The newt ribozyme is part of a riboprotein complex

Technologies for Targeted RNA Degradation and Induced RNA Decay

The vast majority of the human genome codes for RNA, but RNA-targeting therapeutics account for a small fraction of approved drugs. As such, there is great incentive to improve old and develop new approaches to RNA targeting. For many RNA targeting modalities, just binding is not sufficient to exert a therapeutic effect; thus, targeted RNA degradation and induced decay emerged as powerful approaches with a pronounced biological effect. This review covers the origins and advanced use cases of targeted RNA degrader technologies grouped by the nature of the targeting modality as well as by the mode of degradation. It covers both well-established methods and clinically successful platforms such as RNA interference, as well as emerging approaches such as recruitment of RNA quality control machinery, CRISPR, and direct targeted RNA degradation. We also share our thoughts on the biggest hurdles in this field, as well as possible ways to overcome them.

Small circRNAs with self-cleaving ribozymes are highly expressed in diverse metazoan transcriptomes

Ribozymes are catalytic RNAs present in modern genomes but regarded as remnants of a prebiotic RNA world. The paradigmatic hammerhead ribozyme (HHR) is a small self-cleaving motif widespread from bacterial to human genomes. Here, we report that most of the classical type I HHRs frequently found in the genomes of animals are contained within a novel family of non-autonomous non-LTR retrotransposons of the retrozyme class. These retroelements are expressed as abundant linear and circular RNAs of ∼170-400 nt in different animal tissues. Bioinformatic and in vitro analyses indicate an efficient self-cleavage of the HHRs harboured in most invertebrate retrozymes, whereas HHRs in retrozymes of vertebrates, such as the axolotl and other amphibians, require to act as dimeric motifs to reach higher self-cleavage rates. Ligation assays of retrozyme RNAs with a protein ligase versus HHR self-ligation indicate that, most likely, tRNA ligases and not the ribozymes are involved in the step of RNA circularization. Altogether, these results confirm the existence of a new and conserved pathway in animals and, likely, eukaryotes in general, for the efficient biosynthesis of RNA circles through small ribozymes, which opens the door for the development of new tools in the emerging field of study of circRNAs.

Novel ribozymes: discovery, catalytic mechanisms, and the quest to understand biological function

Small endonucleolytic ribozymes promote the self-cleavage of their own phosphodiester backbone at a specific linkage. The structures of and the reactions catalysed by members of individual families have been studied in great detail in the past decades. In recent years, bioinformatics studies have uncovered a considerable number of new examples of known catalytic RNA motifs. Importantly, entirely novel ribozyme classes were also discovered, for most of which both structural and biochemical information became rapidly available. However, for the majority of the new ribozymes, which are found in the genomes of a variety of species, a biological function remains elusive. Here, we concentrate on the different approaches to find catalytic RNA motifs in sequence databases. We summarize the emerging principles of RNA catalysis as observed for small endonucleolytic ribozymes. Finally, we address the biological functions of those ribozymes, where relevant information is available and common themes on their cellular activities are emerging. We conclude by speculating on the possibility that the identification and characterization of proteins that we hypothesize to be endogenously associated with catalytic RNA might help in answering the ever-present question of the biological function of the growing number of genomically encoded, small endonucleolytic ribozymes.

Numerous small hammerhead ribozyme variants associated with Penelope-like retrotransposons cleave RNA as dimers

Hammerhead ribozymes represent the most common of the 9 natural classes of self-cleaving RNAs. The hammerhead catalytic core includes 11 highly-conserved nucleotides located largely within the unpaired regions of a junction formed by stems I, II and III. The vast majority of previously reported examples carry an additional pseudoknot or other tertiary interactions between nucleotides that precede stem I and nucleotides in the loop of stem II. These extra contacts are critical for high-speed RNA catalysis. Herein, we report the discovery of ∼150,000 additional variant hammerhead representatives that exhibit diminished stem III substructures. These variants are frequently associated with Penelope-like retrotransposons, which are a type of mobile genetic element. Kinetic analyses indicate that these RNAs form dimers to cleave RNA.

Transcription of highly repetitive tandemly organized DNA in amphibians and birds: A historical overview and modern concepts

Tandemly organized highly repetitive DNA sequences are crucial structural and functional elements of eukaryotic genomes. Despite extensive evidence, satellite DNA remains an enigmatic part of the eukaryotic genome, with biological role and significance of tandem repeat transcripts remaining rather obscure. Data on tandem repeats transcription in amphibian and avian model organisms is fragmentary despite their genomes being thoroughly characterized. Review systematically covers historical and modern data on transcription of amphibian and avian satellite DNA in somatic cells and during meiosis when chromosomes acquire special lampbrush form. We highlight how transcription of tandemly repetitive DNA sequences is organized in interphase nucleus and on lampbrush chromosomes. We offer LTR-activation hypotheses of widespread satellite DNA transcription initiation during oogenesis. Recent explanations are provided for the significance of high-yield production of non-coding RNA derived from tandemly organized highly repetitive DNA. In many cases the data on the transcription of satellite DNA can be extrapolated from lampbrush chromosomes to interphase chromosomes. Lampbrush chromosomes with applied novel technical approaches such as superresolution imaging, chromosome microdissection followed by high-throughput sequencing, dynamic observation in life-like conditions provide amazing opportunities for investigation mechanisms of the satellite DNA transcription.

The ubiquitous hammerhead ribozyme

The hammerhead ribozyme is a small catalytic RNA motif capable of endonucleolytic (self-) cleavage. It is composed of a catalytic core of conserved nucleotides flanked by three helices, two of which form essential tertiary interactions for fast self-scission under physiological conditions. Originally discovered in subviral plant pathogens, its presence in several eukaryotic genomes has been reported since. More recently, this catalytic RNA motif has been shown to reside in a large number of genomes. We review the different approaches in discovering these new hammerhead ribozyme sequences and discuss possible biological functions of the genomic motifs.

Conformational heterogeneity and the determinants of tertiary stabilization in the hammerhead ribozyme from Dolichopoda cave crickets

Repetitive DNA elements in Dolichopoda cave cricket genomes contain extended hammerhead ribozymes that are functional in adult crickets, but that exhibit very low self-cleavage activity in vitro relative to other extended hammerhead ribozymes. We find that the parental ribozyme tends to misfold into alternate secondary structures in vitro, complicating analysis of contributions by specific nucleotides to activity under biologically relevant magnesium concentrations. However, minor sequence alterations that stabilize the active secondary structure, without altering candidate tertiary interacting nucleotides, boosted observed rates more than 50-fold (4.4 ± 1.7 min(-1)) and doubled the cleavage extent (>60%) in submillimolar magnesium. Productive alterations included flipping two base pairs in stem I, lengthening stem I and opening stem III to generate a trans-cleaving ribozyme. Specific peripheral nucleotides involved in tertiary stabilization were then identified through kinetic analysis for a series of sequence variants and by correlating plateau cleavage values with band intensity in native gel electrophoresis. These results demonstrate that conformational heterogeneity governs self-cleavage by the wild-type Dolichopoda hammerhead ribozyme in vitro, and they suggest a strategy for improving activity and enhancing the suitability of HHRz for intracellular and biotechnology applications.

Mammalian Pumilio 2 regulates dendrite morphogenesis and synaptic function

In Drosophila, Pumilio (Pum) is important for neuronal homeostasis as well as learning and memory. We have recently characterized a mammalian homolog of Pum, Pum2, which is found in discrete RNA-containing particles in the somatodendritic compartment of polarized neurons. In this study, we investigated the role of Pum2 in developing and mature neurons by RNA interference. In immature neurons, loss of Pum2 led to enhanced dendritic outgrowth and arborization. In mature neurons, Pum2 down-regulation resulted in a significant reduction in dendritic spines and an increase in elongated dendritic filopodia. Furthermore, we observed an increase in excitatory synapse markers along dendritic shafts. Electrophysiological analysis of synaptic function of neurons lacking Pum2 revealed an increased miniature excitatory postsynaptic current frequency. We then identified two specific mRNAs coding for a known translational regulator, eIF4E, and for a voltage-gated sodium channel, Scn1a, which interacts with Pum2 in immunoprecipitations from brain lysates. Finally, we show that Pum2 regulates translation of the eIF4E mRNA. Taken together, our data reveal a previously undescribed role for Pum2 in dendrite morphogenesis, synapse function, and translational control.

Phylogenetic footprinting of non-coding RNA: hammerhead ribozyme sequences in a satellite DNA family of Dolichopoda cave crickets (Orthoptera, Rhaphidophoridae)

BACKGROUND

The great variety in sequence, length, complexity, and abundance of satellite DNA has made it difficult to ascribe any function to this genome component. Recent studies have shown that satellite DNA can be transcribed and be involved in regulation of chromatin structure and gene expression. Some satellite DNAs, such as the pDo500 sequence family in Dolichopoda cave crickets, have a catalytic hammerhead (HH) ribozyme structure and activity embedded within each repeat.

RESULTS

We assessed the phylogenetic footprints of the HH ribozyme within the pDo500 sequences from 38 different populations representing 12 species of Dolichopoda. The HH region was significantly more conserved than the non-hammerhead (NHH) region of the pDo500 repeat. In addition, stems were more conserved than loops. In stems, several compensatory mutations were detected that maintain base pairing. The core region of the HH ribozyme was affected by very few nucleotide substitutions and the cleavage position was altered only once among 198 sequences. RNA folding of the HH sequences revealed that a potentially active HH ribozyme can be found in most of the Dolichopoda populations and species.

CONCLUSIONS

The phylogenetic footprints suggest that the HH region of the pDo500 sequence family is selected for function in Dolichopoda cave crickets. However, the functional role of HH ribozymes in eukaryotic organisms is unclear. The possible functions have been related to trans cleavage of an RNA target by a ribonucleoprotein and regulation of gene expression. Whether the HH ribozyme in Dolichopoda is involved in similar functions remains to be investigated. Future studies need to demonstrate how the observed nucleotide changes and evolutionary constraint have affected the catalytic efficiency of the hammerhead.

Genomic organization and transcription of satellite DNA in the ant Aphaenogaster subterranea (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)

A satellite DNA family (APSU) was isolated and characterized in the ant Aphaenogaster subterranea. This satellite DNA is organized in tandem repeats of 162 bp and is relatively AT rich (51.9%). Sequence analysis showed a high level of homogeneity between monomers. Loss of satellite DNA has been detected in queens in relation to workers, because the amount of satellite DNA in queens is about 25% of the amount found in workers. Restriction analysis of the total DNA with methylation-sensitive enzymes suggests that this DNA is not methylated. Analysis of the electrophoretic mobility of satellite DNA on non-denaturing polyacrylamide showed that this satellite DNA is only very lightly curved. Their possible transcription was analyzed using reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The satellite DNA is transcribed on the two DNA strands at the same level in worker and queen pupae, as well as in worker adults.

Hammerhead-mediated processing of satellite pDo500 family transcripts from Dolichopoda cave crickets

This work reports the discovery and functional characterization of catalytically active hammerhead motifs within satellite DNA of the pDo500 family from several DOLICHOPODA: cave cricket species. We show that in vitro transcribed RNA of some members of this satellite DNA family do self-cleave in vitro. This self-cleavage activity is correlated with the efficient in vivo processing of long primary transcripts into monomer-sized RNA. The high sequence conservation of the satellite pDo500 DNA family among genetically isolated DOLICHOPODA: schiavazzii populations, as well as other DOLICHOPODA: species, along with the fact that satellite members are actively transcribed in vivo suggests that the hammerhead-encoding satellite transcripts are under selective pressure, perhaps because they fulfil an important physiological role or function. Remarkably, this is the third example of hammerhead ribozyme structures associated with transcribed repetitive DNA sequences from animals. The possibility that such an association may not be purely coincidental is discussed.

Intracellular ribozyme-catalyzed trans-cleavage of RNA monitored by fluorescence resonance energy transfer

Small catalytic RNAs like the hairpin ribozyme are proving to be useful intracellular tools; however, most attempts to demonstrate trans-cleavage of RNA by ribozymes in cells have been frustrated by rapid cellular degradation of the cleavage products. Here, we describe a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) assay that directly monitors cleavage of target RNA in tissue-culture cells. An oligoribonucleotide substrate was modified to inhibit cellular ribonuclease degradation without interfering with ribozyme cleavage, and donor (fluorescein) and acceptor (tetramethylrhodamine) fluorophores were introduced at positions flanking the cleavage site. In simple buffers, the intact substrate produces a strong FRET signal that is lost upon cleavage, resulting in a red-to-green shift in dominant fluorescence emission. Hairpin ribozyme and fluorescent substrate were microinjected into murine fibroblasts under conditions in which substrate cleavage can occur only inside the cell. A strong FRET signal was observed by fluorescence microscopy when substrate was injected, but rapid decay of the FRET signal occurred when an active, cognate ribozyme was introduced with the substrate. No acceleration in cleavage rates was observed in control experiments utilizing a noncleavable substrate, inactive ribozyme, or an active ribozyme with altered substrate specificity. Subsequently, the fluorescent substrates were injected into clonal cell lines that expressed cognate or noncognate ribozymes. A decrease in FRET signal was observed only when substrate was microinjected into cells expressing its cognate ribozyme. These results demonstrate trans-cleavage of RNA within mammalian cells, and provide an experimental basis for quantitative analysis of ribozyme activity and specificity within the cell.

A novel RNA-binding protein from Triturus carnifex identified by RNA-ligand screening with the newt hammerhead ribozyme

The newt hammerhead ribozyme is transcribed from Satellite 2 DNA, which consists of tandemly repeated units of 330 bp. However, different transcripts are synthesized in different tissues. In all somatic tissues and in testes, dimeric and multimeric RNA transcripts are generated which, to some extent, self-cleave into monomers at the hammerhead domain. In ovaries, primarily a distinct monomeric unit is formed by transcription, which retains an intact hammerhead self-cleavage site. The ovarian monomeric RNA associates to form a 12S complex with proteins that are poorly characterised so far. In this work we identified NORA, a protein that binds the ovarian form of the newt ribozyme. We show that the newt ribozyme binds to the Escherichia coli -expressed protein, as well as to a protein of identical size that is found exclusively in newt ovaries. Also NORA mRNA was detectable only in ovary, but in neither somatic tissues nor testes. The tissue-specific expression of NORA is analogous to the ovary-specific transcription of the newt ribozyme. Although NORA was identified by its ability to bind to the newt ribozyme in the presence of a vast excess of carrier RNA, it was able to interact with certain other RNA probes. This novel RNA-binding protein does not contain any motif characteristic for RNA-binding proteins or any other known protein domain, but it shares a striking similarity with a rat resiniferatoxin-binding protein.

Satellite DNA transcription in Diadromus pulchellus (Hymenoptera)

Previous studies have shown that the satellite DNAs in Hymenoptera account for 1-25% of the genome. They mainly correspond to a single family, or to several subfamilies having the same evolutionary origin. We have now showed that the satellite DNAs in the genomes of the hymenopterans Diadromus pulchellus, Diadromus collaris, Eupelmus vuilletti and Eupelmus orientalis are transcribed in both males and females. Satellite DNA transcripts could only be extracted with NP40/Urea, indicating that they are strongly associated with proteins. The satellite DNA in D. pulchellus was transcribed on the two DNA strands. The satellite DNA transcripts were single-stranded and not polyadenylated in vivo. The transcripts were found in embryos, larvae and imagos stages. The transcripts detected included one major transcript (1.9 kb) and several discrete smaller transcripts. The in vivo synthesis of these satellite DNA transcripts was explored by identifying their putative initiation sites.

Designing ribozymes for the inhibition of gene expression

Ribozymes are being increasingly used for the sequence-specific inhibition of gene expression by the cleavage of mRNAs encoding proteins of interest. However, particular attention must be paid to the following points: the identification of regions on the mRNA accessible to the ribozyme; the delivery of ribozymes to cells by either exogenous or endogenous delivery; colocalization of the ribozyme with the target RNA in the cell; and differentiation between closely related sequences. This field is advancing rapidly, and results obtained with transgenic animals demonstrate the power of this strategy for the inhibition of gene expression.

Schistosome satellite DNA encodes active hammerhead ribozymes

Using a computer program designed to search for RNA structural motifs in sequence databases, we have found a hammerhead ribozyme domain encoded in the Smalpha repetitive DNA of Schistosoma mansoni. Transcripts of these repeats are expressed as long multimeric precursor RNAs that cleave in vitro and in vivo into unit-length fragments. This RNA domain is able to engage in both cis and trans cleavage typical of the hammerhead ribozyme. Further computer analysis of S. mansoni DNA identified a potential trans cleavage site in the gene coding for a synaptobrevin-like protein, and RNA transcribed from this gene was efficiently cleaved by the Smalpha ribozyme in vitro. Similar families of repeats containing the hammerhead domain were found in the closely related Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosomatium douthitti species but were not present in Schistosoma japonicum or Heterobilharzia americana, suggesting that the hammerhead domain was not acquired from a common schistosome ancestor.