1
|
Lababede A, Man B, Crown N. Genetic background effects on meiotic recombination. MICROPUBLICATION BIOLOGY 2024; 2024:10.17912/micropub.biology.001247. [PMID: 39027731 PMCID: PMC11255868 DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.001247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Genetic background is a strong driver of phenotype, and when analyzing a mutant phenotype, it is critical that a genetically comparable wildtype stock is used as a control. Many of the Drosophila melanogaster meiotic mutants were isolated in EMS screens or created by P-element mutagenesis and do not have a congenic or isogenic wildtype control. We show here that the y 1 stock, commonly used for transgenesis in D. melanogaster , shows significantly higher meiotic crossover rates, and there is likely a modifier of meiosis or germline development in the genetic background of this popular stock.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayah Lababede
- Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - Bowen Man
- Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - Nicole Crown
- Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Schisa JA, Elaswad MT. An Emerging Role for Post-translational Modifications in Regulating RNP Condensates in the Germ Line. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:658020. [PMID: 33898525 PMCID: PMC8060454 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.658020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins undergo regulated phase transitions in an array of cell types. The phase separation of RNA-binding proteins, and subsequent formation of RNP condensates or granules, occurs during physiological conditions and can also be induced by stress. Some RNP granules have roles in post-transcriptionally regulating mRNAs, and mutations that prevent the condensation of RNA-binding proteins can reduce an organism's fitness. The reversible and multivalent interactions among RNP granule components can result in RNP complexes that transition among diffuse and condensed states, the latter of which can be pathological; for example, in neurons solid RNP aggregates contribute to disease states such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and the dysregulation of RNP granules in human germ cells may be involved in Fragile X-associated primary ovarian insufficiency. Thus, regulating the assembly of mRNAs and RNA-binding proteins into discrete granules appears to provide important functions at both cellular and physiological levels. Here we review our current understanding of the role of post-translational modifications (PTMs) in regulating the condensation of RNA-binding proteins in the germ line. We compare and contrast the in vitro evidence that methylation inhibits phase separation of RNA binding proteins, with the extent to which these results apply to the in vivo germ line environment of several model systems. We also focus on the role of phosphorylation in modulating the dynamics of RNP granules in the germ line. Finally, we consider the gaps that exist in our understanding of the role of PTMs in regulating germ line RNP granules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Schisa
- Department of Biology, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, United States
| | - Mohamed T Elaswad
- Department of Biology, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cruz-González A, Muñoz-Velasco I, Cottom-Salas W, Becerra A, Campillo-Balderas JA, Hernández-Morales R, Vázquez-Salazar A, Jácome R, Lazcano A. Structural analysis of viral ExoN domains reveals polyphyletic hijacking events. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0246981. [PMID: 33730017 PMCID: PMC7968707 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Nidoviruses and arenaviruses are the only known RNA viruses encoding a 3’-5’ exonuclease domain (ExoN). The proofreading activity of the ExoN domain has played a key role in the growth of nidoviral genomes, while in arenaviruses this domain partakes in the suppression of the host innate immune signaling. Sequence and structural homology analyses suggest that these proteins have been hijacked from cellular hosts many times. Analysis of the available nidoviral ExoN sequences reveals a high conservation level comparable to that of the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RdRp), which are the most conserved viral proteins. Two highly preserved zinc fingers are present in all nidoviral exonucleases, while in the arenaviral protein only one zinc finger can be identified. This is in sharp contrast with the reported lack of zinc fingers in cellular ExoNs, and opens the possibility of therapeutic strategies in the struggle against COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrián Cruz-González
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México City, México
| | - Israel Muñoz-Velasco
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México City, México
| | - Wolfgang Cottom-Salas
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México City, México
- Escuela Nacional Preparatoria, Plantel 8 Miguel E. Schulz, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México City, México
| | - Arturo Becerra
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México City, México
| | | | | | - Alberto Vázquez-Salazar
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Rodrigo Jácome
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México City, México
- * E-mail: (AL); (RJ)
| | - Antonio Lazcano
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México City, México
- El Colegio Nacional, México City, México
- * E-mail: (AL); (RJ)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Coelho VL, de Brito TF, de Abreu Brito IA, Cardoso MA, Berni MA, Araujo HMM, Sammeth M, Pane A. Analysis of ovarian transcriptomes reveals thousands of novel genes in the insect vector Rhodnius prolixus. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1918. [PMID: 33479356 PMCID: PMC7820597 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81387-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhodnius prolixus is a Triatominae insect species and a primary vector of Chagas disease. The genome of R. prolixus has been recently sequenced and partially assembled, but few transcriptome analyses have been performed to date. In this study, we describe the stage-specific transcriptomes obtained from previtellogenic stages of oogenesis and from mature eggs. By analyzing ~ 228 million paired-end RNA-Seq reads, we significantly improved the current genome annotations for 9206 genes. We provide extended 5' and 3' UTRs, complete Open Reading Frames, and alternative transcript variants. Strikingly, using a combination of genome-guided and de novo transcriptome assembly we found more than two thousand novel genes, thus increasing the number of genes in R. prolixus from 15,738 to 17,864. We used the improved transcriptome to investigate stage-specific gene expression profiles during R. prolixus oogenesis. Our data reveal that 11,127 genes are expressed in the early previtellogenic stage of oogenesis and their transcripts are deposited in the developing egg including key factors regulating germline development, genome integrity, and the maternal-zygotic transition. In addition, GO term analyses show that transcripts encoding components of the steroid hormone receptor pathway, cytoskeleton, and intracellular signaling are abundant in the mature eggs, where they likely control early embryonic development upon fertilization. Our results significantly improve the R. prolixus genome and transcriptome and provide novel insight into oogenesis and early embryogenesis in this medically relevant insect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vitor Lima Coelho
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | - Maira Arruda Cardoso
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mateus Antonio Berni
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Helena Maria Marcolla Araujo
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Michael Sammeth
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho (IBCCF), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Department of Applied Sciences, Institute of Bioanalysis, Coburg University, Coburg, Germany
| | - Attilio Pane
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Russo E, Lauritano C, d'Ippolito G, Fontana A, Sarno D, von Elert E, Ianora A, Carotenuto Y. RNA-Seq and differential gene expression analysis in Temora stylifera copepod females with contrasting non-feeding nauplii survival rates: an environmental transcriptomics study. BMC Genomics 2020; 21:693. [PMID: 33023465 PMCID: PMC7541278 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-07112-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Copepods are fundamental components of pelagic food webs, but reports on how molecular responses link to reproductive success in natural populations are still scarce. We present a de novo transcriptome assembly and differential expression (DE) analysis in Temora stylifera females collected in the Gulf of Naples, Mediterranean Sea, where this copepod dominates the zooplankton community. High-Throughput RNA-Sequencing and DE analysis were performed from adult females collected on consecutive weeks (May 23rd and 30th 2017), because opposite naupliar survival rates were observed. We aimed at detecting key genes that may have influenced copepod reproductive potential in natural populations and whose expression was potentially affected by phytoplankton-derived oxylipins, lipoxygenase-derived products strongly impacting copepod naupliar survival. Results On the two sampling dates, temperature, salinity, pH and oxygen remained stable, while variations in phytoplankton cell concentration, oxylipin concentration and oxylipin-per-diatom-cell production were observed. T. stylifera naupliar survival was 25% on May 23rd and 93% on May 30th. De novo assembly generated 268,665 transcripts (isoforms) and 120,749 unique ‘Trinity predicted genes’ (unigenes), of which 50% were functionally annotated. Out of the 331 transcript isoforms differentially expressed between the two sampling dates, 119 sequences were functionally annotated (58 up- and 61 down-regulated). Among predicted genes (unigenes), 144 sequences were differentially expressed and 31 (6 up-regulated and 25 down-regulated) were functionally annotated. Most of the significantly down-regulated unigenes and isoforms were A5 Putative Odorant Binding Protein (Obp). Other differentially expressed sequences (isoforms and unigenes) related to developmental metabolic processes, protein ubiquitination, response to stress, oxidation-reduction reactions and hydrolase activities. DE analysis was validated through Real Time-quantitative PCR of 9 unigenes and 3 isoforms. Conclusions Differential expression of sequences involved in signal detection and transduction, cell differentiation and development offered a functional interpretation to the maternally-mediated low naupliar survival rates observed in samples collected on May 23rd. Down-regulation of A5 Obp along with higher quantities of oxylipins-per-litre and oxylipins-per-diatom-cell observed on May 23rd could suggest oxylipin-mediated impairment of naupliar survival in natural populations of T. stylifera. Our results may help identify biomarker genes explaining variations in copepod reproductive responses at a molecular level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ennio Russo
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy.,Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Chiara Lauritano
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuliana d'Ippolito
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Angelo Fontana
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Diana Sarno
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Eric von Elert
- Universität zu Köln, Aquatic Chemical Ecology Group, Zülpicher Straβe 47b, D-50674, Cologne, Germany
| | - Adrianna Ianora
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Ylenia Carotenuto
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kimata Y, Leturcq M, Aradhya R. Emerging roles of metazoan cell cycle regulators as coordinators of the cell cycle and differentiation. FEBS Lett 2020; 594:2061-2083. [PMID: 32383482 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
In multicellular organisms, cell proliferation must be tightly coordinated with other developmental processes to form functional tissues and organs. Despite significant advances in our understanding of how the cell cycle is controlled by conserved cell-cycle regulators (CCRs), how the cell cycle is coordinated with cell differentiation in metazoan organisms and how CCRs contribute to this process remain poorly understood. Here, we review the emerging roles of metazoan CCRs as intracellular proliferation-differentiation coordinators in multicellular organisms. We illustrate how major CCRs regulate cellular events that are required for cell fate acquisition and subsequent differentiation. To this end, CCRs employ diverse mechanisms, some of which are separable from those underpinning the conventional cell-cycle-regulatory functions of CCRs. By controlling cell-type-specific specification/differentiation processes alongside the progression of the cell cycle, CCRs enable spatiotemporal coupling between differentiation and cell proliferation in various developmental contexts in vivo. We discuss the significance and implications of this underappreciated role of metazoan CCRs for development, disease and evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuu Kimata
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, China
| | - Maïté Leturcq
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, China
| | - Rajaguru Aradhya
- School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kollam, Kerala, India
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ng AYE, Peralta KRG, Pek JW. Germline Stem Cell Heterogeneity Supports Homeostasis in Drosophila. Stem Cell Reports 2018; 11:13-21. [PMID: 29887366 PMCID: PMC6066994 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2018.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Revised: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult and embryonic stem cells exhibit fluctuating gene expression; however, the biological significance of stem cell heterogeneity is not well understood. We show that, in Drosophila, female germline stem cells (GSCs) exhibit heterogeneous expression of a GSC differentiation-promoting factor Regena (Rga). The Drosophila homolog of human SON, dsn, is required to maintain GSC heterogeneity by suppressing sustained high levels of Rga. Reducing the expression of Rga in dsn mutants restores GSC heterogeneity and self-renewal. Thus, GSC heterogeneity is linked to GSC homeostasis. Female germline stem cells have heterogeneous Rga expression dsn suppresses rga transcription and maintains heterogeneity dsn maintains germline stem cells Lowering rga restores heterogeneity and suppresses dsn phenotypes
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Yunn Ee Ng
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, 1 Research Link, Singapore 117604, Singapore
| | | | - Jun Wei Pek
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, 1 Research Link, Singapore 117604, Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
McMillan EA, Longo SM, Smith MD, Broskin S, Lin B, Singh NK, Strochlic TI. The protein kinase CK2 substrate Jabba modulates lipid metabolism during Drosophila oogenesis. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:2990-3002. [PMID: 29326167 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.814657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Revised: 01/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipid metabolism plays a critical role in female reproduction. During oogenesis, maturing oocytes accumulate high levels of neutral lipids that are essential for both energy production and the synthesis of other lipid molecules. Metabolic pathways within the ovary are partially regulated by protein kinases that link metabolic status to oocyte development. Although the functions of several kinases in this process are well established, the roles that many other kinases play in coordinating metabolic state with female germ cell development are unknown. Here, we demonstrate that the catalytic activity of casein kinase 2 (CK2) is essential for Drosophila oogenesis. Using an unbiased biochemical screen that leveraged an unusual catalytic property of the kinase, we identified a novel CK2 substrate in the Drosophila ovary, the lipid droplet-associated protein Jabba. We show that Jabba is essential for modulating ovarian lipid metabolism and for regulating female fertility in the fly. Our findings shed light on a CK2-dependent signaling pathway governing lipid metabolism in the ovary and provide insight into the long-recognized but poorly understood association between energy metabolism and female reproduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily A McMillan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102
| | - Sheila M Longo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102
| | - Michael D Smith
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102
| | - Sarah Broskin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102
| | - Baicheng Lin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102
| | - Nisha K Singh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102
| | - Todd I Strochlic
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Matsumoto N, Sato K, Nishimasu H, Namba Y, Miyakubi K, Dohmae N, Ishitani R, Siomi H, Siomi MC, Nureki O. Crystal Structure and Activity of the Endoribonuclease Domain of the piRNA Pathway Factor Maelstrom. Cell Rep 2015; 11:366-75. [PMID: 25865890 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2015.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2014] [Revised: 02/19/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) protect the genome from transposons in animal gonads. Maelstrom (Mael) is an evolutionarily conserved protein, composed of a high-mobility group (HMG) domain and a MAEL domain, and is essential for piRNA-mediated transcriptional transposon silencing in various species, such as Drosophila and mice. However, its structure and biochemical function have remained elusive. Here, we report the crystal structure of the MAEL domain from Drosophila melanogaster Mael, at 1.6 Å resolution. The structure reveals that the MAEL domain has an RNase H-like fold but lacks canonical catalytic residues conserved among RNase H-like superfamily nucleases. Our biochemical analyses reveal that the MAEL domain exhibits single-stranded RNA (ssRNA)-specific endonuclease activity. Our cell-based analyses further indicate that ssRNA cleavage activity appears dispensable for piRNA-mediated transcriptional transposon silencing in Drosophila. Our findings provide clues toward understanding the multiple roles of Mael in the piRNA pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Matsumoto
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| | - Kaoru Sato
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Nishimasu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan; JST, PRESTO, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| | - Yurika Namba
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| | - Kana Miyakubi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| | - Naoshi Dohmae
- Biomolecular Characterization Team and CREST/JST, RIKEN, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Ryuichiro Ishitani
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Siomi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Mikiko C Siomi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan.
| | - Osamu Nureki
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
A unique HMG-box domain of mouse Maelstrom binds structured RNA but not double stranded DNA. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0120268. [PMID: 25807393 PMCID: PMC4373776 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0120268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2014] [Accepted: 02/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Piwi-interacting piRNAs are a major and essential class of small RNAs in the animal germ cells with a prominent role in transposon control. Efficient piRNA biogenesis and function require a cohort of proteins conserved throughout the animal kingdom. Here we studied Maelstrom (MAEL), which is essential for piRNA biogenesis and germ cell differentiation in flies and mice. MAEL contains a high mobility group (HMG)-box domain and a Maelstrom-specific domain with a presumptive RNase H-fold. We employed a combination of sequence analyses, structural and biochemical approaches to evaluate and compare nucleic acid binding of mouse MAEL HMG-box to that of canonical HMG-box domain proteins (SRY and HMGB1a). MAEL HMG-box failed to bind double-stranded (ds)DNA but bound to structured RNA. We also identified important roles of a novel cluster of arginine residues in MAEL HMG-box in these interactions. Cumulatively, our results suggest that the MAEL HMG-box domain may contribute to MAEL function in selective processing of retrotransposon RNA into piRNAs. In this regard, a cellular role of MAEL HMG-box domain is reminiscent of that of HMGB1 as a sentinel of immunogenic nucleic acids in the innate immune response.
Collapse
|
11
|
Subramanian VV, Hochwagen A. The meiotic checkpoint network: step-by-step through meiotic prophase. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2014; 6:a016675. [PMID: 25274702 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a016675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The generation of haploid gametes by meiosis is a highly conserved process for sexually reproducing organisms that, in almost all cases, involves the extensive breakage of chromosomes. These chromosome breaks occur during meiotic prophase and are essential for meiotic recombination as well as the subsequent segregation of homologous chromosomes. However, their formation and repair must be carefully monitored and choreographed with nuclear dynamics and the cell division program to avoid the creation of aberrant chromosomes and defective gametes. It is becoming increasingly clear that an intricate checkpoint-signaling network related to the canonical DNA damage response is deeply interwoven with the meiotic program and preserves order during meiotic prophase. This meiotic checkpoint network (MCN) creates a wide range of dependent relationships controlling chromosome movement, chromosome pairing, chromatin structure, and double-strand break (DSB) repair. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the MCN. We discuss commonalities and differences in different experimental systems, with a particular emphasis on the emerging design principles that control and limit cross talk between signals to ultimately ensure the faithful inheritance of chromosomes by the next generation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Andreas Hochwagen
- Department of Biology, New York University, New York, New York 10003
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kloc M, Jedrzejowska I, Tworzydlo W, Bilinski SM. Balbiani body, nuage and sponge bodies--term plasm pathway players. ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2014; 43:341-8. [PMID: 24398038 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2013.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2013] [Revised: 11/28/2013] [Accepted: 12/18/2013] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
In many animal species, germ cells are specified by maternally provided, often asymmetrically localized germ cell determinant, termed the germ plasm. It has been shown that in model organisms such as Xenopus laevis, Danio rerio and Drosophila melanogaster germ plasm components (various proteins, mRNAs and mitochondria) are delivered to the proper position within the egg cell by germline specific organelles, i.e. Balbiani bodies, nuage accumulations and/or sponge bodies. In the present article, we review the current knowledge on morphology, molecular composition and functioning of these organelles in main lineages of arthropods and different ovary types on the backdrop of data derived from the studies of the model vertebrate species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Malgorzata Kloc
- The Houston Methodist Hospital, The Houston Methodist Hospital Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Izabela Jedrzejowska
- Department of Animal Developmental Biology, Institute of Experimental Biology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Waclaw Tworzydlo
- Department of Developmental Biology and Morphology of Invertebrates, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Szczepan M Bilinski
- Department of Developmental Biology and Morphology of Invertebrates, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zitouni S, Nabais C, Jana SC, Guerrero A, Bettencourt-Dias M. Polo-like kinases: structural variations lead to multiple functions. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2014; 15:433-52. [PMID: 24954208 DOI: 10.1038/nrm3819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 363] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Members of the polo-like kinase (PLK) family are crucial regulators of cell cycle progression, centriole duplication, mitosis, cytokinesis and the DNA damage response. PLKs undergo major changes in abundance, activity, localization and structure at different stages of the cell cycle. They interact with other proteins in a tightly controlled spatiotemporal manner as part of a network that coordinates key cell cycle events. Their essential roles are highlighted by the fact that alterations in PLK function are associated with cancers and other diseases. Recent knowledge gained from PLK crystal structures, evolution and interacting molecules offers important insights into the mechanisms that underlie their regulation and activity, and suggests novel functions unrelated to cell cycle control for this family of kinases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sihem Zitouni
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Rua da Quinta Grande 6, 2780-156 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Catarina Nabais
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Rua da Quinta Grande 6, 2780-156 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Swadhin Chandra Jana
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Rua da Quinta Grande 6, 2780-156 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Adán Guerrero
- 1] Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Rua da Quinta Grande 6, 2780-156 Oeiras, Portugal. [2] Laboratorio Nacional de Microscopía Avanzada, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico (UNAM), Avenida Universidad 2001, Col. Chamilpa, C.P. 62210 Cuernavaca Mor., Mexico
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Mani SR, Juliano CE. Untangling the web: the diverse functions of the PIWI/piRNA pathway. Mol Reprod Dev 2013; 80:632-64. [PMID: 23712694 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2013] [Accepted: 05/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Small RNAs impact several cellular processes through gene regulation. Argonaute proteins bind small RNAs to form effector complexes that control transcriptional and post-transcriptional gene expression. PIWI proteins belong to the Argonaute protein family, and bind PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs). They are highly abundant in the germline, but are also expressed in some somatic tissues. The PIWI/piRNA pathway has a role in transposon repression in Drosophila, which occurs both by epigenetic regulation and post-transcriptional degradation of transposon mRNAs. These functions are conserved, but clear differences in the extent and mechanism of transposon repression exist between species. Mutations in piwi genes lead to the upregulation of transposon mRNAs. It is hypothesized that this increased transposon mobilization leads to genomic instability and thus sterility, although no causal link has been established between transposon upregulation and genome instability. An alternative scenario could be that piwi mutations directly affect genomic instability, and thus lead to increased transposon expression. We propose that the PIWI/piRNA pathway controls genome stability in several ways: suppression of transposons, direct regulation of chromatin architecture and regulation of genes that control important biological processes related to genome stability. The PIWI/piRNA pathway also regulates at least some, if not many, protein-coding genes, which further lends support to the idea that piwi genes may have broader functions beyond transposon repression. An intriguing possibility is that the PIWI/piRNA pathway is using transposon sequences to coordinate the expression of large groups of genes to regulate cellular function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sneha Ramesh Mani
- Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|