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Rabadiya D, Behr M. The biology of insect chitinases and their roles at chitinous cuticles. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 165:104071. [PMID: 38184175 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2024.104071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
Chitin is one of the most prevalent biomaterials in the natural world. The chitin matrix formation and turnover involve several enzymes for chitin synthesis, maturation, and degradation. Sequencing of the Drosophila genome more than twenty years ago revealed that insect genomes contain a number of chitinases, but why insects need so many different chitinases was unclear. Here, we focus on insect GH18 family chitinases and discuss their participation in chitin matrix formation and degradation. We describe their variations in terms of temporal and spatial expression patterns, molecular function, and physiological consequences at chitinous cuticles. We further provide insight into the catalytic mechanisms by discussing chitinase protein domain structures, substrate binding, and enzymatic activities with respect to structural analysis of the enzymatic GH18 domain, substrate-binding cleft, and characteristic TIM-barrel structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhyeykumar Rabadiya
- Cell & Developmental Biology, Institute for Biology, Leipzig University, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 55, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Matthias Behr
- Cell & Developmental Biology, Institute for Biology, Leipzig University, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 55, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
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2
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Schneider BK, Sun S, Lee M, Li W, Skvir N, Neretti N, Vijg J, Secombe J. Expression of retrotransposons contributes to aging in Drosophila. Genetics 2023; 224:iyad073. [PMID: 37084379 PMCID: PMC10213499 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyad073] [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: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Retrotransposons are a class of transposable elements capable of self-replication and insertion into new genomic locations. Across species, the mobilization of retrotransposons in somatic cells has been suggested to contribute to the cell and tissue functional decline that occurs during aging. Retrotransposons are broadly expressed across cell types, and de novo insertions have been observed to correlate with tumorigenesis. However, the extent to which new retrotransposon insertions occur during normal aging and their effect on cellular and animal function remains understudied. Here, we use a single nucleus whole genome sequencing approach in Drosophila to directly test whether transposon insertions increase with age in somatic cells. Analyses of nuclei from thoraces and indirect flight muscles using a newly developed pipeline, Retrofind, revealed no significant increase in the number of transposon insertions with age. Despite this, reducing the expression of two different retrotransposons, 412 and Roo, extended lifespan, but did not alter indicators of health such as stress resistance. This suggests a key role for transposon expression and not insertion in regulating longevity. Transcriptomic analyses revealed similar changes to gene expression in 412 and Roo knockdown flies and highlighted changes to genes involved in proteolysis and immune function as potential contributors to the observed changes in longevity. Combined, our data show a clear link between retrotransposon expression and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blair K Schneider
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Ave., Ullmann 809 Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Shixiang Sun
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1301 Morris Park Ave., Price 468 Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Moonsook Lee
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1301 Morris Park Ave., Price 468 Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Wenge Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Ave., Ullmann 909 Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Nicholas Skvir
- Department of Molecular biology, Cell biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, 70 Ship St., Providence 02903, USA
| | - Nicola Neretti
- Department of Molecular biology, Cell biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, 70 Ship St., Providence 02903, USA
| | - Jan Vijg
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1301 Morris Park Ave., Price 468 Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Julie Secombe
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Ave., Ullmann 809 Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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3
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Baisgaard AE, Koldby KM, Kristensen TN, Nyegaard M, Rohde PD. Functionally Validating Evolutionary Conserved Risk Genes for Parkinson's Disease in Drosophila melanogaster. INSECTS 2023; 14:168. [PMID: 36835737 PMCID: PMC9958964 DOI: 10.3390/insects14020168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a heterogeneous and complex neurodegenerative disorder and large-scale genetic studies have identified >130 genes associated with PD. Although genomic studies have been decisive for our understanding of the genetic contributions underlying PD, these associations remain as statistical associations. Lack of functional validation limits the biological interpretation; however, it is labour extensive, expensive, and time consuming. Therefore, the ideal biological system for functionally validating genetic findings must be simple. The study aim was to assess systematically evolutionary conserved PD-associated genes using Drosophila melanogaster. From a literature review, a total of 136 genes have found to be associated with PD in GWAS studies, of which 11 are strongly evolutionary conserved between Homo sapiens and D. melanogaster. By ubiquitous gene expression knockdown of the PD-genes in D. melanogaster, the flies' escape response was investigated by assessing their negative geotaxis response, a phenotype that has previously been used to investigate PD in D. melanogaster. Gene expression knockdown was successful in 9/11 lines, and phenotypic consequences were observed in 8/9 lines. The results provide evidence that genetically modifying expression levels of PD genes in D. melanogaster caused reduced climbing ability of the flies, potentially supporting their role in dysfunctional locomotion, a hallmark of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amalie Elton Baisgaard
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
| | | | | | - Mette Nyegaard
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Palle Duun Rohde
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
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4
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Stanković D, Csordás G, Uhlirova M. Drosophila pVALIUM10 TRiP RNAi lines cause undesired silencing of Gateway-based transgenes. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:6/2/e202201801. [PMID: 36446522 PMCID: PMC9711858 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-transcriptional gene silencing using double-stranded RNA has revolutionized the field of functional genetics, allowing fast and easy disruption of gene function in various organisms. In Drosophila, many transgenic RNAi lines have been generated in large-scale efforts, including the Drosophila Transgenic RNAi Project (TRiP), to facilitate in vivo knockdown of virtually any Drosophila gene with spatial and temporal resolution. The available transgenic RNAi lines represent a fundamental resource for the fly community, providing an unprecedented opportunity to address a vast range of biological questions relevant to basic and biomedical research fields. However, caution should be applied regarding the efficiency and specificity of the RNAi approach. Here, we demonstrate that pVALIUM10-based RNAi lines, representing ∼13% of the total TRiP collection (1,808 of 13,410 pVALIUM TRiP-based RNAi lines), cause unintended off-target silencing of transgenes expressed from Gateway destination vectors. The silencing is mediated by targeting attB1 and attB2 sequences generated via site-specific recombination and included in the transcribed mRNA. Deleting these attB sites from the Gateway expression vector prevents silencing and restores expected transgene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrije Stanković
- Institute for Genetics and Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Gábor Csordás
- Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre of the Eötvös Loránd Research Network, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Mirka Uhlirova
- Institute for Genetics and Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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5
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Nieken KJ, O’Brien K, McDonnell A, Zhaunova L, Ohkura H. A large-scale RNAi screen reveals that mitochondrial function is important for meiotic chromosome organization in oocytes. Chromosoma 2023; 132:1-18. [PMID: 36648541 PMCID: PMC9981535 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-023-00784-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
In prophase of the first meiotic division, chromatin forms a compact spherical cluster called the karyosome within the enlarged oocyte nucleus in Drosophila melanogaster. Similar clustering of chromatin has been widely observed in oocytes in many species including humans. It was previously shown that the proper karyosome formation is required for faithful chromosome segregation, but knowledge about its formation and maintenance is limited. To identify genes involved in karyosome formation, we carried out a large-scale cytological screen using Drosophila melanogaster oocytes. This screen comprised 3916 genes expressed in ovaries, of which 106 genes triggered reproducible karyosome defects upon knockdown. The karyosome defects in 24 out of these 106 genes resulted from activation of the meiotic recombination checkpoint, suggesting possible roles in DNA repair or piRNA processing. The other genes identified in this screen include genes with functions linked to chromatin, nuclear envelope, and actin. We also found that silencing of genes with mitochondrial functions, including electron transport chain components, induced a distinct karyosome defect typically with de-clustered chromosomes located close to the nuclear envelope. Furthermore, mitochondrial dysfunction not only impairs karyosome formation and maintenance, but also delays synaptonemal complex disassembly in cells not destined to become the oocyte. These karyosome defects do not appear to be mediated by apoptosis. This large-scale unbiased study uncovered a set of genes required for karyosome formation and revealed a new link between mitochondrial dysfunction and chromatin organization in oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Jule Nieken
- grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF UK
| | - Kathryn O’Brien
- grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF UK
| | - Alexander McDonnell
- grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF UK
| | - Liudmila Zhaunova
- grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF UK
| | - Hiroyuki Ohkura
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF, UK.
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6
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Okuda K, Silva Costa Franco MM, Yasunaga A, Gazzinelli R, Rabinovitch M, Cherry S, Silverman N. Leishmania amazonensis sabotages host cell SUMOylation for intracellular survival. iScience 2022; 25:104909. [PMID: 36060064 PMCID: PMC9436752 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmania parasites use elaborate virulence mechanisms to invade and thrive in macrophages. These virulence mechanisms inhibit host cell defense responses and generate a specialized replicative niche, the parasitophorous vacuole. In this work, we performed a genome-wide RNAi screen in Drosophila macrophage-like cells to identify the host factors necessary for Leishmania amazonensis infection. This screen identified 52 conserved genes required specifically for parasite entry, including several components of the SUMOylation machinery. Further studies in mammalian macrophages found that L. amazonensis infection inhibited SUMOylation within infected macrophages and this inhibition enhanced parasitophorous vacuole growth and parasite proliferation through modulation of multiple genes especially ATP6V0D2, which in turn affects CD36 expression and cholesterol levels. Together, these data suggest that parasites actively sabotage host SUMOylation and alter host transcription to improve their intracellular niche and enhance their replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendi Okuda
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, USA
| | - Miriam Maria Silva Costa Franco
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, USA
| | - Ari Yasunaga
- Department of Microbiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ricardo Gazzinelli
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, USA
- Centro de Tecnologia de Vacinas, Universidade Federal of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270, Brazil
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - Minas, Belo Horizonte, MG 30190, Brazil
| | - Michel Rabinovitch
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sara Cherry
- Department of Microbiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Neal Silverman
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, USA
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7
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Godini R, Fallahi H, Pocock R. The regulatory landscape of neurite development in Caenorhabditis elegans. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:974208. [PMID: 36090252 PMCID: PMC9453034 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.974208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal communication requires precise connectivity of neurite projections (axons and dendrites). Developing neurites express cell-surface receptors that interpret extracellular cues to enable correct guidance toward, and connection with, target cells. Spatiotemporal regulation of neurite guidance molecule expression by transcription factors (TFs) is critical for nervous system development and function. Here, we review how neurite development is regulated by TFs in the Caenorhabditis elegans nervous system. By collecting publicly available transcriptome and ChIP-sequencing data, we reveal gene expression dynamics during neurite development, providing insight into transcriptional mechanisms governing construction of the nervous system architecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasoul Godini
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- *Correspondence: Rasoul Godini,
| | - Hossein Fallahi
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Roger Pocock
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Roger Pocock,
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8
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Restrepo LJ, DePew AT, Moese ER, Tymanskyj SR, Parisi MJ, Aimino MA, Duhart JC, Fei H, Mosca TJ. γ-secretase promotes Drosophila postsynaptic development through the cleavage of a Wnt receptor. Dev Cell 2022; 57:1643-1660.e7. [PMID: 35654038 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2022.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Developing synapses mature through the recruitment of specific proteins that stabilize presynaptic and postsynaptic structure and function. Wnt ligands signaling via Frizzled (Fz) receptors play many crucial roles in neuronal and synaptic development, but whether and how Wnt and Fz influence synaptic maturation is incompletely understood. Here, we show that Fz2 receptor cleavage via the γ-secretase complex is required for postsynaptic development and maturation. In the absence of γ-secretase, Drosophila neuromuscular synapses fail to recruit postsynaptic scaffolding and cytoskeletal proteins, leading to behavioral deficits. Introducing presenilin mutations linked to familial early-onset Alzheimer's disease into flies leads to synaptic maturation phenotypes that are identical to those seen in null alleles. This conserved role for γ-secretase in synaptic maturation and postsynaptic development highlights the importance of Fz2 cleavage and suggests that receptor processing by proteins linked to neurodegeneration may be a shared mechanism with aspects of synaptic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas J Restrepo
- Department of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Bluemle Life Sciences Building, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Alison T DePew
- Department of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Bluemle Life Sciences Building, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Elizabeth R Moese
- Department of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Bluemle Life Sciences Building, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Stephen R Tymanskyj
- Department of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Bluemle Life Sciences Building, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Michael J Parisi
- Department of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Bluemle Life Sciences Building, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Michael A Aimino
- Department of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Bluemle Life Sciences Building, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Juan Carlos Duhart
- Department of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Bluemle Life Sciences Building, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Hong Fei
- Department of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Bluemle Life Sciences Building, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Timothy J Mosca
- Department of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Bluemle Life Sciences Building, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
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9
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An E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Scaffolding Protein Is Proviral during Chikungunya Virus Infection in Aedes aegypti. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0059522. [PMID: 35435754 PMCID: PMC9241663 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00595-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a reemerging alphavirus causing chikungunya disease (CHIKD) and is transmitted to humans by Aedes mosquitoes. The virus establishes an intricate balance of cellular interactions that ultimately helps in its replication and dodges cellular immune response. In an attempt to identify cellular host factors required during CHIKV replication in Aag2 cells, we performed global transcriptomics of CHIKV-infected Aag2 cells, and further, we compared this library with the Drosophila RNAi Screening Center (DRSC) database and identified transcripts that were regulated in Aedes aegypti during CHIKV infection. These analyses revealed specific pathways, such as ubiquitin-related pathways, proteolysis pathways, protein catabolic processes, protein modification, and cellular protein metabolic processes, involved during replication of the virus. Loss-of-function assays of selected candidates revealed their proviral or antiviral characteristics upon CHIKV infection in A. aegypti-derived Aag2 cells. Further validations identified that the ubiquitin proteasomal pathway is required for CHIKV infection in A. aegypti and that an important member of this family of proteins, namely, AeCullin-3 (Aedes ortholog of human cullin-3), is a proviral host factor of CHIKV replication in Aag2 cells. IMPORTANCE Arboviruses cause several diseases in humans and livestock. Vector control is the main strategy for controlling diseases transmitted by mosquitoes. In this context, it becomes paramount to understand how the viruses replicate in the vector for designing better transmission blocking strategies. We obtained the global transcriptome signature of A. aegypti cells during CHIKV infection, and in order to obtain the maximum information from these data sets, we further utilized the well-characterized Drosophila system and arrived upon a set of transcripts and their pathways that affect A. aegypti cells during CHIKV infection. These analyses and further validations reveal that important pathways related to protein degradation are actively involved during CHIKV infection in A. aegypti and are mainly proviral. Targeting these molecules may provide novel approaches for blocking CHIKV replication in A. aegypti.
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10
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Singh A, Kandi AR, Jayaprakashappa D, Thuery G, Purohit DJ, Huelsmeier J, Singh R, Pothapragada SS, Ramaswami M, Bakthavachalu B. The Transcriptional Response to Oxidative Stress is Independent of Stress-Granule Formation. Mol Biol Cell 2022; 33:ar25. [PMID: 34985933 PMCID: PMC9250384 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e21-08-0418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells respond to stress with translational arrest, robust transcriptional changes, and transcription-independent formation of mRNP assemblies termed stress granules (SGs). Despite considerable interest in the role of SGs in oxidative, unfolded-protein and viral stress responses, whether and how SGs contribute to stress-induced transcription has not been rigorously examined. To address this, we characterized transcriptional changes in Drosophila S2 cells induced by acute oxidative-stress and assessed how these were altered under conditions that disrupted SG assembly. Oxidative stress for 3-hours predominantly resulted in induction or upregulation of stress-responsive mRNAs whose levels peaked during recovery after stress cessation. The stress-transcriptome is enriched in mRNAs coding for chaperones, including HSP70s, small heat shock proteins, glutathione transferases, and several non-coding RNAs. Oxidative stress also induced cytoplasmic SGs that disassembled 3-hours after stress cessation. As expected, RNAi-mediated knockdown of the conserved G3BP1/Rasputin protein inhibited SG assembly. However, this disruption had no significant effect on the stress-induced transcriptional response or stress-induced translational arrest. Thus, SG assembly and stress-induced gene expression alterations appear to be driven by distinctive signaling processes. We suggest that while SG assembly represents a fast, transient mechanism, the transcriptional response enables a slower, longer-lasting mechanism for adaptation to and recovery from cell stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanjot Singh
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, TIFR, Bangalore 560065, India
| | - Arvind Reddy Kandi
- Tata Institute for Genetics and Society Centre at inStem, Bellary Road, Bangalore 560065, India
| | | | - Guillaume Thuery
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, School of Genetics and Microbiology, Smurfit Institute of Genetics and School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin-2 Ireland
| | - Devam J Purohit
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, TIFR, Bangalore 560065, India
| | - Joern Huelsmeier
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, School of Genetics and Microbiology, Smurfit Institute of Genetics and School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin-2 Ireland
| | - Rashi Singh
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, TIFR, Bangalore 560065, India
| | | | - Mani Ramaswami
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, TIFR, Bangalore 560065, India.,Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, School of Genetics and Microbiology, Smurfit Institute of Genetics and School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin-2 Ireland
| | - Baskar Bakthavachalu
- Tata Institute for Genetics and Society Centre at inStem, Bellary Road, Bangalore 560065, India.,School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Mandi 175005, India
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11
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Wang Q, Xiao Y, An XK, Shan S, Khashaveh A, Gu SH, Zhang YH, Zhang YJ. Functional Characterization of a Candidate Sex Pheromone Receptor AlinOR33 Involved in the Chemoreception of Adelphocoris lineolatus. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2021; 69:6769-6778. [PMID: 34115502 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.1c01319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Sex pheromones are deemed to play a significant role in sexual communication of most insects. Although many sex pheromone components in mirid bugs have been identified, the roles of odorant receptors in sex pheromone perception in Adelphocoris spp. (Hemiptera: Miridae) remain unknown so far. Here, AlinOR33, a candidate sex pheromone receptor in Adelphocoris lineolatus was functionally characterized. Phylogenetic analysis showed that AlinOR33 clustered with the sex pheromone receptor AlucOR4 fromApolygus lucorum. Quantitative real-time PCR measurement revealed that the expression of AlinOR33 increased gradually from nymph to adult stage and reached its peak in the antennae of 3-day-old mated male bugs. The subsequent in situ hybridization demonstrated that AlinOR33 was mainly expressed in sensilla trichoid on the antennae of A. lineolatus. In the two-electrode voltage clamp recordings, AlinOR33/AlinOrco was specifically tuned to four sex pheromone components including butyl butyrate, hexyl hexanoate, trans-2-hexenyl butyrate and hexyl butyrate, and especially most sensitive to the major component trans-2-hexenyl butyrate. After dsAlinOR33 injection, the electroantennogram responses of males to four sex pheromone components were reduced significantly (∼50%). Compared to control bugs, dsAlinOR33-injected male bugs almost lost behavioral preference for trans-2-hexenyl butyrate. Furthermore, the wingbeat frequency of dsAlinOR33-injected male bugs notably declined. Therefore, we conclude that as a candidate sex pheromone receptor, AlinOR33 plays essential roles in the sexual behavior of A. lineolatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yong Xiao
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High Technology for Plant Protection, Institute of Plant Protection, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Xing-Kui An
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Shuang Shan
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Adel Khashaveh
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Shao-Hua Gu
- College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yun-Hui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yong-Jun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
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12
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Hu Y, Comjean A, Rodiger J, Liu Y, Gao Y, Chung V, Zirin J, Perrimon N, Mohr SE. FlyRNAi.org-the database of the Drosophila RNAi screening center and transgenic RNAi project: 2021 update. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:D908-D915. [PMID: 33104800 PMCID: PMC7778949 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The FlyRNAi database at the Drosophila RNAi Screening Center and Transgenic RNAi Project (DRSC/TRiP) provides a suite of online resources that facilitate functional genomics studies with a special emphasis on Drosophila melanogaster. Currently, the database provides: gene-centric resources that facilitate ortholog mapping and mining of information about orthologs in common genetic model species; reagent-centric resources that help researchers identify RNAi and CRISPR sgRNA reagents or designs; and data-centric resources that facilitate visualization and mining of transcriptomics data, protein modification data, protein interactions, and more. Here, we discuss updated and new features that help biological and biomedical researchers efficiently identify, visualize, analyze, and integrate information and data for Drosophila and other species. Together, these resources facilitate multiple steps in functional genomics workflows, from building gene and reagent lists to management, analysis, and integration of data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhui Hu
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Drosophila RNAi Screening Center, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Aram Comjean
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Drosophila RNAi Screening Center, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jonathan Rodiger
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Drosophila RNAi Screening Center, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yifang Liu
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Drosophila RNAi Screening Center, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yue Gao
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Drosophila RNAi Screening Center, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Verena Chung
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Drosophila RNAi Screening Center, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jonathan Zirin
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Drosophila RNAi Screening Center, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Norbert Perrimon
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Drosophila RNAi Screening Center, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Stephanie E Mohr
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Drosophila RNAi Screening Center, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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13
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BioLitMine: Advanced Mining of Biomedical and Biological Literature About Human Genes and Genes from Major Model Organisms. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2020; 10:4531-4539. [PMID: 33028629 PMCID: PMC7718760 DOI: 10.1534/g3.120.401775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The accumulation of biological and biomedical literature outpaces the ability of most researchers and clinicians to stay abreast of their own immediate fields, let alone a broader range of topics. Although available search tools support identification of relevant literature, finding relevant and key publications is not always straightforward. For example, important publications might be missed in searches with an official gene name due to gene synonyms. Moreover, ambiguity of gene names can result in retrieval of a large number of irrelevant publications. To address these issues and help researchers and physicians quickly identify relevant publications, we developed BioLitMine, an advanced literature mining tool that takes advantage of the medical subject heading (MeSH) index and gene-to-publication annotations already available for PubMed literature. Using BioLitMine, a user can identify what MeSH terms are represented in the set of publications associated with a given gene of the interest, or start with a term and identify relevant publications. Users can also use the tool to find co-cited genes and a build a literature co-citation network. In addition, BioLitMine can help users build a gene list relevant to a MeSH term, such as a list of genes relevant to “stem cells” or “breast neoplasms.” Users can also start with a gene or pathway of interest and identify authors associated with that gene or pathway, a feature that makes it easier to identify experts who might serve as collaborators or reviewers. Altogether, BioLitMine extends the value of PubMed-indexed literature and its existing expert curation by providing a robust and gene-centric approach to retrieval of relevant information.
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14
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Cherezov RO, Vorontsova JE, Simonova OB. TBP-Related Factor 2 as a Trigger for Robertsonian Translocations and Speciation. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8871. [PMID: 33238614 PMCID: PMC7700478 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Robertsonian (centric-fusion) translocation is the form of chromosomal translocation in which two long arms of acrocentric chromosomes are fused to form one metacentric. These translocations reduce the number of chromosomes while preserving existing genes and are considered to contribute to speciation. We asked whether hypomorphic mutations in genes that disrupt the formation of pericentromeric regions could lead to centric fusion. TBP-related factor 2 (Trf2) encodes an alternative general transcription factor. A decrease of TRF2 expression disrupts the structure of the pericentromeric regions and prevents their association into chromocenter. We revealed several centric fusions in two lines of Drosophila melanogaster with weak Trf2 alleles in genetic experiments. We performed an RNAi-mediated knock-down of Trf2 in Drosophila and S2 cells and demonstrated that Trf2 upregulates expression of D1-one of the major genes responsible for chromocenter formation and nuclear integrity in Drosophila. Our data, for the first time, indicate that Trf2 may be involved in transcription program responsible for structuring of pericentromeric regions and may contribute to new karyotypes formation in particular by promoting centric fusion. Insight into the molecular mechanisms of Trf2 function and its new targets in different tissues will contribute to our understanding of its phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Olga B. Simonova
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilova str. 26, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (R.O.C.); (J.E.V.)
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15
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Pridie C, Ueda K, Simmonds AJ. Rosy Beginnings: Studying Peroxisomes in Drosophila. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:835. [PMID: 32984330 PMCID: PMC7477296 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Research using the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster has traditionally focused on understanding how mutations affecting gene regulation or function affect processes linked to animal development. Accordingly, flies have become an essential foundation of modern medical research through repeated contributions to our fundamental understanding of how their homologs of human genes function. Peroxisomes are organelles that metabolize lipids and reactive oxygen species like peroxides. However, despite clear linkage of mutations in human genes affecting peroxisomes to developmental defects, for many years fly models were conspicuously absent from the study of peroxisomes. Now, the few early studies linking the Rosy eye color phenotype to peroxisomes in flies have been joined by a growing body of research establishing novel roles for peroxisomes during the development or function of specific tissues or cell types. Similarly, unique properties of cultured fly Schneider 2 cells have advanced our understanding of how peroxisomes move on the cytoskeleton. Here, we profile how those past and more recent Drosophila studies started to link specific effects of peroxisome dysfunction to organ development and highlight the utility of flies as a model for human peroxisomal diseases. We also identify key differences in the function and proliferation of fly peroxisomes compared to yeast or mammals. Finally, we discuss the future of the fly model system for peroxisome research including new techniques that should support identification of additional tissue specific regulation of and roles for peroxisomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Pridie
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Kazuki Ueda
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Andrew J Simmonds
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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16
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Abstract
The growth and survival of cells within tissues can be affected by 'cell competition' between different cell clones. This phenomenon was initially recognized between wild-type cells and cells with mutations in ribosomal protein (Rp) genes in Drosophila melanogaster. However, competition also affects D. melanogaster cells with mutations in epithelial polarity genes, and wild-type cells exposed to 'super-competitor' cells with mutation in the Salvador-Warts-Hippo tumour suppressor pathway or expressing elevated levels of Myc. More recently, cell competition and super-competition were recognized in mammalian development, organ homeostasis and cancer. Genetic and cell biological studies have revealed that mechanisms underlying cell competition include the molecular recognition of 'different' cells, signalling imbalances between distinct cell populations and the mechanical consequences of differential growth rates; these mechanisms may also involve innate immune proteins, p53 and changes in translation.
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17
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Lin X, Chemparathy A, La Russa M, Daley T, Qi LS. Computational Methods for Analysis of Large-Scale CRISPR Screens. Annu Rev Biomed Data Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-biodatasci-020520-113523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Large-scale CRISPR-Cas pooled screens have shown great promise to investigate functional links between genotype and phenotype at the genome-wide scale. In addition to technological advancement, there is a need to develop computational methods to analyze the large datasets obtained from high-throughput CRISPR screens. Many computational methods have been developed to identify reliable gene hits from various screens. In this review, we provide an overview of the technology development of CRISPR screening platforms, with a focus on recent advances in computational methods to identify and model gene effects using CRISPR screen datasets. We also discuss existing challenges and opportunities for future computational methods development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqiu Lin
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | | | - Marie La Russa
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Timothy Daley
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA
- Department of Statistics, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Lei S. Qi
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology and ChEM-H (Chemistry, Engineering, and Medicine for Human Health), Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA
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18
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Zhang L, Xu W, Gao X, Li W, Qi S, Guo D, Ajayi OE, Ding SW, Wu Q. lncRNA Sensing of a Viral Suppressor of RNAi Activates Non-canonical Innate Immune Signaling in Drosophila. Cell Host Microbe 2020; 27:115-128.e8. [PMID: 31917956 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2019.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Antiviral immunity in insects is mediated by the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway. Viruses evade antiviral RNAi by expressing virulence factors known as viral suppressors of RNAi (VSR). Here, we report the identification of VINR, a Drosophila VSR-interacting long non-coding (lnc) RNA that activates non-canonical innate immune signaling upon detection of the dsRNA-binding VSR of Drosophila C virus (DCV). VINR is required for the induction of antimicrobial peptide (AMP) genes but dispensable for antiviral RNAi. VINR functions by preventing the ubiquitin proteasome-dependent degradation of Cactin, a coiled-coil and arginine-serine-rich domain-containing protein that regulates a non-cannonical antimicrobial pathway for AMP induction. CRISPR-Cas9 knockout of VINR in Drosophila cells enhances DCV replication independently of antiviral RNAi, and VINR-knockout adult flies exhibit enhanced disease susceptibility to DCV and bacteria. Our findings reveal a counter counter-defense strategy activated by a lncRNA in response to the viral suppression of the primary antiviral RNAi immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqin Zhang
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
| | - Wen Xu
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
| | - Xinlei Gao
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
| | - Wenjie Li
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
| | - Shuishui Qi
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
| | - Dongyang Guo
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
| | - Olugbenga Emmanuel Ajayi
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
| | - Shou-Wei Ding
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside CA, USA
| | - Qingfa Wu
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China.
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19
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Berke B, Le L, Keshishian H. Target-dependent retrograde signaling mediates synaptic plasticity at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction. Dev Neurobiol 2020; 79:895-912. [PMID: 31950660 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Neurons that innervate multiple targets often establish synapses with target-specific strengths, and local forms of synaptic plasticity. We have examined the molecular-genetic mechanisms that allow a single Drosophila motoneuron, the ventral Common Exciter (vCE), to establish connections with target-specific properties at its various synaptic partners. By driving transgenes in a subset of vCE's targets, we found that individual target cells are able to independently control the properties of vCE's innervating branch and synapses. This is achieved by means of a trans-synaptic growth factor secreted by the target cell. At the larval neuromuscular junction, postsynaptic glutamate receptor activity stimulates the release of the BMP4/5/6 homolog Glass bottom boat (Gbb). As larvae mature and motoneuron terminals grow, Gbb activates the R-Smad transcriptional regulator phosphorylated Mad (pMad) to facilitate presynaptic development. We found that manipulations affecting glutamate receptors or Gbb within subsets of target muscles led to local effects either specific to the manipulated muscle or by a limited gradient within the presynaptic branches. While presynaptic development depends on pMad transcriptional activity within the motoneuron nucleus, we find that the Gbb growth factor may also act locally within presynaptic terminals. Local Gbb signaling and presynaptic pMad accumulation within boutons may therefore participate in a "synaptic tagging" mechanism, to influence synaptic growth and plasticity in Drosophila.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett Berke
- Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Department, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Linh Le
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Haig Keshishian
- Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Department, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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20
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Hope KA, Flatten D, Cavitch P, May B, Sutcliffe JS, O'Donnell J, Reiter LT. The Drosophila Gene Sulfateless Modulates Autism-Like Behaviors. Front Genet 2019; 10:574. [PMID: 31316544 PMCID: PMC6611434 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Major challenges to identifying genes that contribute to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) risk include the availability of large ASD cohorts, the contribution of many genes overall, and small effect sizes attributable to common gene variants. An alternative approach is to use a model organism to detect alleles that impact ASD-relevant behaviors and ask whether homologous human genes infer ASD risk. Here we utilized the Drosophila genetic reference panel (DGRP) as a tool to probe for perturbation in naturally occurring behaviors in Drosophila melanogaster that are analogous to three behavior domains: impaired social communication, social reciprocity and repetitive behaviors or restricted interests. Using 40 of the available DGRP lines, we identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in or near genes controlling these behavior domains, including ASD gene orthologs (neurexin 4 and neuroligin 2), an intellectual disability (ID) gene homolog (kirre), and a gene encoding a heparan sulfate (HS) modifying enzyme called sulfateless (sfl). SNPs in sfl were associated with all three ASD-like behaviors. Using RNAi knock-down of neuronal sfl expression, we observed significant changes in expressive and receptive communication during mating, decreased grooming behavior, and increased social spacing. These results suggest a role for HS proteoglycan synthesis and/or modification in normal social communication, repetitive behavior, and social interaction in flies. Finally, using the DGRP to directly identify genetic effects relevant to a neuropsychiatric disorder further demonstrates the utility of the Drosophila system in the discovery of genes relevant to human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin A Hope
- Integrated Program in Biological Sciences, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States.,Department of Neurology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Daniel Flatten
- Christian Brothers University, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Peter Cavitch
- Integrated Program in Biological Sciences, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Ben May
- Rhodes College, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - James S Sutcliffe
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Janis O'Donnell
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, United States
| | - Lawrence T Reiter
- Department of Neurology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States.,Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
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21
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Luhur A, Klueg KM, Zelhof AC. Generating and working with Drosophila cell cultures: Current challenges and opportunities. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2018; 8:e339. [PMID: 30561900 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The use of Drosophila cell cultures has positively impacted both fundamental and biomedical research. The most widely used cell lines: Schneider, Kc, the CNS and imaginal disc lines continue to be the choice for many applications. Drosophila cell lines provide a homogenous source of cells suitable for biochemical experimentations, transcriptomics, functional genomics, and biomedical applications. They are amenable to RNA interference and serve as a platform for high-throughput screens to identify relevant candidate genes or drugs for any biological process. Currently, CRISPR-based functional genomics are also being developed for Drosophila cell lines. Even though many uniquely derived cell lines exist, cell genetic techniques such the transgenic UAS-GAL4-based RasV12 oncogene expression, CRISPR-Cas9 editing and recombination mediated cassette exchange are likely to drive the establishment of many more lines from specific tissues, cells, or genotypes. However, the pace of creating new lines is hindered by several factors inherent to working with Drosophila cell cultures: single cell cloning, optimal media formulations and culture conditions capable of supporting lines from novel tissue sources or genotypes. Moreover, even though many Drosophila cell lines are morphologically and transcriptionally distinct it may be necessary to implement a standard for Drosophila cell line authentication, ensuring the identity and purity of each cell line. Altogether, recent advances and a standardized authentication effort should improve the utility of Drosophila cell cultures as a relevant model for fundamental and biomedical research. This article is categorized under: Technologies > Analysis of Cell, Tissue, and Animal Phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Luhur
- Department of Biology, Drosophila Genomics Resource Center, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana
| | - Kristin M Klueg
- Department of Biology, Drosophila Genomics Resource Center, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana
| | - Andrew C Zelhof
- Department of Biology, Drosophila Genomics Resource Center, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana
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22
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The H3K9 methyltransferase SETDB1 maintains female identity in Drosophila germ cells. Nat Commun 2018; 9:4155. [PMID: 30297796 PMCID: PMC6175928 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06697-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The preservation of germ cell sexual identity is essential for gametogenesis. Here we show that H3K9me3-mediated gene silencing is integral to female fate maintenance in Drosophila germ cells. Germ cell specific loss of the H3K9me3 pathway members, the H3K9 methyltransferase SETDB1, WDE, and HP1a, leads to ectopic expression of genes, many of which are normally expressed in testis. SETDB1 controls the accumulation of H3K9me3 over a subset of these genes without spreading into neighboring loci. At phf7, a regulator of male germ cell sexual fate, the H3K9me3 peak falls over the silenced testis-specific transcription start site. Furthermore, H3K9me3 recruitment to phf7 and repression of testis-specific transcription is dependent on the female sex determination gene Sxl. Thus, female identity is secured by an H3K9me3 epigenetic pathway in which Sxl is the upstream female-specific regulator, SETDB1 is the required chromatin writer, and phf7 is one of the critical SETDB1 target genes. Epigenetic regulation is critical for the maintenance of germ cell identity. Here the authors show that H3K9me3-mediated gene silencing is critical for repression of testis-specific transcription in Drosophila female germ cells, indicating H3K9me3 maintains female germ cell sexual identity.
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23
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Stonewall and Brickwall: Two Partially Redundant Determinants Required for the Maintenance of Female Germline in Drosophila. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2018; 8:2027-2041. [PMID: 29669801 PMCID: PMC5982830 DOI: 10.1534/g3.118.200192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Proper specification of germline stem cells (GSCs) in Drosophila ovaries depends on niche derived non-autonomous signaling and cell autonomous components of transcriptional machinery. Stonewall (Stwl), a MADF-BESS family protein, is one of the cell intrinsic transcriptional regulators involved in the establishment and/or maintenance of GSC fate in Drosophila ovaries. Here we report identification and functional characterization of another member of the same protein family, CG3838/ Brickwall (Brwl) with analogous functions. Loss of function alleles of brwl exhibit age dependent progressive degeneration of the developing ovarioles and loss of GSCs. Supporting the conclusion that the structural deterioration of mutant egg chambers is a result of apoptotic cell death, activated caspase levels are considerably elevated in brwl- ovaries. Moreover, as in the case of stwl mutants, on several instances, loss of brwl activity results in fusion of egg chambers and misspecification of the oocyte. Importantly, brwl phenotypes can be partially rescued by germline specific over-expression of stwl arguing for overlapping yet distinct functional capabilities of the two proteins. Taken together with our phylogenetic analysis, these data suggest that brwl and stwl likely share a common MADF-BESS ancestor and they are expressed in overlapping spatiotemporal domains to ensure robust development of the female germline.
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24
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Tang HW, Hu Y, Chen CL, Xia B, Zirin J, Yuan M, Asara JM, Rabinow L, Perrimon N. The TORC1-Regulated CPA Complex Rewires an RNA Processing Network to Drive Autophagy and Metabolic Reprogramming. Cell Metab 2018; 27:1040-1054.e8. [PMID: 29606597 PMCID: PMC6100782 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2018.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Revised: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Nutrient deprivation induces autophagy through inhibiting TORC1 activity. We describe a novel mechanism in Drosophila by which TORC1 regulates RNA processing of Atg transcripts and alters ATG protein levels and activities via the cleavage and polyadenylation (CPA) complex. We show that TORC1 signaling inhibits CDK8 and DOA kinases, which directly phosphorylate CPSF6, a component of the CPA complex. These phosphorylation events regulate CPSF6 localization, RNA binding, and starvation-induced alternative RNA processing of transcripts involved in autophagy, nutrient, and energy metabolism, thereby controlling autophagosome formation and metabolism. Similarly, we find that mammalian CDK8 and CLK2, a DOA ortholog, phosphorylate CPSF6 to regulate autophagy and metabolic changes upon starvation, revealing an evolutionarily conserved mechanism linking TORC1 signaling with RNA processing, autophagy, and metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Wen Tang
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Yanhui Hu
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Chiao-Lin Chen
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Baolong Xia
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jonathan Zirin
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Min Yuan
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Division of Signal Transduction, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - John M Asara
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Division of Signal Transduction, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Leonard Rabinow
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Norbert Perrimon
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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25
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Volkenhoff A, Hirrlinger J, Kappel JM, Klämbt C, Schirmeier S. Live imaging using a FRET glucose sensor reveals glucose delivery to all cell types in the Drosophila brain. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2018; 106:55-64. [PMID: 28733241 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2017.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Revised: 06/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
All complex nervous systems are metabolically separated from circulation by a blood-brain barrier (BBB) that prevents uncontrolled leakage of solutes into the brain. Thus, all metabolites needed to sustain energy homeostasis must be transported across this BBB. In invertebrates, such as Drosophila, the major carbohydrate in circulation is the disaccharide trehalose and specific trehalose transporters are expressed by the glial BBB. Here we analyzed whether glucose is able to contribute to energy homeostasis in Drosophila. To study glucose influx into the brain we utilized a genetically encoded, FRET-based glucose sensor expressed in a cell type specific manner. When confronted with glucose all brain cells take up glucose within two minutes. In order to characterize the glucose transporter involved, we studied Drosophila Glut1, the homologue of which is primarily expressed by the BBB-forming endothelial cells and astrocytes in the mammalian nervous system. In Drosophila, however, Glut1 is expressed in neurons and is not found at the BBB. Thus, Glut1 cannot contribute to initial glucose uptake from the hemolymph. To test whether gap junctional coupling between the BBB forming cells and other neural cells contributes to glucose distribution we assayed these junctions using RNAi experiments and only found a minor contribution of gap junctions to glucose metabolism. Our results provide the entry point to further dissect the mechanisms underlying glucose distribution and offer new opportunities to understand brain metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Volkenhoff
- Institut für Neuro- und Verhaltensbiologie, Badestr. 9, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Johannes Hirrlinger
- Carl-Ludwig-Institute for Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Leipzig, Liebigstr. 27, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany; Department of Neurogenetics, Max-Planck-Institute for Experimental Medicine, Hermann-Rein-Str. 3, D-37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Johannes M Kappel
- Institut für Neuro- und Verhaltensbiologie, Badestr. 9, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Christian Klämbt
- Institut für Neuro- und Verhaltensbiologie, Badestr. 9, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Stefanie Schirmeier
- Institut für Neuro- und Verhaltensbiologie, Badestr. 9, 48149 Münster, Germany.
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26
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Heigwer F, Port F, Boutros M. RNA Interference (RNAi) Screening in Drosophila. Genetics 2018; 208:853-874. [PMID: 29487145 PMCID: PMC5844339 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.117.300077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last decade, RNA interference (RNAi), a cellular mechanism that uses RNA-guided degradation of messenger RNA transcripts, has had an important impact on identifying and characterizing gene function. First discovered in Caenorhabditis elegans, RNAi can be used to silence the expression of genes through introduction of exogenous double-stranded RNA into cells. In Drosophila, RNAi has been applied in cultured cells or in vivo to perturb the function of single genes or to systematically probe gene function on a genome-wide scale. In this review, we will describe the use of RNAi to study gene function in Drosophila with a particular focus on high-throughput screening methods applied in cultured cells. We will discuss available reagent libraries and cell lines, methodological approaches for cell-based assays, and computational methods for the analysis of high-throughput screens. Furthermore, we will review the generation and use of genome-scale RNAi libraries for tissue-specific knockdown analysis in vivo and discuss the differences and similarities with the use of genome-engineering methods such as CRISPR/Cas9 for functional analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Heigwer
- Division of Signaling and Functional Genomics, German Cancer Research Center, and Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Mannheim, D-69120, Germany
| | - Fillip Port
- Division of Signaling and Functional Genomics, German Cancer Research Center, and Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Mannheim, D-69120, Germany
| | - Michael Boutros
- Division of Signaling and Functional Genomics, German Cancer Research Center, and Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Mannheim, D-69120, Germany
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27
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Mohr SE, Rudd K, Hu Y, Song WR, Gilly Q, Buckner M, Housden BE, Kelley C, Zirin J, Tao R, Amador G, Sierzputowska K, Comjean A, Perrimon N. Zinc Detoxification: A Functional Genomics and Transcriptomics Analysis in Drosophila melanogaster Cultured Cells. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2018; 8:631-641. [PMID: 29223976 PMCID: PMC5919732 DOI: 10.1534/g3.117.300447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cells require some metals, such as zinc and manganese, but excess levels of these metals can be toxic. As a result, cells have evolved complex mechanisms for maintaining metal homeostasis and surviving metal intoxication. Here, we present the results of a large-scale functional genomic screen in Drosophila cultured cells for modifiers of zinc chloride toxicity, together with transcriptomics data for wild-type or genetically zinc-sensitized cells challenged with mild zinc chloride supplementation. Altogether, we identified 47 genes for which knockdown conferred sensitivity or resistance to toxic zinc or manganese chloride treatment, and >1800 putative zinc-responsive genes. Analysis of the 'omics data points to the relevance of ion transporters, glutathione (GSH)-related factors, and conserved disease-associated genes in zinc detoxification. Specific genes identified in the zinc screen include orthologs of human disease-associated genes CTNS, PTPRN (also known as IA-2), and ATP13A2 (also known as PARK9). We show that knockdown of red dog mine (rdog; CG11897), a candidate zinc detoxification gene encoding an ABCC-type transporter family protein related to yeast cadmium factor (YCF1), confers sensitivity to zinc intoxication in cultured cells, and that rdog is transcriptionally upregulated in response to zinc stress. As there are many links between the biology of zinc and other metals and human health, the 'omics data sets presented here provide a resource that will allow researchers to explore metal biology in the context of diverse health-relevant processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie E Mohr
- Drosophila RNAi Screening Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Kirstin Rudd
- Drosophila RNAi Screening Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Yanhui Hu
- Drosophila RNAi Screening Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Wei Roc Song
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Quentin Gilly
- Drosophila RNAi Screening Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Michael Buckner
- Drosophila RNAi Screening Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Benjamin E Housden
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Colleen Kelley
- Drosophila RNAi Screening Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Jonathan Zirin
- Drosophila RNAi Screening Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Rong Tao
- Drosophila RNAi Screening Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Gabriel Amador
- Drosophila RNAi Screening Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Katarzyna Sierzputowska
- Drosophila RNAi Screening Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Aram Comjean
- Drosophila RNAi Screening Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Norbert Perrimon
- Drosophila RNAi Screening Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
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28
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Humanized Flies and Resources for Cross-Species Study. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1076:277-288. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-0529-0_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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29
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Housden BE, Li Z, Kelley C, Wang Y, Hu Y, Valvezan AJ, Manning BD, Perrimon N. Improved detection of synthetic lethal interactions in Drosophila cells using variable dose analysis (VDA). Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:E10755-E10762. [PMID: 29183982 PMCID: PMC5740648 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1713362114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic sick or synthetic lethal (SS/L) screens are a powerful way to identify candidate drug targets to specifically kill tumor cells, but this approach generally suffers from low consistency between screens. We found that many SS/L interactions involve essential genes and are therefore detectable within a limited range of knockdown efficiency. Such interactions are often missed by overly efficient RNAi reagents. We therefore developed an assay that measures viability over a range of knockdown efficiency within a cell population. This method, called Variable Dose Analysis (VDA), is highly sensitive to viability phenotypes and reproducibly detects SS/L interactions. We applied the VDA method to search for SS/L interactions with TSC1 and TSC2, the two tumor suppressors underlying tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), and generated a SS/L network for TSC. Using this network, we identified four Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs that selectively affect viability of TSC-deficient cells, representing promising candidates for repurposing to treat TSC-related tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin E Housden
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom EX4 4QD;
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Zhongchi Li
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Colleen Kelley
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Yuanli Wang
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Yanhui Hu
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Alexander J Valvezan
- Department of Genetics and Complex Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Brendan D Manning
- Department of Genetics and Complex Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Norbert Perrimon
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115;
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA 02115
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30
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Abstract
With a century-old history of fundamental discoveries, the fruit fly has long been a favored experimental organism for a wide range of scientific inquiries. But Drosophila is not a “legacy” model organism; technical and intellectual innovations continue to revitalize fly research and drive advances in our understanding of conserved mechanisms of animal biology. Here, we provide an overview of this “ecosystem” and discuss how to address emerging challenges to ensure its continued productivity. Drosophila researchers are fortunate to have a sophisticated and ever-growing toolkit for the analysis of gene function. Access to these tools depends upon continued support for both physical and informational resources. Uncertainty regarding stable support for bioinformatic databases is a particular concern, at a time when there is the need to make the vast knowledge of functional biology provided by this model animal accessible to scientists studying other organisms. Communication and advocacy efforts will promote appreciation of the value of the fly in delivering biomedically important insights. Well-tended traditions of large-scale tool development, open sharing of reagents, and community engagement provide a strong basis for coordinated and proactive initiatives to improve the fly research ecosystem. Overall, there has never been a better time to be a fly pusher.
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31
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Rojas-Benítez D, Eggers C, Glavic A. Modulation of the Proteostasis Machinery to Overcome Stress Caused by Diminished Levels of t6A-Modified tRNAs in Drosophila. Biomolecules 2017; 7:biom7010025. [PMID: 28272317 PMCID: PMC5372737 DOI: 10.3390/biom7010025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) harbor a subset of post-transcriptional modifications required for structural stability or decoding function. N6-threonylcarbamoyladenosine (t6A) is a universally conserved modification found at position 37 in tRNA that pair A-starting codons (ANN) and is required for proper translation initiation and to prevent frame shift during elongation. In its absence, the synthesis of aberrant proteins is likely, evidenced by the formation of protein aggregates. In this work, our aim was to study the relationship between t6A-modified tRNAs and protein synthesis homeostasis machinery using Drosophila melanogaster. We used the Gal4/UAS system to knockdown genes required for t6A synthesis in a tissue and time specific manner and in vivo reporters of unfolded protein response (UPR) activation. Our results suggest that t6A-modified tRNAs, synthetized by the threonyl-carbamoyl transferase complex (TCTC), are required for organismal growth and imaginal cell survival, and is most likely to support proper protein synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Rojas-Benítez
- Centro de Regulación del Genoma, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Las Palmeras 3425, Ñuñoa, Santiago 7800024, Chile..
| | - Cristián Eggers
- Centro de Regulación del Genoma, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Las Palmeras 3425, Ñuñoa, Santiago 7800024, Chile..
| | - Alvaro Glavic
- Centro de Regulación del Genoma, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Las Palmeras 3425, Ñuñoa, Santiago 7800024, Chile..
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