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Wang F, Zhou C, Zhu Y, Keshavarzi M. The microRNA Let-7 and its exosomal form: Epigenetic regulators of gynecological cancers. Cell Biol Toxicol 2024; 40:42. [PMID: 38836981 PMCID: PMC11153289 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-024-09884-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Many types of gynecological cancer (GC) are often silent until they reach an advanced stage, and are therefore often diagnosed too late for effective treatment. Hence, there is a real need for more efficient diagnosis and treatment for patients with GC. During recent years, researchers have increasingly studied the impact of microRNAs cancer development, leading to a number of applications in detection and treatment. MicroRNAs are a particular group of tiny RNA molecules that regulate regular gene expression by affecting the translation process. The downregulation of numerous miRNAs has been observed in human malignancies. Let-7 is an example of a miRNA that controls cellular processes as well as signaling cascades to affect post-transcriptional gene expression. Recent research supports the hypothesis that enhancing let-7 expression in those cancers where it is downregulated may be a potential treatment option. Exosomes are tiny vesicles that move through body fluids and can include components like miRNAs (including let-7) that are important for communication between cells. Studies proved that exosomes are able to enhance tumor growth, angiogenesis, chemoresistance, metastasis, and immune evasion, thus suggesting their importance in GC management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Wang
- Haiyan People's Hospital, Zhejiang Province, Jiaxing, 314300, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chundi Zhou
- Haiyan People's Hospital, Zhejiang Province, Jiaxing, 314300, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yanping Zhu
- Haiyan People's Hospital, Zhejiang Province, Jiaxing, 314300, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Maryam Keshavarzi
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
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2
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Muthu Lakshmi Bavithra C, Murugan M, Pavithran S, Naveena K. Enthralling genetic regulatory mechanisms meddling insecticide resistance development in insects: role of transcriptional and post-transcriptional events. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1257859. [PMID: 37745689 PMCID: PMC10511911 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1257859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Insecticide resistance in insects severely threatens both human health and agriculture, making insecticides less compelling and valuable, leading to frequent pest management failures, rising input costs, lowering crop yields, and disastrous public health. Insecticide resistance results from multiple factors, mainly indiscriminate insecticide usage and mounted selection pressure on insect populations. Insects respond to insecticide stress at the cellular level by modest yet significant genetic propagations. Transcriptional, co-transcriptional, and post-transcriptional regulatory signals of cells in organisms regulate the intricate processes in gene expressions churning the genetic information in transcriptional units into proteins and non-coding transcripts. Upregulation of detoxification enzymes, notably cytochrome P450s (CYPs), glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), esterases [carboxyl choline esterase (CCE), carboxyl esterase (CarE)] and ATP Binding Cassettes (ABC) at the transcriptional level, modification of target sites, decreased penetration, or higher excretion of insecticides are the noted insect physiological responses. The transcriptional regulatory pathways such as AhR/ARNT, Nuclear receptors, CncC/Keap1, MAPK/CREB, and GPCR/cAMP/PKA were found to regulate the detoxification genes at the transcriptional level. Post-transcriptional changes of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) such as microRNAs (miRNA), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA), and epitranscriptomics, including RNA methylation, are reported in resistant insects. Additionally, genetic modifications such as mutations in the target sites and copy number variations (CNV) are also influencing insecticide resistance. Therefore, these cellular intricacies may decrease insecticide sensitivity, altering the concentrations or activities of proteins involved in insecticide interactions or detoxification. The cellular episodes at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels pertinent to insecticide resistance responses in insects are extensively covered in this review. An overview of molecular mechanisms underlying these biological rhythms allows for developing alternative pest control methods to focus on insect vulnerabilities, employing reverse genetics approaches like RNA interference (RNAi) technology to silence particular resistance-related genes for sustained insect management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marimuthu Murugan
- Department of Agricultural Entomology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India
| | | | - Kathirvel Naveena
- Centre for Plant Protection Studies, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India
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3
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Mitra I, Bhattacharya A, Paul J, Anisuzzaman. Present status with impacts and roles of miRNA on Soil Transmitted Helminthiosis control: A review. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PHARMACOLOGY AND DRUG DISCOVERY 2023; 5:100162. [PMID: 37520661 PMCID: PMC10371793 DOI: 10.1016/j.crphar.2023.100162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis (STH) is one of the most widespread Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), and almost 1.5 billion of the global population is affected, mostly in the indigent, countryside sectors of tropics/subtropics. STH, commonly caused by various nematodes, adversely affects the hosts' growth, cognatic development, and immunity. Albendazole is most commonly used against STH (Soil-Transmitted Helminths) but resistance has already been reported in different countries. To date, no effective vaccine is present against STH. miRNAs are a unique class of small non-coding RNA, regulating various biological activities indulging host immune responses in host-pathogen interaction of STH. Dysregulation of miRNAs are being considered as one of the most important aspect of host-parasite interactions. Thus, it is the prime importance to identify and characterize parasite-specific as well as host-derived miRNAs to understand the STH infection at the molecular level. Systematic bibliometric analysis reveals a huge knowledge gap in understanding the disease by using both host and parasitic miRNAs as a potential biomarker. In this study, we addressed the present status of the STH prevalence, and therapy under the light of miRNAs. This would further help in designing new inhibitors and therapeutic strategies to control STH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imon Mitra
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Adamas University, Kolkata, India
| | - Arijit Bhattacharya
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Adamas University, Kolkata, India
| | - Joydeep Paul
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Adamas University, Kolkata, India
| | - Anisuzzaman
- Department of Parasitology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202, Bangladesh
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4
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Jesenko T, Brezar SK, Cemazar M, Biasin A, Tierno D, Scaggiante B, Grassi M, Grassi C, Dapas B, Truong NH, Abrami M, Zanconati F, Bonazza D, Rizzolio F, Parisi S, Pastorin G, Grassi G. Targeting Non-Coding RNAs for the Development of Novel Hepatocellular Carcinoma Therapeutic Approaches. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15041249. [PMID: 37111734 PMCID: PMC10145575 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a global health challenge, representing the third leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Although therapeutic advances have been made in the few last years, the prognosis remains poor. Thus, there is a dire need to develop novel therapeutic strategies. In this regard, two approaches can be considered: (1) the identification of tumor-targeted delivery systems and (2) the targeting of molecule(s) whose aberrant expression is confined to tumor cells. In this work, we focused on the second approach. Among the different kinds of possible target molecules, we discuss the potential therapeutic value of targeting non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), which include micro interfering RNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs). These molecules represent the most significant RNA transcripts in cells and can regulate many HCC features, including proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and metastasis. In the first part of the review, the main characteristics of HCC and ncRNAs are described. The involvement of ncRNAs in HCC is then presented over five sections: (a) miRNAs, (b) lncRNAs, (c) circRNAs, (d) ncRNAs and drug resistance and (e) ncRNAs and liver fibrosis. Overall, this work provides the reader with the most recent state-of-the-art approaches in this field, highlighting key trends and opportunities for more advanced and efficacious HCC treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Jesenko
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Simona Kranjc Brezar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Cemazar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Polje 42, SI-6310 Izola, Slovenia
| | - Alice Biasin
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, Trieste University, via Valerio 6, I-34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Domenico Tierno
- Department of Life Sciences, Cattinara University Hospital, Trieste University, Strada di Fiume 447, I-34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Bruna Scaggiante
- Department of Life Sciences, Cattinara University Hospital, Trieste University, Strada di Fiume 447, I-34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Mario Grassi
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, Trieste University, via Valerio 6, I-34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Chiara Grassi
- Degree Course in Medicine, University of Trieste, I-34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Barbara Dapas
- Department of Life Sciences, Cattinara University Hospital, Trieste University, Strada di Fiume 447, I-34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Nhung Hai Truong
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, VNUHCM-University of Science, Ho Chi Minh City 70000, Vietnam
| | - Michela Abrami
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, Trieste University, via Valerio 6, I-34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Zanconati
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Hospital, Strada di Fiume, 447, I-34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Deborah Bonazza
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Hospital, Strada di Fiume, 447, I-34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Flavio Rizzolio
- Pathology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, I-33081 Aviano, Italy
- Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, I-30172 Venezia, Italy
| | - Salvatore Parisi
- Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, I-30172 Venezia, Italy
- Doctoral School in Molecular Biomedicine, University of Trieste, I-34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Giorgia Pastorin
- Pharmacy Department, National University of Singapore, Block S9, Level 15, 4 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117544, Singapore
| | - Gabriele Grassi
- Department of Life Sciences, Cattinara University Hospital, Trieste University, Strada di Fiume 447, I-34149 Trieste, Italy
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5
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Lin Z, Radaeva M, Cherkasov A, Dong X. Lin28 Regulates Cancer Cell Stemness for Tumour Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:4640. [PMID: 36230562 PMCID: PMC9564245 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumours develop therapy resistance through complex mechanisms, one of which is that cancer stem cell (CSC) populations within the tumours present self-renewable capability and phenotypical plasticity to endure therapy-induced stress conditions and allow tumour progression to the therapy-resistant state. Developing therapeutic strategies to cope with CSCs requires a thorough understanding of the critical drivers and molecular mechanisms underlying the aforementioned processes. One such hub regulator of stemness is Lin28, an RNA-binding protein. Lin28 blocks the synthesis of let-7, a tumour-suppressor microRNA, and acts as a global regulator of cell differentiation and proliferation. Lin28also targets messenger RNAs and regulates protein translation. In this review, we explain the role of the Lin28/let-7 axis in establishing stemness, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and glucose metabolism reprogramming. We also highlight the role of Lin28 in therapy-resistant prostate cancer progression and discuss the emergence of Lin28-targeted therapeutics and screening methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuohui Lin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Faculty of Food and Land Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Mariia Radaeva
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Artem Cherkasov
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Xuesen Dong
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
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6
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Patel R, Galagali H, Kim JK, Frand AR. Feedback between a retinoid-related nuclear receptor and the let-7 microRNAs controls the pace and number of molting cycles in C. elegans. eLife 2022; 11:e80010. [PMID: 35968765 PMCID: PMC9377799 DOI: 10.7554/elife.80010] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal development requires coordination among cyclic processes, sequential cell fate specifications, and once-a-lifetime morphogenic events, but the underlying timing mechanisms are not well understood. Caenorhabditis elegans undergoes four molts at regular 8 to 10 hour intervals. The pace of the cycle is governed by PERIOD/lin-42 and other as-yet unknown factors. Cessation of the cycle in young adults is controlled by the let-7 family of microRNAs and downstream transcription factors in the heterochronic pathway. Here, we characterize a negative feedback loop between NHR-23, the worm homolog of mammalian retinoid-related orphan receptors (RORs), and the let-7 family of microRNAs that regulates both the frequency and finite number of molts. The molting cycle is decelerated in nhr-23 knockdowns and accelerated in let-7(-) mutants, but timed similarly in let-7(-) nhr-23(-) double mutants and wild-type animals. NHR-23 binds response elements (ROREs) in the let-7 promoter and activates transcription. In turn, let-7 dampens nhr-23 expression across development via a complementary let-7-binding site (LCS) in the nhr-23 3' UTR. The molecular interactions between NHR-23 and let-7 hold true for other let-7 family microRNAs. Either derepression of nhr-23 transcripts by LCS deletion or high gene dosage of nhr-23 leads to protracted behavioral quiescence and extra molts in adults. NHR-23 and let-7 also coregulate scores of genes required for execution of the molts, including lin-42. In addition, ROREs and LCSs isolated from mammalian ROR and let-7 genes function in C. elegans, suggesting conservation of this feedback mechanism. We propose that this feedback loop unites the molting timer and the heterochronic gene regulatory network, possibly by functioning as a cycle counter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruhi Patel
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Himani Galagali
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| | - John K Kim
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Alison R Frand
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
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7
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Yang J, Gao C, Liu M, Liu YC, Kwon J, Qi J, Tian X, Stein A, Liu YV, Kong NR, Wu Y, Yin S, Xi J, Chen Z, Kumari K, Wong H, Luo H, Silberstein LE, Thoms JAI, Unnikrishnan A, Pimanda JE, Tenen DG, Chai L. Targeting an Inducible SALL4-Mediated Cancer Vulnerability with Sequential Therapy. Cancer Res 2021; 81:6018-6028. [PMID: 34593523 PMCID: PMC8639708 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-0030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Oncofetal protein SALL4 is critical for cancer cell survival. Targeting SALL4, however, is only applicable in a fraction of cancer patients who are positive for this gene. To overcome this limitation, we propose to induce a cancer vulnerability by engineering a partial dependency upon SALL4. Following exogenous expression of SALL4, SALL4-negative cancer cells became partially dependent on SALL4. Treatment of SALL4-negative cells with the FDA-approved hypomethylating agent 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (DAC) resulted in transient upregulation of SALL4. DAC pretreatment sensitized SALL4-negative cancer cells to entinostat, which negatively affected SALL4 expression through a microRNA, miRNA-205, both in culture and in vivo. Moreover, SALL4 was essential for the efficiency of sequential treatment of DAC and entinostat. Overall, this proof-of-concept study provides a framework whereby the targeting pathways such as SALL4-centered therapy can be expanded, sensitizing cancer cells to treatment by transient target induction and engineering a dependency. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings provide a therapeutic approach for patients harboring no suitable target by induction of a SALL4-mediated vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyu Yang
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Chong Gao
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Miao Liu
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yao-Chung Liu
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Junsu Kwon
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jun Qi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Xi Tian
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Alicia Stein
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yanjing V Liu
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nikki R Kong
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yue Wu
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Shenyi Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianzhong Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiyuan Chen
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kalpana Kumari
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hannan Wong
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hongbo Luo
- Joint Program in Transfusion Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Leslie E Silberstein
- Joint Program in Transfusion Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Julie A I Thoms
- School of Medical Sciences and Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ashwin Unnikrishnan
- Prince of Wales Clinical School and Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John E Pimanda
- School of Medical Sciences and Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Prince of Wales Clinical School and Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Hematology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Daniel G Tenen
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Li Chai
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.
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8
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Plasma Rich in Growth Factors in the Treatment of Endodontic Periapical Lesions in Adult Patients: A Narrative Review. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14101041. [PMID: 34681265 PMCID: PMC8539488 DOI: 10.3390/ph14101041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Platelet concentrates have been widely used in regenerative medicine, including endodontics. The aim of this manuscript was to assess critically the efficacy of PRF in the treatment of endodontic periapical lesions in adult patients on the basis of the literature. The PICO approach was used to properly develop literature search strategies. The PubMed database was analyzed with the keywords: "((PRP) OR (PRF) OR (PRGF) OR (CGF)) AND (endodontic) AND ((treatment) OR (therapy))". After screening of 155 results, 14 articles were included in this review. Different types of platelet concentrates are able to stimulate the processes of proliferation and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. Platelet rich fibrin (PRF) releases growth factors for at least 7 days at the application site. Growth factors and released cytokines stimulate the activity of osteoblasts. Moreover, the release of growth factors accelerates tissue regeneration by increasing the migration of fibroblasts. It was not possible to assess the efficacy of PRF supplementation in the treatment of endodontic periapical lesions in permanent, mature teeth with closed apexes, due to the lack of well-designed scientific research. Further studies are needed to analyze the effect of PRF on the healing processes in the periapical region.
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9
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Zingone A, Sinha S, Ante M, Nguyen C, Daujotyte D, Bowman ED, Sinha N, Mitchell KA, Chen Q, Yan C, Loher P, Meerzaman D, Ruppin E, Ryan BM. A comprehensive map of alternative polyadenylation in African American and European American lung cancer patients. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5605. [PMID: 34556645 PMCID: PMC8460807 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25763-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Deciphering the post-transcriptional mechanisms (PTM) regulating gene expression is critical to understand the dynamics underlying transcriptomic regulation in cancer. Alternative polyadenylation (APA)-regulation of mRNA 3'UTR length by alternating poly(A) site usage-is a key PTM mechanism whose comprehensive analysis in cancer remains an important open challenge. Here we use a method and analysis pipeline that sequences 3'end-enriched RNA directly to overcome the saturation limitation of traditional 5'-3' based sequencing. We comprehensively map the APA landscape in lung cancer in a cohort of 98 tumor/non-involved tissues derived from European American and African American patients. We identify a global shortening of 3'UTR transcripts in lung cancer, with notable functional implications on the expression of both coding and noncoding genes. We find that APA of non-coding RNA transcripts (long non-coding RNAs and microRNAs) is a recurrent event in lung cancer and discover that the selection of alternative polyA sites is a form of non-coding RNA expression control. Our results indicate that mRNA transcripts from EAs are two times more likely than AAs to undergo APA in lung cancer. Taken together, our findings comprehensively map and identify the important functional role of alternative polyadenylation in determining transcriptomic heterogeneity in lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Zingone
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, 20892, US
| | - Sanju Sinha
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, 20892, US
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, US
| | - Michael Ante
- Lexogen GmbH, Campus Vienna Biocenter 5, 1030, Vienna, Austria
- Ares Genetics GmbH, Karl-Farkas-Gasse 18, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Cu Nguyen
- Computational Genomics Research, Center for Biomedical Informatics and Information Technology (CBIIT), National Cancer Institute, 9609 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD, 20850, US
| | - Dalia Daujotyte
- Lexogen GmbH, Campus Vienna Biocenter 5, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Elise D Bowman
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, 20892, US
| | - Neelam Sinha
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, US
| | - Khadijah A Mitchell
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, 20892, US
| | - Qingrong Chen
- Computational Genomics Research, Center for Biomedical Informatics and Information Technology (CBIIT), National Cancer Institute, 9609 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD, 20850, US
| | - Chunhua Yan
- Computational Genomics Research, Center for Biomedical Informatics and Information Technology (CBIIT), National Cancer Institute, 9609 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD, 20850, US
| | - Phillipe Loher
- Computational Medicine Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19017, US
| | - Daoud Meerzaman
- Computational Genomics Research, Center for Biomedical Informatics and Information Technology (CBIIT), National Cancer Institute, 9609 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD, 20850, US
| | - Eytan Ruppin
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, US
| | - Bríd M Ryan
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, 20892, US.
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10
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Shah JA, Khattak S, Rauf MA, Cai Y, Jin J. Potential Biomarkers of miR-371-373 Gene Cluster in Tumorigenesis. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11090984. [PMID: 34575133 PMCID: PMC8465240 DOI: 10.3390/life11090984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
microRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA transcripts (20–24 nucleotides) that bind to their complementary sequences in the 3′-untranslated regions (3′-UTR) of targeted genes to negatively or positively regulate their expression. miRNAs affect the expression of genes in cells, thereby contributing to several important biological processes, including tumorigenesis. Identifying the miRNA cluster as a human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-specific miRNAs initially led to the identification of miR-371, miR-372, miR-373, and miR-373*, which can ultimately be translated into mature miRNAs. Recent evidence suggests that miR-371–373 genes are abnormally expressed in various cancers and act either as oncogenes or tumor suppressors, indicating they may be suitable as molecular biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prevention. In this article, we summarize recent studies linking miR-371–373 functions to tumorigenesis and speculate on the potential applications of miR-371–373 as biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junaid Ali Shah
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China; (J.A.S.); (Y.C.)
| | - Saadullah Khattak
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China;
| | - Mohd Ahmar Rauf
- Department of Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; or
| | - Yong Cai
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China; (J.A.S.); (Y.C.)
- School of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, China
| | - Jingji Jin
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China; (J.A.S.); (Y.C.)
- School of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, China
- Correspondence:
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11
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Huang M, Peng X, Yang L, Yang S, Li X, Tang S, Li B, Jin H, Wu B, Liu J, Li H. Non-coding RNA derived from extracellular vesicles in cancer immune escape: Biological functions and potential clinical applications. Cancer Lett 2020; 501:234-246. [PMID: 33186654 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment represents a dynamically composed matrix into which cancer cells and many other cell types are embedded to form organ-like structures. The tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), composed of immune cells, is an inseparable part of the tumor microenvironment. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) participate in the occurrence and development of tumors by delivering various biologically active molecules between cells; their role in cancer immune escape in particular has been widely proven. EVs can carry a wide array of cargo, such as non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs, which are selectively loaded by EVs, secreted, and transported to participate in the proliferation of immune cells. Hence, strategies to specifically target EV-ncRNAs could be attractive therapeutic options. In this review, we summarize the current research on the role of EV-ncRNAs in cancer immune escape, and discuss the latest research on the function and regulation mechanism of EV-ncRNAs in cancer immune escape, highlighting and elucidating the potential clinical applications of EV-ncRNAs, including in diagnosis and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyao Huang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Xueqiang Peng
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Liang Yang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Shuo Yang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Xinyu Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Shilei Tang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Bowen Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Hongyuan Jin
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Bo Wu
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Jingang Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Hangyu Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China.
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12
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Zhang N, Hu G, Myers TG, Williamson PR. Protocols for the Analysis of microRNA Expression, Biogenesis, and Function in Immune Cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 126:e78. [PMID: 31483103 DOI: 10.1002/cpim.78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short (19- to 25-nucleotide) noncoding RNA molecules that target mRNAs to repress gene expression and that play important roles in regulating many fundamental biological functions including cell differentiation, development, growth, and metabolism. They are well conserved in eukaryotic cells and are considered essential ancient elements of gene regulation. miRNA genes are transcribed by RNA polymerase II to generate primary miRNAs (pri-miRNAs), which are cleaved by microprocessor complex in the nucleus to generate stem-loop structures known as pre-miRNAs. Pre-miRNAs are translocated to the cytoplasm and cleaved by Dicer to form the mature miRNAs, which mediate mRNA degradation through their loading to the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) and binding to complementary sequences within target mRNAs to repress their translation by mRNA degradation and/or translation inhibition. Because ∼1900 miRNA genes are reported in the human genome, many associated with disease, appropriate methods to study miRNA expression and regulation under physiological and pathological conditions have become increasingly important to the study of many aspects of human biology, including immune regulation. As with small interfering RNA (siRNA), the mechanism of miRNA-mediated targeting has been used to develop miRNA-based therapeutics. For a complete and systematic analysis, it is critical to utilize a variety of different tools to analyze the expression of pri-mRNAs, pre-miRNAs, and mature miRNAs and characterize their targets both in vitro and in vivo. Such studies will facilitate future novel drug design and development. This unit provides six basic protocols for miRNA analysis, covering next-generation sequencing, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), and digoxigenin-based expression analysis of pri-mRNAs, pre-miRNAs, and mature miRNAs; mapping of pri-miRNA and their cleavage sites by rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE); electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) or biotin-based nonradioactive detection of miRNA-protein complexes (miRNPs); and functional analysis of miRNAs using miRNA mimics and inhibitors. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nannan Zhang
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Guowu Hu
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Timothy G Myers
- Genomic Technologies Section, Research Technologies Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Peter R Williamson
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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13
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Abstract
Since their serendipitous discovery in nematodes, microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as key regulators of biological processes in animals. These small RNAs form complex networks that regulate cell differentiation, development and homeostasis. Deregulation of miRNA function is associated with an increasing number of human diseases, particularly cancer. Recent discoveries have expanded our understanding of the control of miRNA function. Here, we review the mechanisms that modulate miRNA activity, stability and cellular localization through alternative processing and maturation, sequence editing, post-translational modifications of Argonaute proteins, viral factors, transport from the cytoplasm and regulation of miRNA-target interactions. We conclude by discussing intriguing, unresolved research questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca F R Gebert
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Ian J MacRae
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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14
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Nelson C, Ambros V. Trans-splicing of the C. elegans let-7 primary transcript developmentally regulates let-7 microRNA biogenesis and let-7 family microRNA activity. Development 2019; 146:dev172031. [PMID: 30770392 PMCID: PMC6432665 DOI: 10.1242/dev.172031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The sequence and roles in developmental progression of the microRNA let-7 are conserved. In general, transcription of the let-7 primary transcript (pri-let-7) occurs early in development, whereas processing of the mature let-7 microRNA arises during cellular differentiation. In Caenorhabditiselegans and other animals, the RNA-binding protein LIN-28 post-transcriptionally inhibits let-7 biogenesis at early developmental stages, but the mechanisms by which LIN-28 does this are not fully understood. Nor is it understood how the developmental regulation of let-7 might influence the expression or activities of other microRNAs of the same seed family. Here, we show that pri-let-7 is trans-spliced to the SL1 splice leader downstream of the let-7 precursor stem-loop, which produces a short polyadenylated downstream mRNA, and that this trans-splicing event negatively impacts the biogenesis of mature let-7 microRNA in cis Moreover, this trans-spliced mRNA contains sequences that are complementary to multiple members of the let-7 seed family (let-7fam) and negatively regulates let-7fam function in trans Thus, this study provides evidence for a mechanism by which splicing of a microRNA primary transcript can negatively regulate said microRNA in cis as well as other microRNAs in trans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Nelson
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Victor Ambros
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
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15
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Ji YJ, Wang J. Heterochronic Phenotype Analysis of Hypodermal Seam Cells in Caenorhabditis elegans. Bio Protoc 2019; 9:e3132. [PMID: 30792567 PMCID: PMC6368992 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.3132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2018] [Revised: 12/23/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Heterochrony refers to changes in the timing of developmental events, and it is precisely regulated in the organisms by the heterochronic genes such as C. elegans lin-4 and let-7. Mutations in these genes cause precocious or retarded development of certain cell lineages. With well-defined cell lineages, C. elegans is one of the best model systems to study heterochronic genes, since the subtle changes in the development of cell lineages can be easily identified. Among the different cell types in C. elegans, hypodermal seam cells and their lineages are well known to be maintained by lin-14, whose expression level is regulated by two miRNA genes, lin-4 and let-7, at the larval stages. Therefore, analyzing the heterochronic phenotype of hypodermal seam cells in C. elegans could yield detailed insights into the status of the miRNA pathway. Here we describe the assay protocol to analyze the heterochronic phenotypes of C. elegans hypodermal seam cells, which can be used as a reliable method to study the miRNA pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yon Ju Ji
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jiou Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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16
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The Doubletime Homolog KIN-20 Mainly Regulates let-7 Independently of Its Effects on the Period Homolog LIN-42 in Caenorhabditis elegans. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2018; 8:2617-2629. [PMID: 29880558 PMCID: PMC6071595 DOI: 10.1534/g3.118.200392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) heterochronic pathway, which regulates developmental timing, is thought to be an ancestral form of the circadian clock in other organisms. An essential member of this clock is the Period protein whose homolog, lin-42, in C. elegans is an important heterochronic gene. LIN-42 functions as a transcriptional repressor of multiple genes including the conserved lin-4 and let-7 microRNAs. Like other Period proteins, levels of LIN-42 oscillate throughout development. In other organisms this cycling is controlled in part by phosphorylation. KIN-20 is the C. elegans homolog of the Drosophila Period protein kinase Doubletime. Worms containing a large deletion in kin-20 have a significantly smaller brood size and develop slower than wild type C. elegans Here we analyze the effect of kin-20 on lin-42 phenotypes and microRNA expression. We find that kin-20 RNAi enhances loss-of-function lin-42 mutant phenotypes and that kin-20 mutant worms express lower levels of LIN-42 We also show that kin-20 is important for post-transcriptional regulation of mature let-7 and lin-4 microRNA expression. In addition, the increased level of let-7 found in lin-42(n1089) mutant worms is not maintained after kin-20 RNAi treatment. Instead, let-7 is further repressed when levels of kin-20 and lin-42 are both decreased. Altogether these results suggest that though kin-20 regulates lin-42 and let-7 microRNA, it mainly affects let-7 microRNA expression independently of lin-42 These findings further our understanding of the mechanisms by which these conserved circadian rhythmic genes interact to ultimately regulate rhythmic processes, developmental timing and microRNA biogenesis in C. elegans.
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17
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Chen J, Zhu D, Sun Y. Cap-seq reveals complicated miRNA transcriptional mechanisms in C. elegans and mouse. QUANTITATIVE BIOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s40484-017-0123-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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18
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Basu A, Dey S, Puri D, Das Saha N, Sabharwal V, Thyagarajan P, Srivastava P, Koushika SP, Ghosh-Roy A. let-7 miRNA controls CED-7 homotypic adhesion and EFF-1-mediated axonal self-fusion to restore touch sensation following injury. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:E10206-E10215. [PMID: 29109254 PMCID: PMC5703274 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1704372114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal injury often leads to devastating consequences such as loss of senses or locomotion. Restoration of function after injury relies on whether the injured axons can find their target cells. Although fusion between injured proximal axon and distal fragment has been observed in many organisms, its functional significance is not clear. Here, using Caenorhabditis elegans mechanosensory neurons, we address this question. Using two femtosecond lasers simultaneously, we could scan and sever posterior lateral microtubule neurons [posterior lateral microtubules (PLMs)] on both sides of the worm. We showed that axotomy of both PLMs leads to a dramatic loss of posterior touch sensation. During the regenerative phase, only axons that fuse to their distal counterparts contribute to functional recovery. Loss of let-7 miRNA promotes functional restoration in both larval and adult stages. In the L4 stage, loss of let-7 increases fusion events by increasing the mRNA level of one of the cell-recognition molecules, CED-7. The ability to establish cytoplasmic continuity between the proximal and distal ends declines with age. Loss of let-7 overcomes this barrier by promoting axonal transport and enrichment of the EFF-1 fusogen at the growing tip of cut processes. Our data reveal the functional property of a regenerating neuron.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atrayee Basu
- National Brain Research Centre, Manesar, Nainwal Mode, Gurgaon, Haryana 122051, India
| | - Shirshendu Dey
- Bruker India Scientific Private Ltd, New Delhi 110019, India
| | - Dharmendra Puri
- National Brain Research Centre, Manesar, Nainwal Mode, Gurgaon, Haryana 122051, India
| | - Nilanjana Das Saha
- National Brain Research Centre, Manesar, Nainwal Mode, Gurgaon, Haryana 122051, India
| | - Vidur Sabharwal
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai 400 005, India
| | - Pankajam Thyagarajan
- National Brain Research Centre, Manesar, Nainwal Mode, Gurgaon, Haryana 122051, India
| | - Prerna Srivastava
- National Brain Research Centre, Manesar, Nainwal Mode, Gurgaon, Haryana 122051, India
| | | | - Anindya Ghosh-Roy
- National Brain Research Centre, Manesar, Nainwal Mode, Gurgaon, Haryana 122051, India;
- Wellcome Trust-Department of Biotechnology India Alliance, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500034, India
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19
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Liu Q, Wang J, Zhao Y, Li CI, Stengel KR, Acharya P, Johnston G, Hiebert SW, Shyr Y. Identification of active miRNA promoters from nuclear run-on RNA sequencing. Nucleic Acids Res 2017; 45:e121. [PMID: 28460090 PMCID: PMC5737662 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkx318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The genome-wide identification of microRNA transcription start sites (miRNA TSSs) is essential for understanding how miRNAs are regulated in development and disease. In this study, we developed mirSTP (mirna transcription Start sites Tracking Program), a probabilistic model for identifying active miRNA TSSs from nascent transcriptomes generated by global run-on sequencing (GRO-seq) and precision run-on sequencing (PRO-seq). MirSTP takes advantage of characteristic bidirectional transcription signatures at active TSSs in GRO/PRO-seq data, and provides accurate TSS prediction for human intergenic miRNAs at a high resolution. MirSTP performed better than existing generalized and experiment specific methods, in terms of the enrichment of various promoter-associated marks. MirSTP analysis of 27 human cell lines in 183 GRO-seq and 28 PRO-seq experiments identified TSSs for 480 intergenic miRNAs, indicating a wide usage of alternative TSSs. By integrating predicted miRNA TSSs with matched ENCODE transcription factor (TF) ChIP-seq data, we connected miRNAs into the transcriptional circuitry, which provides a valuable source for understanding the complex interplay between TF and miRNA. With mirSTP, we not only predicted TSSs for 72 miRNAs, but also identified 12 primary miRNAs with significant RNA polymerase pausing alterations after JQ1 treatment; each miRNA was further validated through BRD4 binding to its predicted promoter. MirSTP is available at http://bioinfo.vanderbilt.edu/mirSTP/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Liu
- Center for Quantitative Sciences, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.,Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
| | - Jing Wang
- Center for Quantitative Sciences, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.,Department of Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Yue Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Chung-I Li
- Department of Statistics, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
| | - Kristy R Stengel
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Pankaj Acharya
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Gretchen Johnston
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Scott W Hiebert
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.,Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Yu Shyr
- Center for Quantitative Sciences, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.,Department of Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.,Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.,Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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20
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Abstract
The discovery of the microRNAs, lin-4 and let-7 as critical mediators of normal development in Caenorhabditis elegans and their conservation throughout evolution has spearheaded research toward identifying novel roles of microRNAs in other cellular processes. To accurately elucidate these fundamental functions, especially in the context of an intact organism, various microRNA transgenic models have been generated and evaluated. Transgenic C. elegans (worms), Drosophila melanogaster (flies), Danio rerio (zebrafish), and Mus musculus (mouse) have contributed immensely toward uncovering the roles of multiple microRNAs in cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, pathways that are severely altered in human diseases such as cancer. The simple model organisms, C. elegans, D. melanogaster, and D. rerio, do not develop cancers but have proved to be convenient systesm in microRNA research, especially in characterizing the microRNA biogenesis machinery which is often dysregulated during human tumorigenesis. The microRNA-dependent events delineated via these simple in vivo systems have been further verified in vitro, and in more complex models of cancers, such as M. musculus. The focus of this review is to provide an overview of the important contributions made in the microRNA field using model organisms. The simple model systems provided the basis for the importance of microRNAs in normal cellular physiology, while the more complex animal systems provided evidence for the role of microRNAs dysregulation in cancers. Highlights include an overview of the various strategies used to generate transgenic organisms and a review of the use of transgenic mice for evaluating preclinical efficacy of microRNA-based cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpita S Pal
- PULSe Graduate Program, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Andrea L Kasinski
- Purdue Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States.
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21
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Tokizawa M, Kusunoki K, Koyama H, Kurotani A, Sakurai T, Suzuki Y, Sakamoto T, Kurata T, Yamamoto YY. Identification of Arabidopsis genic and non-genic promoters by paired-end sequencing of TSS tags. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2017; 90:587-605. [PMID: 28214361 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.13511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2016] [Revised: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Information about transcription start sites (TSSs) provides baseline data for the analysis of promoter architecture. In this paper we used paired- and single-end deep sequencing to analyze Arabidopsis TSS tags from several libraries prepared from roots, shoots, flowers and etiolated seedlings. The clustering of approximately 33 million mapped TSS tags led to the identification of 324 461 promoters that covered 79.7% (21 672/27 206) of protein-coding genes in the Arabidopsis genome. In addition we identified intragenic, antisense and orphan promoters that were not associated with any gene models. Of these, intragenic promoters exhibited unique characteristics regarding dinucleotide sequences at TSSs and core promoter element composition, suggesting that these promoters use different mechanisms of transcriptional initiation. An analysis of base composition with regard to promoter position revealed a low GC content throughout the promoter region and several local strand biases that were evident for TATA-type promoters, but not for Coreless-type promoters. Most observed strand biases coincided with strand biases of single nucleotide polymorphism rate. Our analysis also revealed that transcription of a gene is supported by an average of 2.7 genic promoters, among which one specific promoter, designated as a top promoter, substantially determines the expression level of the gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mutsutomo Tokizawa
- United Graduate School of Agriculture, Gifu University, Yanagido 1-1, Gifu City, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan
| | - Kazutaka Kusunoki
- United Graduate School of Agriculture, Gifu University, Yanagido 1-1, Gifu City, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Koyama
- United Graduate School of Agriculture, Gifu University, Yanagido 1-1, Gifu City, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan
- Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Yanagido 1-1, Gifu City, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan
| | - Atsushi Kurotani
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Suehiro-cho 1-7-22, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Sakurai
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Suehiro-cho 1-7-22, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Yutaka Suzuki
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Shiroganedai 4-6-1, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Sakamoto
- Plant Global Education Project, Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Takayam-cho 8916-5, Ikoma, Nara, 630-0192, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Kurata
- Plant Global Education Project, Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Takayam-cho 8916-5, Ikoma, Nara, 630-0192, Japan
| | - Yoshiharu Y Yamamoto
- United Graduate School of Agriculture, Gifu University, Yanagido 1-1, Gifu City, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan
- Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Yanagido 1-1, Gifu City, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Suehiro-cho 1-7-22, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
- JST ALCA, Tokyo, Japan
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22
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Cecchetelli AD, Cram EJ. Regulating distal tip cell migration in space and time. Mech Dev 2017; 148:11-17. [PMID: 28442366 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2017.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Revised: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Gonad morphogenesis in the nematode C. elegans is guided by two leader cells, the distal tip cells (DTC). The DTCs migrate along a stereotyped path, executing two 90° turns before stopping at the midpoint of the animal. This migratory path determines the double-U shape of the adult gonad, therefore, the path taken by the DTCs can be inferred from the final shape of the organ. In this review, we focus on the mechanism by which the DTC executes the first 90° turn from the ventral to dorsal side of the animal, and how it finds its correct stopping place at the midpoint of the animal. We discuss the role of heterochronic genes in coordinating DTC migration with larval development, the role of feedback loops and miRNA regulation in phenotypic robustness, and the role of RNA binding proteins in the cessation of DTC migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa D Cecchetelli
- Department of Biology, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, 134 Mugar Hall, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Erin J Cram
- Department of Biology, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, 134 Mugar Hall, Boston, MA 02115, United States.
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23
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Huang Y, Yang YB, Sun XH. Genome-wide identification of microRNAs and their target genes in Cynoglossus semilaevis using computational approach. GENE REPORTS 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2016.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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24
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Andachi Y, Kohara Y. A whole-mount in situ hybridization method for microRNA detection in Caenorhabditis elegans. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2016; 22:1099-1106. [PMID: 27154969 PMCID: PMC4911917 DOI: 10.1261/rna.054239.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Whole-mount in situ hybridization (WISH) is an outstanding method to decipher the spatiotemporal expression patterns of microRNAs (miRNAs) and provides important clues for elucidating their functions. The first WISH method for miRNA detection was developed in zebrafish. Although this method was quickly adapted for other vertebrates and fruit flies, WISH analysis has not been successfully used to detect miRNAs in Caenorhabditis elegans Here, we show a novel WISH method for miRNA detection in C. elegans Using this method, mir-1 miRNA was detected in the body-wall muscle where the expression and roles of mir-1 miRNA have been previously elucidated. Application of the method to let-7 family miRNAs, let-7, mir-48, mir-84, and mir-241, revealed their distinct but partially overlapping expression patterns, indicating that miRNAs sharing a short common sequence were distinguishably detected. In pash-1 mutants that were depleted of mature miRNAs, signals of mir-48 miRNA were greatly reduced, suggesting that mature miRNAs were detected by the method. These results demonstrate the validity of WISH to detect mature miRNAs in C. elegans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiki Andachi
- Genetic Strains Research Center, National Institute of Genetics, Research Organization of Information and Systems, Mishima 411-8540, Japan Department of Genetics, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Mishima 411-8540, Japan
| | - Yuji Kohara
- Genetic Strains Research Center, National Institute of Genetics, Research Organization of Information and Systems, Mishima 411-8540, Japan Department of Genetics, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Mishima 411-8540, Japan
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25
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A novel function for the DEAD-box RNA helicase DDX-23 in primary microRNA processing in Caenorhabditis elegans. Dev Biol 2016; 409:459-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2015.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Revised: 11/12/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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26
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Fu Y, Zhang J, Shi Z, Wang G, Li W, Jia L. A key gene of the small RNA pathway in the flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus: identification and functional characterization of dicer. FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2015; 41:1221-1231. [PMID: 26045159 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-015-0081-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Accepted: 05/25/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Dicer is critical for producing mature microRNAs (miRNAs) from precursor molecules and small interfering RNAs and plays an important role in controlling development and metabolism. In the present study, we cloned the flounder dicer gene, which is 6585 nucleotides (nt), including a 5'-untranslated region (UTR) of 231 nt, a 3'-UTR of 663 nt and an open reading frame of 5691 nt encoding a polypeptide of 1897 amino acids, and analyzed the conservation and expression pattern of dicer. The tissue distribution analysis indicated that dicer is abundantly expressed in the brain, heart, liver, spleen, stomach, kidney, gill, muscle, intestine and gonad of adult fish. Temporal expression analysis indicated that dicer mRNA is highly expressed during the embryonic and early larval stages, and exhibits low expression during the metamorphic stages. Treatment with thyroid hormone (TH) or thiourea indirectly or directly up-regulated dicer mRNA levels at 17 and 23 dph, whereas treatment with TH down-regulated dicer mRNA levels at 36 dph. The dicer-specific siRNA significantly down-regulated dicer mRNA and pol-let-7d levels, while pol-let-7d precursor levels were not differentially changed compared with the control (NC). These results demonstrated that dicer plays a key role in development and metabolism through the production of mature miRNAs, providing basic information for further studies concerning the role of dicer in Paralichthys olivaceus development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanshuai Fu
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Education, 999, Hu-Cheng-Huan Road, Lingang New City, Shangai, 201306, China
| | - Junling Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Education, 999, Hu-Cheng-Huan Road, Lingang New City, Shangai, 201306, China
| | - Zhiyi Shi
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Education, 999, Hu-Cheng-Huan Road, Lingang New City, Shangai, 201306, China.
| | - Guyue Wang
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Education, 999, Hu-Cheng-Huan Road, Lingang New City, Shangai, 201306, China
| | - Wejuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Education, 999, Hu-Cheng-Huan Road, Lingang New City, Shangai, 201306, China
| | - Liang Jia
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Education, 999, Hu-Cheng-Huan Road, Lingang New City, Shangai, 201306, China
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Lee H, Han S, Kwon CS, Lee D. Biogenesis and regulation of the let-7 miRNAs and their functional implications. Protein Cell 2015; 7:100-13. [PMID: 26399619 PMCID: PMC4742387 DOI: 10.1007/s13238-015-0212-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 231] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The let-7 miRNA was one of the first miRNAs discovered in the nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans, and its biological functions show a high level of evolutionary conservation from the nematode to the human. Unlike in C. elegans, higher animals have multiple isoforms of let-7 miRNAs; these isoforms share a consensus sequence called the ‘seed sequence’ and these isoforms are categorized into let-7 miRNA family. The expression of let-7 family is required for developmental timing and tumor suppressor function, but must be suppressed for the self-renewal of stem cells. Therefore, let-7 miRNA biogenesis must be carefully controlled. To generate a let-7 miRNA, a primary transcript is produced by RNA polymerase II and then subsequently processed by Drosha/DGCR8, TUTase, and Dicer. Because dysregulation of let-7 processing is deleterious, biogenesis of let-7 is tightly regulated by cellular factors, such as the RNA binding proteins, LIN28A/B and DIS3L2. In this review, we discuss the biological functions and biogenesis of let-7 miRNAs, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of regulation of let-7 biogenesis in vertebrates, such as the mouse and the human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hosuk Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 305-701, Korea
| | - Sungwook Han
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 305-701, Korea
| | - Chang Seob Kwon
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Korea Science Academy of KAIST, Busan, 614-822, Korea
| | - Daeyoup Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 305-701, Korea.
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Mondol V, Ahn BC, Pasquinelli AE. Splicing remodels the let-7 primary microRNA to facilitate Drosha processing in Caenorhabditis elegans. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2015; 21:1396-1403. [PMID: 26081559 PMCID: PMC4509930 DOI: 10.1261/rna.052118.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small noncoding RNAs that use partial base-pairing to recognize and regulate the expression of messenger RNAs (mRNAs). Mature miRNAs arise from longer primary transcripts (pri-miRNAs) that are processed to a shorter hairpin precursor miRNA (pre-miRNA) by the Microprocessor complex. In Caenorhabditis elegans the primary let-7 (pri-let-7) transcript undergoes trans-splicing, where pri-let-7 is cleaved at a 3' splice site and the splice-leader-1 (SL1) sequence is appended at the 5' end. Here we investigate the role of this splicing event in the biogenesis of let-7 miRNA. We hypothesized that splicing changes the secondary structure of the pri-let-7 transcript, creating a more favorable substrate for recognition by the Microprocessor. Supporting this idea, we detected conspicuous structural differences between unspliced and SL1-spliced pri-let-7 transcripts using in vitro ribonuclease (RNase) assays. Through the generation of transgenic worm strains, we found that the RNA secondary structure produced by splicing, as opposed to the act of splicing itself, optimizes processing of pri-let-7 by the Microprocessor in vivo. We also observed that the endogenous spliced, but not the unspliced, pri-let-7 transcripts bind to the Microprocessor and accumulate upon its depletion. We conclude that splicing is a key step in generating pri-let-7 transcripts with a structure that enables downstream processing events to produce appropriate levels of mature let-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Mondol
- Division of Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0349, USA
| | - Byoung Chan Ahn
- Division of Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0349, USA
| | - Amy E Pasquinelli
- Division of Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0349, USA
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Dhir A, Dhir S, Proudfoot NJ, Jopling CL. Microprocessor mediates transcriptional termination of long noncoding RNA transcripts hosting microRNAs. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2015; 22:319-27. [PMID: 25730776 PMCID: PMC4492989 DOI: 10.1038/nsmb.2982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2014] [Accepted: 02/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a major part in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Mammalian miRNA biogenesis begins with cotranscriptional cleavage of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) transcripts by the Microprocessor complex. Although most miRNAs are located within introns of protein-coding transcripts, a substantial minority of miRNAs originate from long noncoding (lnc) RNAs, for which transcript processing is largely uncharacterized. We show, by detailed characterization of liver-specific lnc-pri-miR-122 and genome-wide analysis in human cell lines, that most lncRNA transcripts containing miRNAs (lnc-pri-miRNAs) do not use the canonical cleavage-and-polyadenylation pathway but instead use Microprocessor cleavage to terminate transcription. Microprocessor inactivation leads to extensive transcriptional readthrough of lnc-pri-miRNA and transcriptional interference with downstream genes. Consequently we define a new RNase III-mediated, polyadenylation-independent mechanism of Pol II transcription termination in mammalian cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish Dhir
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Somdutta Dhir
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nick J Proudfoot
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Panera N, Gnani D, Crudele A, Ceccarelli S, Nobili V, Alisi A. MicroRNAs as controlled systems and controllers in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. World J Gastroenterol 2014; 20:15079-15086. [PMID: 25386056 PMCID: PMC4223241 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i41.15079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2014] [Revised: 05/16/2014] [Accepted: 06/23/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a multi-faceted condition including simple steatosis alone or associated with inflammation and ballooning (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis) and eventually fibrosis. The NAFLD incidence has increased over the last twenty years becoming the most frequent chronic liver disease in industrialized countries. Obesity, visceral adiposity, insulin resistance, and many other disorders that characterize metabolic syndrome are the major predisposing risk factors for NAFLD. Furthermore, different factors, including genetic background, epigenetic mechanisms and environmental factors, such as diet and physical exercise, contribute to NAFLD development and progression. Several lines of evidence demonstrate that specific microRNAs expression profiles are strongly associated with several pathological conditions including NAFLD. In NAFLD, microRNA deregulation in response to intrinsic genetic or epigenetic factors or environmental factors contributes to metabolic dysfunction. In this review we focused on microRNAs role both as controlled and controllers molecules in NAFLD development and/or their eventual value as non-invasive biomarkers of disease.
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Guan X, Song Q, Chen ZJ. Polyploidy and small RNA regulation of cotton fiber development. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2014; 19:516-28. [PMID: 24866591 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2014.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2014] [Revised: 03/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/16/2014] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Cotton is not only the most important source of renewal textile fibers, but also an excellent model for studying cell fate determination and polyploidy effects on gene expression and evolution of domestication traits. The combination of A and D-progenitor genomes into allotetraploid cotton induces intergenomic interactions and epigenetic effects, leading to the unequal expression of homoeologous genes. Small RNAs regulate the expression of transcription and signaling factors related to cellular growth, development and adaptation. An example is miRNA-mediated preferential degradation of homoeologous mRNAs encoding MYB-domain transcription factors that are required for the initiation of leaf trichomes in Arabidopsis and of seed fibers in cotton. This example of coevolution between small RNAs and their homoeologous targets could shape morphological traits such as fibers during the selection and domestication of polyploid crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueying Guan
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, and Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Qingxin Song
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, and Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Z Jeffrey Chen
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, and Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
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32
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Zhang J, Huang X, Xiao J, Yang Y, Zhou Y, Wang X, Liu Q, Yang J, Wang M, Qiu L, Zheng Y, Zhang P, Li J, Wang Y, Wei Q, Jin L, Wang J, Wang M. Pri-miR-124 rs531564 and pri-miR-34b/c rs4938723 polymorphisms are associated with decreased risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in Chinese populations. PLoS One 2014; 9:e100055. [PMID: 24945256 PMCID: PMC4063769 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0100055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2013] [Accepted: 05/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED MicroRNAs are a new class of small non-protein-coding RNAs that sometimes function as tumor suppressors or oncogenes. Aberrant expression and structural alteration of microRNAs have been reported to be involved in tumorigenesis and cancer development. Recently, rs531564/pri-miR-124-1, rs4938723/pri-miR-34b/c, rs7372209/pri-miR-26a-1, rs895819/pre-miR-27a, and rs11134527/pri-miR-218 were reported to be associated with risks of various cancers. In order to evaluate the relationship of these SNPs and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) risk, we conducted a case-control study with 1109 ESCC patients and 1275 control subjects to examine the potential association of these pri/pre-miRNA polymorphisms with ESCC susceptibility. As a result, two SNPs were associated with a significant risk of ESCC. We found that the GG genotype of pri-miR-124-1 rs531564 was associated to a significantly decreased risk of ESCC comparing with the CC/CG genotypes (p = 0.005; OR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.43-0.86). In addition, the CC genotype of pri-miR-34b/c rs4938723 was associated with a significant decreased risk of ESCC (CC VS. TT/TC p = 0.007, OR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.71-0.95) in Chinese population. The present study provides the first evidence that pri-miR-124-1 rs531564 and pri-miR-34 rs4938723 were associated with the risk of ESCC in Chinese population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xuewen Huang
- Clinical laboratory, Huadong Sanatorium, Dajishan, Meiyuan Garden, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Juanjuan Xiao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yajun Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yinghui Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaofeng Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingmei Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingmin Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengyun Wang
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lixin Qiu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Yabiao Zheng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ping Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jin Li
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Ya’nong Wang
- Department of Gastric Cancer & Soft Tissue Sarcoma Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingyi Wei
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Jin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiucun Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: (JW); (MW)
| | - Minghua Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
- * E-mail: (JW); (MW)
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Schurch NJ, Cole C, Sherstnev A, Song J, Duc C, Storey KG, McLean WHI, Brown SJ, Simpson GG, Barton GJ. Improved annotation of 3' untranslated regions and complex loci by combination of strand-specific direct RNA sequencing, RNA-Seq and ESTs. PLoS One 2014; 9:e94270. [PMID: 24722185 PMCID: PMC3983147 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0094270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2013] [Accepted: 03/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The reference annotations made for a genome sequence provide the framework for all subsequent analyses of the genome. Correct and complete annotation in addition to the underlying genomic sequence is particularly important when interpreting the results of RNA-seq experiments where short sequence reads are mapped against the genome and assigned to genes according to the annotation. Inconsistencies in annotations between the reference and the experimental system can lead to incorrect interpretation of the effect on RNA expression of an experimental treatment or mutation in the system under study. Until recently, the genome-wide annotation of 3′ untranslated regions received less attention than coding regions and the delineation of intron/exon boundaries. In this paper, data produced for samples in Human, Chicken and A. thaliana by the novel single-molecule, strand-specific, Direct RNA Sequencing technology from Helicos Biosciences which locates 3′ polyadenylation sites to within +/− 2 nt, were combined with archival EST and RNA-Seq data. Nine examples are illustrated where this combination of data allowed: (1) gene and 3′ UTR re-annotation (including extension of one 3′ UTR by 5.9 kb); (2) disentangling of gene expression in complex regions; (3) clearer interpretation of small RNA expression and (4) identification of novel genes. While the specific examples displayed here may become obsolete as genome sequences and their annotations are refined, the principles laid out in this paper will be of general use both to those annotating genomes and those seeking to interpret existing publically available annotations in the context of their own experimental data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J. Schurch
- Division of Computational Biology, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
- Centre for Gene Regulation and Expression, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Christian Cole
- Division of Computational Biology, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
- Centre for Gene Regulation and Expression, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander Sherstnev
- Division of Computational Biology, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Junfang Song
- Division of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Céline Duc
- Division of Plant Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Kate G. Storey
- Division of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - W. H. Irwin McLean
- Centre for Dermatology and Genetic Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Sara J. Brown
- Centre for Dermatology and Genetic Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Gordon G. Simpson
- Division of Plant Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
- Cell and Molecular Sciences, The James Hutton Institute, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Geoffrey J. Barton
- Division of Computational Biology, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
- Centre for Gene Regulation and Expression, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
The let-7 miRNA (microRNA) is an essential regulator of development from nematode worms to humans. Altered expression of let-7 results in larval arrest or lethality in Caenorhabditis elegans. Likewise, under- or over-expression of let-7 in human cells can result in cellular overproliferation or halted cell division respectively. Thus the biogenesis of this critical miRNA is controlled at multiple levels. An unexpected mechanism for regulating the initial processing of let-7 was recently found to involve the let-7 miRNA itself. The mature let-7 miRNA along with its effector protein, Argonaute, were shown to bind to a site in the primary transcripts produced by the let-7 gene. This interaction enhances processing through a novel auto-regulatory feedback loop. This discovery highlights a new role for the miRNA complex in regulating miRNA biogenesis and enriches the classes of RNAs targeted by Argonaute.
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Asgari S. MicroRNA functions in insects. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2013; 43:388-97. [PMID: 23103375 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2012.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2012] [Revised: 10/11/2012] [Accepted: 10/16/2012] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that are generated in all eukaryotes and viruses. Their role as master regulators of gene expression in various biological processes has only been fully appreciated over the last decade. Accumulating evidence suggests that alterations in the expression of miRNAs may lead to disorders, including developmental defects, diseases and cancer. Here, I review what is currently known about miRNA functions in insects to provide an insight into their diverse roles in insect biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sassan Asgari
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
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Ahmad J, Hasnain SE, Siddiqui MA, Ahamed M, Musarrat J, Al-Khedhairy AA. MicroRNA in carcinogenesis & cancer diagnostics: a new paradigm. Indian J Med Res 2013; 137:680-94. [PMID: 23703335 PMCID: PMC3724248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small 22-25 nucleotides long non-coding RNAs, that are conserved during evolution, and control gene expression in metazoan animals, plants, viruses, and bacteria primarily at post-transcriptional and transcriptional levels. MiRNAs ultimately regulate target gene expression by degrading the corresponding mRNA and/or inhibiting their translation. Currently, the critical functions of miRNAs have been established in regulating immune system, cell proliferation, differentiation and development, cancer and cell cycle by as yet unknown control mechanism. MiRNAs play an essential role in malignancy, and as tumour suppressors and oncogenes. Thus, discovery of new miRNAs will probably change the landscape of cancer genetics. Significantly different miRNA profiles can be assigned to various types of tumours, which could serve as phenotypic signatures for different cancers for their exploitation in cancer diagnostics, prognostics and therapeutics. If miRNA profiles can accurately predict malignancies, this technology could be exploited as a tool to surmount the diagnostic challenges. This review provides comprehensive and systematic information on miRNA biogenesis and their implications in human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javed Ahmad
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Seyed E. Hasnain
- School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, New Delhi, India,Reprint requests: Dr Seyed E. Hasnain, School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110 016, India e-mail:
| | - Maqsood A. Siddiqui
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maqusood Ahamed
- King Abdullah Institute for Nanotechnology, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Javed Musarrat
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, AMU, Aligarh, India
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Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) represent a new class of small non-coding RNAs ∼ 22 nucleotides in length that are involved in fine-tuning of gene expression. An increasing number of papers are identifying a link between miRNAs and cancer. The discovery of miRNA expression signatures able to discriminate tumor from normal cells and between various categories of patients with the same type of cancer suggests the possible application of miRNAs as new biomarkers in molecular oncology. In this review, the authors describe the different techniques used to detect miRNAs in tumor samples and their potential for clinical use. The authors review the published evidence testing miRNAs as novel cancer biomarkers and describe the steps necessary to move forward in the application of miRNAs as biomarkers. Finally, the authors consider the utility of miRNAs as tumor predisposition markers in cancer screening programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Spizzo
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Experimental Therapeutics, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Unit 36, Room Y6.6079, Houston, TX 77030, USA +1 713 792 5461 ; +1 713 745 4528 ;
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38
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Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of short non-coding RNAs, have been studied intensely and extensively in the past decade in every aspect of biological processes, including cell differentiation, proliferation and death. These findings pointed out the pivotal role of miRNA in posttranscriptional control of gene expression in animals and established miRNAs as therapeutic targets for different pathophysiological processes, including liver disease. Here we have discussed the recent advances made in identifying the miRNAs deregulated in different liver diseases such as obesity, hepatitis, alcoholic and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, as well as pathophysiological conditions such as developmental abnormality. We have specifically reviewed the role of miRNAs in these diseases and discussed critically potential impacts of these miRNAs as biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets in liver pathobiology in the clinical setting. Finally, we have highlighted the latest techniques or preclinical and/or clinical trials that are being developed to replenish or inhibit the deregulated miRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Hao Hsu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, 420 West 12th Avenue, 606 TMRF Building, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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39
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Multiple cis-elements and trans-acting factors regulate dynamic spatio-temporal transcription of let-7 in Caenorhabditis elegans. Dev Biol 2012. [PMID: 23201578 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2012.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The let-7 microRNA (miRNA) is highly conserved across animal phyla and generally regulates cellular differentiation and developmental timing pathways. In Caenorhabditis elegans, the mature let-7 miRNA starts to accumulate in the last stages of larval development where it directs cellular differentiation programs required for adult fates. Here, we show that expression of the let-7 gene in C. elegans is under complex transcriptional control. The onset of let-7 transcription begins as early as the first larval stage in some tissues, and as late as the third larval stage in others, and is abrogated at the gravid adult stage. Transcription from two different start sites in the let-7 promoter oscillates during each larval stage. We show that transcription is regulated by two distinct cis-elements in the promoter of let-7, the previously described temporal regulatory element (TRE), and a novel element downstream of the TRE that we have named the let-7 transcription element (LTE). These elements play distinct and redundant roles in regulating let-7 expression in specific tissues. In the absence of the TRE and LTE, transcription of let-7 is undetectable and worms exhibit the lethal phenotype characteristic of let-7 null mutants. We also identify several genes that affect the transcription of let-7 generally and tissue-specifically. Overall, spatio-temporal regulation of let-7 transcription is orchestrated by multiple cis- and trans-acting factors to ensure appropriate expression of this essential miRNA during worm development.
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40
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Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) function as 21-24 nucleotide guide RNAs that use partial base-pairing to recognize target messenger RNAs and repress their expression. As a large fraction of protein-coding genes are under miRNA control, production of the appropriate level of specific miRNAs at the right time and in the right place is integral to most gene regulatory pathways. MiRNA biogenesis initiates with transcription, followed by multiple processing steps to produce the mature miRNA. Every step of miRNA production is subject to regulation and disruption of these control mechanisms has been linked to numerous human diseases, where the balance between the expression of miRNAs and their targets becomes distorted. Here we review the basic steps of miRNA biogenesis and describe the various factors that control miRNA transcription, processing, and stability in animal cells. The tremendous effort put into producing the appropriate type and level of specific miRNAs underscores the critical role of these small RNAs in gene regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily F Finnegan
- Division of Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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41
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Lin Y, Li Z, Ozsolak F, Kim SW, Arango-Argoty G, Liu TT, Tenenbaum SA, Bailey T, Monaghan AP, Milos PM, John B. An in-depth map of polyadenylation sites in cancer. Nucleic Acids Res 2012; 40:8460-71. [PMID: 22753024 PMCID: PMC3458571 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gks637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2011] [Revised: 05/16/2012] [Accepted: 06/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We present a comprehensive map of over 1 million polyadenylation sites and quantify their usage in major cancers and tumor cell lines using direct RNA sequencing. We built the Expression and Polyadenylation Database to enable the visualization of the polyadenylation maps in various cancers and to facilitate the discovery of novel genes and gene isoforms that are potentially important to tumorigenesis. Analyses of polyadenylation sites indicate that a large fraction (∼30%) of mRNAs contain alternative polyadenylation sites in their 3' untranslated regions, independent of the cell type. The shortest 3' untranslated region isoforms are preferentially upregulated in cancer tissues, genome-wide. Candidate targets of alternative polyadenylation-mediated upregulation of short isoforms include POLR2K, and signaling cascades of cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix contact, particularly involving regulators of Rho GTPases. Polyadenylation maps also helped to improve 3' untranslated region annotations and identify candidate regulatory marks such as sequence motifs, H3K36Me3 and Pabpc1 that are isoform dependent and occur in a position-specific manner. In summary, these results highlight the need to go beyond monitoring only the cumulative transcript levels for a gene, to separately analysing the expression of its RNA isoforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuefeng Lin
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, Helicos BioSciences Corporation, One Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, University at Albany-Suny, Albany, NY, USA, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, the University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia and Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Zhihua Li
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, Helicos BioSciences Corporation, One Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, University at Albany-Suny, Albany, NY, USA, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, the University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia and Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Fatih Ozsolak
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, Helicos BioSciences Corporation, One Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, University at Albany-Suny, Albany, NY, USA, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, the University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia and Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Sang Woo Kim
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, Helicos BioSciences Corporation, One Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, University at Albany-Suny, Albany, NY, USA, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, the University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia and Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Gustavo Arango-Argoty
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, Helicos BioSciences Corporation, One Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, University at Albany-Suny, Albany, NY, USA, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, the University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia and Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Teresa T. Liu
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, Helicos BioSciences Corporation, One Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, University at Albany-Suny, Albany, NY, USA, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, the University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia and Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Scott A. Tenenbaum
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, Helicos BioSciences Corporation, One Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, University at Albany-Suny, Albany, NY, USA, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, the University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia and Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Timothy Bailey
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, Helicos BioSciences Corporation, One Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, University at Albany-Suny, Albany, NY, USA, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, the University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia and Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - A. Paula Monaghan
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, Helicos BioSciences Corporation, One Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, University at Albany-Suny, Albany, NY, USA, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, the University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia and Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Patrice M. Milos
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, Helicos BioSciences Corporation, One Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, University at Albany-Suny, Albany, NY, USA, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, the University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia and Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Bino John
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, Helicos BioSciences Corporation, One Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, University at Albany-Suny, Albany, NY, USA, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, the University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia and Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
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42
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Autoregulation of microRNA biogenesis by let-7 and Argonaute. Nature 2012; 486:541-4. [PMID: 22722835 PMCID: PMC3387326 DOI: 10.1038/nature11134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2011] [Accepted: 04/02/2012] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) comprise a large family of small RNA molecules that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression in many biological pathways1. Most miRNAs are derived from long primary transcripts that undergo processing by Drosha to produce ~65 nucleotide (nt) precursors that are then cleaved by Dicer, resulting in the mature 22 nt forms2,3. Serving as guides in Argonaute protein complexes, mature miRNAs use imperfect base-pairing to recognize sequences in mRNA transcripts, leading to translational repression and destabilization of the target mRNAs4,5. Here we show that the miRNA complex also targets and regulates non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that serve as substrates for the miRNA processing pathway. We found that the C. elegans Argonaute, ALG-1, binds to a specific site at the 3′ end of let-7 miRNA primary transcripts and promotes downstream processing events. This interaction is mediated by mature let-7 miRNA via a conserved complementary site in its own primary transcript, thus creating a positive feedback loop. We further show that ALG-1 associates with let-7 primary transcripts in nuclear fractions. Argonaute also binds let-7 primary transcripts in human cells, demonstrating that the miRNA pathway targets non-coding RNAs in addition to protein-coding mRNAs across species. Moreover, our studies in C. elegans reveal a novel role for Argonaute in promoting biogenesis of a targeted transcript, expanding the functions of the miRNA pathway in gene regulation. This discovery of auto-regulation of let-7 biogenesis sets a new paradigm for controlling miRNA expression.
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Hossain MM, Salilew-Wondim D, Schellander K, Tesfaye D. The role of microRNAs in mammalian oocytes and embryos. Anim Reprod Sci 2012; 134:36-44. [PMID: 22921265 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2012.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Advanced genomic analysis has revealed an enormous inventory of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), which are functionally important at transcriptional and post-transcriptional level for different cellular processes. Among the ncRNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs) have recently been highlighted extensively for their pivotal role in disease, fertility and development through post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. The presence and spatio-temporal expression of miRNAs and miRNA processing machinery genes in oocytes and preimplantation embryos has evidenced the involvement of miRNAs for growth and maturation of mammalian oocytes, early embryonic development, stem cell lineage differentiation and implantation. Therefore, this article aims to highlight primary evidences on the importance of miRNAs and their mediated translational reprogramming in the physiology and development of mammalian oocytes and embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Hossain
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh.
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44
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Liu Z, Kumari S, Zhang L, Zheng Y, Ware D. Characterization of miRNAs in response to short-term waterlogging in three inbred lines of Zea mays. PLoS One 2012; 7:e39786. [PMID: 22768123 PMCID: PMC3387268 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0039786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2011] [Accepted: 05/31/2012] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Waterlogging of plants leads to low oxygen levels (hypoxia) in the roots and causes a metabolic switch from aerobic respiration to anaerobic fermentation that results in rapid changes in gene transcription and protein synthesis. Our research seeks to characterize the microRNA-mediated gene regulatory networks associated with short-term waterlogging. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate many genes involved in growth, development and various biotic and abiotic stress responses. To characterize the involvement of miRNAs and their targets in response to short-term hypoxia conditions, a quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) assay was used to quantify the expression of the 24 candidate mature miRNA signatures (22 known and 2 novel mature miRNAs, representing 66 miRNA loci) and their 92 predicted targets in three inbred Zea mays lines (waterlogging tolerant Hz32, mid-tolerant B73, and sensitive Mo17). Based on our studies, miR159, miR164, miR167, miR393, miR408 and miR528, which are mainly involved in root development and stress responses, were found to be key regulators in the post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms under short-term waterlogging conditions in three inbred lines. Further, computational approaches were used to predict the stress and development related cis-regulatory elements on the promoters of these miRNAs; and a probable miRNA-mediated gene regulatory network in response to short-term waterlogging stress was constructed. The differential expression patterns of miRNAs and their targets in these three inbred lines suggest that the miRNAs are active participants in the signal transduction at the early stage of hypoxia conditions via a gene regulatory network; and crosstalk occurs between different biochemical pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijie Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, United States of America
| | - Sunita Kumari
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, United States of America
| | - Lifang Zhang
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, United States of America
| | - Yonglian Zheng
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
- * E-mail: (YZ); (DW)
| | - Doreen Ware
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, United States of America
- United States Department of Agriculture – Agriculture Research Service, Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail: (YZ); (DW)
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45
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The mevalonate pathway regulates microRNA activity in Caenorhabditis elegans. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2012; 109:4568-73. [PMID: 22396595 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1202421109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The mevalonate pathway is highly conserved and mediates the production of isoprenoids, which feed into biosynthetic pathways for sterols, dolichol, ubiquinone, heme, isopentenyl adenine, and prenylated proteins. We found that in Caenorhabditis elegans, the nonsterol biosynthetic outputs of the mevalonate pathway are required for the activity of microRNAs (miRNAs) in silencing their target mRNAs. Inactivation of genes that mediate multiple steps of the mevalonate pathway causes derepression of several miRNA target genes, with no disruption of the miRNA levels, suggesting a role in miRNA-induced silencing complex activity. Dolichol phosphate, synthesized from the mevalonate pathway, functions as a lipid carrier of the oligosaccharide moiety destined for protein N-linked glycosylation. Inhibition of the dolichol pathway of protein N-glycosylation also causes derepression of miRNA target mRNAs. The proteins that mediate miRNA repression are therefore likely to be regulated by N-glycosylation. Conversely, drugs such as statins, which inhibit the mevalonate pathway, may compromise miRNA repression as well as the more commonly considered cholesterol biosynthesis.
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46
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47
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Hayes GD, Riedel CG, Ruvkun G. The Caenorhabditis elegans SOMI-1 zinc finger protein and SWI/SNF promote regulation of development by the mir-84 microRNA. Genes Dev 2011; 25:2079-92. [PMID: 21979920 DOI: 10.1101/gad.17153811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Hundreds of microRNAs (miRNAs) have been discovered in metazoans and plants, and understanding of their biogenesis has advanced dramatically; however, relatively little is known about the cofactors necessary for miRNA regulation of target gene expression. In Caenorhabditis elegans, the conserved miRNA let-7 and its paralogs, including mir-84, control the timing of stage-specific developmental events. To identify factors required for the activity of mir-84 and possibly other miRNAs, we screened for mutations that suppress the developmental defects caused by overexpression of mir-84. Mutations in the somi-1 gene prevent these defects without affecting the expression level of mir-84. Loss of somi-1 also causes phenotypes similar to deletion of mir-84, showing that somi-1 is necessary for the normal function of this miRNA. somi-1 encodes a zinc finger protein that localizes to nuclear foci and binds the promoters of let-60/RAS, lin-14, and lin-28, genes that may be targeted by mir-84 and similar miRNAs. Genetic evidence shows that somi-1 inhibits lin-14 and induction of the vulval precursors by the let-60/RAS pathway. Proteomic and genetic screens identified conserved chromatin-remodeling and homeodomain transcription factor complexes that work with somi-1 to regulate differentiation. Our results suggest that somi-1 coordinates a nuclear response that complements the activity of mir-84.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel D Hayes
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
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48
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Ni MJ, Hu ZH, Liu Q, Liu MF, Lu MH, Zhang JS, Zhang L, Zhang YL. Identification and characterization of a novel non-coding RNA involved in sperm maturation. PLoS One 2011; 6:e26053. [PMID: 22022505 PMCID: PMC3192136 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0026053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2011] [Accepted: 09/16/2011] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A long and ever-expanding roster of small (∼20–30 nucleotides) RNAs has emerged during the last decade, and most can be subsumed under the three main headings of microRNAs(miRNAs), Piwi-interacting RNAs(piRNAs), and short interferingRNAs(siRNAs). Among the three categories, miRNAs is the most quickly expanded group. The most recent number of identified miRNAs is 16,772 (Sanger miRbase, April 2011). However, there are insufficient publications on their primary forms, and no tissue-specific small RNAs precursors have been reported in the epididymis. Here, we report the identification in rats of an epididymis-specific, chimeric, noncoding RNA that is spliced from two different chromosomes (chromosomes 5 and 19), which we named HongrES2. HongrES2 is a 1.6 kb mRNA-like precursor that gives rise to a new microRNA-like small RNA (mil-HongrES2) in rat epididymis. The generation of mil-HongrES2 is stimulated during epididymitis. An epididymis-specific carboxylesterase named CES7 had 100% cDNA sequence homology at the 3′end with HongrES2 and its protein product could be downregulated by HongrES2 via mil-HongrES2. This was confirmed in vivo by initiating mil-HongrES2 over-expression in rats and observing an effect on sperm capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Jie Ni
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi-Hong Hu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai, China
| | - Mo-Fang Liu
- Core Facility for Non-Coding RNA, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Min-hua Lu
- Core Facility for Non-Coding RNA, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin-Song Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong-Lian Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail:
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49
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Li X, Zhang J, Gao L, McClellan S, Finan MA, Butler TW, Owen LB, Piazza GA, Xi Y. MiR-181 mediates cell differentiation by interrupting the Lin28 and let-7 feedback circuit. Cell Death Differ 2011; 19:378-86. [PMID: 21979467 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2011.127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have attracted attention because of their key regulatory functions in many biological events, including differentiation and tumorigenesis. Recent studies have reported the existence of a reciprocal regulatory loop between the family of let-7 miRNAs and an RNA-binding protein, Lin28, both of which have been documented for their important roles during cell differentiation. Hence, using bipotent K562 human leukemia cells and human CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells as research models, we demonstrate that let-7 and Lin28 have contrary roles in megakaryocytic (MK) differentiation with a dynamic balance; expression of miR-181 is capable of effectively repressing Lin28 expression, disrupting the Lin28-let-7 reciprocal regulatory loop, upregulating let-7, and eventually promoting MK differentiation. However, miR-181 lacks a significant effect on hemin-induced erythrocyte differentiation. These results demonstrate that miR-181 can function as a 'molecular switch' during hematopoietic lineage progression specific to MK differentiation, thus providing insight into future development of miRNA-oriented therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Li
- National Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 5 Dong-Dan-San-Tiao, Beijing, China
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Jérôme T, Laurie P, Louis B, Pierre C. Enjoy the Silence: The Story of let-7 MicroRNA and Cancer. Curr Genomics 2011; 8:229-33. [PMID: 18645597 DOI: 10.2174/138920207781386933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2007] [Revised: 04/24/2007] [Accepted: 05/04/2007] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a multi-step disease involving dynamic changes in the genome. However, studies on cancer genome so far have focused most heavily on protein-coding genes, and our knowledge on alterations of the functional noncoding sequences in cancer is largely absent. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous small noncoding RNAs weighing 20 to 23 nucleotides that negatively regulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level by base pairing to the 3' untranslated region of target messenger RNAs. Hundreds of miRNAs have been identified in humans and are evolutionarily conserved from plants to animals. These tiny but potent molecules regulate various physiological and pathological pathways such as cell differentiation and cell proliferation. Recently, miRNA alterations have been linked to the initiation and the progression of human cancer. As a consequence, MiRNA-expression profiling of human tumors has identified signatures associated with diagnosis, staging, progression, prognosis and response to treatment. In addition, profiling has been exploited to identify miRNA genes that might represent downstream targets of activated oncogenic pathways, or that target proteincoding genes involved in cancer. Of importance, pioneering studies described let-7 miRNA as a negative regulator of the oncogenic family of Ras guanosine triphosphatases in both Caenorhabditis elegans and human tumor cell lines. Later, let-7 expression deregulation was reported in several cancers, suggesting that let-7 may act as a tumor suppressor. This review will discuss the late insights in let-7 function, the elationship between let-7 and tumorigenesis, and the potential for modulating let-7 expression for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torrisani Jérôme
- 1INSERM U 858 - I2MR - Equipe 12, 1 Avenue Jean Poulhès BP 84225 31432 Toulouse Cedex 4, France
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