, a possible LARP7 family protein, is required for assembly of the telomerase complex, and repression of lncRNA transcripts at telomeres in S. pombe.
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10
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Current Perspectives of Telomerase Structure and Function in Eukaryotes with Emerging Views on Telomerase in Human Parasites. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19020333. [PMID: 29364142 PMCID: PMC5855555 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19020333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Revised: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Replicative capacity of a cell is strongly correlated with telomere length regulation. Aberrant lengthening or reduction in the length of telomeres can lead to health anomalies, such as cancer or premature aging. Telomerase is a master regulator for maintaining replicative potential in most eukaryotic cells. It does so by controlling telomere length at chromosome ends. Akin to cancer cells, most single-cell eukaryotic pathogens are highly proliferative and require persistent telomerase activity to maintain constant length of telomere and propagation within their host. Although telomerase is key to unlimited cellular proliferation in both cases, not much was known about the role of telomerase in human parasites (malaria, Trypanosoma, etc.) until recently. Since telomerase regulation is mediated via its own structural components, interactions with catalytic reverse transcriptase and several factors that can recruit and assemble telomerase to telomeres in a cell cycle-dependent manner, we compare and discuss here recent findings in telomerase biology in cancer, aging and parasitic diseases to give a broader perspective of telomerase function in human diseases.
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11
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Musgrove C, Jansson LI, Stone MD. New perspectives on telomerase RNA structure and function. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2017; 9. [PMID: 29124890 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Revised: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Telomerase is an ancient ribonucleoprotein (RNP) that protects the ends of linear chromosomes from the loss of critical coding sequences through repetitive addition of short DNA sequences. These repeats comprise the telomere, which together with many accessory proteins, protect chromosomal ends from degradation and unwanted DNA repair. Telomerase is a unique reverse transcriptase (RT) that carries its own RNA to use as a template for repeat addition. Over decades of research, it has become clear that there are many diverse, crucial functions played by telomerase RNA beyond simply acting as a template. In this review, we highlight recent findings in three model systems: ciliates, yeast and vertebrates, that have shifted the way the field views the structural and mechanistic role(s) of RNA within the functional telomerase RNP complex. Viewed in this light, we hope to demonstrate that while telomerase RNA is just one example of the myriad functional RNA in the cell, insights into its structure and mechanism have wide-ranging impacts. WIREs RNA 2018, 9:e1456. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1456 This article is categorized under: RNA Structure and Dynamics > Influence of RNA Structure in Biological Systems RNA Structure and Dynamics > RNA Structure, Dynamics and Chemistry RNA Evolution and Genomics > RNA and Ribonucleoprotein Evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cherie Musgrove
- Department of Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Linnea I Jansson
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Michael D Stone
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, USA.,Center for Molecular Biology of RNA, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
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12
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Bennett HW, Liu N, Hu Y, King MC. TeloPCR-seq: a high-throughput sequencing approach for telomeres. FEBS Lett 2016; 590:4159-4170. [PMID: 27714790 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.12444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Revised: 09/28/2016] [Accepted: 09/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
We have developed a high-throughput sequencing approach that enables us to determine terminal telomere sequences from tens of thousands of individual Schizosaccharomyces pombe telomeres. This method provides unprecedented coverage of telomeric sequence complexity in fission yeast. S. pombe telomeres are composed of modular degenerate repeats that can be explained by variation in usage of the TER1 RNA template during reverse transcription. Taking advantage of this deep sequencing approach, we find that 'like' repeat modules are highly correlated within individual telomeres. Moreover, repeat module preference varies with telomere length, suggesting that existing repeats promote the incorporation of like repeats and/or that specific conformations of the telomerase holoenzyme efficiently and/or processively add repeats of like nature. After the loss of telomerase activity, this sequencing and analysis pipeline defines a population of telomeres with altered sequence content. This approach will be adaptable to study telomeric repeats in other organisms and also to interrogate repetitive sequences throughout the genome that are inaccessible to other sequencing methods.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Na Liu
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Yale Stem Cell Center, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yan Hu
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Megan C King
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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13
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Webb
- a Department of Molecular Biology ; Princeton University ; Princeton NJ USA
| | - Virginia A Zakian
- a Department of Molecular Biology ; Princeton University ; Princeton NJ USA
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14
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Abstract
The addition of telomeric DNA to chromosome ends is an essential cellular activity that compensates for the loss of genomic DNA that is due to the inability of the conventional DNA replication apparatus to duplicate the entire chromosome. The telomerase reverse transcriptase and its associated RNA bind to the very end of the telomere via a sequence in the RNA and specific protein-protein interactions. Telomerase RNA also provides the template for addition of new telomeric repeats by the reverse-transcriptase protein subunit. In addition to the template, there are 3 other conserved regions in telomerase RNA that are essential for normal telomerase activity. Here we briefly review the conserved core regions of telomerase RNA and then focus on a recent study in fission yeast that determined the function of another conserved region in telomerase RNA called the Stem Terminus Element (STE). (1) The STE is distant from the templating core of telomerase in both the linear and RNA secondary structure, but, nonetheless, affects the fidelity of telomere sequence addition and, in turn, the ability of telomere binding proteins to bind and protect chromosome ends. We will discuss possible mechanisms of STE action and the suitability of the STE as an anti-cancer target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Webb
- a Department of Molecular Biology , Princeton University , Princeton , NJ , USA
| | - Virginia A Zakian
- a Department of Molecular Biology , Princeton University , Princeton , NJ , USA
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Wallgren M, Mohammad JB, Yan KP, Pourbozorgi-Langroudi P, Ebrahimi M, Sabouri N. G-rich telomeric and ribosomal DNA sequences from the fission yeast genome form stable G-quadruplex DNA structures in vitro and are unwound by the Pfh1 DNA helicase. Nucleic Acids Res 2016; 44:6213-31. [PMID: 27185885 PMCID: PMC5291255 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkw349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Certain guanine-rich sequences have an inherent propensity to form G-quadruplex (G4) structures. G4 structures are e.g. involved in telomere protection and gene regulation. However, they also constitute obstacles during replication if they remain unresolved. To overcome these threats to genome integrity, organisms harbor specialized G4 unwinding helicases. In Schizosaccharomyces pombe, one such candidate helicase is Pfh1, an evolutionarily conserved Pif1 homolog. Here, we addressed whether putative G4 sequences in S. pombe can adopt G4 structures and, if so, whether Pfh1 can resolve them. We tested two G4 sequences, derived from S. pombe ribosomal and telomeric DNA regions, and demonstrated that they form inter- and intramolecular G4 structures, respectively. Also, Pfh1 was enriched in vivo at the ribosomal G4 DNA and telomeric sites. The nuclear isoform of Pfh1 (nPfh1) unwound both types of structure, and although the G4-stabilizing compound Phen-DC3 significantly enhanced their stability, nPfh1 still resolved them efficiently. However, stable G4 structures significantly inhibited adenosine triphosphate hydrolysis by nPfh1. Because ribosomal and telomeric DNA contain putative G4 regions conserved from yeasts to humans, our studies support the important role of G4 structure formation in these regions and provide further evidence for a conserved role for Pif1 helicases in resolving G4 structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Wallgren
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Umeå University, SE-901 87, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Jani B Mohammad
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Umeå University, SE-901 87, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Kok-Phen Yan
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Umeå University, SE-901 87, Umeå, Sweden
| | | | - Mahsa Ebrahimi
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Umeå University, SE-901 87, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Nasim Sabouri
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Umeå University, SE-901 87, Umeå, Sweden
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