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Jahan Syeeda Khursheed K, Rahman Kaleemullah M, Joseph A, Hasan Al Durazi M, Bakhiet M. A Rare 46,X,t(Y;10)(q12;p14) Balanced Translocation in Non-Obstructive Azoospermic Patient with Elevated FSH and LH Levels. Case Rep Genet 2023; 2023:6722623. [PMID: 38025941 PMCID: PMC10661856 DOI: 10.1155/2023/6722623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Structural chromosomal aberrations like translocations have been shown to cause spermatogenic failure. We report a rare 46,X,t(Y;10)(q12;p14) balanced translocation in an otherwise healthy non-obstructive azoospermic male with high follicle-stimulating hormone (26.65 IU/L) and high luteinizing hormone (13.58 IU/L). The patient was referred to us after clinical, hormonal, and histopathological investigations to identify chromosomal abnormalities by karyotyping and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Analysis of the banding pattern by karyotyping followed by FISH confirmed reciprocal translocation and identified the breakpoints at Yq heterochromatin (Yq12) and 10p14. Further molecular tests including AZF microdeletion assay were done, and the results, which showed no mutations in the analyzed genes, were provided by the referring doctor. Thus, our study points to the importance of conventional cytogenetic techniques in the preliminary evaluation of a genetic abnormality in cases of infertility and would help the patient make an informed decision before pursuing assisted reproductive technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kousar Jahan Syeeda Khursheed
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Princess Al-Jawhara Centre for Molecular Medicine, Genetics & Inherited Disorders, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Mohammed Rahman Kaleemullah
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Princess Al-Jawhara Centre for Molecular Medicine, Genetics & Inherited Disorders, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Molecular Pathology Unit, Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care and Research Centre, SQU Street, Al Khoud, Oman
| | - Annu Joseph
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Princess Al-Jawhara Centre for Molecular Medicine, Genetics & Inherited Disorders, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Mohammed Hasan Al Durazi
- Consultant Genitourinary Surgeon, Al Khaleej Polyclinic, Road No. 2901, Block No. 329, Salmaniya, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Moiz Bakhiet
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Princess Al-Jawhara Centre for Molecular Medicine, Genetics & Inherited Disorders, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain
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2
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Patro I, Sahoo A, Nayak BR, Das R, Majumder S, Panigrahi GK. Nonsense-Mediated mRNA Decay: Mechanistic Insights and Physiological Significance. Mol Biotechnol 2023:10.1007/s12033-023-00927-4. [PMID: 37930508 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-023-00927-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) is an evolutionarily conserved surveillance mechanism across eukaryotes and also regulates the expression of physiological transcripts, thus involved in gene regulation. It essentially ensures recognition and removal of aberrant transcripts. Therefore, the NMD protects the cellular system by restricting the synthesis of truncated proteins, potentially by eliminating the faulty mRNAs. NMD is an evolutionarily conserved surveillance mechanism across eukaryotes and also regulates the expression of physiological transcripts, thus involved in gene regulation as well. Primarily, the NMD machinery scans and differentiates the aberrant and non-aberrant transcripts. A myriad of cellular dysfunctions arise due to production of truncated proteins, so the NMD core proteins, the up-frameshift factors (UPFs) recognizes the faulty mRNAs and further recruits factors resulting in the mRNA degradation. NMD exhibits astounding variability in its ability in regulating cellular mechanisms including both pathological and physiological events. But, the detailed underlying molecular mechanisms in NMD remains blurred and require extensive investigation to gain insights on cellular homeostasis. The complexity in understanding of NMD pathway arises due to the involvement of numerous proteins, molecular interactions and their functioning in different steps of this process. Moreover methods such as alternative splicing generates numerous isoforms of mRNA, so it makes difficulties in understanding the impact of alternative splicing on the efficiency of NMD functioning. Role of NMD in cancer development is very complex. Studies have shown that in some cases cancer cells use NMD pathway as a tool to exploit the NMD mechanism to maintain tumor microenvironment. A greater level of understanding about the intricate mechanism of how tumor used NMD pathway for their benefits, a strategy can be developed for targeting and inhibiting NMD factors involved in pro-tumor activity. There are very little amount of information available about the NMD pathway, how it discriminate mRNAs that are targeted by NMD from those that are not. This review highlights our current understanding of NMD, specifically the regulatory mechanisms and attempts to outline less explored questions that warrant further investigations. Taken as a whole, a detailed molecular understanding of the NMD mechanism could lead to wide-ranging applications for improving cellular homeostasis and paving out strategies in combating pathological disorders leaping forward toward achieving United Nations sustainable development goals (SDG 3: Good health and well-being).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ipsita Patro
- School of Applied Sciences, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Annapurna Sahoo
- School of Applied Sciences, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
| | - Bilash Ranjan Nayak
- School of Applied Sciences, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Rutupurna Das
- School of Applied Sciences, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Sanjoy Majumder
- School of Applied Sciences, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Gagan Kumar Panigrahi
- School of Applied Sciences, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
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3
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Sun B, Chen L. Mapping genetic variants for nonsense-mediated mRNA decay regulation across human tissues. Genome Biol 2023; 24:164. [PMID: 37434206 PMCID: PMC10337212 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-023-03004-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) was originally conceived as an mRNA surveillance mechanism to prevent the production of potentially deleterious truncated proteins. Research also shows NMD is an important post-transcriptional gene regulation mechanism selectively targeting many non-aberrant mRNAs. However, how natural genetic variants affect NMD and modulate gene expression remains elusive. RESULTS Here we elucidate NMD regulation of individual genes across human tissues through genetical genomics. Genetic variants corresponding to NMD regulation are identified based on GTEx data through unique and robust transcript expression modeling. We identify genetic variants that influence the percentage of NMD-targeted transcripts (pNMD-QTLs), as well as genetic variants regulating the decay efficiency of NMD-targeted transcripts (dNMD-QTLs). Many such variants are missed in traditional expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) mapping. NMD-QTLs show strong tissue specificity especially in the brain. They are more likely to overlap with disease single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Compared to eQTLs, NMD-QTLs are more likely to be located within gene bodies and exons, especially the penultimate exons from the 3' end. Furthermore, NMD-QTLs are more likely to be found in the binding sites of miRNAs and RNA binding proteins. CONCLUSIONS We reveal the genome-wide landscape of genetic variants associated with NMD regulation across human tissues. Our analysis results indicate important roles of NMD in the brain. The preferential genomic positions of NMD-QTLs suggest key attributes for NMD regulation. Furthermore, the overlap with disease-associated SNPs and post-transcriptional regulatory elements implicates regulatory roles of NMD-QTLs in disease manifestation and their interactions with other post-transcriptional regulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Sun
- Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, 1050 Childs Way, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Liang Chen
- Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, 1050 Childs Way, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA.
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4
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Steiner AJ, Zheng Y, Tang Y. Characterization of a rhabdomyosarcoma reveals a critical role for SMG7 in cancer cell viability and tumor growth. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10152. [PMID: 37349371 PMCID: PMC10287741 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36568-5] [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: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Soft-tissue sarcomas (STSs) are a rare and diverse group of mesenchymal cancers plagued with aggression, poor response to systemic therapy, and high rates of recurrence. Although STSs generally have low mutational burdens, the most commonly mutated genes are tumor suppressors, which frequently acquire mutations inducing nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD). This suggests that STS cells may exploit NMD to suppress these anti-cancer genes. To examine the role that the NMD factor SMG7 plays in STS, we developed an inducible knockout mouse model in the Trp53-/- background. Here, we isolated a subcutaneous STS and identified it as a rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). We report that knockout of SMG7 significantly inhibited NMD in our RMS cells, which led to the induction of NMD targets GADD45b and the tumor suppressor GAS5. The loss of NMD and upregulation of these anti-cancer genes were concomitant with the loss of RMS cell viability and inhibited tumor growth. Importantly, SMG7 was dispensable for homeostasis in our mouse embryonic fibroblasts and adult mice. Overall, our data show that the loss of SMG7 induces a strong anti-cancer effect both in vitro and in vivo. We present here the first evidence that disrupting SMG7 function may be tolerable and provide a therapeutic benefit for STS treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J Steiner
- Department of Regenerative and Cancer Cell Biology, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY, 12208, USA
| | - Yang Zheng
- Department of Regenerative and Cancer Cell Biology, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY, 12208, USA
| | - Yi Tang
- Department of Regenerative and Cancer Cell Biology, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY, 12208, USA.
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5
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Chousal JN, Sohni A, Vitting-Seerup K, Cho K, Kim M, Tan K, Porse B, Wilkinson MF, Cook-Andersen H. Progression of the pluripotent epiblast depends upon the NMD factor UPF2. Development 2022; 149:dev200764. [PMID: 36255229 PMCID: PMC9687065 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Nonsense-mediated RNA decay (NMD) is a highly conserved RNA turnover pathway that degrades RNAs harboring in-frame stop codons in specific contexts. Loss of NMD factors leads to embryonic lethality in organisms spanning the phylogenetic scale, but the mechanism remains unknown. Here, we report that the core NMD factor, UPF2, is required for expansion of epiblast cells within the inner cell mass of mice in vivo. We identify NMD target mRNAs in mouse blastocysts - both canonical and alternatively processed mRNAs - including those encoding cell cycle arrest and apoptosis factors, raising the possibility that NMD is essential for embryonic cell proliferation and survival. In support, the inner cell mass of Upf2-null blastocysts rapidly regresses with outgrowth and is incompetent for embryonic stem cell derivation in vitro. In addition, we uncovered concordant temporal- and lineage-specific regulation of NMD factors and mRNA targets, indicative of a shift in NMD magnitude during peri-implantation development. Together, our results reveal developmental and molecular functions of the NMD pathway in the early embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer N. Chousal
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Abhishek Sohni
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Kristoffer Vitting-Seerup
- The Bioinformatics Centre, Department of Biology and Biotech Research & Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Section for Bioinformatics, Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Kyucheol Cho
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Matthew Kim
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Kun Tan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Bo Porse
- The Finsen Laboratory, Rigshospitalet, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Biotech Research and Innovation Center (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Biology, DanStem, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Miles F. Wilkinson
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Heidi Cook-Andersen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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6
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No-nonsense: insights into the functional interplay of nonsense-mediated mRNA decay factors. Biochem J 2022; 479:973-993. [PMID: 35551602 PMCID: PMC9162471 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20210556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Nonsense-mediated messenger RNA decay (NMD) represents one of the main surveillance pathways used by eukaryotic cells to control the quality and abundance of mRNAs and to degrade viral RNA. NMD recognises mRNAs with a premature termination codon (PTC) and targets them to decay. Markers for a mRNA with a PTC, and thus NMD, are a long a 3′-untranslated region and the presence of an exon-junction complex (EJC) downstream of the stop codon. Here, we review our structural understanding of mammalian NMD factors and their functional interplay leading to a branched network of different interconnected but specialised mRNA decay pathways. We discuss recent insights into the potential impact of EJC composition on NMD pathway choice. We highlight the coexistence and function of different isoforms of up-frameshift protein 1 (UPF1) with an emphasis of their role at the endoplasmic reticulum and during stress, and the role of the paralogs UPF3B and UPF3A, underscoring that gene regulation by mammalian NMD is tightly controlled and context-dependent being conditional on developmental stage, tissue and cell types.
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7
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The Physiological Roles of the Exon Junction Complex in Development and Diseases. Cells 2022; 11:cells11071192. [PMID: 35406756 PMCID: PMC8997533 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The exon junction complex (EJC) becomes an increasingly important regulator of early gene expression in the central nervous system (CNS) and other tissues. The EJC is comprised of three core proteins: RNA-binding motif 8A (RBM8A), Mago homolog (MAGOH), eukaryotic initiation factor 4A3 (EIF4A3), and a peripheral EJC factor, metastatic lymph node 51 (MLN51), together with various auxiliary factors. The EJC is assembled specifically at exon-exon junctions on mRNAs, hence the name of the complex. The EJC regulates multiple levels of gene expression, from splicing to translation and mRNA degradation. The functional roles of the EJC have been established as crucial to the normal progress of embryonic and neurological development, with wide ranging implications on molecular, cellular, and organism level function. Dysfunction of the EJC has been implicated in multiple developmental and neurological diseases. In this review, we discuss recent progress on the EJC’s physiological roles.
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8
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Khan K, Mehmood S, Liu C, Siddiqui M, Ahmad A, Faiz BY, Chioza BA, Baple EA, Ullah MI, Akram Z, Satti HS, Khan R, Harlalka GV, Jameel M, Akram T, Baig SM, Crosby AH, Hassan MJ, Zhang F, Davis EE, Khan TN. A recurrent rare intronic variant in CAPN3 alters mRNA splicing and causes autosomal recessive limb-girdle muscular dystrophy-1 in three Pakistani pedigrees. Am J Med Genet A 2021; 188:498-508. [PMID: 34697879 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.62545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Autosomal recessive limb-girdle muscular dystrophy-1 (LGMDR1) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by progressive weakness of the proximal limb and girdle muscles. Biallelic mutations in CAPN3 are reported frequently to cause LGMDR1. Here, we describe 11 individuals from three unrelated consanguineous families that present with typical features of LGMDR1 that include proximal muscle wasting, weakness of the upper and lower limbs, and elevated serum creatine kinase. Whole-exome sequencing identified a rare homozygous CAPN3 variant near the exon 2 splice donor site that segregates with disease in all three families. mRNA splicing studies showed partial retention of intronic sequence and subsequent introduction of a premature stop codon (NM_000070.3: c.379 + 3A>G; p.Asp128Glyfs*15). Furthermore, we observe reduced CAPN3 expression in primary dermal fibroblasts derived from an affected individual, suggesting instability and/or nonsense-mediated decay of mutation-bearing mRNA. Genome-wide homozygosity mapping and single-nucleotide polymorphism analysis identified a shared haplotype and supports a possible founder effect for the CAPN3 variant. Together, our data extend the mutational spectrum of LGMDR1 and have implications for improved diagnostics for individuals of Pakistani origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamal Khan
- Center for Human Disease Modeling, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Health Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering College (NIBGE-C), Faisalabad, Pakistan.,Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Sarmad Mehmood
- Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Chunyu Liu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Maimoona Siddiqui
- Division of Neurology, Shifa International Hospital, Shifa Tameer e Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Arsalan Ahmad
- Division of Neurology, Shifa International Hospital, Shifa Tameer e Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Belqees Yawar Faiz
- Division of Neurology, Shifa International Hospital, Shifa Tameer e Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Barry A Chioza
- RILD Wellcome Wolfson Centre - Level 4, Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
| | - Emma A Baple
- RILD Wellcome Wolfson Centre - Level 4, Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
| | - Muhammad I Ullah
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zaineb Akram
- Stem Cell Research Laboratory, AFBMTC, CMH Medical Complex, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Humayoon S Satti
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Raees Khan
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Gaurav V Harlalka
- RILD Wellcome Wolfson Centre - Level 4, Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK.,Department of Pharmacology, Rajarshi Shahu College of Pharmacy, Malvihir, Buldana, Maharashtra, India
| | - Muhammad Jameel
- Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Health Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering College (NIBGE-C), Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Talia Akram
- Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Health Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering College (NIBGE-C), Faisalabad, Pakistan.,Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Shahid M Baig
- Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Health Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering College (NIBGE-C), Faisalabad, Pakistan.,Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), Islamabad, Pakistan.,Pakistan Science Foundation, Islamabad, Pakistan.,Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Andrew H Crosby
- RILD Wellcome Wolfson Centre - Level 4, Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
| | - Muhammad J Hassan
- Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan.,Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Feng Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Erica E Davis
- Center for Human Disease Modeling, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Tahir N Khan
- Center for Human Disease Modeling, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
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9
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Jiang X, Zhu X, Cheng Y, Azhar M, Xing X, Li W, Cao Y, Shi Q, Bao J. The Spin1 interactor, Spindoc, is dispensable for meiotic division, but essential for haploid spermatid development in mice. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2021; 19:144. [PMID: 34526015 PMCID: PMC8442334 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-021-00828-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, germline development undergoes dramatic morphological and molecular changes and is epigenetically subject to intricate yet exquisite regulation. Which epigenetic players and how they participate in the germline developmental process are not fully characterized. Spin1 is a multifunctional epigenetic protein reader that has been shown to recognize H3 "K4me3-R8me2a" histone marks, and more recently the non-canonical bivalent H3 "K4me3-K9me3/2" marks as well. As a robust Spin1-interacting cofactor, Spindoc has been identified to enhance the binding of Spin1 to its substrate histone marks, thereby modulating the downstream signaling; However, the physiological role of Spindoc in germline development is unknown. We generated two Spindoc knockout mouse models through CRISPR/Cas9 strategy, which revealed that Spindoc is specifically required for haploid spermatid development, but not essential for meiotic divisions in spermatocytes. This study unveiled a new epigenetic player that participates in haploid germline development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Jiang
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei, Anhui, 230001, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoli Zhu
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei, Anhui, 230001, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Cheng
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei, Anhui, 230001, People's Republic of China
| | - Muhammad Azhar
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei, Anhui, 230001, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuemei Xing
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei, Anhui, 230001, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenqing Li
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei, Anhui, 230001, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuzhu Cao
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei, Anhui, 230001, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qinghua Shi
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei, Anhui, 230001, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jianqiang Bao
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei, Anhui, 230001, People's Republic of China.
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10
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Kitamura Y, Uranishi K, Hirasaki M, Nishimoto M, Suzuki A, Okuda A. Identification of germ cell-specific Mga variant mRNA that promotes meiosis via impediment of a non-canonical PRC1. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9737. [PMID: 33958653 PMCID: PMC8102552 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-89123-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
A non-canonical PRC1 (PRC1.6) prevents precocious meiotic onset. Germ cells alleviate its negative effect by reducing their amount of MAX, a component of PRC1.6, as a prerequisite for their bona fide meiosis. Here, we found that germ cells produced Mga variant mRNA bearing a premature termination codon (PTC) during meiosis as an additional mechanism to impede the function of PRC1.6. The variant mRNA encodes an anomalous MGA protein that lacks the bHLHZ domain and thus functions as a dominant negative regulator of PRC1.6. Notwithstanding the presence of PTC, the Mga variant mRNA are rather stably present in spermatocytes and spermatids due to their intrinsic inefficient background of nonsense-mediated mRNA decay. Thus, our data indicate that meiosis is controlled in a multi-layered manner in which both MAX and MGA, which constitute the core of PRC1.6, are at least used as targets to deteriorate the integrity of the complex to ensure progression of meiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuka Kitamura
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Research Center for Genomic Medicine, Saitama Medical University, 1397-1, Yamane Hidaka, Saitama, 350-1241, Japan
| | - Kousuke Uranishi
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Research Center for Genomic Medicine, Saitama Medical University, 1397-1, Yamane Hidaka, Saitama, 350-1241, Japan
| | - Masataka Hirasaki
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Research Center for Genomic Medicine, Saitama Medical University, 1397-1, Yamane Hidaka, Saitama, 350-1241, Japan
- Department of Clinical Cancer Genomics, International Medical Center, Saitama Medical University, 1397-1, Yamane Hidaka, Saitama, 350-1241, Japan
| | - Masazumi Nishimoto
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Research Center for Genomic Medicine, Saitama Medical University, 1397-1, Yamane Hidaka, Saitama, 350-1241, Japan
- Biomedical Research Center, Saitama Medical University, 1397-1, Yamane Hidaka, Saitama, 350-1241, Japan
| | - Ayumu Suzuki
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Research Center for Genomic Medicine, Saitama Medical University, 1397-1, Yamane Hidaka, Saitama, 350-1241, Japan.
| | - Akihiko Okuda
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Research Center for Genomic Medicine, Saitama Medical University, 1397-1, Yamane Hidaka, Saitama, 350-1241, Japan.
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11
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Nogueira G, Fernandes R, García-Moreno JF, Romão L. Nonsense-mediated RNA decay and its bipolar function in cancer. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:72. [PMID: 33926465 PMCID: PMC8082775 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-021-01364-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) was first described as a quality-control mechanism that targets and rapidly degrades aberrant mRNAs carrying premature termination codons (PTCs). However, it was found that NMD also degrades a significant number of normal transcripts, thus arising as a mechanism of gene expression regulation. Based on these important functions, NMD regulates several biological processes and is involved in the pathophysiology of a plethora of human genetic diseases, including cancer. The present review aims to discuss the paradoxical, pro- and anti-tumorigenic roles of NMD, and how cancer cells have exploited both functions to potentiate the disease. Considering recent genetic and bioinformatic studies, we also provide a comprehensive overview of the present knowledge of the advantages and disadvantages of different NMD modulation-based approaches in cancer therapy, reflecting on the challenges imposed by the complexity of this disease. Furthermore, we discuss significant advances in the recent years providing new perspectives on the implications of aberrant NMD-escaping frameshifted transcripts in personalized immunotherapy design and predictive biomarker optimization. A better understanding of how NMD differentially impacts tumor cells according to their own genetic identity will certainly allow for the application of novel and more effective personalized treatments in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonçalo Nogueira
- Departamento de Genética Humana, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge, 1649-016, Lisbon, Portugal.,BioISI - Instituto de Biossistemas e Ciências Integrativas, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rafael Fernandes
- Departamento de Genética Humana, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge, 1649-016, Lisbon, Portugal.,BioISI - Instituto de Biossistemas e Ciências Integrativas, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Juan F García-Moreno
- Departamento de Genética Humana, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge, 1649-016, Lisbon, Portugal.,BioISI - Instituto de Biossistemas e Ciências Integrativas, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Luísa Romão
- Departamento de Genética Humana, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge, 1649-016, Lisbon, Portugal. .,BioISI - Instituto de Biossistemas e Ciências Integrativas, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016, Lisbon, Portugal.
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12
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Linn E, Ghanem L, Bhakta H, Greer C, Avella M. Genes Regulating Spermatogenesis and Sperm Function Associated With Rare Disorders. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:634536. [PMID: 33665191 PMCID: PMC7921155 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.634536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a cell differentiation process that ensures the production of fertilizing sperm, which ultimately fuse with an egg to form a zygote. Normal spermatogenesis relies on Sertoli cells, which preserve cell junctions while providing nutrients for mitosis and meiosis of male germ cells. Several genes regulate normal spermatogenesis, some of which are not exclusively expressed in the testis and control multiple physiological processes in an organism. Loss-of-function mutations in some of these genes result in spermatogenesis and sperm functionality defects, potentially leading to the insurgence of rare genetic disorders. To identify genetic intersections between spermatogenesis and rare diseases, we screened public archives of human genetic conditions available on the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD), the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), and the Clinical Variant (ClinVar), and after an extensive literature search, we identified 22 distinct genes associated with 21 rare genetic conditions and defective spermatogenesis or sperm function. These protein-coding genes regulate Sertoli cell development and function during spermatogenesis, checkpoint signaling pathways at meiosis, cellular organization and shape definition during spermiogenesis, sperm motility, and capacitation at fertilization. A number of these genes regulate folliculogenesis and oogenesis as well. For each gene, we review the genotype–phenotype association together with associative or causative polymorphisms in humans, and provide a description of the shared molecular mechanisms that regulate gametogenesis and fertilization obtained in transgenic animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Linn
- Department of Biological Science, College of Engineering and Natural Sciences, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, United States
| | - Lillian Ghanem
- Department of Biological Science, College of Engineering and Natural Sciences, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, United States
| | - Hanisha Bhakta
- Department of Biological Science, College of Engineering and Natural Sciences, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, United States
| | - Cory Greer
- Department of Biological Science, College of Engineering and Natural Sciences, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, United States
| | - Matteo Avella
- Department of Biological Science, College of Engineering and Natural Sciences, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, United States
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13
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Zomer HD, Reddi PP. Characterization of rodent Sertoli cell primary cultures. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 87:857-870. [PMID: 32743879 PMCID: PMC7685524 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Sertoli cells play a vital role in spermatogenesis by offering physical and nutritional support to the differentiating male germ cells. They form the blood-testis barrier and secrete growth factors essential for germ cell differentiation. Sertoli cell primary cultures are critical for understanding the regulation of spermatogenesis; however, obtaining pure cultures has been a challenge. Rodent Sertoli cell isolation protocols do not rule out contamination by the interstitial or connective tissue cells. Sertoli cell-specific markers could be helpful, but there is no consensus. Vimentin, the most commonly used marker, is not specific for Sertoli cells since its expression has been reported in peritubular myoid cells, mesenchymal stem cells, fibroblasts, macrophages, and endothelial cells, which contaminate Sertoli cell preparations. Markers based on transcription and growth factors also have limitations. Thus, the impediment to obtaining pure Sertoli cell cultures pertains to both the method of isolation and marker usage. The aim of this review is to discuss improvements to current methods of rodent Sertoli cell primary cultures, assess the properties of prepubertal versus mature Sertoli cell cultures, and propose steps to improve cellular characterization. Potential benefits of using contemporary approaches, including lineage tracing, specific cell ablation, and RNA-seq for obtaining Sertoli-specific transcript markers are discussed. Evaluating the specificity and applicability of these markers at the protein level to characterize Sertoli cells in culture would be critical. This review is expected to positively impact future work using primary cultures of rodent Sertoli cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena D Zomer
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Prabhakara P Reddi
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
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14
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Lavysh D, Neu-Yilik G. UPF1-Mediated RNA Decay-Danse Macabre in a Cloud. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E999. [PMID: 32635561 PMCID: PMC7407380 DOI: 10.3390/biom10070999] [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: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonsense-mediated RNA decay (NMD) is the prototype example of a whole family of RNA decay pathways that unfold around a common central effector protein called UPF1. While NMD in yeast appears to be a linear pathway, NMD in higher eukaryotes is a multifaceted phenomenon with high variability with respect to substrate RNAs, degradation efficiency, effector proteins and decay-triggering RNA features. Despite increasing knowledge of the mechanistic details, it seems ever more difficult to define NMD and to clearly distinguish it from a growing list of other UPF1-mediated RNA decay pathways (UMDs). With a focus on mammalian, we here critically examine the prevailing NMD models and the gaps and inconsistencies in these models. By exploring the minimal requirements for NMD and other UMDs, we try to elucidate whether they are separate and definable pathways, or rather variations of the same phenomenon. Finally, we suggest that the operating principle of the UPF1-mediated decay family could be considered similar to that of a computing cloud providing a flexible infrastructure with rapid elasticity and dynamic access according to specific user needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Lavysh
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 430, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
- Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit, University of Heidelberg and European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Im Neuenheimer Feld 350, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Department Clinical Pediatric Oncology, Hopp Kindertumorzentrum am NCT Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gabriele Neu-Yilik
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 430, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
- Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit, University of Heidelberg and European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Im Neuenheimer Feld 350, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Department Clinical Pediatric Oncology, Hopp Kindertumorzentrum am NCT Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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15
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Han X, Wei Y, Wang H, Wang F, Ju Z, Li T. Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay: a 'nonsense' pathway makes sense in stem cell biology. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 46:1038-1051. [PMID: 29272451 PMCID: PMC5814811 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkx1272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 12/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) is a highly conserved post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism of gene expression in eukaryotes. Originally, NMD was identified as an RNA surveillance machinery in degrading 'aberrant' mRNA species with premature termination codons. Recent studies indicate that NMD regulates the stability of natural gene transcripts that play significant roles in cell functions. Although components and action modes of the NMD machinery in degrading its RNA targets have been extensively studied with biochemical and structural approaches, the biological roles of NMD remain to be defined. Stem cells are rare cell populations, which play essential roles in tissue homeostasis and hold great promises in regenerative medicine. Stem cells self-renew to maintain the cellular identity and differentiate into somatic lineages with specialized functions to sustain tissue integrity. Transcriptional regulations and epigenetic modulations have been extensively implicated in stem cell biology. However, post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms, such as NMD, in stem cell regulation are largely unknown. In this paper, we summarize the recent findings on biological roles of NMD factors in embryonic and tissue-specific stem cells. Furthermore, we discuss the possible mechanisms of NMD in regulating stem cell fates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Han
- Institute of Aging Research, School of Medicine, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310036, China
| | - Yanling Wei
- Institute of Aging Research, School of Medicine, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310036, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Institute of Aging Research, School of Medicine, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310036, China
| | - Feilong Wang
- Institute of Aging Research, School of Medicine, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310036, China
| | - Zhenyu Ju
- Institute of Aging Research, School of Medicine, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310036, China
| | - Tangliang Li
- Institute of Aging Research, School of Medicine, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310036, China
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16
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Jiang X, Yin S, Fan S, Bao J, Jiao Y, Ali A, Iqbal F, Xu J, Zhang Y, Shi Q. Npat-dependent programmed Sertoli cell proliferation is indispensable for testis cord development and germ cell mitotic arrest. FASEB J 2019; 33:9075-9086. [PMID: 31084574 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201802289rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
As the major somatic cell type, Sertoli cells undergo active proliferation and play essential roles to establish testis cord at fetal stage. They also function to maintain germ cell development throughout the life of testicular development. However, the significance of Sertoli cell number for testis cord development and gonocyte fate is still unclear. Nuclear protein ataxia-telangiectasia (NPAT, also known as p220), a substrate of cyclin E/cyclin-dependent kinase 2, is well known as a regulator of cell proliferation through regulating histone expression. To study the role of NPAT during Sertoli cell development, we generated a mouse strain carrying conditional floxed Npat alleles, when crossing with anti-Müllerian hormone-cre, leading to the specific deletion of Npat in Sertoli cells. Npat disruption in Sertoli cells inhibited the programmed proliferation of fetal Sertoli cells resulting in disruption of developing testis cords, and subsequent postnatal mutant testes were severely hypoplastic. Germ cells, which are presumed to be in quiescent status during perinatal stage, exited G0 phase arrest and re-enter mitotic cell cycle prematurely. Of particular note, some germ cells possessed the meiotic signal in Npat-deficient testes. Our data thus indicates that the function of Npat-dependent Sertoli cells is essential at multiple steps in testis development, and this study also identifies Sertoli cells as a major regulator of germ cell development, which are required to maintain a local growth niche to repress premature mitosis and meiosis of gonocytes.-Jiang, X., Yin, S., Fan, S., Bao, J., Jiao, Y., Ali, A., Iqbal, F., Xu, J., Zhang, Y., Shi, Q. Npat-dependent programmed Sertoli cell proliferation is indispensable for testis cord development and germ cell mitotic arrest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohua Jiang
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, The First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Diseases, School of Life Sciences, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, USTC, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Shi Yin
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, The First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Diseases, School of Life Sciences, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, USTC, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Suixing Fan
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, The First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Diseases, School of Life Sciences, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, USTC, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jianqiang Bao
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, The First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Diseases, School of Life Sciences, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, USTC, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yuying Jiao
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, The First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Diseases, School of Life Sciences, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, USTC, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Asim Ali
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, The First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Diseases, School of Life Sciences, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, USTC, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Furhan Iqbal
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, The First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Diseases, School of Life Sciences, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, USTC, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Juan Xu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center of Nanjing University, National Resource Center for Mutant Mice, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuanwei Zhang
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, The First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Diseases, School of Life Sciences, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, USTC, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Qinghua Shi
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, The First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Diseases, School of Life Sciences, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, USTC, Hefei, Anhui, China
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17
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Fernandes R, Nogueira G, da Costa PJ, Pinto F, Romão L. Nonsense-Mediated mRNA Decay in Development, Stress and Cancer. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1157:41-83. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-19966-1_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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18
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MacDonald CC, Grozdanov PN. Nonsense in the testis: multiple roles for nonsense-mediated decay revealed in male reproduction. Biol Reprod 2018; 96:939-947. [PMID: 28444146 PMCID: PMC5803779 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay, or NMD, is a quality control mechanism that identifies cytoplasmic mRNAs containing translational termination (stop) codons in specific contexts—either premature termination codons or unusually long 3΄ untranslated regions (UTRs)—and targets them for degradation. In recent studies, researchers in different labs have knocked out important genes involved in NMD, the up-frameshift genes Upf2 and Upf3a, and one component of chromatoid bodies, the Tudor domain-containing protein Tdrd6, and examined the consequences for spermatogenesis. Disruption of Upf2 during early stages of spermatogenesis resulted in disappearance of nearly all spermatogenic cells through loss of NMD. However, disruption of Upf2 during postmeiotic stages resulted in decreased long 3΄ UTR-mediated NMD but no interruption of exon junction-associated NMD. This difference in NMD targeting is possibly due to increased expression of Upf3a in postmeiotic germ cells that antagonizes the functions of Upf3b and somehow favors long 3΄ UTR-mediated NMD. Tying these all together, loss of Tdrd6, a structural component of the germ cell-specific cytoplasmic structures called chromatoid bodies, also resulted in loss of long 3΄ UTR-mediated NMD by interfering with UPF1/UPF2 interactions, delocalizing UPF1, and destroying chromatoid body integrity. These results suggest that chromatoid bodies play a specialized role in modulating the NMD machinery in postmeiotic spermatids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clinton C. MacDonald
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas
- Correspondence: Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th Street, Lubbock, TX 79430-6540, USA. Tel: +1-806-743-2524; Fax: +1-806-743-2990; E-mail:
| | - Petar N. Grozdanov
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas
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19
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Beyond quality control: The role of nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) in regulating gene expression. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2018; 75:78-87. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2017.08.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Revised: 08/25/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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20
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Gupta P, Li YR. Upf proteins: highly conserved factors involved in nonsense mRNA mediated decay. Mol Biol Rep 2017; 45:39-55. [PMID: 29282598 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-017-4139-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Over 10% of genetic diseases are caused by mutations that introduce a premature termination codon in protein-coding mRNA. Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) is an essential cellular pathway that degrades these mRNAs to prevent the accumulation of harmful partial protein products. NMD machinery is also increasingly appreciated to play a role in other essential cellular functions, including telomere homeostasis and the regulation of normal mRNA turnover, and is misregulated in numerous cancers. Hence, understanding and designing therapeutics targeting NMD is an important goal in biomedical science. The central regulator of NMD, the Upf1 protein, interacts with translation termination factors and contextual factors to initiate NMD specifically on mRNAs containing PTCs. The molecular details of how these contextual factors affect Upf1 function remain poorly understood. Here, we review plausible models for the NMD pathway and the evidence for the variety of roles NMD machinery may play in different cellular processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puneet Gupta
- Harvard College, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA.,School of Arts and Sciences, St. Bonaventure University, St. Bonaventure, NY, 14778, USA
| | - Yan-Ruide Li
- Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA. .,College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yu Hang Tang Road, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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21
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Zhang Y, Tang C, Yu T, Zhang R, Zheng H, Yan W. MicroRNAs control mRNA fate by compartmentalization based on 3' UTR length in male germ cells. Genome Biol 2017; 18:105. [PMID: 28615029 PMCID: PMC5471846 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-017-1243-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression can be achieved through the control of mRNA stability, cytoplasmic compartmentalization, 3′ UTR length and translational efficacy. Spermiogenesis, a process through which haploid male germ cells differentiate into spermatozoa, represents an ideal model for studying post-transcriptional regulation in vivo because it involves a large number of transcripts that are physically sequestered in ribonucleoprotein particles (RNPs) and thus subjected to delayed translation. To explore how small RNAs regulate mRNA fate, we conducted RNA-Seq analyses to determine not only the levels of both mRNAs and small noncoding RNAs, but also their cytoplasmic compartmentalization during spermiogenesis. Result Among all small noncoding RNAs studied, miRNAs displayed the most dynamic changes in both abundance and subcytoplasmic localization. mRNAs with shorter 3′ UTRs became increasingly enriched in RNPs from pachytene spermatocytes to round spermatids, and the enrichment of shorter 3′ UTR mRNAs in RNPs coincided with newly synthesized miRNAs that target these mRNAs at sites closer to the stop codon. In contrast, the translocation of longer 3′ UTR mRNAs from RNPs to polysomes correlated with the production of new miRNAs that target these mRNAs at sites distal to the stop codon. Conclusions miRNAs appear to control cytoplasmic compartmentalization of mRNAs based on 3′ UTR length. Our data suggest that transcripts with longer 3′ UTRs tend to contain distal miRNA binding sites and are thus targeted to polysomes for translation followed by degradation. In contrast, those with shorter 3′ UTRs only possess proximal miRNA binding sites, which, therefore, are targeted into RNPs for enrichment and delayed translation. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13059-017-1243-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine, Room 207B, 1664 North Virginia Street, MS/0575, Reno, NV, 89557, USA
| | - Chong Tang
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine, Room 207B, 1664 North Virginia Street, MS/0575, Reno, NV, 89557, USA
| | - Tian Yu
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, 1664 North Virginia Street, MS575, Reno, NV, 89557, USA
| | - Ruirui Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine, Room 207B, 1664 North Virginia Street, MS/0575, Reno, NV, 89557, USA
| | - Huili Zheng
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine, Room 207B, 1664 North Virginia Street, MS/0575, Reno, NV, 89557, USA
| | - Wei Yan
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine, Room 207B, 1664 North Virginia Street, MS/0575, Reno, NV, 89557, USA. .,Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, 1664 North Virginia Street, MS575, Reno, NV, 89557, USA.
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22
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Karousis ED, Nasif S, Mühlemann O. Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay: novel mechanistic insights and biological impact. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2016; 7:661-82. [PMID: 27173476 PMCID: PMC6680220 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Revised: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay (NMD) was originally coined to define a quality control mechanism that targets mRNAs with truncated open reading frames due to the presence of a premature termination codon. Meanwhile, it became clear that NMD has a much broader impact on gene expression and additional biological functions beyond quality control are continuously being discovered. We review here the current views regarding the molecular mechanisms of NMD, according to which NMD ensues on mRNAs that fail to terminate translation properly, and point out the gaps in our understanding. We further summarize the recent literature on an ever‐rising spectrum of biological processes in which NMD appears to be involved, including homeostatic control of gene expression, development and differentiation, as well as viral defense. WIREs RNA 2016, 7:661–682. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1357 This article is categorized under:
RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein–RNA Interactions: Functional Implications RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Turnover/Surveillance Mechanisms RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Regulation of RNA Stability
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sofia Nasif
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Mühlemann
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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23
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Bao J, Vitting-Seerup K, Waage J, Tang C, Ge Y, Porse BT, Yan W. UPF2-Dependent Nonsense-Mediated mRNA Decay Pathway Is Essential for Spermatogenesis by Selectively Eliminating Longer 3'UTR Transcripts. PLoS Genet 2016; 12:e1005863. [PMID: 27149259 PMCID: PMC4858225 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1005863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2015] [Accepted: 01/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
During transcription, most eukaryotic genes generate multiple alternative cleavage and polyadenylation (APA) sites, leading to the production of transcript isoforms with variable lengths in the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR). In contrast to somatic cells, male germ cells, especially pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids, express a distinct reservoir of mRNAs with shorter 3'UTRs that are essential for spermatogenesis and male fertility. However, the mechanisms underlying the enrichment of shorter 3'UTR transcripts in the developing male germ cells remain unknown. Here, we report that UPF2-mediated nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) plays an essential role in male germ cells by eliminating ubiquitous genes-derived, longer 3'UTR transcripts, and that this role is independent of its canonical role in degrading "premature termination codon" (PTC)-containing transcripts in somatic cell lineages. This report provides physiological evidence supporting a noncanonical role of the NMD pathway in achieving global 3'UTR shortening in the male germ cells during spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianqiang Bao
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
- * E-mail: (JB); (BTP); (WY)
| | - Kristoffer Vitting-Seerup
- Biotech Research and Innovation Center (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- The Bioinformatic Centre, Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Johannes Waage
- Biotech Research and Innovation Center (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- The Bioinformatic Centre, Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- The Finsen Laboratory, Rigshospitalet, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Danish Stem Cell Centre (DanStem), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Chong Tang
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Ying Ge
- Biotech Research and Innovation Center (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- The Finsen Laboratory, Rigshospitalet, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Danish Stem Cell Centre (DanStem), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bo T. Porse
- Biotech Research and Innovation Center (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- The Finsen Laboratory, Rigshospitalet, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Danish Stem Cell Centre (DanStem), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- * E-mail: (JB); (BTP); (WY)
| | - Wei Yan
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
- * E-mail: (JB); (BTP); (WY)
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24
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Nelson JO, Moore KA, Chapin A, Hollien J, Metzstein MM. Degradation of Gadd45 mRNA by nonsense-mediated decay is essential for viability. eLife 2016; 5:e12876. [PMID: 26952209 PMCID: PMC4848089 DOI: 10.7554/elife.12876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2015] [Accepted: 03/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) pathway functions to degrade both abnormal and wild-type mRNAs. NMD is essential for viability in most organisms, but the molecular basis for this requirement is unknown. Here we show that a single, conserved NMD target, the mRNA coding for the stress response factor growth arrest and DNA-damage inducible 45 (GADD45) can account for lethality in Drosophila lacking core NMD genes. Moreover, depletion of Gadd45 in mammalian cells rescues the cell survival defects associated with NMD knockdown. Our findings demonstrate that degradation of Gadd45 mRNA is the essential NMD function and, surprisingly, that the surveillance of abnormal mRNAs by this pathway is not necessarily required for viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan O Nelson
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - Kristin A Moore
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States
- Center for Cell and Genome Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - Alex Chapin
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - Julie Hollien
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States
- Center for Cell and Genome Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - Mark M Metzstein
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States
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25
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Ottesen EW, Howell MD, Singh NN, Seo J, Whitley EM, Singh RN. Severe impairment of male reproductive organ development in a low SMN expressing mouse model of spinal muscular atrophy. Sci Rep 2016; 6:20193. [PMID: 26830971 PMCID: PMC4735745 DOI: 10.1038/srep20193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is caused by low levels of survival motor neuron (SMN), a multifunctional protein essential for higher eukaryotes. While SMN is one of the most scrutinized proteins associated with neurodegeneration, its gender-specific role in vertebrates remains unknown. We utilized a mild SMA model (C/C model) to examine the impact of low SMN on growth and development of mammalian sex organs. We show impaired testis development, degenerated seminiferous tubules, reduced sperm count and low fertility in C/C males, but no overt sex organ phenotype in C/C females. Underscoring an increased requirement for SMN expression, wild type testis showed extremely high levels of SMN protein compared to other tissues. Our results revealed severe perturbations in pathways critical to C/C male reproductive organ development and function, including steroid biosynthesis, apoptosis, and spermatogenesis. Consistent with enhanced apoptosis in seminiferous tubules of C/C testes, we recorded a drastic increase in cells with DNA fragmentation. SMN was expressed at high levels in adult C/C testis due to an adult-specific splicing switch, but could not compensate for low levels during early testicular development. Our findings uncover novel hallmarks of SMA disease progression and link SMN to general male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric W Ottesen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, USA
| | - Matthew D Howell
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, USA
| | - Natalia N Singh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, USA
| | - Joonbae Seo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Whitley
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, USA
| | - Ravindra N Singh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, USA
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26
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Dai Y, Li W, An L. NMD mechanism and the functions of Upf proteins in plant. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2016; 35:5-15. [PMID: 26400685 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-015-1867-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Revised: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/05/2015] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) mechanism, also called mRNA surveillance, is a universal mRNA degradation pathway in eukaryotes. Hundreds of genes can be regulated by NMD whether in single-celled or higher organisms. There have been many studies on NMD and NMD factors (Upf proteins) with regard to their crucial roles in mRNA decay, especially in mammals and yeast. However, research focusing on NMD in plant is still lacking compared to the research that has been dedicated to NMD in mammals and yeast. Even so, recent study has shown that NMD factors in Arabidopsis can provide resistance against biotic and abiotic stresses. This discovery and its associated developments have given plant NMD mechanism a new outlook and since then, more and more research has focused on this area. In this review, we focused mainly on the distinctive NMD micromechanism and functions of Upf proteins in plant with references to the role of mRNA surveillance in mammals and yeast. We also highlighted recent insights into the roles of premature termination codon location, trans-elements and functions of other NMD factors to emphasize the particularity of plant NMD. Furthermore, we also discussed conventional approaches and neoteric methods used in plant NMD researches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Dai
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China.
| | - Wenli Li
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China.
| | - Lijia An
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China.
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