1
|
Yang K, Hu S, Yao Y, Li K, Wang Z, Wang X, Ma D, Bi M, Mo X. Investigation of the Structure and Functional Activity of the YqeK Protein in Streptococcus pyogenes with High Efficiency in Hydrolyzing Ap4A. Microorganisms 2025; 13:230. [PMID: 40005597 PMCID: PMC11857287 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms13020230] [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: 12/26/2024] [Revised: 01/19/2025] [Accepted: 01/20/2025] [Indexed: 02/27/2025] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pyogenes is an important zoonotic Gram-positive bacterium that appears in chains, without spores or flagella, and belongs to the beta-hemolytic streptococci. It can be transmitted through droplets or contact, with the preferred antibiotics being penicillin, erythromycin, or cephalosporins. However, the misuse of these drugs has led to antibiotic resistance, posing a significant threat to both human and animal health. Studying resistance genes encoding proteins is crucial for mitigating the emergence of resistant strains and improving treatment outcomes. Interestingly, a dinucleotide known as diadenosine tetraphosphate (Ap4A) exists in Streptococcus pyogenes; its accumulation in response to various stress signals can inhibit bacterial pathogenicity and enhance antibiotic susceptibility. Our research focuses on the Sp-yqeK protein, which we have identified as a hydrolase that symmetrically cleaves Ap4A. The Sp-yqeK protein effectively cleaves Ap4A, producing adenosine diphosphate (ADP) molecules. Results indicate that this enzyme exhibits optimal activity at pH 7.0 and a temperature of 45 °C. Furthermore, we determined the crystal structure of the Sp-yqeK, Mg2+, and ADP complex at a resolution of 2.0 Å, providing insights into the interactions crucial for catalytic efficiency between Sp-yqeK and ADP. This complex reveals unique folding characteristics of the HD domain superfamily proteins, accommodating both ADP and Mg2+. These components are securely embedded into the polar cavity of the yqeK protein through conserved residues (His29, Lys62, His91, His117, Asp135, Leu172, Phe180, and Thr183), highlighting the residues responsible for Ap4A hydrolysis and Mg2+ binding. Our research offers a deeper understanding of the hydrolysis mechanism of Ap4A and the specificity of Sp-yqeK, providing structural insights that may support future studies on antibiotic resistance in Streptococcus pyogenes and other Gram-positive bacteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Mingfang Bi
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China; (K.Y.); (S.H.); (Y.Y.); (K.L.); (Z.W.); (X.W.); (D.M.)
| | - Xiaobing Mo
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China; (K.Y.); (S.H.); (Y.Y.); (K.L.); (Z.W.); (X.W.); (D.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Young MK, Wang JD. From dusty shelves toward the spotlight: growing evidence for Ap4A as an alarmone in maintaining RNA stability and proteostasis. Curr Opin Microbiol 2024; 81:102536. [PMID: 39216180 PMCID: PMC11390322 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2024.102536] [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: 07/10/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Bacteria thrive in diverse environments and must withstand various stresses. A key stress response mechanism is the reprogramming of macromolecular biosynthesis and metabolic processes through alarmones - signaling nucleotides that accumulate intracellularly in response to metabolic stress. Diadenosine tetraphosphate (Ap4A), a putative alarmone, is produced in a noncanonical reaction by universally conserved aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases. Ap4A is ubiquitous across all domains of life and accumulates during heat and oxidative stress. Despite its early discovery in 1966, Ap4A's alarmone status remained inconclusive. Recent discoveries identified Ap4A as a precursor to RNA 5' caps in Escherichia coli. Additionally, Ap4A was found to directly bind to and allosterically inhibit the purine biosynthesis enzyme inosine 5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase, regulating guanosine triphosphate levels and enabling heat resistance in Bacillus subtilis. These findings, along with previous research, strongly suggest that Ap4A plays a crucial role as an alarmone, warranting further investigation to fully elucidate its functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan Km Young
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Jue D Wang
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Souto S, Lama R, Mérour E, Mehraz M, Bernard J, Lamoureux A, Massaad S, Frétaud M, Rigaudeau D, Millet JK, Langevin C, Biacchesi S. In vivo multiscale analyses of spring viremia of carp virus (SVCV) infection: From model organism to target species. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012328. [PMID: 39102417 PMCID: PMC11326706 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Spring viremia of carp virus (SVCV) has a broad fish host spectrum and is responsible for a disease that generally affects juvenile fishes with a mortality rate of up to 90%. In the absence of treatments or vaccines against SVCV, the search for prophylactic or therapeutic solutions is thus relevant, particularly to identify solutions compatible with mass vaccination. In addition to being a threat to aquaculture and ecosystems, SVCV is a unique pathogen to study virus-host interactions in the zebrafish model. Establishing the first reverse genetics system for SVCV and the design of recombinant SVCV (rSVCV) expressing fluorescent or bioluminescent proteins adds a new dimension for the study of these interactions using innovative imaging techniques. The infection by bath immersion of zebrafish larvae with rSVCV expressing mCherry allows us to define the first SVCV replication sites and the host innate immune responses using different transgenic lines of zebrafish. The fins were found as the main initial sites of infection in both zebrafish and carp, its natural host. Hence, new insights into the physiopathology of SVCV infection have been described. We report that neutrophils are recruited at the sites of infection and persist up to the death of the animal leading to an uncontrolled inflammation correlated with the expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL1β. Tissue damage was observed at the site of initial replication, a likely consequence of virus-induced injury or the pro-inflammatory response. Interestingly, SVCV infection by bath immersion triggers a persistent pro-inflammatory response rather than activation of the antiviral IFN signaling pathway as observed following intravenous injection, highlighting the importance of the route of infection on the progression of pathogenicity. Thus, this model of zebrafish larvae infection by rSVCV offers new perspectives to study in detail virus-host interactions and to discover new prophylactic or therapeutic solutions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Souto
- Microbiology and Parasitology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Raquel Lama
- Microbiology and Parasitology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, UVSQ, Virologie et Immunologie Moléculaires, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Emilie Mérour
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, UVSQ, Virologie et Immunologie Moléculaires, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Manon Mehraz
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, Infectiologie Expérimentale des Rongeurs et des Poissons, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Julie Bernard
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, UVSQ, Virologie et Immunologie Moléculaires, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Annie Lamoureux
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, UVSQ, Virologie et Immunologie Moléculaires, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Sarah Massaad
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, Infectiologie Expérimentale des Rongeurs et des Poissons, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Maxence Frétaud
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, UVSQ, Virologie et Immunologie Moléculaires, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Dimitri Rigaudeau
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, Infectiologie Expérimentale des Rongeurs et des Poissons, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Jean K Millet
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, UVSQ, Virologie et Immunologie Moléculaires, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Christelle Langevin
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, Infectiologie Expérimentale des Rongeurs et des Poissons, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Stéphane Biacchesi
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, UVSQ, Virologie et Immunologie Moléculaires, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Luo J, Tu L, Zhou C, Li G, Shi L, Hu S. SGLT2 inhibition, circulating proteins, and insomnia: A mendelian randomization study. Sleep Med 2024; 119:480-487. [PMID: 38795402 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2024.05.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) initially emerged as oral antidiabetic medication but were subsequently discovered to exhibit pleiotropic actions. Insomnia is a prevalent and debilitating sleep disorder. To date, the causality between SGLT2 inhibitors and insomnia remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the causality between SGLT2 inhibitors and insomnia and identify potential plasma protein mediators. METHODS Using a two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) analysis, we estimated the causality of SGLT2 inhibition on insomnia and sleep duration. Additionally, employing a two-step and proteome-wide MR analysis, we evaluated the causal link of SGLT2 inhibition on 4907 circulating proteins and the causality of SGLT2 inhibition-driven plasma proteins on insomnia. We applied a false discovery rate (FDR) correction for multiple comparisons. Furthermore, mediation analyses were used to identify plasma proteins that mediate the effects of SGLT2 inhibition on insomnia. RESULTS SGLT2 inhibition was negatively correlated with insomnia (odds ratio [OR] = 0.791, 95 % confidence interval [CI] [0.715, 0.876], P = 5.579*10^-6) and positively correlated with sleep duration (β = 0.186, 95 % CI [0.059, 0.314], P = 0.004). Among the 4907 circulating proteins, diadenosine tetraphosphatase (Ap4A) was identified as being linked to both SGLT2 inhibition and insomnia. Mediation analysis indicated that the effect of SGLT2 inhibition on insomnia partially operates through Ap4A (β = -0.018, 95 % CI [-0.036, -0.005], P = 0.023), with a mediation proportion of 7.7 %. CONCLUSION The study indicated a causality between SGLT2 inhibition and insomnia, with plasma Ap4A potentially serving as a mediator.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinlan Luo
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiological Disorders, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Ling Tu
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiological Disorders, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Chenchen Zhou
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Gen Li
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Lili Shi
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Shuiqing Hu
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine and Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanism of Cardiologic Disorders, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Amanya SB, Oyewole-Said D, Ernste KJ, Bisht N, Murthy A, Vazquez-Perez J, Konduri V, Decker WK. The mARS complex: a critical mediator of immune regulation and homeostasis. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1423510. [PMID: 38975338 PMCID: PMC11224427 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1423510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the course of evolution, many proteins have undergone adaptive structural changes to meet the increasing homeostatic regulatory demands of multicellularity. Aminoacyl tRNA synthetases (aaRS), enzymes that catalyze the attachment of each amino acid to its cognate tRNA, are such proteins that have acquired new domains and motifs that enable non-canonical functions. Through these new domains and motifs, aaRS can assemble into large, multi-subunit complexes that enhance the efficiency of many biological functions. Moreover, because the complexity of multi-aminoacyl tRNA synthetase (mARS) complexes increases with the corresponding complexity of higher eukaryotes, a contribution to regulation of homeostatic functions in multicellular organisms is hypothesized. While mARS complexes in lower eukaryotes may enhance efficiency of aminoacylation, little evidence exists to support a similar role in chordates or other higher eukaryotes. Rather, mARS complexes are reported to regulate multiple and variegated cellular processes that include angiogenesis, apoptosis, inflammation, anaphylaxis, and metabolism. Because all such processes are critical components of immune homeostasis, it is important to understand the role of mARS complexes in immune regulation. Here we provide a conceptual analysis of the current understanding of mARS complex dynamics and emerging mARS complex roles in immune regulation, the increased understanding of which should reveal therapeutic targets in immunity and immune-mediated disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Bright Amanya
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Damilola Oyewole-Said
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Keenan J. Ernste
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Nalini Bisht
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Arnav Murthy
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Natural Sciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jonathan Vazquez-Perez
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Vanaja Konduri
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - William K. Decker
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Papageorgiou L, Papa L, Papakonstantinou E, Mataragka A, Dragoumani K, Chaniotis D, Beloukas A, Iliopoulos C, Bongcam-Rudloff E, Chrousos GP, Kossida S, Eliopoulos E, Vlachakis D. SNP and Structural Study of the Notch Superfamily Provides Insights and Novel Pharmacological Targets against the CADASIL Syndrome and Neurodegenerative Diseases. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:529. [PMID: 38790158 PMCID: PMC11120892 DOI: 10.3390/genes15050529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The evolutionary conserved Notch signaling pathway functions as a mediator of direct cell-cell communication between neighboring cells during development. Notch plays a crucial role in various fundamental biological processes in a wide range of tissues. Accordingly, the aberrant signaling of this pathway underlies multiple genetic pathologies such as developmental syndromes, congenital disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. Over the last two decades, significant data have shown that the Notch signaling pathway displays a significant function in the mature brains of vertebrates and invertebrates beyond neuronal development and specification during embryonic development. Neuronal connection, synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory appear to be regulated by this pathway. Specific mutations in human Notch family proteins have been linked to several neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease, CADASIL, and ischemic injury. Neurodegenerative diseases are incurable disorders of the central nervous system that cause the progressive degeneration and/or death of brain nerve cells, affecting both mental function and movement (ataxia). There is currently a lot of study being conducted to better understand the molecular mechanisms by which Notch plays an essential role in the mature brain. In this study, an in silico analysis of polymorphisms and mutations in human Notch family members that lead to neurodegenerative diseases was performed in order to investigate the correlations among Notch family proteins and neurodegenerative diseases. Particular emphasis was placed on the study of mutations in the Notch3 protein and the structure analysis of the mutant Notch3 protein that leads to the manifestation of the CADASIL syndrome in order to spot possible conserved mutations and interpret the effect of these mutations in the Notch3 protein structure. Conserved mutations of cysteine residues may be candidate pharmacological targets for the potential therapy of CADASIL syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louis Papageorgiou
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, 11855 Athens, Greece; (L.P.); (L.P.); (E.P.); (A.M.); (K.D.); (E.E.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health and Care Sciences, University of West Attica, Agioy Spyridonos, 12243 Egaleo, Greece; (D.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Lefteria Papa
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, 11855 Athens, Greece; (L.P.); (L.P.); (E.P.); (A.M.); (K.D.); (E.E.)
| | - Eleni Papakonstantinou
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, 11855 Athens, Greece; (L.P.); (L.P.); (E.P.); (A.M.); (K.D.); (E.E.)
- University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health & Precision Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Antonia Mataragka
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, 11855 Athens, Greece; (L.P.); (L.P.); (E.P.); (A.M.); (K.D.); (E.E.)
| | - Konstantina Dragoumani
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, 11855 Athens, Greece; (L.P.); (L.P.); (E.P.); (A.M.); (K.D.); (E.E.)
| | - Dimitrios Chaniotis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health and Care Sciences, University of West Attica, Agioy Spyridonos, 12243 Egaleo, Greece; (D.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Apostolos Beloukas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health and Care Sciences, University of West Attica, Agioy Spyridonos, 12243 Egaleo, Greece; (D.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Costas Iliopoulos
- School of Informatics, Faculty of Natural & Mathematical Sciences, King’s College London, Bush House, Strand, London WC2R 2LS, UK;
| | - Erik Bongcam-Rudloff
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 756 51 Uppsala, Sweden;
| | - George P. Chrousos
- University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health & Precision Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Sofia Kossida
- IMGT, The International ImMunoGenetics Information System, Laboratoire d’ImmunoGénétique Moléculaire LIGM, Institut de Génétique Humaine, (IGH), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université de Montpellier (UM), 34000 Montpellier, France;
| | - Elias Eliopoulos
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, 11855 Athens, Greece; (L.P.); (L.P.); (E.P.); (A.M.); (K.D.); (E.E.)
| | - Dimitrios Vlachakis
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, 11855 Athens, Greece; (L.P.); (L.P.); (E.P.); (A.M.); (K.D.); (E.E.)
- University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health & Precision Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece;
- School of Informatics, Faculty of Natural & Mathematical Sciences, King’s College London, Bush House, Strand, London WC2R 2LS, UK;
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Tang Y, Behrens RT, St Gelais C, Wu S, Vivekanandan S, Razin E, Fang P, Wu L, Sherer N, Musier-Forsyth K. Human lysyl-tRNA synthetase phosphorylation promotes HIV-1 proviral DNA transcription. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:12111-12123. [PMID: 37933844 PMCID: PMC10711549 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Human lysyl-tRNA synthetase (LysRS) was previously shown to be re-localized from its normal cytoplasmic location in a multi-aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase complex (MSC) to the nucleus of HIV-1 infected cells. Nuclear localization depends on S207 phosphorylation but the nuclear function of pS207-LysRS in the HIV-1 lifecycle is unknown. Here, we show that HIV-1 replication was severely reduced in a S207A-LysRS knock-in cell line generated by CRISPR/Cas9; this effect was rescued by S207D-LysRS. LysRS phosphorylation up-regulated HIV-1 transcription, as did direct transfection of Ap4A, an upstream transcription factor 2 (USF2) activator that is synthesized by pS207-LysRS. Overexpressing an MSC-derived peptide known to stabilize LysRS MSC binding inhibited HIV-1 replication. Transcription of HIV-1 proviral DNA and other USF2 target genes was reduced in peptide-expressing cells. We propose that nuclear pS207-LysRS generates Ap4A, leading to activation of HIV-1 transcription. Our results suggest a new role for nuclear LysRS in facilitating HIV-1 replication and new avenues for antiviral therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingke Tang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Center for Retrovirus Research, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Center for RNA Biology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ryan T Behrens
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Institute for Molecular Virology, & Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Corine St Gelais
- Center for Retrovirus Research, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Center for RNA Biology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Siqi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
| | - Saravanan Vivekanandan
- Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Inflammation Program, National University of Singapore and The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (NUS–HUJ), Singapore
| | - Ehud Razin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Pengfei Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
| | - Li Wu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Nathan Sherer
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Institute for Molecular Virology, & Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Karin Musier-Forsyth
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Center for Retrovirus Research, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Center for RNA Biology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Korneenko TV, Pestov NB, Nevzorov IA, Daks AA, Trachuk KN, Solopova ON, Barlev NA. At the Crossroads of the cGAS-cGAMP-STING Pathway and the DNA Damage Response: Implications for Cancer Progression and Treatment. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1675. [PMID: 38139802 PMCID: PMC10747911 DOI: 10.3390/ph16121675] [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: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The evolutionary conserved DNA-sensing cGAS-STING innate immunity pathway represents one of the most important cytosolic DNA-sensing systems that is activated in response to viral invasion and/or damage to the integrity of the nuclear envelope. The key outcome of this pathway is the production of interferon, which subsequently stimulates the transcription of hundreds of genes. In oncology, the situation is complex because this pathway may serve either anti- or pro-oncogenic roles, depending on context. The prevailing understanding is that when the innate immune response is activated by sensing cytosolic DNA, such as DNA released from ruptured micronuclei, it results in the production of interferon, which attracts cytotoxic cells to destroy tumors. However, in tumor cells that have adjusted to significant chromosomal instability, particularly in relapsed, treatment-resistant cancers, the cGAS-STING pathway often supports cancer progression, fostering the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Here, we review this intricate pathway in terms of its association with cancer progression, giving special attention to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and gliomas. As the development of new cGAS-STING-modulating small molecules and immunotherapies such as oncolytic viruses involves serious challenges, we highlight several recent fundamental discoveries, such as the proton-channeling function of STING. These discoveries may serve as guiding lights for potential pharmacological advancements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatyana V. Korneenko
- Group of Cross-Linking Enzymes, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Nikolay B. Pestov
- Group of Cross-Linking Enzymes, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow 117997, Russia
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow 119121, Russia
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products, Moscow 108819, Russia
| | - Ivan A. Nevzorov
- Institute of Cytology, Tikhoretsky ave 4, St-Petersburg 194064, Russia
| | - Alexandra A. Daks
- Institute of Cytology, Tikhoretsky ave 4, St-Petersburg 194064, Russia
| | - Kirill N. Trachuk
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products, Moscow 108819, Russia
| | - Olga N. Solopova
- Research Institute of Experimental Diagnostics and Tumor Therapy, Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Moscow 115478, Russia
| | - Nickolai A. Barlev
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow 119121, Russia
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products, Moscow 108819, Russia
- Institute of Cytology, Tikhoretsky ave 4, St-Petersburg 194064, Russia
- Institute of Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Taffoni C, Schüssler M, Vila IK, Laguette N. Harnessing the cooperation between DNA-PK and cGAS in cancer therapies: The cooperation between DNA-PK and cGAS shapes tumour immunogenicity. Bioessays 2023; 45:e2300045. [PMID: 37147791 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202300045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS-STING) pathway is central for the initiation of anti-tumoural immune responses. Enormous effort has been made to optimise the design and administration of STING agonists to stimulate tumour immunogenicity. However, in certain contexts the cGAS-STING axis fuels tumourigenesis. Here, we review recent findings on the regulation of cGAS expression and activity. We particularly focus our attention on the DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) complex, that recently emerged as an activator of inflammatory responses in tumour cells. We propose that stratification analyses on cGAS and DNA-PK expression/activation status should be carried out to predict treatment efficacy. We herein also provide insights into non-canonical functions borne by cGAS and cGAMP, highlighting how they may influence tumourigenesis. All these parameters should be taken into consideration concertedly to choose strategies aiming to effectively boost tumour immunogenicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clara Taffoni
- IGMM, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
van der Does C, Braun F, Ren H, Albers SV. Putative nucleotide-based second messengers in archaea. MICROLIFE 2023; 4:uqad027. [PMID: 37305433 PMCID: PMC10249747 DOI: 10.1093/femsml/uqad027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Second messengers transfer signals from changing intra- and extracellular conditions to a cellular response. Over the last few decades, several nucleotide-based second messengers have been identified and characterized in especially bacteria and eukaryotes. Also in archaea, several nucleotide-based second messengers have been identified. This review will summarize our understanding of nucleotide-based second messengers in archaea. For some of the nucleotide-based second messengers, like cyclic di-AMP and cyclic oligoadenylates, their roles in archaea have become clear. Cyclic di-AMP plays a similar role in osmoregulation in euryarchaea as in bacteria, and cyclic oligoadenylates are important in the Type III CRISPR-Cas response to activate CRISPR ancillary proteins involved in antiviral defense. Other putative nucleotide-based second messengers, like 3',5'- and 2',3'-cyclic mononucleotides and adenine dinucleotides, have been identified in archaea, but their synthesis and degradation pathways, as well as their functions as secondary messengers, still remain to be demonstrated. In contrast, 3'-3'-cGAMP has not yet been identified in archaea, but the enzymes required to synthesize 3'-3'-cGAMP have been found in several euryarchaeotes. Finally, the widely distributed bacterial second messengers, cyclic diguanosine monophosphate and guanosine (penta-)/tetraphosphate, do not appear to be present in archaea.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chris van der Does
- Molecular Biology of Archaea, Institute of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Frank Braun
- Molecular Biology of Archaea, Institute of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hongcheng Ren
- Molecular Biology of Archaea, Institute of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sonja-Verena Albers
- Molecular Biology of Archaea, Institute of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zegarra V, Mais CN, Freitag J, Bange G. The mysterious diadenosine tetraphosphate (AP4A). MICROLIFE 2023; 4:uqad016. [PMID: 37223742 PMCID: PMC10148737 DOI: 10.1093/femsml/uqad016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Dinucleoside polyphosphates, a class of nucleotides found amongst all the Trees of Life, have been gathering a lot of attention in the past decades due to their putative role as cellular alarmones. In particular, diadenosine tetraphosphate (AP4A) has been widely studied in bacteria facing various environmental challenges and has been proposed to be important for ensuring cellular survivability through harsh conditions. Here, we discuss the current understanding of AP4A synthesis and degradation, protein targets, their molecular structure where possible, and insights into the molecular mechanisms of AP4A action and its physiological consequences. Lastly, we will briefly touch on what is known with regards to AP4A beyond the bacterial kingdom, given its increasing appearance in the eukaryotic world. Altogether, the notion that AP4A is a conserved second messenger in organisms ranging from bacteria to humans and is able to signal and modulate cellular stress regulation seems promising.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victor Zegarra
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Synthetic Microbiology, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg 35043, Germany
| | - Christopher-Nils Mais
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Synthetic Microbiology, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg 35043, Germany
| | - Johannes Freitag
- Department of Biology, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg 35043, Germany
| | - Gert Bange
- Corresponding author. Karl-von-Frisch Strasse 14, 35043 Marburg, Germany. E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Taffoni C, Marines J, Chamma H, Guha S, Saccas M, Bouzid A, Valadao AC, Maghe C, Jardine J, Park MK, Polak K, De Martino M, Vanpouille‐Box C, Del Rio M, Gongora C, Gavard J, Bidère N, Song MS, Pineau D, Hugnot J, Kissa K, Fontenille L, Blanchet FP, Vila IK, Laguette N. DNA damage repair kinase DNA-PK and cGAS synergize to induce cancer-related inflammation in glioblastoma. EMBO J 2023; 42:e111961. [PMID: 36574362 PMCID: PMC10068334 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2022111961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytosolic DNA promotes inflammatory responses upon detection by the cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP) synthase (cGAS). It has been suggested that cGAS downregulation is an immune escape strategy harnessed by tumor cells. Here, we used glioblastoma cells that show undetectable cGAS levels to address if alternative DNA detection pathways can promote pro-inflammatory signaling. We show that the DNA-PK DNA repair complex (i) drives cGAS-independent IRF3-mediated type I Interferon responses and (ii) that its catalytic activity is required for cGAS-dependent cGAMP production and optimal downstream signaling. We further show that the cooperation between DNA-PK and cGAS favors the expression of chemokines that promote macrophage recruitment in the tumor microenvironment in a glioblastoma model, a process that impairs early tumorigenesis but correlates with poor outcome in glioblastoma patients. Thus, our study supports that cGAS-dependent signaling is acquired during tumorigenesis and that cGAS and DNA-PK activities should be analyzed concertedly to predict the impact of strategies aiming to boost tumor immunogenicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clara Taffoni
- IGH, Université de Montpellier, CNRSMontpellierFrance
| | - Johanna Marines
- IGH, Université de Montpellier, CNRSMontpellierFrance
- Azelead©MontpellierFrance
| | - Hanane Chamma
- IGH, Université de Montpellier, CNRSMontpellierFrance
| | | | | | - Amel Bouzid
- IGH, Université de Montpellier, CNRSMontpellierFrance
| | | | - Clément Maghe
- Team SOAP, CRCI2NA, Nantes Université, Inserm, CNRS, Université d'AngersNantesFrance
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le CancerParisFrance
| | - Jane Jardine
- Team SOAP, CRCI2NA, Nantes Université, Inserm, CNRS, Université d'AngersNantesFrance
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le CancerParisFrance
| | - Mi Kyung Park
- Department of Molecular and Cellular OncologyThe University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTXUSA
| | | | - Mara De Martino
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell MedicineNew YorkNYUSA
| | | | - Maguy Del Rio
- Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier (IRCM), INSERM, Université de Montpellier, ICMMontpellierFrance
| | - Celine Gongora
- Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier (IRCM), INSERM, Université de Montpellier, ICMMontpellierFrance
| | - Julie Gavard
- Team SOAP, CRCI2NA, Nantes Université, Inserm, CNRS, Université d'AngersNantesFrance
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le CancerParisFrance
- Institut de Cancérologie de l'Ouest (ICO)Saint‐HerblainFrance
| | - Nicolas Bidère
- Team SOAP, CRCI2NA, Nantes Université, Inserm, CNRS, Université d'AngersNantesFrance
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le CancerParisFrance
| | - Min Sup Song
- Department of Molecular and Cellular OncologyThe University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTXUSA
| | - Donovan Pineau
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle (IGF), Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERMMontpellierFrance
| | - Jean‐Philippe Hugnot
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle (IGF), Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERMMontpellierFrance
| | - Karima Kissa
- Université de Montpellier, CNRS UMR 5235MontpellierFrance
| | | | - Fabien P Blanchet
- Institut de Recherche en Infectiologie de Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, CNRSMontpellierFrance
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Crossley MP, Song C, Bocek MJ, Choi JH, Kousouros JN, Sathirachinda A, Lin C, Brickner JR, Bai G, Lans H, Vermeulen W, Abu-Remaileh M, Cimprich KA. R-loop-derived cytoplasmic RNA-DNA hybrids activate an immune response. Nature 2023; 613:187-194. [PMID: 36544021 PMCID: PMC9949885 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-05545-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 73.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
R-loops are RNA-DNA-hybrid-containing nucleic acids with important cellular roles. Deregulation of R-loop dynamics can lead to DNA damage and genome instability1, which has been linked to the action of endonucleases such as XPG2-4. However, the mechanisms and cellular consequences of such processing have remained unclear. Here we identify a new population of RNA-DNA hybrids in the cytoplasm that are R-loop-processing products. When nuclear R-loops were perturbed by depleting the RNA-DNA helicase senataxin (SETX) or the breast cancer gene BRCA1 (refs. 5-7), we observed XPG- and XPF-dependent cytoplasmic hybrid formation. We identify their source as a subset of stable, overlapping nuclear hybrids with a specific nucleotide signature. Cytoplasmic hybrids bind to the pattern recognition receptors cGAS and TLR3 (ref. 8), activating IRF3 and inducing apoptosis. Excised hybrids and an R-loop-induced innate immune response were also observed in SETX-mutated cells from patients with ataxia oculomotor apraxia type 2 (ref. 9) and in BRCA1-mutated cancer cells10. These findings establish RNA-DNA hybrids as immunogenic species that aberrantly accumulate in the cytoplasm after R-loop processing, linking R-loop accumulation to cell death through the innate immune response. Aberrant R-loop processing and subsequent innate immune activation may contribute to many diseases, such as neurodegeneration and cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena P Crossley
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Chenlin Song
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Michael J Bocek
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jun-Hyuk Choi
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Biometrology Group, Division of Chemical and Biological Metrology, Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science, Daejeon, South Korea
- Department of Bio-Analytical Science, University of Science & Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Joseph N Kousouros
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ataya Sathirachinda
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Cindy Lin
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- The Institute for Chemistry, Engineering & Medicine for Human Health (ChEM-H), Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Joshua R Brickner
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Gongshi Bai
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Hannes Lans
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wim Vermeulen
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Monther Abu-Remaileh
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- The Institute for Chemistry, Engineering & Medicine for Human Health (ChEM-H), Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Karlene A Cimprich
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Vila IK, Guha S, Kalucka J, Olagnier D, Laguette N. Alternative pathways driven by STING: From innate immunity to lipid metabolism. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2022; 68:54-68. [PMID: 36085258 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2022.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) is a major adaptor protein that is central to the initiation of type I interferon responses and proinflammatory signalling. STING-dependent signalling is triggered by the presence of cytosolic nucleic acids that are generated following pathogen infection or cellular stress. Beyond this central role in controlling immune responses through the production of cytokines and chemokines, recent reports have uncovered inflammation-independent STING functions. Amongst these, a rapidly growing body of evidence demonstrates a key role of STING in controlling metabolic pathways at several levels. Since immunity and metabolic homeostasis are tightly interconnected, these findings deepen our understanding of the involvement of STING in human pathologies. Here, we discuss these findings and reflect on their impact on our current understanding of how nucleic acid immunity controls homeostasis and promotes pathological outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle K Vila
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France.
| | - Soumyabrata Guha
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Joanna Kalucka
- Aarhus University, Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - David Olagnier
- Aarhus University, Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Nadine Laguette
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Giammarinaro PI, Young MKM, Steinchen W, Mais CN, Hochberg G, Yang J, Stevenson DM, Amador-Noguez D, Paulus A, Wang JD, Bange G. Diadenosine tetraphosphate regulates biosynthesis of GTP in Bacillus subtilis. Nat Microbiol 2022; 7:1442-1452. [PMID: 35953658 PMCID: PMC10439310 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-022-01193-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Diadenosine tetraphosphate (Ap4A) is a putative second messenger molecule that is conserved from bacteria to humans. Nevertheless, its physiological role and the underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly characterized. We investigated the molecular mechanism by which Ap4A regulates inosine-5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH, a key branching point enzyme for the biosynthesis of adenosine or guanosine nucleotides) in Bacillus subtilis. We solved the crystal structure of BsIMPDH bound to Ap4A at a resolution of 2.45 Å to show that Ap4A binds to the interface between two IMPDH subunits, acting as the glue that switches active IMPDH tetramers into less active octamers. Guided by these insights, we engineered mutant strains of B. subtilis that bypass Ap4A-dependent IMPDH regulation without perturbing intracellular Ap4A pools themselves. We used metabolomics, which suggests that these mutants have a dysregulated purine, and in particular GTP, metabolome and phenotypic analysis, which shows increased sensitivity of B. subtilis IMPDH mutant strains to heat compared with wild-type strains. Our study identifies a central role for IMPDH in remodelling metabolism and heat resistance, and provides evidence that Ap4A can function as an alarmone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pietro I Giammarinaro
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Synthetic Microbiology, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Megan K M Young
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Wieland Steinchen
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Synthetic Microbiology, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Christopher-Nils Mais
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Synthetic Microbiology, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Georg Hochberg
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Synthetic Microbiology, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Jin Yang
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - David M Stevenson
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Anja Paulus
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Synthetic Microbiology, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Jue D Wang
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Gert Bange
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Synthetic Microbiology, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
- Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Chamma H, Vila IK, Taffoni C, Turtoi A, Laguette N. Activation of STING in the pancreatic tumor microenvironment: A novel therapeutic opportunity. Cancer Lett 2022; 538:215694. [PMID: 35489447 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a cancer of poor prognosis that presents with a dense desmoplastic stroma that contributes to therapeutic failure. PDAC patients are mostly unresponsive to immunotherapy. However, hopes to elicit response to immunotherapy have emerged with novel strategies targeting the Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) protein, which is a major regulator of tumor-associated inflammation. Combination of STING agonists with conventional immunotherapy approaches has proven to potentiate therapeutic benefits in several cancers. However, recent data underscore that the output of STING activation varies depending on the cellular and tissue context. This suggests that tumor heterogeneity, and in particular the heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment (TME), is a key factor determining whether STING activation would bear benefits for patients. In this review, we discuss the potential benefits of STING activation in PDAC. To this aim, we describe the major components of the PDAC TME, and the expected consequences of STING activation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanane Chamma
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, Molecular Basis of Inflammation Laboratory, Montpellier, France
| | - Isabelle K Vila
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, Molecular Basis of Inflammation Laboratory, Montpellier, France
| | - Clara Taffoni
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, Molecular Basis of Inflammation Laboratory, Montpellier, France
| | - Andrei Turtoi
- Tumor Microenvironment Laboratory, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, INSERM U1194, 34000, Montpellier, France.
| | - Nadine Laguette
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, Molecular Basis of Inflammation Laboratory, Montpellier, France.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Abstract
The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway plays a pivotal role in several cellular processes including pathogen recognition and inflammatory responses. We describe a protocol to activate the cGAS-STING pathway in murine cells using nucleic acids transfection. We describe how to prepare the nucleic acid probes and validate activation of the pathway by western blot and gene expression analysis. The protocol can be applied to investigate cGAS-STING signaling in both murine and human cell lines. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Vila et al. (2022). Protocol for inducing cGAS-STING pathway activation in vitro Generation of dsDNA probes for transfection in cultured cells Details to assess cGAS-STING pathway activation by western blot and RT-qPCR
Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanane Chamma
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, Molecular Basis of Inflammation Laboratory, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Soumyabrata Guha
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, Molecular Basis of Inflammation Laboratory, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Nadine Laguette
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, Molecular Basis of Inflammation Laboratory, 34090 Montpellier, France
- Corresponding author
| | - Isabelle K. Vila
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, Molecular Basis of Inflammation Laboratory, 34090 Montpellier, France
- Corresponding author
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Brickner JR, Garzon JL, Cimprich KA. Walking a tightrope: The complex balancing act of R-loops in genome stability. Mol Cell 2022; 82:2267-2297. [PMID: 35508167 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2022.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Although transcription is an essential cellular process, it is paradoxically also a well-recognized cause of genomic instability. R-loops, non-B DNA structures formed when nascent RNA hybridizes to DNA to displace the non-template strand as single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), are partially responsible for this instability. Yet, recent work has begun to elucidate regulatory roles for R-loops in maintaining the genome. In this review, we discuss the cellular contexts in which R-loops contribute to genomic instability, particularly during DNA replication and double-strand break (DSB) repair. We also summarize the evidence that R-loops participate as an intermediate during repair and may influence pathway choice to preserve genomic integrity. Finally, we discuss the immunogenic potential of R-loops and highlight their links to disease should they become pathogenic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua R Brickner
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jada L Garzon
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Karlene A Cimprich
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Guillemin A, Kumar A, Wencker M, Ricci EP. Shaping the Innate Immune Response Through Post-Transcriptional Regulation of Gene Expression Mediated by RNA-Binding Proteins. Front Immunol 2022; 12:796012. [PMID: 35087521 PMCID: PMC8787094 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.796012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Innate immunity is the frontline of defense against infections and tissue damage. It is a fast and semi-specific response involving a myriad of processes essential for protecting the organism. These reactions promote the clearance of danger by activating, among others, an inflammatory response, the complement cascade and by recruiting the adaptive immunity. Any disequilibrium in this functional balance can lead to either inflammation-mediated tissue damage or defense inefficiency. A dynamic and coordinated gene expression program lies at the heart of the innate immune response. This expression program varies depending on the cell-type and the specific danger signal encountered by the cell and involves multiple layers of regulation. While these are achieved mainly via transcriptional control of gene expression, numerous post-transcriptional regulatory pathways involving RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and other effectors play a critical role in its fine-tuning. Alternative splicing, translational control and mRNA stability have been shown to be tightly regulated during the innate immune response and participate in modulating gene expression in a global or gene specific manner. More recently, microRNAs assisting RBPs and post-transcriptional modification of RNA bases are also emerging as essential players of the innate immune process. In this review, we highlight the numerous roles played by specific RNA-binding effectors in mediating post-transcriptional control of gene expression to shape innate immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anissa Guillemin
- LBMC, Laboratoire de Biologie et Modelisation de la Cellule, Université de Lyon, ENS de Lyon, Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR 5239, INSERM, U1293, Lyon, France
| | - Anuj Kumar
- CRCL, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR 5286, Lyon, France
| | - Mélanie Wencker
- LBMC, Laboratoire de Biologie et Modelisation de la Cellule, Université de Lyon, ENS de Lyon, Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR 5239, INSERM, U1293, Lyon, France
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Université de Lyon, ENS de Lyon, CNRS, UMR 5308, INSERM, Lyon, France
| | - Emiliano P. Ricci
- LBMC, Laboratoire de Biologie et Modelisation de la Cellule, Université de Lyon, ENS de Lyon, Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR 5239, INSERM, U1293, Lyon, France
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Leptidis S, Papakonstantinou E, Diakou KI, Pierouli K, Mitsis T, Dragoumani K, Bacopoulou F, Sanoudou D, Chrousos GP, Vlachakis D. Epitranscriptomics of cardiovascular diseases (Review). Int J Mol Med 2022; 49:9. [PMID: 34791505 PMCID: PMC8651226 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2021.5064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA modifications have recently become the focus of attention due to their extensive regulatory effects in a vast array of cellular networks and signaling pathways. Just as epigenetics is responsible for the imprinting of environmental conditions on a genetic level, epitranscriptomics follows the same principle at the RNA level, but in a more dynamic and sensitive manner. Nevertheless, its impact in the field of cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains largely unexplored. CVD and its associated pathologies remain the leading cause of death in Western populations due to the limited regenerative capacity of the heart. As such, maintenance of cardiac homeostasis is paramount for its physiological function and its capacity to respond to environmental stimuli. In this context, epitranscriptomic modifications offer a novel and promising therapeutic avenue, based on the fine‑tuning of regulatory cascades, necessary for cardiac function. This review aimed to provide an overview of the most recent findings of key epitranscriptomic modifications in both coding and non‑coding RNAs. Additionally, the methods used for their detection and important associations with genetic variations in the context of CVD were summarized. Current knowledge on cardiac epitranscriptomics, albeit limited still, indicates that the impact of epitranscriptomic editing in the heart, in both physiological and pathological conditions, holds untapped potential for the development of novel targeted therapeutic approaches in a dynamic manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefanos Leptidis
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Papakonstantinou
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Kalliopi Io Diakou
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Katerina Pierouli
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Thanasis Mitsis
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantina Dragoumani
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Flora Bacopoulou
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology, Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- First Department of Pediatrics, Center for Adolescent Medicine and UNESCO Chair on Adolescent Health Care, Medical School, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Despina Sanoudou
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Genomics and Pharmacogenomics Unit, Medical School, 'Attikon' Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Molecular Biology Division, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Center for New Biotechnologies and Precision Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - George P. Chrousos
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology, Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- First Department of Pediatrics, Center for Adolescent Medicine and UNESCO Chair on Adolescent Health Care, Medical School, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Vlachakis
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology, Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- First Department of Pediatrics, Center for Adolescent Medicine and UNESCO Chair on Adolescent Health Care, Medical School, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- School of Informatics, Faculty of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, King's College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Laudenbach BT, Krey K, Emslander Q, Andersen LL, Reim A, Scaturro P, Mundigl S, Dächert C, Manske K, Moser M, Ludwig J, Wohlleber D, Kröger A, Binder M, Pichlmair A. NUDT2 initiates viral RNA degradation by removal of 5'-phosphates. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6918. [PMID: 34824277 PMCID: PMC8616924 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27239-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
While viral replication processes are largely understood, comparably little is known on cellular mechanisms degrading viral RNA. Some viral RNAs bear a 5'-triphosphate (PPP-) group that impairs degradation by the canonical 5'-3' degradation pathway. Here we show that the Nudix hydrolase 2 (NUDT2) trims viral PPP-RNA into monophosphorylated (P)-RNA, which serves as a substrate for the 5'-3' exonuclease XRN1. NUDT2 removes 5'-phosphates from PPP-RNA in an RNA sequence- and overhang-independent manner and its ablation in cells increases growth of PPP-RNA viruses, suggesting an involvement in antiviral immunity. NUDT2 is highly homologous to bacterial RNA pyrophosphatase H (RppH), a protein involved in the metabolism of bacterial mRNA, which is 5'-tri- or diphosphorylated. Our results show a conserved function between bacterial RppH and mammalian NUDT2, indicating that the function may have adapted from a protein responsible for RNA turnover in bacteria into a protein involved in the immune defense in mammals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice T Laudenbach
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Institute of Virology, 81675, Munich, Germany
- Innate Immunity Laboratory, Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried/Munich, Germany
| | - Karsten Krey
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Institute of Virology, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Quirin Emslander
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Institute of Virology, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Line Lykke Andersen
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Institute of Virology, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Alexander Reim
- Department of Proteomics and Signal transduction, Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried/Munich, Germany
| | - Pietro Scaturro
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Institute of Virology, 81675, Munich, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology (HPI), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sarah Mundigl
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Institute of Virology, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Christopher Dächert
- Research Group "Dynamics of Early Viral Infection and the Innate Antiviral Response" (division F170), German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katrin Manske
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Immunology, Munich, Germany
| | - Markus Moser
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried/Munich, Germany
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Institute of Experimental Hematology, Munich, Germany
| | - Janos Ludwig
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Dirk Wohlleber
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Immunology, Munich, Germany
| | - Andrea Kröger
- Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Institute for Medical Microbiology, Magdeburg, Germany
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Innate Immunity and Infection, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Marco Binder
- Research Group "Dynamics of Early Viral Infection and the Innate Antiviral Response" (division F170), German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andreas Pichlmair
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Institute of Virology, 81675, Munich, Germany.
- Innate Immunity Laboratory, Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried/Munich, Germany.
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich partner site, Munich, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
de Oliveira Mann CC, Hornung V. Molecular mechanisms of nonself nucleic acid recognition by the innate immune system. Eur J Immunol 2021; 51:1897-1910. [PMID: 34138462 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202049116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Nucleic acids (NAs) represent one of the most important classes of molecules recognized by the innate immune system. However, NAs are not limited to pathogens, but are also present within the host. As such, the immune system has evolved an elaborate set of pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs) that employ various strategies to recognize distinct types of NAs, while reliably distinguishing between self and nonself. The here-employed strategies encompass the positioning of NA-sensing PRRs in certain subcellular compartments that potentially come in contact with pathogens but not host NAs, the existence of counterregulatory measures that keep endogenous NAs below a certain threshold, and also the specific identification of certain nonself patterns. Here, we review recent advances in the molecular mechanisms of NA recognition by TLRs, RLRs, and the cGAS-STING axis. We highlight the differences in NA-PRR interfaces that confer specificity and selectivity toward an NA ligand, as well as the NA-dependent induced conformational changes required for signal transduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Veit Hornung
- Gene Center and Department of Biochemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Tanshinones induce tumor cell apoptosis via directly targeting FHIT. Sci Rep 2021; 11:12217. [PMID: 34108553 PMCID: PMC8190080 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91708-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The liposoluble tanshinones are bioactive components in Salvia miltiorrhiza and are widely investigated as anti-cancer agents, while the molecular mechanism is to be clarified. In the present study, we identified that the human fragile histidine triad (FHIT) protein is a direct binding protein of sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate (STS), a water-soluble derivative of Tanshinone IIA (TSA), with a Kd value of 268.4 ± 42.59 nM. We also found that STS inhibited the diadenosine triphosphate (Ap3A) hydrolase activity of FHIT through competing for the substrate-binding site with an IC50 value of 2.2 ± 0.05 µM. Notably, near 100 times lower binding affinities were determined between STS and other HIT proteins, including GALT, DCPS, and phosphodiesterase ENPP1, while no direct binding was detected with HINT1. Moreover, TSA, Tanshinone I (TanI), and Cryptotanshinone (CST) exhibited similar inhibitory activity as STS. Finally, we demonstrated that depletion of FHIT significantly blocked TSA's pro-apoptotic function in colorectal cancer HCT116 cells. Taken together, our study sheds new light on the molecular basis of the anti-cancer effects of the tanshinone compounds.
Collapse
|
24
|
The pLysRS-Ap 4A Pathway in Mast Cells Regulates the Switch from Host Defense to a Pathological State. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115620. [PMID: 34070694 PMCID: PMC8198065 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The innate and adaptive immune systems play an essential role in host defense against pathogens. Various signal transduction pathways monitor and balance the immune system since an imbalance may promote pathological states such as allergy, inflammation, and cancer. Mast cells have a central role in the regulation of the innate/adaptive immune system and are involved in the pathogenesis of many inflammatory and allergic diseases by releasing inflammatory mediators such as histamines, proteases, chemotactic factors, and cytokines. Although various signaling pathways are associated with mast cell activation, our discovery and characterization of the pLysRS-Ap4A signaling pathway in these cells provided an additional important step towards a full understanding of the intracellular mechanisms involved in mast cell activation. In the present review, we will discuss in depth this signaling pathway’s contribution to host defense and the pathological state.
Collapse
|
25
|
Taffoni C, Steer A, Marines J, Chamma H, Vila IK, Laguette N. Nucleic Acid Immunity and DNA Damage Response: New Friends and Old Foes. Front Immunol 2021; 12:660560. [PMID: 33981307 PMCID: PMC8109176 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.660560] [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: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The maintenance of genomic stability in multicellular organisms relies on the DNA damage response (DDR). The DDR encompasses several interconnected pathways that cooperate to ensure the repair of genomic lesions. Besides their repair functions, several DDR proteins have emerged as involved in the onset of inflammatory responses. In particular, several actors of the DDR have been reported to elicit innate immune activation upon detection of cytosolic pathological nucleic acids. Conversely, pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), initially described as dedicated to the detection of cytosolic immune-stimulatory nucleic acids, have been found to regulate DDR. Thus, although initially described as operating in specific subcellular localizations, actors of the DDR and nucleic acid immune sensors may be involved in interconnected pathways, likely influencing the efficiency of one another. Within this mini review, we discuss evidences for the crosstalk between PRRs and actors of the DDR. For this purpose, we mainly focus on cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP) synthetase (cGAS) and Interferon Gamma Inducible Protein 16 (IFI16), as major PRRs involved in the detection of aberrant nucleic acid species, and components of the DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) complex, involved in the repair of double strand breaks that were recently described to qualify as potential PRRs. Finally, we discuss how the crosstalk between DDR and nucleic acid-associated Interferon responses cooperate for the fine-tuning of innate immune activation, and therefore dictate pathological outcomes. Understanding the molecular determinants of such cooperation will be paramount to the design of future therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clara Taffoni
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, Molecular Basis of Inflammation Laboratory, Montpellier, France
| | - Alizée Steer
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, Molecular Basis of Inflammation Laboratory, Montpellier, France
| | - Johanna Marines
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, Molecular Basis of Inflammation Laboratory, Montpellier, France.,Azelead, Montpellier, France
| | - Hanane Chamma
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, Molecular Basis of Inflammation Laboratory, Montpellier, France
| | - Isabelle K Vila
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, Molecular Basis of Inflammation Laboratory, Montpellier, France
| | - Nadine Laguette
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, Molecular Basis of Inflammation Laboratory, Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Verrier ER, Langevin C. Cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate-Adenosine Monophosphate Synthase (cGAS), a Multifaceted Platform of Intracellular DNA Sensing. Front Immunol 2021; 12:637399. [PMID: 33708225 PMCID: PMC7940176 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.637399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Innate immune pathways are the first line of cellular defense against pathogen infections ranging from bacteria to Metazoa. These pathways are activated following the recognition of pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) by membrane and cytosolic pattern recognition receptors. In addition, some of these cellular sensors can also recognize endogenous danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) arising from damaged or dying cells and triggering innate immune responses. Among the cytosolic nucleic acid sensors, the cyclic guanosine monophosphate–adenosine monophosphate (cGAMP) synthase (cGAS) plays an essential role in the activation of the type I interferon (IFNs) response and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Indeed, upon nucleic acid binding, cGAS synthesizes cGAMP, a second messenger mediating the activation of the STING signaling pathway. The functional conservation of the cGAS-STING pathway during evolution highlights its importance in host cellular surveillance against pathogen infections. Apart from their functions in immunity, cGAS and STING also play major roles in nuclear functions and tumor development. Therefore, cGAS-STING is now considered as an attractive target to identify novel biomarkers and design therapeutics for auto-inflammatory and autoimmune disorders as well as infectious diseases and cancer. Here, we review the current knowledge about the structure of cGAS and the evolution from bacteria to Metazoa and present its main functions in defense against pathogens and cancer, in connection with STING. The advantages and limitations of in vivo models relevant for studying the cGAS-STING pathway will be discussed for the notion of species specificity and in the context of their integration into therapeutic screening assays targeting cGAG and/or STING.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eloi R Verrier
- Université de Strasbourg, Inserm, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques UMR_S1110, Strasbourg, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Kumar V. The Trinity of cGAS, TLR9, and ALRs Guardians of the Cellular Galaxy Against Host-Derived Self-DNA. Front Immunol 2021; 11:624597. [PMID: 33643304 PMCID: PMC7905024 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.624597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune system has evolved to protect the host from the pathogens and allergens surrounding their environment. The immune system develops in such a way to recognize self and non-self and develops self-tolerance against self-proteins, nucleic acids, and other larger molecules. However, the broken immunological self-tolerance leads to the development of autoimmune or autoinflammatory diseases. Pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) are expressed by immunological cells on their cell membrane and in the cytosol. Different Toll-like receptors (TLRs), Nod-like receptors (NLRs) and absent in melanoma-2 (AIM-2)-like receptors (ALRs) forming inflammasomes in the cytosol, RIG (retinoic acid-inducible gene)-1-like receptors (RLRs), and C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) are some of the PRRs. The DNA-sensing receptor cyclic GMP–AMP synthase (cGAS) is another PRR present in the cytosol and the nucleus. The present review describes the role of ALRs (AIM2), TLR9, and cGAS in recognizing the host cell DNA as a potent damage/danger-associated molecular pattern (DAMP), which moves out to the cytosol from its housing organelles (nucleus and mitochondria). The introduction opens with the concept that the immune system has evolved to recognize pathogens, the idea of horror autotoxicus, and its failure due to the emergence of autoimmune diseases (ADs), and the discovery of PRRs revolutionizing immunology. The second section describes the cGAS-STING signaling pathway mediated cytosolic self-DNA recognition, its evolution, characteristics of self-DNAs activating it, and its role in different inflammatory conditions. The third section describes the role of TLR9 in recognizing self-DNA in the endolysosomes during infections depending on the self-DNA characteristics and various inflammatory diseases. The fourth section discusses about AIM2 (an ALR), which also binds cytosolic self-DNA (with 80–300 base pairs or bp) that inhibits cGAS-STING-dependent type 1 IFN generation but induces inflammation and pyroptosis during different inflammatory conditions. Hence, this trinity of PRRs has evolved to recognize self-DNA as a potential DAMP and comes into action to guard the cellular galaxy. However, their dysregulation proves dangerous to the host and leads to several inflammatory conditions, including sterile-inflammatory conditions autoinflammatory and ADs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Kumar
- Children's Health Queensland Clinical Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mater Research, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Ferguson F, McLennan AG, Urbaniak MD, Jones NJ, Copeland NA. Re-evaluation of Diadenosine Tetraphosphate (Ap 4A) From a Stress Metabolite to Bona Fide Secondary Messenger. Front Mol Biosci 2020; 7:606807. [PMID: 33282915 PMCID: PMC7705103 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.606807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular homeostasis requires adaption to environmental stress. In response to various environmental and genotoxic stresses, all cells produce dinucleoside polyphosphates (NpnNs), the best studied of which is diadenosine tetraphosphate (Ap4A). Despite intensive investigation, the precise biological roles of these molecules have remained elusive. However, recent studies have elucidated distinct and specific signaling mechanisms for these nucleotides in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. This review summarizes these key discoveries and describes the mechanisms of Ap4A and Ap4N synthesis, the mediators of the cellular responses to increased intracellular levels of these molecules and the hydrolytic mechanisms required to maintain low levels in the absence of stress. The intracellular responses to dinucleotide accumulation are evaluated in the context of the "friend" and "foe" scenarios. The "friend (or alarmone) hypothesis" suggests that ApnN act as bona fide secondary messengers mediating responses to stress. In contrast, the "foe" hypothesis proposes that ApnN and other NpnN are produced by non-canonical enzymatic synthesis as a result of physiological and environmental stress in critically damaged cells but do not actively regulate mitigating signaling pathways. In addition, we will discuss potential target proteins, and critically assess new evidence supporting roles for ApnN in the regulation of gene expression, immune responses, DNA replication and DNA repair. The recent advances in the field have generated great interest as they have for the first time revealed some of the molecular mechanisms that mediate cellular responses to ApnN. Finally, areas for future research are discussed with possible but unproven roles for intracellular ApnN to encourage further research into the signaling networks that are regulated by these nucleotides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Freya Ferguson
- Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom.,Materials Science Institute, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander G McLennan
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Cell Signalling, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Michael D Urbaniak
- Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Nigel J Jones
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Cell Signalling, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Nikki A Copeland
- Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom.,Materials Science Institute, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Vila IK, Fretaud M, Vlachakis D, Laguette N, Langevin C. Animal Models for the Study of Nucleic Acid Immunity: Novel Tools and New Perspectives. J Mol Biol 2020; 432:5529-5543. [PMID: 32860771 PMCID: PMC7611023 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2020.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Unresolved inflammation fosters and supports a wide range of human pathologies. There is growing evidence for a role played by cytosolic nucleic acids in initiating and supporting pathological chronic inflammation. In particular, the cGAS-STING pathway has emerged as central to the mounting of nucleic acid-dependent type I interferon responses, leading to the identification of small-molecule modulators of STING that have raised clinical interest. However, several new challenges have emerged, representing potential obstacles to efficient clinical translation. Indeed, the current literature underscores that nucleic acid-induced inflammatory responses are subjected to several layers of regulation, further suggesting complex coordination at the cell-type, tissue or organism level. Untangling the underlying processes is paramount to the identification of specific therapeutic strategies targeting deleterious inflammation. Herein, we present an overview of human pathologies presenting with deregulated interferon levels and with accumulation of cytosolic nucleic acids. We focus on the central role of the STING adaptor protein in these pathologies and discuss how in vivo models have forged our current understanding of nucleic acid immunity. We present our opinion on the advantages and limitations of zebrafish and mice models to highlight their complementarity for the study of inflammatory human pathologies and the development of therapeutics. Finally, we discuss high-throughput screening strategies that generate multi-parametric datasets that allow integrative analysis of heterogeneous information (imaging and omics approaches). These approaches are likely to structure the future of screening strategies for the treatment of human pathologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle K Vila
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, Molecular Basis of Inflammation Laboratory, Montpellier, France.
| | - Maxence Fretaud
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, UVSQ, VIM, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Dimitrios Vlachakis
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, 11855 Athens, Greece; Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health & Precision Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Nadine Laguette
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, Molecular Basis of Inflammation Laboratory, Montpellier, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Liu S, Refaei M, Liu S, Decker A, Hinerman JM, Herr AB, Howell M, Musier-Forsyth K, Tsang P. Hairpin RNA-induced conformational change of a eukaryotic-specific lysyl-tRNA synthetase extension and role of adjacent anticodon-binding domain. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:12071-12085. [PMID: 32611767 PMCID: PMC7443506 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.013852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Human lysyl-tRNA synthetase (hLysRS) is essential for aminoacylation of tRNALys Higher eukaryotic LysRSs possess an N-terminal extension (Nterm) previously shown to facilitate high-affinity tRNA binding and aminoacylation. This eukaryote-specific appended domain also plays a critical role in hLysRS nuclear localization, thus facilitating noncanonical functions of hLysRS. The structure is intrinsically disordered and therefore remains poorly characterized. Findings of previous studies are consistent with the Nterm domain undergoing a conformational transition to an ordered structure upon nucleic acid binding. In this study, we used NMR to investigate how the type of RNA, as well as the presence of the adjacent anticodon-binding domain (ACB), influences the Nterm conformation. To explore the latter, we used sortase A ligation to produce a segmentally labeled tandem-domain protein, Nterm-ACB. In the absence of RNA, Nterm remained disordered regardless of ACB attachment. Both alone and when attached to ACB, Nterm structure remained unaffected by titration with single-stranded RNAs. The central region of the Nterm domain adopted α-helical structure upon titration of Nterm and Nterm-ACB with RNA hairpins containing double-stranded regions. Nterm binding to the RNA hairpins resulted in CD spectral shifts consistent with an induced helical structure. NMR and fluorescence anisotropy revealed that Nterm binding to hairpin RNAs is weak but that the binding affinity increases significantly upon covalent attachment to ACB. We conclude that the ACB domain facilitates induced-fit conformational changes and confers high-affinity RNA hairpin binding, which may be advantageous for functional interactions of LysRS with a variety of different binding partners.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Liu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Maryanne Refaei
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Shuohui Liu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Center for RNA Biology, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Aaron Decker
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Jennifer M. Hinerman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Andrew B. Herr
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Mike Howell
- Protein Express, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Karin Musier-Forsyth
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Center for RNA Biology, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Pearl Tsang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| |
Collapse
|