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Zhong H, Dong B, Zhu D, Fu Z, Liu J, Jin Y. Sja-let-7 suppresses the development of liver fibrosis via Schistosoma japonicum extracellular vesicles. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012153. [PMID: 38598555 PMCID: PMC11034668 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012153] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a fatal zoonotic parasitic disease that also threatens human health. The main pathological features of schistosomiasis are granulomatous inflammation and subsequent liver fibrosis, which is a complex, chronic, and progressive disease. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from schistosome eggs are broadly involved in host-parasite communication and act as important contributors to schistosome-induced liver fibrosis. However, it remains unclear whether substances secreted by the EVs of Schistosoma japonicum, a long-term parasitic "partner" in the hepatic portal vein of the host, also participate in liver fibrosis. Here, we report that EVs derived from S. japonicum worms attenuated liver fibrosis by delivering sja-let-7 into hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Mechanistically, activation of HSCs was reduced by targeting collagen type I alpha 2 chain (Col1α2) and downregulation of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway both in vivo and in vitro. Overall, these results contribute to further understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying host-parasite interactions and identified the sja-let-7/Col1α2/TGF-β/Smad axis as a potential target for treatment of schistosomiasis-related liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Zhong
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Bowen Dong
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Danlin Zhu
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Zhiqiang Fu
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Jinming Liu
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Yamei Jin
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, P.R. China
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2
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Bernard EIM, Towler BP, Rogoyski OM, Newbury SF. Characterisation of the in-vivo miRNA landscape in Drosophila ribonuclease mutants reveals Pacman-mediated regulation of the highly conserved let-7 cluster during apoptotic processes. Front Genet 2024; 15:1272689. [PMID: 38444757 PMCID: PMC10912645 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1272689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The control of gene expression is a fundamental process essential for correct development and to maintain homeostasis. Many post-transcriptional mechanisms exist to maintain the correct levels of each RNA transcript within the cell. Controlled and targeted cytoplasmic RNA degradation is one such mechanism with the 5'-3' exoribonuclease Pacman (XRN1) and the 3'-5' exoribonuclease Dis3L2 playing crucial roles. Loss of function mutations in either Pacman or Dis3L2 have been demonstrated to result in distinct phenotypes, and both have been implicated in human disease. One mechanism by which gene expression is controlled is through the function of miRNAs which have been shown to be crucial for the control of almost all cellular processes. Although the biogenesis and mechanisms of action of miRNAs have been comprehensively studied, the mechanisms regulating their own turnover are not well understood. Here we characterise the miRNA landscape in a natural developing tissue, the Drosophila melanogaster wing imaginal disc, and assess the importance of Pacman and Dis3L2 on the abundance of miRNAs. We reveal a complex landscape of miRNA expression and show that whilst a null mutation in dis3L2 has a minimal effect on the miRNA expression profile, loss of Pacman has a profound effect with a third of all detected miRNAs demonstrating Pacman sensitivity. We also reveal a role for Pacman in regulating the highly conserved let-7 cluster (containing miR-100, let-7 and miR-125) and present a genetic model outlining a positive feedback loop regulated by Pacman which enhances our understanding of the apoptotic phenotype observed in Pacman mutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa I. M. Bernard
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin P. Towler
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Oliver M. Rogoyski
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah F. Newbury
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
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3
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Quesnelle DC, Bendena WG, Chin-Sang ID. A Compilation of the Diverse miRNA Functions in Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster Development. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24086963. [PMID: 37108126 PMCID: PMC10139094 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24086963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs are critical regulators of post-transcriptional gene expression in a wide range of taxa, including invertebrates, mammals, and plants. Since their discovery in the nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans, miRNA research has exploded, and they are being identified in almost every facet of development. Invertebrate model organisms, particularly C. elegans, and Drosophila melanogaster, are ideal systems for studying miRNA function, and the roles of many miRNAs are known in these animals. In this review, we compiled the functions of many of the miRNAs that are involved in the development of these invertebrate model species. We examine how gene regulation by miRNAs shapes both embryonic and larval development and show that, although many different aspects of development are regulated, several trends are apparent in the nature of their regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - William G Bendena
- Department of Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Ian D Chin-Sang
- Department of Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
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4
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Kołosowska KA, Schratt G, Winterer J. microRNA-dependent regulation of gene expression in GABAergic interneurons. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1188574. [PMID: 37213213 PMCID: PMC10196030 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1188574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Information processing within neuronal circuits relies on their proper development and a balanced interplay between principal and local inhibitory interneurons within those circuits. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic inhibitory interneurons are a remarkably heterogeneous population, comprising subclasses based on their morphological, electrophysiological, and molecular features, with differential connectivity and activity patterns. microRNA (miRNA)-dependent post-transcriptional control of gene expression represents an important regulatory mechanism for neuronal development and plasticity. miRNAs are a large group of small non-coding RNAs (21-24 nucleotides) acting as negative regulators of mRNA translation and stability. However, while miRNA-dependent gene regulation in principal neurons has been described heretofore in several studies, an understanding of the role of miRNAs in inhibitory interneurons is only beginning to emerge. Recent research demonstrated that miRNAs are differentially expressed in interneuron subclasses, are vitally important for migration, maturation, and survival of interneurons during embryonic development and are crucial for cognitive function and memory formation. In this review, we discuss recent progress in understanding miRNA-dependent regulation of gene expression in interneuron development and function. We aim to shed light onto mechanisms by which miRNAs in GABAergic interneurons contribute to sculpting neuronal circuits, and how their dysregulation may underlie the emergence of numerous neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gerhard Schratt
- Lab of Systems Neuroscience, Department of Health Science and Technology, Institute for Neuroscience, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology ETH, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jochen Winterer
- Lab of Systems Neuroscience, Department of Health Science and Technology, Institute for Neuroscience, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology ETH, Zurich, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Jochen Winterer,
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Pandey M, Luhur A, Sokol NS, Chawla G. Molecular Dissection of a Conserved Cluster of miRNAs Identifies Critical Structural Determinants That Mediate Differential Processing. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:909212. [PMID: 35784477 PMCID: PMC9247461 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.909212] [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: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Differential processing is a hallmark of clustered microRNAs (miRNAs) and the role of position and order of miRNAs in a cluster together with the contribution of stem-base and terminal loops has not been explored extensively within the context of a polycistronic transcript. To elucidate the structural attributes of a polycistronic transcript that contribute towards the differences in efficiencies of processing of the co-transcribed miRNAs, we constructed a series of chimeric variants of Drosophila let-7-Complex that encodes three evolutionary conserved and differentially expressed miRNAs (miR-100, let-7 and miR-125) and examined the expression and biological activity of the encoded miRNAs. The kinetic effects of Drosha and Dicer processing on the chimeric precursors were examined by in vitro processing assays. Our results highlight the importance of stem-base and terminal loop sequences in differential expression of polycistronic miRNAs and provide evidence that processing of a particular miRNA in a polycistronic transcript is in part determined by the kinetics of processing of adjacent miRNAs in the same cluster. Overall, this analysis provides specific guidelines for achieving differential expression of a particular miRNA in a cluster by structurally induced changes in primary miRNA (pri-miRNA) sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Pandey
- RNA Biology Laboratory, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, India
| | - Arthur Luhur
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Nicholas S. Sokol
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Geetanjali Chawla
- RNA Biology Laboratory, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, India
- *Correspondence: Geetanjali Chawla,
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6
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Inui T, Sezutsu H, Daimon T. MicroRNA let-7 is required for hormonal regulation of metamorphosis in the silkworm, Bombyx mori. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 145:103784. [PMID: 35533806 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2022.103784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The heterochronic microRNA let-7, which was first identified in Caenorhabditis elegans, controls the timing of developmental programs, and let-7 triggers the onset of the juvenile-adult transition in bilaterians. The expression of let-7 is strongly induced during the last larval stage of C. elegans and is highly expressed in the late last instar larvae/nymphs of the fly Drosophila melanogaster and the cockroach Blattella germanica. In the silkworm Bombyx mori, the expression of let-7 remarkably increases in the corpus cardiacum-corpus allatum complex (CC-CA) at the beginning of the last larval instar and is maintained at high levels during this instar. To determine the biological function of let-7 in B. mori, we generated a let-7 knockout line and a transgenic UAS-let-7 line. The let-7 knockout larvae were developmentally arrested in the prepupal stage and became pupal-adult intermediates after apolysis. When let-7 was ubiquitously overexpressed under the transcriptional control of an Actin3-GAL4 driver, developmental timing and growth of larvae were severely impaired in the penultimate (L4) instar, and these larvae underwent precocious metamorphosis from L4. Furthermore, our results showed that reception and signaling of ecdysteroids and juvenile hormones (JHs) normally occurred in the absence of let-7, whereas the biosynthesis of ecdysone and JHs were affected by disruption and overexpression of let-7. Together, the present study demonstrates that let-7 is required for the coordination of the biosynthesis of ecdysone and JH to ensure the developmental transition during the metamorphosis of B. mori.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiro Inui
- Department of Applied Biosciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa Oiwakecho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Hideki Sezutsu
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Owashi 1-2, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8634, Japan
| | - Takaaki Daimon
- Department of Applied Biosciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa Oiwakecho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan.
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7
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Deng Z, Zhang Y, Li L, Xie X, Huang J, Zhang M, Ni X, Li X. A dual-luciferase reporter system for characterization of small RNA target genes in both mammalian and insect cells. INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 29:631-644. [PMID: 34232550 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12945] [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: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are regulatory RNA molecules that bind to target messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and affect the stability or translational efficiency of the bound mRNAs. Single or dual-luciferase reporter systems have been successfully used to identify miRNA target genes in mammalian cells. These reporter systems, however, are not sensitive enough to verify miRNA-target gene relationships in insect cell lines because the promoters of the target luciferase (usually Renilla) used in these reporter systems are too weak to drive sufficient expression of the target luciferase in insect cells. In this study, we replaced the SV40 promoter in the psiCHECK-2 reporter vector, which is widely used with mammalian cell lines, with the HSV-TK or AC5.1 promoter to yield two new dual-luciferase reporter vectors, designated psiCHECK-2-TK and psiCHECK-2-AC5.1, respectively. Only psiCHECK-2 and psiCHECK-2-AC5.1 had suitable target (Renilla)/reference (firefly) luciferase activity ratios in mammalian (HeLa and HEK293) and insect (Sf9, S2, Helicoverpa zea fat body and ovary) cell lines, while psiCHECK-2-TK had suitable Renilla/firefly luciferase activity ratios regardless of the cell line. Moreover, psiCHECK-2-TK successfully detected the interaction between Helicoverpa armigera miRNA9a and its target, the 3'-untranslated region of heat shock protein 90, in both mammalian and H. zea cell lines, but psiCHECK-2 failed to do so in H. zea cell lines. Furthermore, psiCHECK-2-TK with the target sequence, HzMasc (H. zea Masculinizer), accurately differentiated between H. zea cell lines with or without the negative regulation factor (miRNA or piRNA) of HzMasc. These data demonstrate that psiCHECK-2-TK can be used to functionally characterize small RNA target genes in both mammalian and insect cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongyuan Deng
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yuting Zhang
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Leyao Li
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xingcheng Xie
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jinyong Huang
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Min Zhang
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xinzhi Ni
- USDA-ARS, Crop Genetics and Breeding Research Unit, University of Georgia-Tifton Campus, Tifton, Georgia, USA
| | - Xianchun Li
- Department of Entomology and BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
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8
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Fu Y, Wang Y, Huang Q, Zhao C, Li X, Kan Y, Li D. Long Noncoding RNA lncR17454 Regulates Metamorphosis of Silkworm Through let-7 miRNA Cluster. JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2022; 22:12. [PMID: 35640247 PMCID: PMC9155153 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieac028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
A number of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified in silkworm, but little is known about their functions. Recent study showed that the let-7 miRNA cluster (contains let-7, miR-2795, and miR-100) was transcribed from the last exon of lncRNA lncR17454 in silkworm. To investigate the functional role of lncR17454, dsRNAs of lncR17454 were injected into the hemolymph of 1-d-old third-instar larvae of Bombyx mori, repression of lncR17454 led to molting arrestment during the larval-larval and larval-pupal transition of silkworm, which was consistent to the result as let-7 knockdown in other studies. The expression level of mature let-7, miR-100, and miR-2795 decreased 40%, 36%, and 40%, respectively, while the mRNA level of two predicted target genes of let-7, the Broad Complex isoform 2 (BR-C-Z2) and the BTB-Zinc finger transcription repression factor gene Abrupt (Ab), increased significantly after lncR17454 knockdown. In contrast, when adding the 20-Hydroxyecdysone (20E) to silkworm BmN4 cell lines, the expression level of lncR17454 and let-7 cluster all increased significantly, but the expression of Abrupt, the predicted target gene of let-7, was repressed. Dual-luciferase reporter assays confirmed Abrupt was the real target of let-7. Here we found that the lncRNA lncR17454 can play regulator roles in the metamorphosis of silkworm through let-7 miRNA cluster and the ecdysone signaling pathway, which will provide new clues for lepidopteran pest control.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Qunxia Huang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Insect Biology in Funiu Mountain, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Insect Biology, College of Life Science and Agricultural Engineering, Nanyang Normal University, 1638 Wolong Road, Nanyang, Henan 473061, China
| | - Chenyue Zhao
- Henan Key Laboratory of Insect Biology in Funiu Mountain, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Insect Biology, College of Life Science and Agricultural Engineering, Nanyang Normal University, 1638 Wolong Road, Nanyang, Henan 473061, China
| | - Xinmei Li
- Henan Key Laboratory of Insect Biology in Funiu Mountain, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Insect Biology, College of Life Science and Agricultural Engineering, Nanyang Normal University, 1638 Wolong Road, Nanyang, Henan 473061, China
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Duan Y, Veksler-Lublinsky I, Ambros V. Critical contribution of 3' non-seed base pairing to the in vivo function of the evolutionarily conserved let-7a microRNA. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110745. [PMID: 35476978 PMCID: PMC9161110 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Base pairing of the seed region (g2–g8) is essential for microRNA targeting; however, the in vivo function of the 3′ non-seed region (g9–g22) is less well understood. Here, we report a systematic investigation of the in vivo roles of 3′ non-seed nucleotides in microRNA let-7a, whose entire g9–g22 region is conserved among bilaterians. We find that the 3′ non-seed sequence functionally distinguishes let-7a from its family paralogs. The complete pairing of g11–g16 is essential for let-7a to fully repress multiple key targets, including evolutionarily conserved lin-41, daf-12, and hbl-1. Nucleotides at g17–g22 are less critical but may compensate for mismatches in the g11–g16 region. Interestingly, a certain minimal complementarity to let-7a 3′ non-seed sequence can be required even for sites with perfect seed pairing. These results provide evidence that the specific configurations of both seed and 3′ non-seed base pairing can critically influence microRNA-mediated gene regulation in vivo. Duan et al. find that microRNA-target pairing at g11–g16 is critical for the function of evolutionarily conserved microRNA let-7a; 3′ pairing is required for both perfect and imperfect seed in regulating multiple targets. These findings provide evidence that base pairing of specific microRNA non-seed nucleotides can critically contribute to target regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Duan
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Isana Veksler-Lublinsky
- Department of Software and Information Systems Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Victor Ambros
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
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10
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DeRaedt S, Bierman A, van Heusden P, Richards C, Christoffels A. microRNA profile of Hermetia illucens (black soldier fly) and its implications on mass rearing. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0265492. [PMID: 35298540 PMCID: PMC8929568 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The growing demands on protein producers and the dwindling available resources have made Hermetia illucens (the black soldier fly, BSF) an economically important species. Insights into the genome of this insect will better allow for robust breeding protocols, and more efficient production to be used as a replacement of animal feed protein. The use of microRNA as a method to understand how gene regulation allows insect species to adapt to changes in their environment, has been established in multiple species. The baseline and life stage expression levels established in this study, allow for insight into the development and sex-linked microRNA regulation in BSF. To accomplish this, microRNA was extracted and sequenced from 15 different libraries with each life stage in triplicate. Of the total 192 microRNAs found, 168 were orthologous to known arthropod microRNAs and 24 microRNAs were unique to BSF. Twenty-six of the 168 microRNAs conserved across arthropods had a statistically significant (p < 0.05) differential expression between Egg to Larval stages. The development from larva to pupa was characterized by 16 statistically significant differentially expressed microRNA. Seven and 9 microRNA were detected as statistically significant between pupa to adult female and pupa to adult male, respectively. All life stages had a nearly equal split between up and down regulated microRNAs. Ten of the unique 24 miRNA were detected exclusively in one life stage. The egg life stage expressed five microRNA (hil-miR-m, hil-miR-p, hil-miR-r, hil-miR-s, and hil-miR-u) not seen in any other life stages. The female adult and pupa life stages expressed one miRNA each hil-miR-h and hil-miR-ac respectively. Both male and female adult life stages expressed hil-miR-a, hil-miR-b, and hil-miR-y. There were no unique microRNAs found only in the larva stage. Twenty-two microRNAs with 56 experimentally validated target genes in the closely related Drosophila melanogaster were identified. Thus, the microRNA found display the unique evolution of BSF, along with the life stages and potential genes to target for robust mass rearing. Understanding of the microRNA expression in BSF will further their use in the crucial search for alternative and sustainable protein sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah DeRaedt
- South African National Bioinformatics Institute, South African Medical Research Council Bioinformatics Unit, The University of the Western Cape, Bellville, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Anandi Bierman
- AgriProtein Technologies (Pty) Limited, Philippi, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Peter van Heusden
- South African National Bioinformatics Institute, South African Medical Research Council Bioinformatics Unit, The University of the Western Cape, Bellville, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Cameron Richards
- AgriProtein Technologies (Pty) Limited, Philippi, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Alan Christoffels
- South African National Bioinformatics Institute, South African Medical Research Council Bioinformatics Unit, The University of the Western Cape, Bellville, Western Cape, South Africa
- * E-mail:
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11
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MicroRNA let-7 and viral infections: focus on mechanisms of action. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2022; 27:14. [PMID: 35164678 PMCID: PMC8853298 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-022-00317-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are fundamental post-transcriptional modulators of several critical cellular processes, a number of which are involved in host defense mechanisms. In particular, miRNA let-7 functions as an essential regulator of the function and differentiation of both innate and adaptive immune cells. Let-7 is involved in several human diseases, including cancer and viral infections. Several viral infections have found ways to dysregulate the expression of miRNAs. Extracellular vesicles (EV) are membrane-bound lipid structures released from many types of human cells that can transport proteins, lipids, mRNAs, and miRNAs, including let-7. After their release, EVs are taken up by the recipient cells and their contents released into the cytoplasm. Let-7-loaded EVs have been suggested to affect cellular pathways and biological targets in the recipient cells, and can modulate viral replication, the host antiviral response, and the action of cancer-related viruses. In the present review, we summarize the available knowledge concerning the expression of let-7 family members, functions, target genes, and mechanistic involvement in viral pathogenesis and host defense. This may provide insight into the development of new therapeutic strategies to manage viral infections.
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12
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Shen W, Cao S, Liu J, Zhang W, Chen J, Li JF. Overexpression of an Osa-miR162a Derivative in Rice Confers Cross-Kingdom RNA Interference-Mediated Brown Planthopper Resistance without Perturbing Host Development. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222312652. [PMID: 34884461 PMCID: PMC8657652 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Rice is a main food crop for more than half of the global population. The brown planthopper (BPH, Nilaparvata lugens) is one of the most destructive insect pests of rice. Currently, repeated overuse of chemical insecticides represents a common practice in agriculture for BPH control, which can induce insect tolerance and provoke environmental concerns. This situation calls for innovative and widely applicable strategies for rice protection against BPH. Here we report that the rice osa-miR162a can mediate cross-kingdom RNA interference (RNAi) by targeting the NlTOR (Target of rapamycin) gene of BPH that regulates the reproduction process. Through artificial diet or injection, osa-miR162a mimics repressed the NlTOR expression and impaired the oviposition of BPH adults. Consistently, overproduced osa-miR162a in transgenic rice plants compromised the fecundity of BPH adults fed with these plants, but meanwhile perturbed root and grain development. To circumvent this issue, we generated osa-miR162a-m1, a sequence-optimized osa-miR162a, by decreasing base complementarity to rice endogenous target genes while increasing base complementarity to NlTOR. Transgenic overexpression of osa-miR162a-m1 conferred rice resistance to BPH without detectable developmental penalty. This work reveals the first cross-kingdom RNAi mechanism in rice-BPH interactions and inspires a potentially useful approach for improving rice resistance to BPH. We also introduce an effective strategy to uncouple unwanted host developmental perturbation from desirable cross-kingdom RNAi benefits for overexpressed plant miRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenzhong Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; (W.S.); (S.C.); (J.L.); (W.Z.)
| | - Shanni Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; (W.S.); (S.C.); (J.L.); (W.Z.)
| | - Jinhui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; (W.S.); (S.C.); (J.L.); (W.Z.)
| | - Wenqing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; (W.S.); (S.C.); (J.L.); (W.Z.)
| | - Jie Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High Technology for Plant Protection, Plant Protection Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
- Correspondence: (J.C.); (J.-F.L.); Tel./Fax: +86-20-39943513 (J.-F.L.)
| | - Jian-Feng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; (W.S.); (S.C.); (J.L.); (W.Z.)
- Correspondence: (J.C.); (J.-F.L.); Tel./Fax: +86-20-39943513 (J.-F.L.)
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13
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Goodwin SF, Hobert O. Molecular Mechanisms of Sexually Dimorphic Nervous System Patterning in Flies and Worms. Annu Rev Cell Dev Biol 2021; 37:519-547. [PMID: 34613817 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-cellbio-120319-115237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Male and female brains display anatomical and functional differences. Such differences are observed in species across the animal kingdom, including humans, but have been particularly well-studied in two classic animal model systems, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster and the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Here we summarize recent advances in understanding how the worm and fly brain acquire sexually dimorphic features during development. We highlight the advantages of each system, illustrating how the precise anatomical delineation of sexual dimorphisms in worms has enabled recent analysis into how these dimorphisms become specified during development, and how focusing on sexually dimorphic neurons in the fly has enabled an increasingly detailed understanding of sex-specific behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen F Goodwin
- Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3SR, United Kingdom;
| | - Oliver Hobert
- Department of Biological Sciences and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA;
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14
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Zia A, Farkhondeh T, Sahebdel F, Pourbagher-Shahri AM, Samarghandian S. Key miRNAs in Modulating Aging and Longevity: A Focus on Signaling Pathways and Cellular Targets. Curr Mol Pharmacol 2021; 15:736-762. [PMID: 34533452 DOI: 10.2174/1874467214666210917141541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2020] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Aging is a multifactorial procedure accompanied by gradual deterioration of most biological procedures of cells. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of short non-coding RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate the expression of mRNAs through sequence-specific binding, and contributing to many crucial aspects of cell biology. Several miRNAs are expressed differently in various organisms through aging. The function of miRNAs in modulating aging procedures has been disclosed recently with the detection of miRNAs that modulate longevity in the invertebrate model organisms, through the IIS pathway. In these model organisms, several miRNAs have been detected to both negatively and positively regulate lifespan via commonly aging pathways. miRNAs modulate age-related procedures and disorders in different mammalian tissues by measuring their tissue-specific expression in older and younger counterparts, including heart, skin, bone, brain, and muscle tissues. Moreover, several miRNAs have been contributed to modulating senescence in different human cells, and the roles of these miRNAs in modulating cellular senescence have allowed illustrating some mechanisms of aging. The review discusses the available data on miRNAs through the aging process and we highlight the roles of miRNAs as aging biomarkers and regulators of longevity in cellular senescence, tissue aging, and organism lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliabbas Zia
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tahereh Farkhondeh
- Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Faezeh Sahebdel
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | | | - Saeed Samarghandian
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran
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15
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Serej ZA, Ebrahimi A, Kazemi T, Najafi S, Amini M, Nastarin P, Baghbani E, Baradaran B. NANOG gene suppression and replacement of let-7 modulate the stemness, invasion, and apoptosis in breast cancer. Gene 2021; 801:145844. [PMID: 34274471 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2021.145844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In the treatment of breast cancer (BC), as an important type of cancer in women, the specific cells, called cancer stem cells (CSCs), are the reason of failure and metastasis. So, targeting CSCs can be used as a novel strategy in cancer therapy in addition to common therapeutic strategies. According to the importance of CSCs, we tried to find a correlation between stemness and metastatic characteristics of BC cells, to address whether CSCs are a potential target for cancer therapy. Here, we evaluated the NANOG inhibition by siRNA and the increase of Let-7a levels by miRNA mimic in breast cancer cells and the effects of these changes on biologic aspects like cell apoptosis, stemness and invasion. Our results showed that the inhibition of NANOG combined with Let-7a restoration contributed to significant decrease in malignant phenotypes and stemness feature of BC cells. In conclusion, these findings showed that the combination of Let-7a miRNA mimic and Nanog siRNA could be exploited as a new treatment strategy to improve the cancer therapy outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeynab Aliyari Serej
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ayyub Ebrahimi
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Halic University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Tohid Kazemi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Souzan Najafi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amini
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Parastou Nastarin
- Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Elham Baghbani
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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16
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Pandey M, Bansal S, Bar S, Yadav AK, Sokol NS, Tennessen JM, Kapahi P, Chawla G. miR-125-chinmo pathway regulates dietary restriction-dependent enhancement of lifespan in Drosophila. eLife 2021; 10:62621. [PMID: 34100717 PMCID: PMC8233039 DOI: 10.7554/elife.62621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Dietary restriction (DR) extends healthy lifespan in diverse species. Age and nutrient-related changes in the abundance of microRNAs (miRNAs) and their processing factors have been linked to organismal longevity. However, the mechanisms by which they modulate lifespan and the tissue-specific role of miRNA-mediated networks in DR-dependent enhancement of lifespan remains largely unexplored. We show that two neuronally enriched and highly conserved microRNAs, miR-125 and let-7 mediate the DR response in Drosophila melanogaster. Functional characterization of miR-125 demonstrates its role in neurons while its target chinmo acts both in neurons and the fat body to modulate fat metabolism and longevity. Proteomic analysis revealed that Chinmo exerts its DR effects by regulating the expression of FATP, CG2017, CG9577, CG17554, CG5009, CG8778, CG9527, and FASN1. Our findings identify miR-125 as a conserved effector of the DR pathway and open the avenue for this small RNA molecule and its downstream effectors to be considered as potential drug candidates for the treatment of late-onset diseases and biomarkers for healthy aging in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Pandey
- RNA Biology Laboratory, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, India
| | - Sakshi Bansal
- RNA Biology Laboratory, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, India
| | - Sudipta Bar
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, United States
| | - Amit Kumar Yadav
- Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Faridabad, India
| | - Nicholas S Sokol
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, United States
| | - Jason M Tennessen
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, United States
| | - Pankaj Kapahi
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, United States
| | - Geetanjali Chawla
- RNA Biology Laboratory, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, India
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17
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Fonseca PLC, Mucherino M JJ, Porto JAM, Armache JN, de Almeida JPP, da Silva FF, Olmo RP, Faria IJDS, de Carvalho DS, Góes-Neto A, Corrêa RX, Pirovani CP, Pacheco LGC, Costa MA, Aguiar ERGR. Genome-wide identification of miRNAs and target regulatory network in the invasive ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor. Genomics 2021; 113:2290-2303. [PMID: 34044154 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2021.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Varroa destructor is an ectoparasite mite that attacks bees leading to colony disorders worldwide. microRNAs (miRNAs) are key molecules used by eukaryotes to post-transcriptional control of gene expression. Nevertheless, still lack information aboutV. destructor miRNAs and its regulatory networks. Here, we used an integrative strategy to characterize the miRNAs in the V. destructor mite. We identified 310 precursors that give rise to 500 mature miRNAs, which 257 are likely mite-specific elements. miRNAs showed canonical length ranging between 18 and 25 nucleotides and 5' uracil preference. Top 10 elements concentrated over 80% of total miRNA expression, with bantam alone representing ~50%. We also detected non-templated bases in precursor-derived small RNAs, indicative of miRNA post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms. Finally, we note that conserved miRNAs control similar processes in different organisms, suggesting a conservative role. Altogether, our findings contribute to the better understanding of the mite biology that can assist future studies on varroosis control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula L C Fonseca
- Department of Microbiology, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais CEP 30270-901, Brazil
| | - Jonathan J Mucherino M
- Department of Biological Science (DCB), Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC), Rodovia Jorge Amado km 16, Ilhéus, Bahia 45662-900, Brazil; Department of Forest Management, Facultad de Ciencias Forestales y Ambientales, Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida, Mérida 5101, Venezuela
| | - Joel A M Porto
- Department of Biological Science (DCB), Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC), Rodovia Jorge Amado km 16, Ilhéus, Bahia 45662-900, Brazil
| | - Juliana N Armache
- Bioinformatics Program, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais CEP 30270-901, Brazil
| | - João Paulo P de Almeida
- Bioinformatics Program, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais CEP 30270-901, Brazil
| | - Felipe F da Silva
- Bioinformatics Program, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais CEP 30270-901, Brazil
| | - Roenick P Olmo
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UPR9022, Inserm, Strasbourg, France
| | - Isaque J da S Faria
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais CEP 30270-901, Brazil
| | - Daniel S de Carvalho
- Bioinformatics Program, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais CEP 30270-901, Brazil
| | - Aristóteles Góes-Neto
- Department of Microbiology, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais CEP 30270-901, Brazil; Bioinformatics Program, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais CEP 30270-901, Brazil
| | - Ronan X Corrêa
- Department of Biological Science (DCB), Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC), Rodovia Jorge Amado km 16, Ilhéus, Bahia 45662-900, Brazil
| | - Carlos P Pirovani
- Department of Biological Science (DCB), Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC), Rodovia Jorge Amado km 16, Ilhéus, Bahia 45662-900, Brazil
| | - Luis G C Pacheco
- Institute of Health Sciences, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Marco Antônio Costa
- Department of Biological Science (DCB), Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC), Rodovia Jorge Amado km 16, Ilhéus, Bahia 45662-900, Brazil
| | - Eric R G R Aguiar
- Department of Biological Science (DCB), Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC), Rodovia Jorge Amado km 16, Ilhéus, Bahia 45662-900, Brazil.
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18
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Nelson C, Ambros V. A cohort of Caenorhabditis species lacking the highly conserved let-7 microRNA. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2021; 11:jkab022. [PMID: 33890616 PMCID: PMC8063082 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkab022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The let-7 gene encodes a highly conserved microRNA with critical functions integral to cell fate specification and developmental progression in diverse animals. In Caenorhabditis elegans, let-7 is a component of the heterochronic (developmental timing) gene regulatory network, and loss-of-function mutations of let-7 result in lethality during the larval to adult transition due to misregulation of the conserved let-7 target, lin-41. To date, no bilaterian animal lacking let-7 has been characterized. In this study, we identify a cohort of nematode species within the genus Caenorhabditis, closely related to C. elegans, that lack the let-7 microRNA, owing to absence of the let-7 gene. Using Caenorhabditis sulstoni as a representative let-7-lacking species to characterize normal larval development in the absence of let-7, we demonstrate that, except for the lack of let-7, the heterochronic gene network is otherwise functionally conserved. We also report that species lacking let-7 contain a group of divergent let-7 paralogs-also known as the let-7-family of microRNAs-that have apparently assumed the role of targeting the LIN-41 mRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Nelson
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Victor Ambros
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
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19
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Luo W, Huang LX, Qin SK, Zhang X, Feng QL, Gu J, Huang LH. Multiple microRNAs control ecdysone signaling in the midgut of Spodoptera litura. INSECT SCIENCE 2020; 27:1208-1223. [PMID: 31840397 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Metamorphosis is one of the most important physiological processes in insects. It is regulated by a serial of ecdysone cascade genes. Recently, lots of microRNAs (miRNAs) were investigated in insects; however, their function in metamorphosis is largely unknown. In the present study, the dynamics of a small RNA population was investigated by RNA sequencing from the midgut of a lepidopteran pest Spodoptera litura during larval-pupal metamorphosis. A total of 101 miRNAs were identified, and 75 miRNAs were differentially expressed during the metamorphic process. The relationship between these differentially expressed miRNAs and 12 ecdysone cascade genes was analyzed by four classical software programs, and a multiple-to-multiple regulatory network was found to exist between these miRNAs and their targets. Among them, miR-14-3p and its two targets (EcR and E75) were chosen for further validation. MiR-14-3p had higher expression level in the 6th instar larvae as compared with either the prepupae or pupae, which was opposite to that of both EcR and E75, two ecdysone cascade genes. Luciferase reporter assay confirmed that both EcR and E75 were regulated by miR-14-3p. Interestingly, the 3' untranslated regions are nearly identical to each other among different transcript variants of the ecdysone cascade genes, including EcR, USP, E75, E74, E78, E93, Hr3, Hr4, Hr39, Krh1 and Ftzf1. Thus, different transcript variants of one ecdysone cascade gene could be regulated by the same miRNA. The above data suggest that the ecdysone signaling pathway is under the tight control of miRNA. These findings expand our understanding of the mechanism of insect metamorphosis and may also provide a novel possibility for the control of pest insects in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Luo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li-Xia Huang
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Application of Plant-Cancer Active Ingredients, School of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Hubei University of Education, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuang-Kang Qin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xian Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qi-Li Feng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Gu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li-Hua Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
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20
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Liu ZL, Xu J, Ling L, Yang DH, Chen SQ, Huang YP. MicroRNA-2738 regulates gene expression in the sex determination pathway in Bombyx mori. INSECT SCIENCE 2020; 27:646-654. [PMID: 31131541 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 04/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of short, non-coding transcripts that bind to 3'-untranslated regions to trigger messenger RNA degradation or translational inhibition. Here we explored how miRNAs regulate sex determination in Bombyx mori, a lepidopteran model insect. Genes known to be involved in sex determination, BmPSI, Bmdsx, and BmMasc, are predicted targets of the species-specific miR-2738. Using a dual luciferase reporter assay in HEK293T cells, we confirmed that miR-2738 suppressed transcription of BmPSI, Bmdsx, and BmMasc. The levels of BmPSI and BmMasc were significantly down-regulated in B. mori miR-2738 overexpression. In contrast, the genetic disruption of miR-2738 using the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 transgenic system increased the levels of BmPSI and BmMasc transcripts, whereas splicing of Bmdsx was unaltered by miR-2738 depletion or overexpression. Taken together, this study implicates miR-2738 as a minor regulator of sex determination genes in the silkworm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zu-Lian Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, CAS, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, CAS, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Ling
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, CAS, Shanghai, China
| | - De-Hong Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, CAS, Shanghai, China
| | - Shu-Qing Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, CAS, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong-Ping Huang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, CAS, Shanghai, China
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21
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Soleimani S, Valizadeh Arshad Z, Moradi S, Ahmadi A, Davarpanah SJ, Azimzadeh Jamalkandi S. Small regulatory noncoding RNAs in Drosophila melanogaster: biogenesis and biological functions. Brief Funct Genomics 2020; 19:309-323. [PMID: 32219422 DOI: 10.1093/bfgp/elaa005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Revised: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is an important phenomenon that has diverse genetic regulatory functions at the pre- and posttranscriptional levels. The major trigger for the RNAi pathway is double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). dsRNA is processed to generate various types of major small noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) that include microRNAs (miRNAs), small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) in Drosophila melanogaster (D. melanogaster). Functionally, these small ncRNAs play critical roles in virtually all biological systems and developmental pathways. Identification and processing of dsRNAs and activation of RNAi machinery are the three major academic interests that surround RNAi research. Mechanistically, some of the important biological functions of RNAi are achieved through: (i) supporting genomic stability via degradation of foreign viral genomes; (ii) suppressing the movement of transposable elements and, most importantly, (iii) post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression by miRNAs that contribute to regulation of epigenetic modifications such as heterochromatin formation and genome imprinting. Here, we review various routes of small ncRNA biogenesis, as well as different RNAi-mediated pathways in D. melanogaster with a particular focus on signaling pathways. In addition, a critical discussion of the most relevant and latest findings that concern the significant contribution of small ncRNAs to the regulation of D. melanogaster physiology and pathophysiology is presented.
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22
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Song J, Zhou S. Post-transcriptional regulation of insect metamorphosis and oogenesis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:1893-1909. [PMID: 31724082 PMCID: PMC11105025 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03361-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Metamorphic transformation from larvae to adults along with the high fecundity is key to insect success. Insect metamorphosis and reproduction are governed by two critical endocrines, juvenile hormone (JH), and 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E). Recent studies have established a crucial role of microRNA (miRNA) in insect metamorphosis and oogenesis. While miRNAs target genes involved in JH and 20E-signaling pathways, these two hormones reciprocally regulate miRNA expression, forming regulatory loops of miRNA with JH and 20E-signaling cascades. Insect metamorphosis and oogenesis rely on the coordination of hormones, cognate genes, and miRNAs for precise regulation. In addition, the alternative splicing of genes in JH and 20E-signaling pathways has distinct functions in insect metamorphosis and oogenesis. We, therefore, focus in this review on recent advances in post-transcriptional regulation, with the emphasis on the regulatory role of miRNA and alternative splicing, in insect metamorphosis and oogenesis. We will highlight important new findings of miRNA interactions with hormonal signaling and alternative splicing of JH receptor heterodimer gene Taiman.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiasheng Song
- Key Laboratory of Plant Stress Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China
| | - Shutang Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Plant Stress Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China.
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Yin J, Qian Z, Chen Y, Li Y, Zhou X. MicroRNA regulatory networks in the pathogenesis of sarcopenia. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:4900-4912. [PMID: 32281300 PMCID: PMC7205827 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Sarcopenia is an age‐related disease characterized by disturbed homeostasis of skeletal muscle, leading to a decline in muscle mass and function. Loss of muscle mass and strength leads to falls and fracture, and is often accompanied by other geriatric diseases, including osteoporosis, frailty and cachexia, resulting in a general decrease in quality of life and an increase in mortality. Although the underlying mechanisms of sarcopenia are still not completely understood, there has been a marked improvement in the understanding of the pathophysiological changes leading to sarcopenia in recent years. The role of microRNAs (miRNAs), especially, has been clearer in skeletal muscle development and homeostasis. miRNAs form part of a gene regulatory network and have numerous activities in many biological processes. Intervention based on miRNAs may develop into an innovative treatment strategy to conquer sarcopenia. This review is divided into three sections: firstly, the latest understanding of the pathogenesis of sarcopenia is summarized; secondly, increasing evidence for the involvement of miRNAs in the regulation of muscle quantity or quality and muscle homeostasis is highlighted; and thirdly, the possibilities and limitations of miRNAs as a treatment for sarcopenia are explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayu Yin
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zhiyuan Qian
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yuqi Chen
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiang Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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let-7-Complex MicroRNAs Regulate Broad-Z3, Which Together with Chinmo Maintains Adult Lineage Neurons in an Immature State. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2020; 10:1393-1401. [PMID: 32071070 PMCID: PMC7144073 DOI: 10.1534/g3.120.401042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
During Drosophila melanogaster metamorphosis, arrested immature neurons born during larval development differentiate into their functional adult form. This differentiation coincides with the downregulation of two zinc-finger transcription factors, Chronologically Inappropriate Morphogenesis (Chinmo) and the Z3 isoform of Broad (Br-Z3). Here, we show that br-Z3 is regulated by two microRNAs, let-7 and miR-125, that are activated at the larval-to-pupal transition and are known to also regulate chinmo. The br-Z3 3′UTR contains functional binding sites for both let-7 and miR-125 that confers sensitivity to both of these microRNAs, as determined by deletion analysis in reporter assays. Forced expression of let-7 and miR-125 miRNAs leads to early silencing of Br-Z3 and Chinmo and is associated with inappropriate neuronal sprouting and outgrowth. Similar phenotypes were observed by the combined but not separate depletion of br-Z3 and chinmo. Because persistent Br-Z3 was not detected in let-7-C mutants, this work suggests a model in which let-7 and miR-125 activation at the onset of metamorphosis may act as a failsafe mechanism that ensures the coordinated silencing of both br-Z3 and chinmo needed for the timely outgrowth of neurons arrested during larval development. The let-7 and miR-125 binding site sequences are conserved across Drosophila species and possibly other insects as well, suggesting that this functional relationship is evolutionarily conserved.
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Chen Y, Chan J, Chen W, Li J, Sun M, Kannan GS, Mok YK, Yuan YA, Jobichen C. SYNCRIP, a new player in pri-let-7a processing. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2020; 26:290-305. [PMID: 31907208 PMCID: PMC7025501 DOI: 10.1261/rna.072959.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small and endogenous molecules that control gene expression, are broadly involved in biological processes. Although a number of cofactors that assist or antagonize let-7 miRNA biogenesis are well-established, more auxiliary factors remain to be investigated. Here, we identified SYNCRIP (Synaptotagmin Binding Cytoplasmic RNA Interacting Protein) as a new player for let-7a miRNA. SYNCRIP interacts with pri-let-7a both in vivo and in vitro. Knockdown of SYNCRIP impairs, while overexpression of SYNCRIP promotes, the expression of let-7a miRNA. A broad miRNA profiling analysis revealed that silencing of SYNCRIP regulates the expression of a set of mature miRNAs positively or negatively. In addition, SYNCRIP is associated with microprocessor complex and promotes the processing of pri-let-7a. Strikingly, the terminal loop of pri-let-7a was shown to be the main contributor for its interaction with SYNCRIP. Functional studies demonstrated that the SYNCRIP RRM2-3 domain can promote the processing of pri-let-7a. Structure-based alignment of RRM2-3 with other RNA binding proteins identified the residues likely to participate in protein-RNA interactions. Taken together, these findings suggest the promising role that SYNCRIP plays in miRNA regulation, thus providing insights into the function of SYNCRIP in eukaryotic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences and Centre for Bioimaging Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Jingru Chan
- Department of Biological Sciences and Centre for Bioimaging Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences and Centre for Bioimaging Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Jianwei Li
- Department of Biological Sciences and Centre for Bioimaging Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Meng Sun
- Department of Biological Sciences and Centre for Bioimaging Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Gayathiri Sathyamoorthy Kannan
- Department of Biological Sciences and Centre for Bioimaging Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Yu-Keung Mok
- Department of Biological Sciences and Centre for Bioimaging Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Yuren Adam Yuan
- Department of Biological Sciences and Centre for Bioimaging Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore
- National University of Singapore (Suzhou) Research Institute, Suzhou Industrial Park, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Chacko Jobichen
- Department of Biological Sciences and Centre for Bioimaging Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore
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Abstract
Locomotion is an ancient and fundamental output of the nervous system required for animals to perform many other complex behaviors. Although the formation of motor circuits is known to be under developmental control of transcriptional mechanisms that define the fates and connectivity of the many neurons, glia and muscle constituents of these circuits, relatively little is known about the role of post-transcriptional regulation of locomotor behavior. MicroRNAs have emerged as a potentially rich source of modulators for neural development and function. In order to define the microRNAs required for normal locomotion in Drosophila melanogaster, we utilized a set of transgenic Gal4-dependent competitive inhibitors (microRNA sponges, or miR-SPs) to functionally assess ca. 140 high-confidence Drosophila microRNAs using automated quantitative movement tracking systems followed by multiparametric analysis. Using ubiquitous expression of miR-SP constructs, we identified a large number of microRNAs that modulate aspects of normal baseline adult locomotion. Addition of temperature-dependent Gal80 to identify microRNAs that act during adulthood revealed that the majority of these microRNAs play developmental roles. Comparison of ubiquitous and neural-specific miR-SP expression suggests that most of these microRNAs function within the nervous system. Parallel analyses of spontaneous locomotion in adults and in larvae also reveal that very few of the microRNAs required in the adult overlap with those that control the behavior of larval motor circuits. These screens suggest that a rich regulatory landscape underlies the formation and function of motor circuits and that many of these mechanisms are stage and/or parameter-specific.
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Goodwin PR, Meng A, Moore J, Hobin M, Fulga TA, Van Vactor D, Griffith LC. MicroRNAs Regulate Sleep and Sleep Homeostasis in Drosophila. Cell Rep 2019; 23:3776-3786. [PMID: 29949763 PMCID: PMC6091868 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.05.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Revised: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
To discover microRNAs that regulate sleep, we performed a genetic screen using a library of miRNA sponge-expressing flies. We identified 25 miRNAs that regulate baseline sleep; 17 were sleep-promoting and 8 promoted wake. We identified one miRNA that is required for recovery sleep after deprivation and 8 miRNAs that limit the extent of recovery sleep. 65% of the hits belong to human-conserved families. Interestingly, the majority (75%), but not all, of the baseline sleep-regulating miRNAs are required in neurons. Sponges that target miRNAs in the same family, including the miR-92a/92b/310 family and the miR-263a/263b family, have similar effects. Finally, mutation of one of the screen's strongest hits, let-7, using CRISPR/Cas-9, phenocopies sponge-mediated let-7 inhibition. Cell-type-specific and temporally restricted let-7 sponge expression experiments suggest that let-7 is required in the mushroom body both during development and in adulthood. This screen sets the stage for understanding the role of miRNAs in sleep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia R Goodwin
- Department of Biology, Volen National Center for Complex Systems and National Center for Behavioral Genomics, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02454-9110, USA
| | - Alice Meng
- Department of Biology, Volen National Center for Complex Systems and National Center for Behavioral Genomics, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02454-9110, USA
| | - Jessie Moore
- Department of Biology, Volen National Center for Complex Systems and National Center for Behavioral Genomics, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02454-9110, USA
| | - Michael Hobin
- Department of Biology, Volen National Center for Complex Systems and National Center for Behavioral Genomics, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02454-9110, USA
| | - Tudor A Fulga
- Department of Cell Biology and Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - David Van Vactor
- Department of Cell Biology and Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Leslie C Griffith
- Department of Biology, Volen National Center for Complex Systems and National Center for Behavioral Genomics, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02454-9110, USA.
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MicroRNAs in Daphnia magna identified and characterized by deep sequencing, genome mapping and manual curation. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15945. [PMID: 31685896 PMCID: PMC6828783 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52387-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that function in RNA silencing and post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression in most organisms. The water flea, Daphnia magna is a key model to study phenotypic, physiological and genomic responses to environmental cues and miRNAs can potentially mediate these responses. By using deep sequencing, genome mapping and manual curations, we have characterised the miRNAome of D. magna. We identified 66 conserved miRNAs and 13 novel miRNAs; all of these were found in the three studied life stages of D. magna (juveniles, subadults, adults), but with variation in expression levels between stages. Forty-one of the miRNAs were clustered into 13 genome clusters also present in the D. pulex genome. Most miRNAs contained sequence variants (isomiRs). The highest expressed isomiRs were 3′ template variants with one nucleotide deletion or 3′ non-template variants with addition of A or U at the 3′ end. We also identified offset RNAs (moRs) and loop RNAs (loRs). Our work extends the base for further work on all species (miRNA, isomiRs, moRNAs, loRNAs) of the miRNAome of Daphnia as biomarkers in response to chemical substances and environment cues, and underline age dependency.
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29
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Gundermann DG, Martínez J, De Kervor G, González-Pinto K, Larraín J, Faunes F. Overexpression of Lin28a delays Xenopus metamorphosis and down-regulates albumin independently of its translational regulation domain. Dev Dyn 2019; 248:969-978. [PMID: 31397023 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.98] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lin28 regulates stem cell biology and developmental timing. At the molecular level Lin28 inhibits the biogenesis of the micro RNA let-7 and directly controls the transcription and translation of several genes. In Xenopus, Lin28 overexpression delays metamorphosis and affects the expression of genes of the thyroid hormone (TH) axis. The TH carrier albumin, synthesized by the liver, is down-regulated in limbs and tail after Lin28 overexpression. The molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction between Lin28, let-7, and the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid gland (HPT) axis are unknown. RESULTS We found that precursor and mature forms of let-7 increase during Xenopus metamorphosis. In the liver, lin28b is down-regulated and albumin is up-regulated during metamorphosis. Overexpression of a truncated form of Lin28a (Lin28aΔC), which has been shown not to interact with RNA helicase A to regulate translation, delays metamorphosis, indicating that the translational regulation domain is not required to inhibit the HPT axis. Importantly, both full length Lin28a and Lin28aΔC block the increase of albumin mRNA in the liver independently of changes in TH signaling. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that Lin28 delays metamorphosis through regulation of let-7 and that the decrease of the TH carrier albumin is one of the early changes after Lin28 overexpression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel G Gundermann
- Center for Aging and Regeneration, Faculty of Biological Sciences, P. Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jimena Martínez
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Viña del Mar, Chile
| | - Genevieve De Kervor
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Viña del Mar, Chile
| | - Karina González-Pinto
- Center for Aging and Regeneration, Faculty of Biological Sciences, P. Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Juan Larraín
- Center for Aging and Regeneration, Faculty of Biological Sciences, P. Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Fernando Faunes
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Viña del Mar, Chile
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Lawson H, Vuong E, Miller RM, Kiontke K, Fitch DH, Portman DS. The Makorin lep-2 and the lncRNA lep-5 regulate lin-28 to schedule sexual maturation of the C. elegans nervous system. eLife 2019; 8:43660. [PMID: 31264582 PMCID: PMC6606027 DOI: 10.7554/elife.43660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual maturation must occur on a controlled developmental schedule. In mammals, Makorin3 (MKRN3) and the miRNA regulators LIN28A/B are key regulators of this process, but how they act is unclear. In C. elegans, sexual maturation of the nervous system includes the functional remodeling of postmitotic neurons and the onset of adult-specific behaviors. Here, we find that the lin-28–let-7 axis (the ‘heterochronic pathway’) determines the timing of these events. Upstream of lin-28, the Makorin lep-2 and the lncRNA lep-5 regulate maturation cell-autonomously, indicating that distributed clocks, not a central timer, coordinate sexual differentiation of the C. elegans nervous system. Overexpression of human MKRN3 delays aspects of C. elegans sexual maturation, suggesting the conservation of Makorin function. These studies reveal roles for a Makorin and a lncRNA in timing of sexual differentiation; moreover, they demonstrate deep conservation of the lin-28–let-7 system in controlling the functional maturation of the nervous system. Most animals develop from juveniles, which cannot reproduce, to sexually mature adults. The most obvious signs of this transition are changes in body shape and size. However, changes also take place in the brain that enable the animals to adapt their behavior to the demands of adulthood. For example, fully fed adult male roundworms will leave a food source to search for mates, whereas juvenile males will continue feeding. The transition to sexual maturity needs to be carefully timed. Too early, and the animal risks compromising key stages of development. Too late, and the animal may be less competitive in the quest for reproductive success. Cues in the environment, such as the presence of food and mates, interact with timing mechanisms in the brain to trigger sexual maturity. But how these mechanisms work – in particular where and how an animal keeps track of its developmental stage – is not well understood. In the roundworm species Caenorhabditis elegans, waves of gene activity, known collectively as the heterochronic pathway, determine patterns of cell growth as animals mature. Through further studies of these worms, Lawson et al. now show that these waves also control the time at which neural circuits mature. In addition, the waves of activity occur inside the nervous system itself, rather than in a tissue that sends signals to the nervous system. Moreover, they occur independently inside many different neurons. Each neuron thus has its own molecular clock for keeping track of development. Several of the genes critical for developmental timekeeping in worms are also found in mammals, including two genes that help to control when puberty starts in humans. If one of these genes – called MKRN3 – does not work correctly, it can lead to a condition that causes individuals to go through puberty several years earlier than normal. Studying the mechanisms identified in roundworms may help us to better understand this disorder. More generally, future work that builds on the results presented by Lawson et al. will help to reveal how environmental cues and gene activity interact to control when we become adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Lawson
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, United States
| | - Edward Vuong
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, United States
| | - Renee M Miller
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, University of Rochester, Rochester, United States
| | - Karin Kiontke
- Center for Developmental Genetics, Department of Biology, New York University, New York, United States
| | - David Ha Fitch
- Center for Developmental Genetics, Department of Biology, New York University, New York, United States
| | - Douglas S Portman
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, United States.,Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, United States.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester, Rochester, United States.,DelMonte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester, Rochester, United States
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Rahimpour H, Moharramipour S, Asgari S, Mehrabadi M. The microRNA pathway core genes are differentially expressed during the development of Helicoverpa armigera and contribute in the insect's development. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 110:121-127. [PMID: 31121322 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2019.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs (18-25 nt) that are produced by all animals and plants as well as some viruses. Their roles have been revealed in many physiological processes including development, cancer, immunity, apoptosis and, host-microbe interactions through post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. In this study, we predicted, characterized and transcriptionally analyzed the core miRNA pathway genes in Helicoverpa armigera. Our results showed that the canonical miRNA biogenesis pathway genes including Pasha, Drosha, Loquacious, Exportin-5, Dicer-1 and Argonaute-1 are differentially expressed in different tissues and during the development of this insect. Considering the essential role of Dicer-1 in this pathway, we used RNA interference to silence the expression of this gene in H. armigera. Silencing of Dicer-1 decreased the levels of cellular miRNAs, let-7 and miR-184. Together, our results showed that the miRNA pathway functions during the development of H. armigera, and silencing of Dicer-1 resulted in the miRNA pathway blockage and depletion of the miRNA contents leading to mortalities in the immature stage and abnormalities in the mature stage. Blockage of this pathway can therefore be considered in future attempts for interrupting/suppressing populations of this important crop pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Rahimpour
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeid Moharramipour
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sassan Asgari
- Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Mohammad Mehrabadi
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
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The Long Non-Coding RNA lep-5 Promotes the Juvenile-to-Adult Transition by Destabilizing LIN-28. Dev Cell 2019; 49:542-555.e9. [PMID: 30956008 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2019.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Revised: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Biological roles for most long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) remain mysterious. Here, using forward genetics, we identify lep-5, a lncRNA acting in the C. elegans heterochronic (developmental timing) pathway. Loss of lep-5 delays hypodermal maturation and male tail tip morphogenesis (TTM), hallmarks of the juvenile-to-adult transition. We find that lep-5 is a ∼600 nt cytoplasmic RNA that is conserved across Caenorhabditis and possesses three essential secondary structure motifs but no essential open reading frames. lep-5 expression is temporally controlled, peaking prior to TTM onset. Like the Makorin LEP-2, lep-5 facilitates the degradation of LIN-28, a conserved miRNA regulator specifying the juvenile state. Both LIN-28 and LEP-2 associate with lep-5 in vivo, suggesting that lep-5 directly regulates LIN-28 stability and may function as an RNA scaffold. These studies identify a key biological role for a lncRNA: by regulating protein stability, it provides a temporal cue to facilitate the juvenile-to-adult transition.
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Lee M, Nguyen TMT, Kim K. In-depth study of lin-28 suggests selectively conserved let-7 independent mechanism in Drosophila. Gene 2019; 687:64-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2018.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Revised: 11/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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34
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Ramezanpour M, Daei P, Tabarzad M, Khanaki K, Elmi A, Barati M. Preliminary study on the effect of nucleolin specific aptamer-miRNA let-7d chimera on Janus kinase-2 expression level and activity in gastric cancer (MKN-45) cells. Mol Biol Rep 2019; 46:207-215. [PMID: 30415442 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-018-4462-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Recently, much attention has been focused on the use of miRNAs in cancer treatment. The role of proto-oncogene Janus kinase-2 (JAK-2) in proliferation and survival of gastric cancer has been previously documented. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a chimera consisted of nucleolin specific aptamer (NCL-Apt) and miRNA let-7d on JAK2 expression level and activity in gastric cancer cells. NCL-Apt-miRNA let-7d chimera was prepared by two methods. Gastric cancer (MKN-45) cell line and control cell line of human dermal fibroblast (HDF) were treated with the chimera and the changes in JAK2 expression and activity were determined using real-time PCR and ELISA techniques, respectively. In MKN-45 cells, the chimera caused significant decrease in JAK2 expression level and activity compared to the aptamer alone and miRNA mimic negative control. Nevertheless, transfected miRNA let-7d showed remarkable reduction in the expression level of JAK2 in comparison with control state in both MKN-45 and HDF, confirmed unspecific effect of let-7d on normal and cancerous cells. With regard to the synergic effect of this chimera on JAK2 activity, it might be viewed as a therapeutic candidate in gastric cancer. However, further studies are warranted to prove it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Ramezanpour
- Medical Biotechnology Research Center, School of Paramedicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Puyan Daei
- Medical Biotechnology Research Center, School of Paramedicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Maryam Tabarzad
- Protein Technology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Korosh Khanaki
- Medical Biotechnology Research Center, School of Paramedicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
| | - Ali Elmi
- Medical Biotechnology Research Center, School of Paramedicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Mahmood Barati
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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35
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The Role of MicroRNAs in Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. J Mol Neurosci 2018; 66:617-628. [PMID: 30415446 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-018-1204-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a serious neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons and leads to death within 2 to 3 years after the first symptoms manifest. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression in fundamental cellular processes and, post-transcriptionally, the translation levels of target mRNA transcripts. We searched PubMed for studies that examined miRNAs in ALS patients and attempted to group the results in order to find the strongest miRNA candidate for servings as an ALS biomarker. The studies on humans so far have been diverse, yielding considerably heterogeneous results, as they were performed on a wide variety of tissues and subjects. Among the miRNAs that were found consistently deregulated are miR-206, miR-133, miR-149, and miR-338-3p. Additively, the deregulation of some specific miRNAs seems to compose a miRNA expression profile that is specific for ALS. More research is required in order for the scientific community to reach a consensus.
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36
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Jiang Y, Seimiya M, Schlumpf TB, Paro R. An intrinsic tumour eviction mechanism in Drosophila mediated by steroid hormone signalling. Nat Commun 2018; 9:3293. [PMID: 30120247 PMCID: PMC6098038 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-05794-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycomb group proteins are epigenetic regulators maintaining transcriptional memory during cellular proliferation. In Drosophila larvae, malfunction of Polyhomeotic (Ph), a member of the PRC1 silencing complex, results in neoplastic growth. Here, we report an intrinsic tumour suppression mechanism mediated by the steroid hormone ecdysone during metamorphosis. Ecdysone alters neoplastic growth into a nontumorigenic state of the mutant ph cells which then become eliminated during adult stage. We demonstrate that ecdysone exerts this function by inducing a heterochronic network encompassing the activation of the microRNA lethal-7, which suppresses its target gene chronologically inappropriate morphogenesis. This pathway can also promote remission of brain tumours formed in brain tumour mutants, revealing a restraining of neoplastic growth in different tumour types. Given the conserved role of let-7, the identification and molecular characterization of this innate tumour eviction mechanism in flies might provide important clues towards the exploitation of related pathways for human tumour therapy. Drosophila is an excellent model to study both development and tumorigenesis. Here the authors uncover an innate mechanism for a steroid hormone-induced block to tumorigenesis during metamorphosis of Drosophila.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanrui Jiang
- D-BSSE, ETH Zürich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Makiko Seimiya
- D-BSSE, ETH Zürich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Renato Paro
- D-BSSE, ETH Zürich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058, Basel, Switzerland. .,Faculty of Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056, Basel, Switzerland.
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McGowan H, Mirabella VR, Hamod A, Karakhanyan A, Mlynaryk N, Moore JC, Tischfield JA, Hart RP, Pang ZP. hsa-let-7c miRNA Regulates Synaptic and Neuronal Function in Human Neurons. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2018; 10:19. [PMID: 30065644 PMCID: PMC6056636 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2018.00019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-coding RNA, including microRNA (miRNA) serves critical regulatory functions in the developing brain. The let-7 family of miRNAs has been shown to regulate neuronal differentiation, neural subtype specification, and synapse formation in animal models. However, the regulatory role of human let-7c (hsa-let-7c) in human neuronal development has yet to be examined. Let-7c is encoded on chromosome 21 in humans and therefore may be overexpressed in human brains in Trisomy 21 (T21), a complex neurodevelopmental disorder. Here, we employ recent developments in stem cell biology to show that hsa-let-7c mediates important regulatory epigenetic functions that control the development and functional activity of human induced neuronal cells (iNs). We show that overexpression of hsa-let-7c in human iNs derived from induced pluripotent stem (iPS), as well as embryonic stem (ES), cells leads to morphological as well as functional deficits including impaired neuronal morphologic development, synapse formation and synaptic strength, as well as a marked reduction of neuronal excitability. Importantly, we have assessed these findings over three independent genetic backgrounds, showing that some of these effects are subject to influence by background genetic variability with the most robust and reproducible effect being a striking reduction in spontaneous neural firing. Collectively, these results suggest an important function for let-7 family miRNAs in regulation of human neuronal development and raise implications for understanding the complex molecular etiology of neurodevelopmental disorders, such as T21, where let-7c gene dosage is increased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather McGowan
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Vincent R. Mirabella
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Aula Hamod
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Aziz Karakhanyan
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Nicole Mlynaryk
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Jennifer C. Moore
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Jay A. Tischfield
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Ronald P. Hart
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Zhiping P. Pang
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States
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Yatsenko AS, Shcherbata HR. Stereotypical architecture of the stem cell niche is spatiotemporally established by miR-125-dependent coordination of Notch and steroid signaling. Development 2018; 145:dev.159178. [PMID: 29361571 PMCID: PMC5818007 DOI: 10.1242/dev.159178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Stem cell niches act as signaling platforms that regulate stem cell self-renewal and sustain stem cells throughout life; however, the specific developmental events controlling their assembly are not well understood. Here, we show that during Drosophila ovarian germline stem cell niche formation, the status of Notch signaling in the cell can be reprogrammed. This is controlled via steroid-induced miR-125, which targets a negative regulator of Notch signaling, Tom. Thus, miR-125 acts as a spatiotemporal coordinator between paracrine Notch and endocrine steroid signaling. Moreover, a dual security mechanism for Notch signaling activation exists to ensure the robustness of niche assembly. Particularly, stem cell niche cells can be specified either via lateral inhibition, in which a niche cell precursor acquires Notch signal-sending status randomly, or via peripheral induction, whereby Delta is produced by a specific cell. When one mechanism is perturbed due to mutations, developmental defects or environmental stress, the remaining mechanism ensures that the niche is formed, perhaps abnormally, but still functional. This guarantees that the germline stem cells will have their residence, thereby securing progressive oogenesis and, thus, organism reproduction. Highlighted Article: In Drosophila, the robustness of stem cell niche assembly is safeguarded via a dual mechanism of Notch activation. Cellular Notch status can be reprogrammed by miR-125, which spatiotemporally coordinates paracrine and endocrine signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andriy S Yatsenko
- Max Planck Research Group of Gene Expression and Signaling, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Halyna R Shcherbata
- Max Planck Research Group of Gene Expression and Signaling, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
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Liu Z, Ling L, Xu J, Zeng B, Huang Y, Shang P, Tan A. MicroRNA-14 regulates larval development time in Bombyx mori. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2018; 93:57-65. [PMID: 29288754 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2017.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2017] [Revised: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNA) regulate multiple physiological processes including development and metamorphosis in insects. In the current study, we demonstrate that a conserved invertebrate miRNA-14 (miR-14) plays an important role in ecdysteroid regulated development in the silkworm Bombyx mori, a lepidopteran model insect. Ubiquitous transgenic overexpression of miR-14 using the GAL4/UAS system resulted in delayed silkworm larval development and smaller body size of larva and pupa with decrease in ecdysteriod titers. On the contrary, miR-14 disruption using the transgenic CRISPR/Cas9 system led to a precocious wandering stage with increase in ecdysteriod titers. We identified that the hormone receptor E75 (E75) and the ecdysone receptor isoform B (ECR-B), which both serve as essential mediators in the ecdysone signaling pathway, as putative target genes of miR-14 by in silico target prediction. Dual-luciferase reporter assays confirmed the binding of miR-14 to the 3'UTRs of E75 and ECR-B in a mammalian HEK293T cell line. Furthermore, transcription levels of E75 and ECR-B were significantly affected in both miR-14 overexpression and knockout transgenic animals. Taken together, our data suggested that the canonical invertebrate miR-14 is a general regulator in maintaining ecdysone homeostasis for normal development and metamorphosis in B. mori.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zulian Liu
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China; Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Lin Ling
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jun Xu
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Baosheng Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yongping Huang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Peng Shang
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
| | - Anjiang Tan
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China.
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Xue Y, Zhang Y. Emerging roles for microRNA in the regulation of Drosophila circadian clock. BMC Neurosci 2018; 19:1. [PMID: 29338692 PMCID: PMC5769547 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-018-0401-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The circadian clock, which operates within an approximately 24-h period, is closely linked to the survival and fitness of almost all living organisms. The circadian clock is generated through a negative transcription-translation feedback loop. microRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs comprised of approximately 22 nucleotides that post-transcriptionally regulate target mRNA by either inducing mRNA degradation or inhibiting translation. Results In recent years, miRNAs have been found to play important roles in the regulation of the circadian clock, especially in Drosophila. In this review, we will use fruit flies as an example, and summarize the progress achieved in the study of miRNA-mediated clock regulation. Three main aspects of the circadian clock, namely, the free-running period, locomotion phase, and circadian amplitude, are discussed in detail in the context of how miRNAs are involved in these regulations. In addition, approaches regarding the discovery of circadian-related miRNAs and their targets are also discussed. Conclusions Research in the last decade suggests that miRNA-mediated post-transcriptional regulation is crucial to the generation and maintenance of a robust circadian clock in animals. In flies, miRNAs are known to modulate circadian rhythmicity and the free-running period, as well as circadian outputs. Further characterization of miRNAs, especially in the circadian input, will be a vital step toward a more comprehensive understanding of the functions underlying miRNA-control of the circadian clock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongbo Xue
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, 1664 North Virginia St., Reno, NV, 89557-0315, USA
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, 1664 North Virginia St., Reno, NV, 89557-0315, USA.
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Roy S, Saha TT, Zou Z, Raikhel AS. Regulatory Pathways Controlling Female Insect Reproduction. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 2018; 63:489-511. [PMID: 29058980 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ento-020117-043258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 286] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The synthesis of vitellogenin and its uptake by maturing oocytes during egg maturation are essential for successful female reproduction. These events are regulated by the juvenile hormones and ecdysteroids and by the nutritional signaling pathway regulated by neuropeptides. Juvenile hormones act as gonadotropins, regulating vitellogenesis in most insects, but ecdysteroids control this process in Diptera and some Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera. The complex crosstalk between the juvenile hormones, ecdysteroids, and nutritional signaling pathways differs distinctly depending on the reproductive strategies adopted by various insects. Molecular studies within the past decade have revealed much about the relationships among, and the role of, these pathways with respect to regulation of insect reproduction. Here, we review the role of juvenile hormones, ecdysteroids, and nutritional signaling, along with that of microRNAs, in regulating female insect reproduction at the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sourav Roy
- Department of Entomology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, and Center for Disease Vector Research, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, USA; , ,
| | - Tusar T Saha
- Department of Entomology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, and Center for Disease Vector Research, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, USA; , ,
| | - Zhen Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China;
| | - Alexander S Raikhel
- Department of Entomology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, and Center for Disease Vector Research, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, USA; , ,
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42
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He K, Sun Y, Xiao H, Ge C, Li F, Han Z. Multiple miRNAs jointly regulate the biosynthesis of ecdysteroid in the holometabolous insects, Chilo suppressalis. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2017; 23:1817-1833. [PMID: 28860304 PMCID: PMC5689003 DOI: 10.1261/rna.061408.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The accurate rise and fall of active hormones is important for insect development. The ecdysteroids must be cleared in a timely manner. However, the mechanism of suppressing the ecdysteroid biosynthesis at the right time remains unclear. Here, we sequenced a small RNA library of Chilo suppressalis and identified 300 miRNAs in this notorious rice insect pest. Microarray analysis yielded 54 differentially expressed miRNAs during metamorphosis development. Target prediction and in vitro dual-luciferase assays confirmed that seven miRNAs (two conserved and five novel miRNAs) jointly targeted three Halloween genes in the ecdysteroid biosynthesis pathway. Overexpression of these seven miRNAs reduced the titer of 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), induced mortality, and retarded development, which could be rescued by treatment with 20E. Comparative analysis indicated that the miRNA regulation of metamorphosis development is a conserved process but that the miRNAs involved are highly divergent. In all, we present evidence that both conserved and lineage-specific miRNAs have crucial roles in regulating development in insects by controlling ecdysteroid biosynthesis, which is important for ensuring developmental convergence and evolutionary diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang He
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yang Sun
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangxi Academy of Agricultural Science, Nanchang 330200, China
| | - Huamei Xiao
- College of Life Sciences and Resource Environment, Yichun University, Yichun 336000, China
| | - Chang Ge
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Fei Li
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhaojun Han
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
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43
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MicroRNA-dependent regulation of metamorphosis and identification of microRNAs in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. Genomics 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2017.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Abstract
The discovery of the microRNAs, lin-4 and let-7 as critical mediators of normal development in Caenorhabditis elegans and their conservation throughout evolution has spearheaded research toward identifying novel roles of microRNAs in other cellular processes. To accurately elucidate these fundamental functions, especially in the context of an intact organism, various microRNA transgenic models have been generated and evaluated. Transgenic C. elegans (worms), Drosophila melanogaster (flies), Danio rerio (zebrafish), and Mus musculus (mouse) have contributed immensely toward uncovering the roles of multiple microRNAs in cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, pathways that are severely altered in human diseases such as cancer. The simple model organisms, C. elegans, D. melanogaster, and D. rerio, do not develop cancers but have proved to be convenient systesm in microRNA research, especially in characterizing the microRNA biogenesis machinery which is often dysregulated during human tumorigenesis. The microRNA-dependent events delineated via these simple in vivo systems have been further verified in vitro, and in more complex models of cancers, such as M. musculus. The focus of this review is to provide an overview of the important contributions made in the microRNA field using model organisms. The simple model systems provided the basis for the importance of microRNAs in normal cellular physiology, while the more complex animal systems provided evidence for the role of microRNAs dysregulation in cancers. Highlights include an overview of the various strategies used to generate transgenic organisms and a review of the use of transgenic mice for evaluating preclinical efficacy of microRNA-based cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpita S Pal
- PULSe Graduate Program, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Andrea L Kasinski
- Purdue Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States.
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46
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Pervasive Behavioral Effects of MicroRNA Regulation in Drosophila. Genetics 2017; 206:1535-1548. [PMID: 28468905 PMCID: PMC5500149 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.116.195776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Accepted: 04/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Picao-Osorio et al. reveal pervasive effects of microRNA regulation on complex locomotor behaviors in Drosophila larvae: over 40% of microRNAs display... The effects of microRNA (miRNA) regulation on the genetic programs underlying behavior remain largely unexplored. Despite this, recent work in Drosophila shows that mutation of a single miRNA locus (miR-iab4/iab8) affects the capacity of the larva to correct its orientation if turned upside down (self-righting, SR), suggesting that other miRNAs might also be involved in behavioral control. Here we explore this possibility, studying early larval SR behavior in a collection of 81 Drosophila miRNA mutants covering almost the entire miRNA complement of the late embryo. Unexpectedly, we observe that >40% of all miRNAs tested significantly affect SR time, revealing pervasive behavioral effects of miRNA regulation in the early larva. Detailed analyses of those miRNAs affecting SR behavior (SR-miRNAs) show that individual miRNAs can affect movement in different ways, suggesting that specific molecular and cellular elements are affected by individual miRNA mutations. Furthermore, gene expression analysis shows that the Hox gene Abdominal-B (Abd-B) represents one of the targets deregulated by several SR-miRNAs. Our work thus reveals pervasive effects of miRNA regulation on a complex innate behavior in Drosophila and suggests that miRNAs may be core components of the genetic programs underlying behavioral control in other animals too.
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Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the regulation of a number of processes associated with metamorphosis, either in the less modified hemimetabolan mode or in the more modified holometabolan mode. The miR-100/let-7/miR-125 cluster has been studied extensively, especially in relation to wing morphogenesis in both hemimetabolan and holometabolan species. Other miRNAs also participate in wing morphogenesis, as well as in programmed cell and tissue death, neuromaturation, neuromuscular junction formation, and neuron cell fate determination, typically during the pupal stage of holometabolan species. A special case is the control of miR-2 over Kr-h1 transcripts, which determines adult morphogenesis in the hemimetabolan metamorphosis. This is an elegant example of how a single miRNA can control an entire process by acting on a crucial mediator; however, this is a quite exceptional mechanism that was apparently lost during the transition from hemimetaboly to holometaboly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Belles
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC)-Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), 08002 Barcelona, Spain;
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48
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Luhur A, Sokol N. Starving for more: Nutrient sensing by LIN-28 in adult intestinal progenitor cells. Fly (Austin) 2016; 9:173-7. [PMID: 26934725 DOI: 10.1080/19336934.2016.1158366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In this Extra View, we extend our recent work on the protein LIN-28 and its role in adult stem cell divisions. LIN-28 is an mRNA- and microRNA-binding protein that is conserved from worms to humans. When expressed ectopically, it promotes the reprogramming of differentiated vertebrate cells into pluripotent stem cells as well as the regeneration of vertebrate tissues after injury. However, its endogenous function in stem cell populations is less clear. We recently reported that LIN-28 is specifically expressed in progenitor cells in the adult Drosophila intestine and enhances insulin signaling within this population. Loss of lin-28 alters the division patterns of these progenitor cells, limiting the growth of the intestinal epithelium that is ordinarily caused by feeding. Thus, LIN-28 is part of an uncharacterized circuit used to remodel a tissue in response to environmental cues like nutrition. Here, we extend this analysis by reporting that the levels of LIN-28 in progenitor cells are sensitive to nutrient availability. In addition, we speculate about the role of LIN-28 in the translational control of target mRNAs such as Insulin Receptor (InR) and how such translational control may be an important mechanism that underlies the stem cell dynamics needed for tissue homeostasis and growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Luhur
- a Department of Biology ; Indiana University ; Bloomington , IN USA
| | - Nicholas Sokol
- a Department of Biology ; Indiana University ; Bloomington , IN USA
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Zhang GP, Zhang J, Zhu CH, Lin L, Wang J, Zhang HJ, Li J, Yu XG, Zhao ZS, Dong W, Liu GB. MicroRNA-98 regulates osteogenic differentiation of human bone mesenchymal stromal cells by targeting BMP2. J Cell Mol Med 2016; 21:254-264. [PMID: 27860183 PMCID: PMC5264139 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.12961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
To study the effects of microRNA‐98 (miR‐98) on human bone mesenchymal stromal cells (hBMSCs). The patients undergoing hip arthroplasty were selected by inclusion/exclusion criteria for this study. The extracted hBMSCs were detected of osteogenic differentiation by alizarin red S staining, and of cell phenotype by flow cytometry. Bioinformatics, dual luciferase report, western blotting, RT‐PCR and immunoblotting were used in our study. The hBMSCs were divided into miR‐98 mimics, miR‐98 negative control (NC), miR‐98 inhibitors, Mock and miR‐98 inhibitors + siBMP2 groups. Human bone mesenchymal stromal cells were extracted and purified in vitro and had specific cytological morphology, surface markers and abilities of self‐renewal and differentiation. Compared with the NC group and Mock group, the miR‐98 mimics group showed increased miR‐98 level while the miR‐98 inhibitors group decreased miR‐98 level (both P < 0.01). Dual luciferase reporter showed BMP2 was the target gene of miR‐98. The levels of mRNA and protein expression of BMP2, protein expression of RUNX2, alkaline phosphatase activity and osteocalcin content significantly decreased in the miR‐98 mimics group while increased in the miR‐98 inhibitors group and showed no changes in the NC group and Mock group (all P < 0.05). The miR‐98 mimics group showed obviously declined stained red particles and the miR‐98 inhibitors group showed opposite result. After lowering the expression of miR‐98, osteogenic differentiation ability of hBMSCs rose, which was weakened by the transfection with siBMP2. miR‐98 may regulate osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs by targeting BMP2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Ping Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Medical Physics Department of Basic Medical College of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Chao-Hua Zhu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Lei Lin
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Hai-Jing Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xiao-Guang Yu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Zhen-Shuan Zhao
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Wei Dong
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Guo-Bin Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
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50
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Pinzón N, Li B, Martinez L, Sergeeva A, Presumey J, Apparailly F, Seitz H. microRNA target prediction programs predict many false positives. Genome Res 2016; 27:234-245. [PMID: 28148562 PMCID: PMC5287229 DOI: 10.1101/gr.205146.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 10/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
According to the current view, each microRNA regulates hundreds of genes. Computational tools aim at identifying microRNA targets, usually selecting evolutionarily conserved microRNA binding sites. While the false positive rates have been evaluated for some prediction programs, that information is rarely put forward in studies making use of their predictions. Here, we provide evidence that such predictions are often biologically irrelevant. Focusing on miR-223-guided repression, we observed that it is often smaller than inter-individual variability in gene expression among wild-type mice, suggesting that most predicted targets are functionally insensitive to that microRNA. Furthermore, we found that human haplo-insufficient genes tend to bear the most highly conserved microRNA binding sites. It thus appears that biological functionality of microRNA binding sites depends on the dose-sensitivity of their host gene and that, conversely, it is unlikely that every predicted microRNA target is dose-sensitive enough to be functionally regulated by microRNAs. We also observed that some mRNAs can efficiently titrate microRNAs, providing a reason for microRNA binding site conservation for inefficiently repressed targets. Finally, many conserved microRNA binding sites are conserved in a microRNA-independent fashion: Sequence elements may be conserved for other reasons, while being fortuitously complementary to microRNAs. Collectively, our data suggest that the role of microRNAs in normal and pathological conditions has been overestimated due to the frequent overlooking of false positive rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Pinzón
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, CNRS UPR 1142, 34396 Montpellier, France
| | - Blaise Li
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, CNRS UPR 1142, 34396 Montpellier, France
| | - Laura Martinez
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, CNRS UPR 1142, 34396 Montpellier, France
| | - Anna Sergeeva
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, CNRS UPR 1142, 34396 Montpellier, France
| | - Jessy Presumey
- INSERM, U1183, IRMB, University Hospital St Éloi, 34295 Montpellier, France.,University of Medicine, 34060 Montpellier, France
| | - Florence Apparailly
- INSERM, U1183, IRMB, University Hospital St Éloi, 34295 Montpellier, France.,University of Medicine, 34060 Montpellier, France.,Clinical Department for Osteoarticular Diseases, University Hospital Lapeyronie, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | - Hervé Seitz
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, CNRS UPR 1142, 34396 Montpellier, France
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