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Kiltschewskij DJ, Harrison PF, Fitzsimmons C, Beilharz T, Cairns M. Extension of mRNA poly(A) tails and 3'UTRs during neuronal differentiation exhibits variable association with post-transcriptional dynamics. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:8181-8198. [PMID: 37293985 PMCID: PMC10450200 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Differentiation of neural progenitor cells into mature neuronal phenotypes relies on extensive temporospatial coordination of mRNA expression to support the development of functional brain circuitry. Cleavage and polyadenylation of mRNA has tremendous regulatory capacity through the alteration of mRNA stability and modulation of microRNA (miRNA) function, however the extent of utilization in neuronal development is currently unclear. Here, we employed poly(A) tail sequencing, mRNA sequencing, ribosome profiling and small RNA sequencing to explore the functional relationship between mRNA abundance, translation, poly(A) tail length, alternative polyadenylation (APA) and miRNA expression in an in vitro model of neuronal differentiation. Differential analysis revealed a strong bias towards poly(A) tail and 3'UTR lengthening during differentiation, both of which were positively correlated with changes in mRNA abundance, but not translation. Globally, changes in miRNA expression were predominantly associated with mRNA abundance and translation, however several miRNA-mRNA pairings with potential to regulate poly(A) tail length were identified. Furthermore, 3'UTR lengthening was observed to significantly increase the inclusion of non-conserved miRNA binding sites, potentially enhancing the regulatory capacity of these molecules in mature neuronal cells. Together, our findings suggest poly(A) tail length and APA function as part of a rich post-transcriptional regulatory matrix during neuronal differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan J Kiltschewskij
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Paul F Harrison
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Chantel Fitzsimmons
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Traude H Beilharz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Murray J Cairns
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
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2
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Cabej NR. On the origin and nature of nongenetic information in eumetazoans. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2023. [PMID: 37154677 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.15001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Nongenetic information implies all the forms of biological information not related to genes and DNA in general. Despite the deep scientific relevance of the concept, we currently lack reliable knowledge about its carriers and origins; hence, we still do not understand its true nature. Given that genes are the targets of nongenetic information, it appears that a parsimonious approach to find the ultimate source of that information is to trace back the sequential steps of the causal chain upstream of the target genes up to the ultimate link as the source of the nongenetic information. From this perspective, I examine seven nongenetically determined phenomena: placement of locus-specific epigenetic marks on DNA and histones, changes in snRNA expression patterns, neural induction of gene expression, site-specific alternative gene splicing, predator-induced morphological changes, and cultural inheritance. Based on the available evidence, I propose a general model of the common neural origin of all these forms of nongenetic information in eumetazoans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelson R Cabej
- Department of Biology, University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania
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3
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Horvath PM, Piazza MK, Kavalali ET, Monteggia LM. MeCP2 loss-of-function dysregulates microRNAs regionally and disrupts excitatory/inhibitory synaptic transmission balance. Hippocampus 2022; 32:610-623. [PMID: 35851733 PMCID: PMC9344394 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.23455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Rett syndrome is a leading cause of intellectual disability in females primarily caused by loss of function mutations in the transcriptional regulator MeCP2. Loss of MeCP2 leads to a host of synaptic phenotypes that are believed to underlie Rett syndrome pathophysiology. Synaptic deficits vary by brain region upon MeCP2 loss, suggesting distinct molecular alterations leading to disparate synaptic outcomes. In this study, we examined the contribution of MeCP2's newly described role in miRNA regulation to regional molecular and synaptic impairments. Two miRNAs, miR-101a and miR-203, were identified and confirmed as upregulated in MeCP2 KO mice in the hippocampus and cortex, respectively. miR-101a overexpression in hippocampal cultures led to opposing effects at excitatory and inhibitory synapses and in spontaneous and evoked neurotransmission, revealing the potential for a single miRNA to broadly regulate synapse function in the hippocampus. These results highlight the importance of regional alterations in miRNA expression and the specific impact on synaptic function with potential implications for Rett syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia M. Horvath
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA,Department of Neuroscience, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Michelle K. Piazza
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA,Neuroscience Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Ege T. Kavalali
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA,Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Lisa M. Monteggia
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA,Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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4
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Zeng Y, Zhang J, Yue J, Han G, Liu W, Liu L, Lin X, Zha Y, Liu J, Tan Y. The Role of DACT Family Members in Tumorigenesis and Tumor Progression. Int J Biol Sci 2022; 18:4532-4544. [PMID: 35864965 PMCID: PMC9295065 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.70784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Disheveled-associated antagonist of β-catenin (DACT), which ubiquitously expressed in human tissue, is critical for regulating cell proliferation and several developmental processes in different cellular contexts. In addition, DACT is essential for some other cellular processes, such as cell apoptosis, migration and differentiation. Given the importance of DACT in these cellular processes, many scientists are gradually interested in studying the role of DACT in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. This review article focuses on the latest research regarding the essential functions and potential DACT mechanisms in the occurrence and progression of tumors. Our study indicates that DACT may act as a tumor biomarker for cancer diagnosis and prognosis, as well as a promising therapeutic target in cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zeng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Jiqin Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Jianhe Yue
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guoqiang Han
- Department of Neurosurgery, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Weijia Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Xin Lin
- Department of Nephrology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Yan Zha
- Department of Nephrology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Ying Tan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, China
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5
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Banach E, Szczepankiewicz A, Kaczmarek L, Jaworski T, Urban-Ciećko J. Dysregulation of miRNAs levels in GSK3β overexpressing mice and the role of miR-221-5p in synaptic function. Neuroscience 2022; 490:287-295. [PMID: 35331845 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3β (GSK-3β) is a highly expressed kinase in the brain, where it has an important role in synaptic plasticity. Aberrant activity of GSK-3β leads to synaptic dysfunction which results in the development of several neuropsychiatric and neurological diseases. Notably, overexpression of constitutively active form of GSK-3β (GSK-3β[S9A]) in mice recapitulates the cognitive and structural defects characteristic for neurological and psychiatric disorders. However, the mechanisms by which GSK-3β regulates synaptic functions are not clearly known. Here, we investigate the effects of GSK-3β overactivity on neuronal miRNA expression in the mouse hippocampus. We found that GSK-3β overactivity downregulates miRNA network with a potent effect on miR-221-5p (miR-221*). Next, characterization of miR-221* function in primary hippocampal cell culture transfected by miR-221* inhibitor, showed no structural changes in dendritic spine shape and density. Using electrophysiological methods, we found that downregulation of miR-221* increases excitatory synaptic transmission in hippocampal neurons, probably via postsynaptic mechanisms. Thus, our data reveal potential mechanism by which GSK-3β and miRNAs might regulate synaptic function and therefore also synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Banach
- Laboratory of Electrophysiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, PAS, Warsaw, Poland; Laboratory of Animal Models, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, PAS, Warsaw, Poland; Laboratory of Neurobiology, BRAINCITY, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland.
| | | | - Leszek Kaczmarek
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, BRAINCITY, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Jaworski
- Laboratory of Animal Models, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, PAS, Warsaw, Poland; Laboratory of Neurobiology, BRAINCITY, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; Research and Development Centre, Celon Pharma SA, Kazun Nowy, Poland
| | - Joanna Urban-Ciećko
- Laboratory of Electrophysiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, PAS, Warsaw, Poland; Laboratory of Neurobiology, BRAINCITY, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
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Gu Y, Huang LJ, Zhao W, Zhang TT, Cui MR, Yang XJ, Zhao XL, Chen HY, Xu JJ. Living-Cell MicroRNA Imaging with Self-Assembling Fragments of Fluorescent Protein-Mimic RNA Aptamer. ACS Sens 2021; 6:2339-2347. [PMID: 34028262 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.1c00453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
As the cellular roles of RNA abundance continue to increase, there is an urgent need for the corresponding tools to elucidate native RNA functions and dynamics, especially those of short, low-abundance RNAs in live cells. Fluorescent RNA aptamers provide a useful strategy to create the RNA tag and biosensor devices. Corn, which binds with 3,5-difluoro-4-hydroxybenzylidene-imidazolinone-2-oxime (DFHO), is a good candidate for the RNA tag because of its enhanced photostability and red-shifted spectrum. Herein, we report for the first time the utilization of Corn as a split aptamer system, combined with RNA-initiated fluorescence complementation (RIFC), for monitoring RNA self-assembly and sensing microRNA. In this platform, the 28-nt Corn was divided into two nonfunctional halves (named probe I and probe II), and an additional target RNA recognition and stem part was introduced in each probe. The target RNA can trigger the self-assembly reconstitution of the Corn's G-quadruplex scaffold for DFHO binding and turn-on fluorescence. These probes can be transfected stably into mammalian cells and deliver the light-up fluorescent response to microRNA-21 (miR-21). Significantly, the probes have good photostability, with minimal fluorescence loss after continuous irradiation, and can be used for imaging of miR-21 in living mammalian cells. The proposed method is universal and could be applied to the sensing of other tumor-associated RNAs, including messenger RNA and noncoding RNA, as well as for monitoring RNA/RNA interactions. The Corn-based splitting aptamers show promising potential in the real-time visualization and mechanistic analysis of nucleic acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Life Sciences, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
- Institute for Materials Science and Engineering, School of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215011, China
| | - Li-Juan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Ting-Ting Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Mei-Rong Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xue-Jiao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xue-Li Zhao
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Zheng-Zhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Hong-Yuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jing-Juan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
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7
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Zhang HQ, Wang JY, Li ZF, Cui L, Huang SS, Zhu LB, Sun Y, Yang R, Fan HH, Zhang X, Zhu JH. DNA Methyltransferase 1 Is Dysregulated in Parkinson's Disease via Mediation of miR-17. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:2620-2633. [PMID: 33483902 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02298-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant DNA methylation is closely associated with the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) are the enzymes for establishment and maintenance of DNA methylation patterns. It has not been clearly defined how DNMTs respond in PD and what mechanisms are associated. Models of PD were established by treatment of five different neurotoxins in cells and intraperitoneal injection of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine in mice. Plasma samples of PD patients were also used. Western blot, real-time PCR, immunostaining, and/or luciferase reporter were employed. DNA methylation was analyzed by the bisulfite sequencing analysis. Protein expression of DNMT1, but not of DNMT3A and DNMT3B, was reduced in the cellular and mouse models of PD. Paradoxically, mRNA levels of DNMT1 were increased in these models. After ruling out the possibility of protein degradation, we screened a set of miRNAs that potentially targeted DNMT1 3'-UTR by luciferase reporters and expression abundancies. miR-17 was identified for further investigation with miR-19a of low expression as a parallel comparison. Although exogenous transfection of either miR-17 or miR-19a mimics could inhibit DNMT1 expression, results of miRNA inhibitors showed that miR-17, but not miR-19a, endogenously regulated DNMT1 and the subsequent DNA methylation. Furthermore, levels of miR-17 were elevated in the neurotoxin-induced PD models and the plasma of PD patients. This study demonstrates that the miR-17-mediated DNMT1 downregulation underlies the aberrant DNA methylation in PD. Our results provide a link bridging environmental insults and epigenetic changes and implicate miR-17 in therapeutical modulation of DNA methylation in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Qiu Zhang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Geriatrics and Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jian-Yong Wang
- Department of Geriatrics and Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhao-Feng Li
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lei Cui
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shi-Shi Huang
- Department of Geriatrics and Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lan-Bing Zhu
- Department of Geriatrics and Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yue Sun
- Department of Geriatrics and Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Rui Yang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
- Nelson Institute of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, 341 East 25th Street, New York, NY, 10010, USA
| | - Hui-Hui Fan
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiong Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics and Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Jian-Hong Zhu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China.
- Department of Geriatrics and Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, China.
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8
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Su W, Bi X, Wang Y, Baudry M. Changes in neurodegeneration-related miRNAs in brains from CAPN1 -/- mice. BBA ADVANCES 2021; 1. [PMID: 34286311 PMCID: PMC8289118 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadva.2021.100004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Calpain-1 knock-out (KO) mice exhibit enhanced susceptibility to neurodegeneration due to the lack of the neuroprotective function of calpain-1. Dicer has been shown to play a fundamental role in the biogenesis of most miRNAs. Here, we identified 45 differentially expressed miRNAs (DE miRNAs) in the brain of calpain-1 KO mice, as compared to wild-type mice. In particular, among all the DE miRNAs, 7 neurodegeneration-related miRNAs were found to be down-regulated in calpain-1 KO mice. We also found that Dicer is cleaved by calpain-1 in mouse brain, which generates an active fragment of Dicer with RNAse III activity and increases miRNA formation. Levels of active Dicer were reduced in brain homogenates from calpain-1 KO mice and incubation with calpain-1 and calcium restored Dicer activity and miRNA expression. Our results indicate that calpain-1 deletion results in decreased levels of active Dicer and changes in neurodegenerative-related miRNAs. These findings could account for some of the pathological changes found in brain of various mammals, including humans, with calpain-1 mutations or down-regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyue Su
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, United States
| | - Xiaoning Bi
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, United States
| | - Yubin Wang
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, United States
| | - Michel Baudry
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, United States
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Triaca V, Ruberti F, Canu N. NGF and the Amyloid Precursor Protein in Alzheimer's Disease: From Molecular Players to Neuronal Circuits. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1331:145-165. [PMID: 34453297 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-74046-7_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), one of the most common causes of dementia in elderly people, is characterized by progressive impairment in cognitive function, early degeneration of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCNs), abnormal metabolism of the amyloid precursor protein (APP), amyloid beta-peptide (Aβ) depositions, and neurofibrillary tangles. According to the cholinergic hypothesis, dysfunction of acetylcholine-containing neurons in the basal forebrain contributes markedly to the cognitive decline observed in AD. In addition, the neurotrophic factor hypothesis posits that the loss nerve growth factor (NGF) signalling in AD may account for the vulnerability to atrophy of BFCNs and consequent impairment of cholinergic functions. Though acetylcholinesterase inhibitors provide only partial and symptomatic relief to AD patients, emerging data from in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) studies in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD patients highlight the early involvement of BFCNs in MCI and the early phase of AD. These data support the cholinergic and neurotrophic hypotheses of AD and suggest new targets for AD therapy.Different mechanisms account for selective vulnerability of BFCNs to AD pathology, with regard to altered metabolism of APP and tau. In this review, we provide a general overview of the current knowledge of NGF and APP interplay, focusing on the role of APP in regulating NGF receptors trafficking/signalling and on the involvement of NGF in modulating phosphorylation of APP, which in turn controls APP intracellular trafficking and processing. Moreover, we highlight the consequences of APP interaction with p75NTR and TrkA receptor, which share the same binding site within the APP juxta-membrane domain. We underline the importance of insulin dysmetabolism in AD pathology, in the light of our recent data showing that overlapping intracellular signalling pathways stimulated by NGF or insulin can be compensatory. In particular, NGF-based signalling is able to ameliorates deficiencies in insulin signalling in the medial septum of 3×Tg-AD mice. Finally, we present an overview of NGF-regulated microRNAs (miRNAs). These small non-coding RNAs are involved in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression , and we focus on a subset that are specifically deregulated in AD and thus potentially contribute to its pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Triaca
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, Monterotondo, RM, Italy
| | - Francesca Ruberti
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, Monterotondo, RM, Italy
| | - Nadia Canu
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, Monterotondo, RM, Italy. .,Department of System Medicine, Section of Physiology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.
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10
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Kiltschewskij DJ, Cairns MJ. Transcriptome-Wide Analysis of Interplay between mRNA Stability, Translation and Small RNAs in Response to Neuronal Membrane Depolarization. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21197086. [PMID: 32992958 PMCID: PMC7582590 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Experience-dependent changes to neural circuitry are shaped by spatially-restricted activity-dependent mRNA translation. Although the complexity of mRNA translation in neuronal cells is widely appreciated, translational profiles associated with neuronal excitation remain largely uncharacterized, and the associated regulatory mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we employed ribosome profiling, mRNA sequencing and small RNA sequencing to profile transcriptome-wide changes in mRNA translation after whole cell depolarization of differentiated neuroblast cultures, and investigate the contribution of sequence-specific regulatory mechanisms. Immediately after depolarization, a functional partition between transcriptional and translational responses was uncovered, in which many mRNAs were subjected to significant changes in abundance or ribosomal occupancy, but not both. After an extended (2 h) post-stimulus rest phase, however, these changes became synchronized, suggesting that there are different layers of post-transcriptional regulation which are temporally separated but become coordinated over time. Globally, changes in mRNA abundance and translation were found to be associated with a number of intrinsic mRNA features, including mRNA length, GC% and secondary structures; however, the effect of these factors differed between both post-depolarization time-points. Furthermore, small RNA sequencing revealed that miRNAs and tRNA-derived small RNA fragments were subjected to peak changes in expression immediately after stimulation, during which these molecules were predominantly associated with fluctuations in mRNA abundance, consistent with known regulatory mechanisms. These data suggest that excitation-associated neuronal translation is subjected to extensive temporal coordination, with substantial contributions from a number of sequence-dependent regulatory mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan J. Kiltschewskij
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, Australia;
- Centre for Brain and Mental Health Research, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton 2305, Australia
| | - Murray J. Cairns
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, Australia;
- Centre for Brain and Mental Health Research, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton 2305, Australia
- Schizophrenia Research Institute, Randwick 2031, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-02-4921-8670
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11
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The Emerging Role of Extracellular Vesicles in the Glioma Microenvironment: Biogenesis and Clinical Relevance. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12071964. [PMID: 32707733 PMCID: PMC7409063 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12071964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are a diverse group of brain tumors comprised of malignant cells ('tumor' cells) and non-malignant 'normal' cells, including neural (neurons, glia), inflammatory (microglia, macrophage) and vascular cells. Tumor heterogeneity arises in part because, within the glioma mass, both 'tumor' and 'normal' cells secrete factors that form a unique microenvironment to influence tumor progression. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are critical mediators of intercellular communication between immediate cellular neighbors and distantly located cells in healthy tissues/organs and in tumors, including gliomas. EVs mediate cell-cell signaling as carriers of nucleic acid, lipid and protein cargo, and their content is unique to cell types and physiological states. EVs secreted by non-malignant neural cells have important physiological roles in the healthy brain, which can be altered or co-opted to promote tumor progression and metastasis, acting in combination with glioma-secreted EVs. The cell-type specificity of EV content means that 'vesiculome' data can potentially be used to trace the cell of origin. EVs may also serve as biomarkers to be exploited for disease diagnosis and to assess therapeutic progress. In this review, we discuss how EVs mediate intercellular communication in glioma, and their potential role as biomarkers and readouts of a therapeutic response.
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12
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Roy B, Yoshino Y, Allen L, Prall K, Schell G, Dwivedi Y. Exploiting Circulating MicroRNAs as Biomarkers in Psychiatric Disorders. Mol Diagn Ther 2020; 24:279-298. [PMID: 32304043 PMCID: PMC7269874 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-020-00464-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Non-invasive peripheral biomarkers play a significant role in both disease diagnosis and progression. In the past few years, microRNA (miRNA) expression changes in circulating peripheral tissues have been found to be correlative with changes in neuronal tissues from patients with neuropsychiatric disorders. This is a notable quality of a biomolecule to be considered as a biomarker for both prognosis and diagnosis of disease. miRNAs, members of the small non-coding RNA family, have recently gained significant attention due to their ability to epigenetically influence almost every aspect of brain functioning. Empirical evidence suggests that miRNA-associated changes in the brain are often translated into behavioral changes. Current clinical understanding further implicates their role in the management of major psychiatric conditions, including major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar disorder (BD), and schizophrenia (SZ). This review aims to critically evaluate the potential advantages and disadvantages of miRNAs as diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers in psychiatric disorders as well as in treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhaskar Roy
- Translational Research, UAB Mood Disorders Program, UAB Depression and Suicide Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, SC711 Sparks Center, 1720 7th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Yuta Yoshino
- Translational Research, UAB Mood Disorders Program, UAB Depression and Suicide Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, SC711 Sparks Center, 1720 7th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Lauren Allen
- Translational Research, UAB Mood Disorders Program, UAB Depression and Suicide Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, SC711 Sparks Center, 1720 7th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Kevin Prall
- Translational Research, UAB Mood Disorders Program, UAB Depression and Suicide Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, SC711 Sparks Center, 1720 7th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Grant Schell
- Translational Research, UAB Mood Disorders Program, UAB Depression and Suicide Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, SC711 Sparks Center, 1720 7th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Yogesh Dwivedi
- Translational Research, UAB Mood Disorders Program, UAB Depression and Suicide Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, SC711 Sparks Center, 1720 7th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA.
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13
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Emerging Roles for 3' UTRs in Neurons. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21103413. [PMID: 32408514 PMCID: PMC7279237 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The 3′ untranslated regions (3′ UTRs) of mRNAs serve as hubs for post-transcriptional control as the targets of microRNAs (miRNAs) and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). Sequences in 3′ UTRs confer alterations in mRNA stability, direct mRNA localization to subcellular regions, and impart translational control. Thousands of mRNAs are localized to subcellular compartments in neurons—including axons, dendrites, and synapses—where they are thought to undergo local translation. Despite an established role for 3′ UTR sequences in imparting mRNA localization in neurons, the specific RNA sequences and structural features at play remain poorly understood. The nervous system selectively expresses longer 3′ UTR isoforms via alternative polyadenylation (APA). The regulation of APA in neurons and the neuronal functions of longer 3′ UTR mRNA isoforms are starting to be uncovered. Surprising roles for 3′ UTRs are emerging beyond the regulation of protein synthesis and include roles as RBP delivery scaffolds and regulators of alternative splicing. Evidence is also emerging that 3′ UTRs can be cleaved, leading to stable, isolated 3′ UTR fragments which are of unknown function. Mutations in 3′ UTRs are implicated in several neurological disorders—more studies are needed to uncover how these mutations impact gene regulation and what is their relationship to disease severity.
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14
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Kiltschewskij DJ, Geaghan MP, Cairns MJ. Characterising the Transcriptional and Translational Impact of the Schizophrenia-Associated miR-1271-5p in Neuronal Cells. Cells 2020; 9:cells9041014. [PMID: 32325711 PMCID: PMC7226585 DOI: 10.3390/cells9041014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNA (miRNA) coordinate complex gene expression networks in cells that are vital to support highly specialised morphology and cytoarchitecture. Neurons express a rich array of miRNA, including many that are specific or enriched, which have important functions in this context and implications for neurological conditions. While the neurological function of a number of brain-derived miRNAs have been examined thoroughly, the mechanistic basis of many remain obscure. In this case, we investigated the transcriptome-wide impact of schizophrenia-associated miR-1271-5p in response to bidirectional modulation. Alteration of miR-1271-5p induced considerable changes to mRNA abundance and translation, which spanned a diverse range of cellular functions, including directly targeted genes strongly associated with cytoskeletal dynamics and cellular junctions. Mechanistic analyses additionally revealed that upregulation of miR-1271-5p predominantly repressed mRNAs through destabilisation, wherein 3'UTR and coding sequence binding sites exhibited similar efficacy. Knockdown, however, produced no discernible trend in target gene expression and strikingly resulted in increased expression of the highly conserved miR-96-5p, which shares an identical seed region with miR-1271-5p, suggesting the presence of feedback mechanisms that sense disruptions to miRNA levels. These findings indicate that, while bidirectional regulation of miR-1271-5p results in substantial remodeling of the neuronal transcriptome, these effects are not inverse in nature. In addition, we provide further support for the idea that destabilisation of mRNA is the predominant mechanism by which miRNAs regulate complementary mRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan J. Kiltschewskij
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, Australia; (D.J.K.); (M.P.G.)
- Centre for Brain and Mental Health Research, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton 2305, Australia
| | - Michael P. Geaghan
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, Australia; (D.J.K.); (M.P.G.)
- Centre for Brain and Mental Health Research, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton 2305, Australia
| | - Murray J. Cairns
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, Australia; (D.J.K.); (M.P.G.)
- Centre for Brain and Mental Health Research, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton 2305, Australia
- Schizophrenia Research Institute, Randwick 2031, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-02-4921-8670
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15
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Nartey MN, Peña-Castillo L, LeGrow M, Doré J, Bhattacharya S, Darby-King A, Carew SJ, Yuan Q, Harley CW, McLean JH. Learning-induced mRNA alterations in olfactory bulb mitral cells in neonatal rats. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 27:209-221. [PMID: 32295841 PMCID: PMC7164515 DOI: 10.1101/lm.051177.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In the olfactory bulb, a cAMP/PKA/CREB-dependent form of learning occurs in the first week of life that provides a unique mammalian model for defining the epigenetic role of this evolutionarily ancient plasticity cascade. Odor preference learning in the week-old rat pup is rapidly induced by a 10-min pairing of odor and stroking. Memory is demonstrable at 24 h, but not 48 h, posttraining. Using this paradigm, pups that showed peppermint preference 30 min posttraining were sacrificed 20 min later for laser microdissection of odor-encoding mitral cells. Controls were given odor only. Microarray analysis revealed that 13 nonprotein-coding mRNAs linked to mRNA translation and splicing and 11 protein-coding mRNAs linked to transcription differed with odor preference training. MicroRNA23b, a translation inhibitor of multiple plasticity-related mRNAs, was down-regulated. Protein-coding transcription was up-regulated for Sec23b, Clic2, Rpp14, Dcbld1, Magee2, Mstn, Fam229b, RGD1566265, and Mgst2. Gng12 and Srcg1 mRNAs were down-regulated. Increases in Sec23b, Clic2, and Dcbld1 proteins were confirmed in mitral cells in situ at the same time point following training. The protein-coding changes are consistent with extracellular matrix remodeling and ryanodine receptor involvement in odor preference learning. A role for CREB and AP1 as triggers of memory-related mRNA regulation is supported. The small number of gene changes identified in the mitral cell input/output link for 24 h memory will facilitate investigation of the nature, and reversibility, of changes supporting temporally restricted long-term memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaelina N Nartey
- Divison of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland A1B3V6, Canada
| | - Lourdes Peña-Castillo
- Department of Computer Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland A1B3X5, Canada
| | - Megan LeGrow
- Divison of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland A1B3V6, Canada
| | - Jules Doré
- Divison of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland A1B3V6, Canada
| | - Sriya Bhattacharya
- Divison of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland A1B3V6, Canada
| | - Andrea Darby-King
- Divison of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland A1B3V6, Canada
| | - Samantha J Carew
- Divison of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland A1B3V6, Canada
| | - Qi Yuan
- Divison of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland A1B3V6, Canada
| | - Carolyn W Harley
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland A1B3X9, Canada
| | - John H McLean
- Divison of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland A1B3V6, Canada
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16
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Bian E, Chen X, Xu Y, Ji X, Cheng M, Wang H, Fang Z, Zhao B. A central role for MeCP2 in the epigenetic repression of miR-200c during epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of glioma. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2019; 38:366. [PMID: 31429770 PMCID: PMC6702741 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-019-1341-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been linked to the regulation of glioma progression. However, the underlying signaling mechanisms that regulate EMT are poorly understood. Methods Quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blot were performed to detect the expression of MeCP2 in glioma tissues and cell lines. MeCP2 functions were tested with cell immunofluorescence staining and western blot. For in vivo experiments, mouse xenograft model was used to investigate the effects of MeCP2 on glioma. ChIP and Co-IP were used to detect the relationships among MeCP2, miR-200c and Suv39H1. Results In this study, we found that MeCP2 was frequently up-regulated in human glioma tissues and cell lines. MeCP2 knockdown remarkably induced cell epithelial phenotype and inhibited mesenchymal marker ZEB1 and ZEB2 in vitro and in vivo. In addition, MeCP2 in glioma tissues was negatively correlated with miR-200c expression, and miR-200c overexpression partially abrogated mesenchymal phenotype induced by MeCP2. More importantly, we showed that MeCP2 recruited H3K9 to the promoter of miR-200c by interacting with SUV39H1, resulting in EMT of glioma cells. Conclusions This study for the first time reveals MeCP2 as a novel regulator of EMT in glioma and suggest that MeCP2 inhibition may represent a promising therapeutic option for suppressing EMT in glioma. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13046-019-1341-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erbao Bian
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678 Fu Rong Road, Hefei, 230601, Anhui Province, China.,Cerebral Vascular Disease Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Xueran Chen
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Center of Medical Physics and Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 350, Shushan Hu Road, Hefei, 230031, Anhui, China
| | - Yadi Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678 Fu Rong Road, Hefei, 230601, Anhui Province, China.,Cerebral Vascular Disease Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Xinghu Ji
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678 Fu Rong Road, Hefei, 230601, Anhui Province, China.,Cerebral Vascular Disease Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Meng Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678 Fu Rong Road, Hefei, 230601, Anhui Province, China.,Cerebral Vascular Disease Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Hongliang Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678 Fu Rong Road, Hefei, 230601, Anhui Province, China.,Cerebral Vascular Disease Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Zhiyou Fang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Center of Medical Physics and Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 350, Shushan Hu Road, Hefei, 230031, Anhui, China.
| | - Bing Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678 Fu Rong Road, Hefei, 230601, Anhui Province, China. .,Cerebral Vascular Disease Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, China.
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17
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Wang L, Zhang C, Xie Y, Jiang W, Huang J, Guo S, Xu F, Wang J. Detecting the long non‑coding RNA signature related to spinal cord ependymal tumor subtype using a genome‑wide methylome analysis approach. Mol Med Rep 2019; 20:1531-1540. [PMID: 31257484 PMCID: PMC6625447 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2019.10388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ependymoma is a type of intramedullary tumor that tends to occur in the adult spinal cord. Ependymoma affects the nervous system and has significant impacts on the quality of life, and it may lead to mortality. Previous studies have performed molecular classification of spinal cord ependymal tumors at the DNA methylation level. However, the DNA methylation status of non-coding regions in spinal cord ependymal tumors remains unclear. In the present study, a genome-wide methylome method was used to characterize the DNA methylation landscape of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in spinal cord ependymal tumor samples. The present study identified lncRNA signatures associated with tumor subtypes based on the methylation status of lncRNA promoters. The present results suggested that the identified lncRNA signatures were associated with cancer- or nervous system-related protein-coding genes. The majority of the identified lncRNAs was hypomethylated, and may have a role in spinal cord development. The present findings suggested that detection of tumor subtype-specific lncRNAs may facilitate the identification of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to treat patients with spinal cord ependymal tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- Rehabilitation Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Rehabilitation Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
| | - Yujie Xie
- Rehabilitation Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Rehabilitation Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
| | - Juan Huang
- Rehabilitation Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
| | - Shengmin Guo
- Rehabilitation Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
| | - Fangyuan Xu
- Rehabilitation Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
| | - Jianxiong Wang
- Rehabilitation Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
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18
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Cairns MJ. Small RNA regulators of social behaviour in eutherian mammals. EMBO Rep 2019; 20:e47663. [PMID: 30674540 PMCID: PMC6362344 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201947663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Small non-coding miRNA appear to be vital in brain development and function by organising complex patterns of gene expression. These molecules are important for the regulation of synaptically localised mRNAs that encode proteins involved in neurotransmission and behaviour. In this issue of EMBO Reports, Lackinger et al [1] demonstrate that a large cluster of miRNAs, that emerged in placental mammals, functions as a repressor of social behaviour. This discovery has significant implications for our understanding of the brain, behaviour and in particular psychiatric syndromes, which have been shown to display alterations of these molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murray J Cairns
- School of Biomedical Sciences and PharmacyThe University of NewcastleCallaghanNSWAustralia
- Centre for Brain and Mental Health ResearchHunter Medical Research InstituteNewcastleNSWAustralia
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