The long-range interaction map of ribosomal DNA arrays

Potential roles of inter-chromosomal interactions in cell fate determination

Mammalian genomic DNA is packed in a small nucleus, and its folding and organization in the nucleus are critical for gene regulation and cell fate determination. In interphase, chromosomes are compartmentalized into certain nuclear spaces and territories that are considered incompatible with each other. The regulation of gene expression is influenced by the epigenetic characteristics of topologically associated domains and A/B compartments within chromosomes (intrachromosomal). Previously, interactions among chromosomes detected via chromosome conformation capture-based methods were considered noise or artificial errors. However, recent studies based on newly developed ligation-independent methods have shown that inter-chromosomal interactions play important roles in gene regulation. This review summarizes the recent understanding of spatial genomic organization in mammalian interphase nuclei and discusses the potential mechanisms that determine cell identity. In addition, this review highlights the potential role of inter-chromosomal interactions in early mouse development.

HMGB1 prefers to interact with structural RNAs and regulates rRNA methylation modification and translation in HeLa cells

BACKGROUND

High-mobility group B1 (HMGB1) is both a DNA binding nuclear factor modulating transcription and a crucial cytokine that mediates the response to both infectious and noninfectious inflammation such as autoimmunity, cancer, trauma, and ischemia reperfusion injury. HMGB1 has been proposed to control ribosome biogenesis, similar as the other members of a class of HMGB proteins.

RESULTS

Here, we report that HMGB1 selectively promotes transcription of genes involved in the regulation of transcription, osteoclast differentiation and apoptotic process. Improved RNA immunoprecipitation by UV cross-linking and deep sequencing (iRIP-seq) experiment revealed that HMGB1 selectively bound to mRNAs functioning not only in signal transduction and gene expression, but also in axon guidance, focal adhesion, and extracellular matrix organization. Importantly, HMGB1-bound reads were strongly enriched in specific structured RNAs, including the domain II of 28S rRNA, H/ACA box snoRNAs including snoRNA63 and scaRNAs. RTL-P experiment showed that overexpression of HMGB1 led to a decreased methylation modification of 28S rRNA at position Am2388, Cm2409, and Gm2411. We further showed that HMGB1 overexpression increased ribosome RNA expression levels and enhanced protein synthesis.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, our results support a model in which HMGB1 binds to multiple RNA species in human cancer cells, which could at least partially contribute to HMGB1-modulated rRNA modification, protein synthesis function of ribosomes, and differential gene expression including rRNA genes. These findings provide additional mechanistic clues to HMGB1 functions in cancers and cell differentiation.

New Functional Motifs for the Targeted Localization of Proteins to the Nucleolus in Drosophila and Human Cells

The nucleolus is a significant nuclear organelle that is primarily known for its role in ribosome biogenesis. However, emerging evidence suggests that the nucleolus may have additional functions. Particularly, it is involved in the organization of the three-dimensional structure of the genome. The nucleolus acts as a platform for the clustering of repressed chromatin, although this process is not yet fully understood, especially in the context of Drosophila. One way to study the regions of the genome that cluster near the nucleolus in Drosophila demands the identification of a reliable nucleolus-localizing signal (NoLS) motif(s) that can highly specifically recruit the protein of interest to the nucleolus. Here, we tested a series of various NoLS motifs from proteins of different species, as well as some of their combinations, for the ability to drive the nucleolar localization of the chimeric H2B-GFP protein. Several short motifs were found to effectively localize the H2B-GFP protein to the nucleolus in over 40% of transfected Drosophila S2 cells. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that NoLS motifs derived from Drosophila proteins exhibited greater efficiency compared to that of those from other species.

The Pol III transcriptome: Basic features, recurrent patterns, and emerging roles in cancer

The RNA polymerase III (Pol III) transcriptome is universally comprised of short, highly structured noncoding RNA (ncRNA). Through RNA-protein interactions, the Pol III transcriptome actuates functional activities ranging from nuclear gene regulation (7SK), splicing (U6, U6atac), and RNA maturation and stability (RMRP, RPPH1, Y RNA), to cytoplasmic protein targeting (7SL) and translation (tRNA, 5S rRNA). In higher eukaryotes, the Pol III transcriptome has expanded to include additional, recently evolved ncRNA species that effectively broaden the footprint of Pol III transcription to additional cellular activities. Newly evolved ncRNAs function as riboregulators of autophagy (vault), immune signaling cascades (nc886), and translation (Alu, BC200, snaR). Notably, upregulation of Pol III transcription is frequently observed in cancer, and multiple ncRNA species are linked to both cancer progression and poor survival outcomes among cancer patients. In this review, we outline the basic features and functions of the Pol III transcriptome, and the evidence for dysregulation and dysfunction for each ncRNA in cancer. When taken together, recurrent patterns emerge, ranging from shared functional motifs that include molecular scaffolding and protein sequestration, overlapping protein interactions, and immunostimulatory activities, to the biogenesis of analogous small RNA fragments and noncanonical miRNAs, augmenting the function of the Pol III transcriptome and further broadening its role in cancer. This article is categorized under: RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease RNA Processing > Processing of Small RNAs RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein-RNA Interactions: Functional Implications.

Induction of the Erythroid Differentiation of K562 Cells Is Coupled with Changes in the Inter-Chromosomal Contacts of rDNA Clusters

The expression of clusters of rDNA genes influences pluripotency; however, the underlying mechanisms are not yet known. These clusters shape inter-chromosomal contacts with numerous genes controlling differentiation in human and Drosophila cells. This suggests a possible role of these contacts in the formation of 3D chromosomal structures and the regulation of gene expression in development. However, it has not yet been demonstrated whether inter-chromosomal rDNA contacts are changed during differentiation. In this study, we used human leukemia K562 cells and induced their erythroid differentiation in order to study both the changes in rDNA contacts and the expression of genes. We observed that approximately 200 sets of rDNA-contacting genes are co-expressed in different combinations in both untreated and differentiated K562 cells. rDNA contacts are changed during differentiation and coupled with the upregulation of genes whose products are mainly located in the nucleus and are highly associated with DNA- and RNA-binding, along with the downregulation of genes whose products mainly reside in the cytoplasm or intra- or extracellular vesicles. The most downregulated gene is ID3, which is known as an inhibitor of differentiation, and thus should be switched off to allow for differentiation. Our data suggest that the differentiation of K562 cells leads to alterations in the inter-chromosomal contacts of rDNA clusters and 3D structures in particular chromosomal regions as well as to changes in the expression of genes located in the corresponding chromosomal domains. We conclude that approximately half of the rDNA-contacting genes are co-expressed in human cells and that rDNA clusters are involved in the global regulation of gene expression.

Nucleoli and the nucleoli-centromere association are dynamic during normal development and in cancer

Centromeres are known to cluster around nucleoli in Drosophila and mammalian cells, but the significance of the nucleoli-centromere interaction remains underexplored. To determine whether the interaction is dynamic under different physiological and pathological conditions, we examined nucleolar structure and centromeres at various differentiation stages using cell culture models and the results showed dynamic changes in nucleolar characteristics and nucleoli-centromere interactions through differentiation and in cancer cells. Embryonic stem cells usually have a single large nucleolus, which is clustered with a high percentage of centromeres. As cells differentiate into intermediate states, the nucleolar number increases and the centromere association decreases. In terminally differentiated cells, including myotubes, neurons, and keratinocytes, the number of nucleoli and their association with centromeres are at the lowest. Cancer cells demonstrate the pattern of nucleoli number and nucleoli-centromere association that is akin to proliferative cell types, suggesting that nucleolar reorganization and changes in nucleoli-centromere interactions may play a role in facilitating malignant transformation. This idea is supported in a case of pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma, in which induced differentiation reduces the nucleolar number and centromere association. These findings suggest active roles of nucleolar structure in centromere function and genome organization critical for cellular function in both normal development and cancer.

Methods for mapping 3D-chromosome architecture around nucleoli

The nucleolus is the largest subcompartment of the nucleus, known to be the place of ribosome biogenesis. Emerging evidence has started to implicate the nucleolus in the organization of chromosomes in the nucleus. Genomic domains contacting the nucleolus are defined as nucleolar associated domains (NADs) and are generally characterized by repressive chromatin states. However, the role of the nucleolus in genome architecture remains still not fully understood mainly because the lack of a membrane has challenged the establishment of methods for accurate identification of NADs. Here, we will discuss recent advances on methods to identify and characterize NADs, discuss their improvements relative to old methods, and highlight future perspectives.

Mapping nucleolus-associated chromatin interactions using nucleolus Hi-C reveals pattern of heterochromatin interactions

As the largest substructures in the nucleus, nucleoli are the sites of ribosome biogenesis. Increasing evidence indicates that nucleoli play a key role in the organization of 3D genome architecture, but systematic studies of nucleolus-associated chromatin interactions are lacking. Here, we developed a nucleolus Hi-C (nHi-C) experimental technique to enrich nucleolus-associated chromatin interactions. Using the nHi-C experiment, we identify 264 high-confidence nucleolus-associated domains (hNADs) that form strong heterochromatin interactions associated with the nucleolus and consist of 24% of the whole genome in HeLa cells. Based on the global hNAD inter-chromosomal interactions, we find five nucleolar organizer region (NOR)-bearing chromosomes formed into two clusters that show different interaction patterns, which is concordant with their epigenetic states and gene expression levels. hNADs can be divided into three groups that display distinct cis/trans interaction signals, interaction frequencies associated with nucleoli, distance from the centromeres, and overlap percentage with lamina-associated domains (LADs). Nucleolus disassembly caused by Actinomycin D (ActD) significantly decreases the strength of hNADs and affects compartment/TAD strength genome-wide. In summary, our results provide a global view of heterochromatin interactions organized around nucleoli and demonstrate that nucleoli act as an inactive inter-chromosomal hub to shape both compartments and TADs.

Characterization of a new IN-I-PpoI fusion protein and a homology-arm containing transgene cassette that improve transgene expression persistence and 28S rRNA gene-targeted insertion of lentiviral vectors

Targeting transgene integration into a safe genomic locus would be very important for gene therapy. We have generated lentivirus vectors containing the ribosomal RNA-recognising I-PpoI endonuclease fused to viral integrase, and transgene cassettes with target site homology arms to enhance insertion targeting. These new vectors were characterised with respect to the persistence of transgene expression, insertion targeting efficiency and chromosomal integrity of the transduced cells. The aim was to find an optimally safe and effective vector for human gene therapy. Fusion protein vectors with high endonuclease activity were the most effective in the accurate targeting of transgene insertion. The homology construct increased the insertion targeting efficiency to 28% in MRC-5 cells. However, karyotyping analysis showed that the high endonuclease activity induced the formation of derivative chromosomes in as many as 24% of the analysed primary T lymphocytes. The persistence of transgene expression was excellent in homology arm-containing fusion protein vectors with reduced endonuclease activity, and these fusion proteins did not cause any detectable chromosomal rearrangements attributable to the endonuclease activity. We thus conclude that instead of the fusion protein vectors that carry a highly active endonuclease, our vectors with the ability to tether the lentivirus preintegration complex to benign loci in the genome without high ribosomal DNA cleavage activity are better suited for lentivirus-based gene therapy applications.

Genome-wide maps of nucleolus interactions reveal distinct layers of repressive chromatin domains

Eukaryotic chromosomes are folded into hierarchical domains, forming functional compartments. Nuclear periphery and nucleolus are two nuclear landmarks contributing to repressive chromosome architecture. However, while the role of nuclear lamina (NL) in genome organization has been well documented, the function of the nucleolus remains under-investigated due to the lack of methods for the identification of nucleolar associated domains (NADs). Here we have established DamID- and HiC-based methodologies to generate accurate genome-wide maps of NADs in embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and neural progenitor cells (NPCs), revealing layers of genome compartmentalization with distinct, repressive chromatin states based on the interaction with the nucleolus, NL, or both. NADs show higher H3K9me2 and lower H3K27me3 content than regions exclusively interacting with NL. Upon ESC differentiation into NPCs, chromosomes around the nucleolus acquire a more compact, rigid architecture with neural genes moving away from nucleoli and becoming unlocked for later activation. Further, histone modifications and the interaction strength within A and B compartments of NADs and LADs in ESCs set the choice to associate with NL or nucleoli upon dissociation from their respective compartments during differentiation. The methodologies here developed will make possible to include the nucleolar contribution in nuclear space and genome function in diverse biological systems.

The Role of rDNA Clusters in Global Epigenetic Gene Regulation

The regulation of gene expression has been studied for decades, but the underlying mechanisms are still not fully understood. As well as local and distant regulation, there are specific mechanisms of regulation during development and physiological modulation of gene activity in differentiated cells. Current research strongly supports a role for the 3D chromosomal structure in the regulation of gene expression. However, it is not known whether the genome structure reflects the formation of active or repressed chromosomal domains or if these structures play a primary role in the regulation of gene expression. During early development, heterochromatinization of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) is coupled with silencing or activation of the expression of different sets of genes. Although the mechanisms behind this type of regulation are not known, rDNA clusters shape frequent inter-chromosomal contacts with a large group of genes controlling development. This review aims to shed light on the involvement of clusters of ribosomal genes in the global regulation of gene expression. We also discuss the possible role of RNA-mediated and phase-separation mechanisms in the global regulation of gene expression by nucleoli.

Environmentally induced ribosomal DNA (rDNA) instability in human cells and populations exposed to hexavalent chromium [Cr (VI)]

Hexavalent Chromium [Cr (VI)] is an established toxicant, carcinogen, and a significant source of public health concern. The multicopy ribosomal DNA (rDNA) array is mechanistically linked to aging and cancer, is the most evolutionarily conserved segment of the human genome, and gives origin to nucleolus, a nuclear organelle where ribosomes are assembled. Here we show that exposure to Cr (VI) induces instability in the rDNA, triggering cycles of rapid, specific, and transient amplification and contraction of the array in human cells. The dynamic of environmentally responsive rDNA copy number (CN) amplification and contraction occurs at doses to which millions of individuals are regularly exposed. Finally, analyses of human populations occupationally exposed to Cr (VI) indicate that environmental exposure history and drinking habits but not age shape extensive naturally occurring rDNA copy number variation. Our observations identify a novel pathway of response to hexavalent chromium exposure and raise the prospect that a suite of environmental determinants of rDNA copy number remain to be discovered.

The Ribosomal Gene Loci-The Power behind the Throne

Nucleoli form around actively transcribed ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes (rDNA), and the morphology and location of nucleolus-associated genomic domains (NADs) are linked to the RNA Polymerase I (Pol I) transcription status. The number of rDNA repeats (and the proportion of actively transcribed rRNA genes) is variable between cell types, individuals and disease state. Substantial changes in nucleolar morphology and size accompanied by concomitant changes in the Pol I transcription rate have long been documented during normal cell cycle progression, development and malignant transformation. This demonstrates how dynamic the nucleolar structure can be. Here, we will discuss how the structure of the rDNA loci, the nucleolus and the rate of Pol I transcription are important for dynamic regulation of global gene expression and genome stability, e.g., through the modulation of long-range genomic interactions with the suppressive NAD environment. These observations support an emerging paradigm whereby the rDNA repeats and the nucleolus play a key regulatory role in cellular homeostasis during normal development as well as disease, independent of their role in determining ribosome capacity and cellular growth rates.

Prevalence and Phenotypic Impact of Robertsonian Translocations

Robertsonian translocations (RTs) result from fusion of 2 acrocentric chromosomes (e.g., 13, 14, 15, 21, 22) and consequential losses of segments of the p arms containing 47S rDNA clusters and transcription factor binding sites. Depending on the position of the breakpoints, the size of these losses vary considerably between types of RTs. The prevalence of RTs in the general population is estimated to be around 1 per 800 individuals, making RTs the most common chromosomal rearrangement in healthy individuals. Based on their prevalence, RTs are classified as "common," rob(13;14) and rob(14;21), or "rare" (the 8 remaining nonhomologous combinations). Carriers of RTs are at an increased risk for offspring with chromosomal imbalances or with uniparental disomy. RTs are generally regarded as phenotypically neutral, although, due to RTs formation, 2 of the 10 ribosomal rDNA gene clusters, several long noncoding RNAs, and in the case of RTs involving chromosome 21, several mRNA encoding genes are lost. Nevertheless, recent evidence indicates that RTs may have a significant phenotypic impact. In particular, rob(13;14) carriers have a significantly elevated risk for breast cancer. While RTs are easily spotted by routine karyotyping, they may go unnoticed if only array-CGH and NextGen sequencing methods are applied. This review first discusses possible molecular mechanisms underlying the particularly high rates of RT formation and their incidence in the general population, and second, likely causes for the elevated cancer risk of some RTs will be examined.

The genomic structure of a human chromosome 22 nucleolar organizer region determined by TAR cloning

The rDNA clusters and flanking sequences on human chromosomes 13, 14, 15, 21 and 22 represent large gaps in the current genomic assembly. The organization and the degree of divergence of the human rDNA units within an individual nucleolar organizer region (NOR) are only partially known. To address this lacuna, we previously applied transformation-associated recombination (TAR) cloning to isolate individual rDNA units from chromosome 21. That approach revealed an unexpectedly high level of heterogeneity in human rDNA, raising the possibility of corresponding variations in ribosome dynamics. We have now applied the same strategy to analyze an entire rDNA array end-to-end from a copy of chromosome 22. Sequencing of TAR isolates provided the entire NOR sequence, including proximal and distal junctions that may be involved in nucleolar function. Comparison of the newly sequenced rDNAs to reference sequence for chromosomes 22 and 21 revealed variants that are shared in human rDNA in individuals from different ethnic groups, many of them at high frequency. Analysis infers comparable intra- and inter-individual divergence of rDNA units on the same and different chromosomes, supporting the concerted evolution of rDNA units. The results provide a route to investigate further the role of rDNA variation in nucleolar formation and in the empirical associations of nucleoli with pathology.

Close to the edge: Heterochromatin at the nucleolar and nuclear peripheries

Chromatin is a dynamic structure composed of DNA, RNA, and proteins, regulating storage and expression of the genetic material in the nucleus. Heterochromatin plays a crucial role in driving the three-dimensional arrangement of the interphase genome, and in preserving genome stability by maintaining a subset of the genome in a silent state. Spatial genome organization contributes to normal patterns of gene function and expression, and is therefore of broad interest. Mammalian heterochromatin, the focus of this review, mainly localizes at the nuclear periphery, forming Lamina-associated domains (LADs), and at the nucleolar periphery, forming Nucleolus-associated domains (NADs). Together, these regions comprise approximately one-half of mammalian genomes, and most but not all loci within these domains are stochastically placed at either of these two locations after exit from mitosis at each cell cycle. Excitement about the role of these heterochromatic domains in early development has recently been heightened by the discovery that LADs appear at some loci in the preimplantation mouse embryo prior to other chromosomal features like compartmental identity and topologically-associated domains (TADs). While LADs have been extensively studied and mapped during cellular differentiation and early embryonic development, NADs have been less thoroughly studied. Here, we summarize pioneering studies of NADs and LADs, more recent advances in our understanding of cis/trans-acting factors that mediate these localizations, and discuss the functional significance of these associations.

Regulation and Roles of the Nucleolus in Embryonic Stem Cells: From Ribosome Biogenesis to Genome Organization

The nucleolus is the largest compartment of the eukaryotic cell's nucleus. It acts as a ribosome factory, thereby sustaining the translation machinery. The nucleolus is also the subnuclear compartment with the highest transcriptional activity in the cell, where hundreds of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes transcribe the overwhelming majority of RNAs. The structure and composition of the nucleolus change according to the developmental state. For instance, in embryonic stem cells (ESCs), rRNA genes display a hyperactive transcriptional state and open chromatin structure compared with differentiated cells. Increasing evidence indicates that the role of the nucleolus and rRNA genes might go beyond the control of ribosome biogenesis. One such role is linked to the genome architecture, since repressive domains are often located close to the nucleolus. This review highlights recent findings describing how the nucleolus is regulated in ESCs and its role in regulating ribosome biogenesis and genome organization for the maintenance of stem cell identity.

Dynamics of Whole-Genome Contacts of Nucleoli in Drosophila Cells Suggests a Role for rDNA Genes in Global Epigenetic Regulation

Chromosomes are organized into 3D structures that are important for the regulation of gene expression and differentiation. Important role in formation of inter-chromosome contacts play rDNA clusters that make up nucleoli. In the course of differentiation, heterochromatization of rDNA units in mouse cells is coupled with the repression or activation of different genes. Furthermore, the nucleoli of human cells shape the direct contacts with genes that are involved in differentiation and cancer. Here, we identified and categorized the genes located in the regions where rDNA clusters make frequent contacts. Using a 4C approach, we demonstrate that in Drosophila S2 cells, rDNA clusters form contacts with genes that are involved in chromosome organization and differentiation. Heat shock treatment induces changes in the contacts between nucleoli and hundreds of genes controlling morphogenesis. We show that nucleoli form contacts with regions that are enriched with active or repressive histone marks and where small non-coding RNAs are mapped. These data indicate that rDNA contacts are involved in the repression and activation of gene expression and that rDNA clusters orchestrate large groups of Drosophila genes involved in differentiation.

Copy number variations of satellite III (1q12) and ribosomal repeats in health and schizophrenia

OBJECTIVE

Earlier we studied the copy number variations (CNVs) of ribosomal repeat (rDNA) and the satellite III fragment (1q12) (f-SatIII) in the cells of schizophrenia patients (SZ) and healthy controls (HC). In the present study we pursued two main objectives: (1) to confirm the increased rDNA and decreased f-SatIII content in the genomes of enlarged SZ and HC samples and (2) to compare the rDNA and f-SatIII content in the same DNA samples of SZ and HC individuals.

METHODS

We determined the rDNA CN and f-SatIII content in the genomes of leukocytes of 1770 subjects [HC (N = 814) and SZ (N = 956)]. Non-radioactive quantitative hybridization method (NQH) was applied for analysis of the various combinations of the two repeats sizes in SZ and HC groups.

RESULTS

f-SatIII in human leukocytes (N = 1556) varies between 5.7 and 44.7 pg/ng DNA. RDNA CN varies between 200 and 896 (N = 1770). SZ group significantly differ from the HC group by lower f-SatIII content and by rDNA abundance. The f-SatIII and rDNA CN are not randomly combined in the genome. Higher rDNA CN values are associated with higher f-SatIII index values in SZ and HC. The f-SatIII variation interval in SZ group increases significantly in the subgroup with the high rDNA CN index values (>300 copies).

CONCLUSION

Schizophrenia patients' genomes contain low number of f-SatIII copies corresponding with a large ribosomal repeats CN. A scheme is proposed to explain the low f-SatIII content in SZ group against the background of high rDNA CN.

Efficient Nuclease-Directed Integration of Lentivirus Vectors into the Human Ribosomal DNA Locus

Lentivirus vectors (LVs) are efficient tools for gene transfer, but the non-specific nature of transgene integration by the viral integration machinery carries an inherent risk for genotoxicity. We modified the integration machinery of LVs and harnessed the cellular DNA double-strand break repair machinery to integrate transgenes into ribosomal DNA, a promising genomic safe-harbor site for transgenes. LVs carrying modified I-PpoI-derived homing endonuclease proteins were characterized in detail, and we found that at least 21% of all integration sites localized to ribosomal DNA when LV transduction was coupled to target DNA cleavage. In addition to the primary sequence recognized by the endonuclease, integration was also enriched in chromatin domains topologically associated with nucleoli, which contain the targeted ribosome RNA genes. Targeting of this highly repetitive region for integration was not associated with detectable DNA deletions or negative impacts on cell health in transduced primary human T cells. The modified LVs characterized here have an overall lower risk for insertional mutagenesis than regular LVs and can thus improve the safety of gene and cellular therapy.

Mapping and Quantification of Non-Coding RNA Originating from the rDNA in Human Glioma Cells

Ribosomal DNA is one of the most conserved parts of the genome, especially in its rRNA coding regions, but some puzzling pieces of its noncoding repetitive sequences harbor secrets of cell growth and development machinery. Disruptions in the neat mechanisms of rDNA orchestrating the cell functioning result in malignant conversion. In cancer cells, the organization of rRNA coding genes and their transcription somehow differ from that of normal cells, but little is known about the particular mechanism for this switch. In this study, we demonstrate that the region ~2 kb upstream of the rDNA promoter is transcriptionally active in one type of the most malignant human brain tumors, and we compare its expression rate to that of healthy human tissues and cell cultures. Sense and antisense non-coding RNA transcripts were detected and mapped, but their secondary structure and functions remain to be elucidated. We propose that the transcripts may relate to a new class of so-called promoter-associated RNAs (pRNAs), or have some other regulatory functions. We also hope that the expression of these non-coding RNAs can be used as a marker in glioma diagnostics and prognosis.

Variation in ribosomal DNA copy number is associated with lung cancer risk in a prospective cohort study

Disruption of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) has been linked to a variety of diseases in humans, including carcinogenesis. To evaluate the associations between rDNA copy number (CN) and risk of lung cancer, we measured 5.8S and 18S rDNA CN in the peripheral blood of 229 incident lung cancer cases and 1:1 matched controls from a nested case-control study within a prospective cohort of male smokers. There was a dose-response relationship between quartiles of both 18S and 5.8S rDNA CN and risk of lung cancer (odds ratio [OR], 95% confidence interval [CI]: 18S: 1.0 [ref]; 1.2 [0.6-2.1]; 1.8 [1.0-3.4]; 2.3 [1.3-4.1; Ptrend = 0.0002; 5.8S: 1.0 [ref]; 1.6 [0.8-2.9]; 2.2 [1.1-4.2]; 2.6 [1.3-5.1]; Ptrend = 0.0001). The associations between rDNA CN and lung cancer risk were similar when excluding cases diagnosed within 5 years of follow-up, and when stratifying by heavy (>20 cigarettes per day) and light smokers (≤20 cigarettes per day). We are the first to report that rDNA CN may be associated with future risk of lung cancer. To further elucidate the relationship between rDNA and lung cancer, replication studies are needed in additional populations, particularly those that include non-smokers.

rDNA Clusters Make Contact with Genes that Are Involved in Differentiation and Cancer and Change Contacts after Heat Shock Treatment

Human rDNA clusters form numerous contacts with different chromosomal regions as evidenced by chromosome conformation capture data. Heterochromatization of rDNA genes leads to heterochromatization in different chromosomal regions coupled with the activation of the transcription of genes related to differentiation. These data suggest a role for rDNA clusters in the regulation of many human genes. However, the genes that reside within the rDNA-contacting regions have not been identified. The purpose of this study was to detect and characterize the regions where rDNA clusters make frequent contacts and to identify and categorize genes located in these regions. We analyzed the regions that contact rDNA using 4C data and show that these regions are enriched with genes specifying transcription factors and non-coding RNAs involved in differentiation and development. The rDNA-contacting genes are involved in neuronal development and are associated with different cancers. Heat shock treatment led to dramatic changes in the pattern of rDNA-contacting sites, especially in the regions possessing long stretches of H3K27ac marks. Whole-genome analysis of rDNA-contacting sites revealed specific epigenetic marks and the transcription sites of 20–100 nt non-coding RNAs in these regions. The rDNA-contacting genes jointly regulate many genes that are involved in the control of transcription by RNA polymerase II and the development of neurons. Our data suggest a role for rDNA clusters in the differentiation of human cells and carcinogenesis.

Ribosomal DNA and the Nucleolus as Keystones of Nuclear Architecture, Organization, and Function

The multicopy ribosomal DNA (rDNA) array gives origin to the nucleolus, a large nonmembrane-bound organelle that occupies a substantial volume within the cell nucleus. The rDNA/nucleolus has emerged as a coordinating hub in which seemingly disparate cellular functions converge, and from which a variety of cellular and organismal phenotypes emerge. However, the role of the nucleolus as a determinant and organizer of nuclear architecture and other epigenetic states of the genome is not well understood. We discuss the role of rDNA and the nucleolus in nuclear organization and function - from nucleolus-associated domains (NADs) to the regulation of imprinted loci and X chromosome inactivation, as well as rDNA contact maps that anchor and position the rDNA relative to the rest of the genome. The influence of the nucleolus on nuclear organization undoubtedly modulates diverse biological processes from metabolism to cell proliferation, genome-wide gene expression, maintenance of epigenetic states, and aging.

Genome Organization in and around the Nucleolus

The nucleolus is the largest substructure in the nucleus, where ribosome biogenesis takes place, and forms around the nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) that comprise ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. Each cell contains hundreds of rRNA genes, which are organized in three distinct chromatin and transcriptional states—silent, inactive and active. Increasing evidence indicates that the role of the nucleolus and rRNA genes goes beyond the control of ribosome biogenesis. Recent results highlighted the nucleolus as a compartment for the location and regulation of repressive genomic domains and, together with the nuclear lamina, represents the hub for the organization of the inactive heterochromatin. In this review, we aim to describe the crosstalk between the nucleolus and the rest of the genome and how distinct rRNA gene chromatin states affect nucleolus structure and are implicated in genome stability, genome architecture, and cell fate decision.

Integrative rDNAomics-Importance of the Oldest Repetitive Fraction of the Eukaryote Genome

Nuclear ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes represent the oldest repetitive fraction universal to all eukaryotic genomes. Their deeply anchored universality and omnipresence during eukaryotic evolution reflects in multiple roles and functions reaching far beyond ribosomal synthesis. Merely the copy number of non-transcribed rRNA genes is involved in mechanisms governing e.g., maintenance of genome integrity and control of cellular aging. Their copy number can vary in response to environmental cues, in cellular stress sensing, in development of cancer and other diseases. While reaching hundreds of copies in humans, there are records of up to 20,000 copies in fish and frogs and even 400,000 copies in ciliates forming thus a literal subgenome or an rDNAome within the genome. From the compositional and evolutionary dynamics viewpoint, the precursor 45S rDNA represents universally GC-enriched, highly recombining and homogenized regions. Hence, it is not accidental that both rDNA sequence and the corresponding rRNA secondary structure belong to established phylogenetic markers broadly used to infer phylogeny on multiple taxonomical levels including species delimitation. However, these multiple roles of rDNAs have been treated and discussed as being separate and independent from each other. Here, I aim to address nuclear rDNAs in an integrative approach to better assess the complexity of rDNA importance in the evolutionary context.

Changes in long-range rDNA-genomic interactions associate with altered RNA polymerase II gene programs during malignant transformation

The three-dimensional organization of the genome contributes to its maintenance and regulation. While chromosomal regions associate with nucleolar ribosomal RNA genes (rDNA), the biological significance of rDNA-genome interactions and whether they are dynamically regulated during disease remain unclear. rDNA chromatin exists in multiple inactive and active states and their transition is regulated by the RNA polymerase I transcription factor UBTF. Here, using a MYC-driven lymphoma model, we demonstrate that during malignant progression the rDNA chromatin converts to the open state, which is required for tumor cell survival. Moreover, this rDNA transition co-occurs with a reorganization of rDNA-genome contacts which correlate with gene expression changes at associated loci, impacting gene ontologies including B-cell differentiation, cell growth and metabolism. We propose that UBTF-mediated conversion to open rDNA chromatin during malignant transformation contributes to the regulation of specific gene pathways that regulate growth and differentiation through reformed long-range physical interactions with the rDNA.

The conservation landscape of the human ribosomal RNA gene repeats

Ribosomal RNA gene repeats (rDNA) encode ribosomal RNA, a major component of ribosomes. Ribosome biogenesis is central to cellular metabolic regulation, and several diseases are associated with rDNA dysfunction, notably cancer, However, its highly repetitive nature has severely limited characterization of the elements responsible for rDNA function. Here we make use of phylogenetic footprinting to provide a comprehensive list of novel, potentially functional elements in the human rDNA. Complete rDNA sequences for six non-human primate species were constructed using de novo whole genome assemblies. These new sequences were used to determine the conservation profile of the human rDNA, revealing 49 conserved regions in the rDNA intergenic spacer (IGS). To provide insights into the potential roles of these conserved regions, the conservation profile was integrated with functional genomics datasets. We find two major zones that contain conserved elements characterised by enrichment of transcription-associated chromatin factors, and transcription. Conservation of some IGS transcripts in the apes underpins the potential functional significance of these transcripts and the elements controlling their expression. Our results characterize the conservation landscape of the human IGS and suggest that noncoding transcription and chromatin elements are conserved and important features of this unique genomic region.

Nucleolus and chromatin

The nucleolus as site of ribosome biogenesis holds a pivotal role in cell metabolism. It is composed of ribosomal DNA (rDNA), which is present as tandem arrays located in nucleolus organizer regions (NORs). In interphase cells, rDNA can be found inside and adjacent to nucleoli and the location is indicative for transcriptional activity of ribosomal genes-inactive rDNA (outside) versus active one (inside). Moreover, the nucleolus itself acts as a spatial organizer of non-nucleolar chromatin. Microscopy-based approaches offer the possibility to explore the spatially distinct localization of the different DNA populations in relation to the nucleolar structure. Recent technical developments in microscopy and preparatory methods may further our understanding of the functional architecture of nucleoli. This review will attempt to summarize the current understanding of mammalian nucleolar chromatin organization as seen from a microscopist's perspective.