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Pek JW. The idiosyncrasies of oocytes. Trends Cell Biol 2025; 35:305-315. [PMID: 39142921 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2024.07.006] [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: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
Animal oocytes face extreme challenges. They remain dormant in the body for long periods of time. To support offspring development and health, they need to store genetic material and maternal factors stably and at the same time manage cellular damage in a reliable manner. Recent studies have provided new insights on how oocytes cope with such challenges. This review discusses the many unusual or idiosyncratic nature of oocytes and how understanding oocyte biology can help us address issues of reproduction and intergenerational inheritance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wei Pek
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link National University of Singapore, Singapore 117604, Singapore; Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive, 117543, Singapore.
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Choi E, Duan C, Bai XC. Regulation and function of insulin and insulin-like growth factor receptor signalling. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2025:10.1038/s41580-025-00826-3. [PMID: 39930003 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-025-00826-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/13/2025] [Indexed: 03/24/2025]
Abstract
Receptors of insulin and insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) are receptor tyrosine kinases whose signalling controls multiple aspects of animal physiology throughout life. In addition to regulating metabolism and growth, insulin-IGF receptor signalling has recently been linked to a variety of new, cell type-specific functions. In the last century, key questions have focused on how structural differences of insulin and IGFs affect receptor activation, and how insulin-IGF receptor signalling translates into pleiotropic biological functions. Technological advances such as cryo-electron microscopy have provided a detailed understanding of how native and engineered ligands activate insulin-IGF receptors. In this Review, we highlight recent structural and functional insights into the activation of insulin-IGF receptors, and summarize new agonists and antagonists developed for intervening in the activation of insulin-IGF receptor signalling. Furthermore, we discuss recently identified regulatory mechanisms beyond ligand-receptor interactions and functions of insulin-IGF receptor signalling in diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunhee Choi
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Cunming Duan
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Xiao-Chen Bai
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
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Chan SN, Pek JW. Can stable introns and noncoding RNAs be harnessed to improve health through activation of mitohormesis? Bioessays 2024; 46:e2400143. [PMID: 39301980 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202400143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 09/03/2024] [Accepted: 09/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
Ever since their introduction a decade ago, stable introns, a type of noncoding (nc)RNAs, are found to be key players in different important cellular processes acting through regulation of gene expression and feedback loops to maintain cellular homeostasis. Despite being commonly regarded as useless byproducts, recent studies in yeast suggested that stable introns are essential for cell survivability under starvation. In Drosophila, we found that a stable intron, sisR-1, has a direct effect in regulating mitochondrial dynamics during short-term fasting and subsequently improved overall oocyte quality. We speculated that the beneficial effects implicated by sisR-1 is through the activation of mitohormesis, an interesting phenomenon in mitochondrial biology. Mitohormesis is suggested to improve health span and lifespan of cells and organisms, but the involvement of ncRNAs is not well-documented. Here, we discuss the potential role of sisR-1 and other ncRNAs in activating mitohormesis and the possible applications in improving cellular and organismal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seow Neng Chan
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jun Wei Pek
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Ng AQE, Chan SN, Pek JW. Nutrient-dependent regulation of a stable intron modulates germline mitochondrial quality control. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1252. [PMID: 38341415 PMCID: PMC10858910 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45651-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are inherited exclusively from the mothers and are required for the proper development of embryos. Hence, germline mitochondrial quality is highly regulated during oogenesis to ensure oocyte viability. How nutrient availability influences germline mitochondrial quality control is unclear. Here we find that fasting leads to the accumulation of mitochondrial clumps and oogenesis arrest in Drosophila. Fasting induces the downregulation of the DIP1-Clueless pathway, leading to an increase in the expression of a stable intronic sequence RNA called sisR-1. Mechanistically, sisR-1 localizes to the mitochondrial clumps to inhibit the poly-ubiquitination of the outer mitochondrial protein Porin/VDAC1, thereby suppressing p62-mediated mitophagy. Alleviation of the fasting-induced high sisR-1 levels by either sisR-1 RNAi or refeeding leads to mitophagy, the resumption of oogenesis and an improvement in oocyte quality. Thus, our study provides a possible mechanism by which fasting can improve oocyte quality by modulating the mitochondrial quality control pathway. Of note, we uncover that the sisR-1 response also regulates mitochondrial clumping and oogenesis during protein deprivation, heat shock and aging, suggesting a broader role for this mechanism in germline mitochondrial quality control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabel Qi En Ng
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117604, Singapore
| | - Seow Neng Chan
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117604, Singapore
| | - Jun Wei Pek
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117604, Singapore.
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive, Singapore, 117543, Singapore.
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Martins da Silva R, de Oliveira Daumas Filho CR, Calixto C, Nascimento da Silva J, Lopes C, da Silva Vaz I, Logullo C. PEPCK and glucose metabolism homeostasis in arthropods. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 160:103986. [PMID: 37454751 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2023.103986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The fat body is responsible for a variety of functions related to energy metabolism in arthropods, by controlling the processes of de novo glucose production (gluconeogenesis) and glycogen metabolism. The rate-limiting factor of gluconeogenesis is the enzyme phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), generally considered to be the first committed step in this pathway. Although the study of PEPCK and gluconeogenesis has been for decades restricted to mammalian models, especially focusing on muscle and liver tissue, current research has demonstrated particularities about the regulation of this enzyme in arthropods, and described new functions. This review will focus on arthropod PEPCK, discuss different aspects to PEPCK regulation and function, its general role in the regulation of gluconeogenesis and other pathways. The text also presents our views on potentially important new directions for research involving this enzyme in a variety of metabolic adaptations (e.g. diapause), discussing enzyme isoforms, roles during arthropod embryogenesis, as well as involvement in vector-pathogen interactions, contributing to a better understanding of insect vectors of diseases and their control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renato Martins da Silva
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular - INCT, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Carlos Renato de Oliveira Daumas Filho
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular - INCT, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Christiano Calixto
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular - INCT, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Jhenifer Nascimento da Silva
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular - INCT, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Cintia Lopes
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular - INCT, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Itabajara da Silva Vaz
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular - INCT, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Centro de Biotecnologia and Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Carlos Logullo
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular - INCT, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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Chan SN, Pek JW. Distinct biogenesis pathways may have led to functional divergence of the human and Drosophila Arglu1 sisRNA. EMBO Rep 2023; 24:e54350. [PMID: 36533631 PMCID: PMC9900350 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202154350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Stable intronic sequence RNAs (sisRNAs) are stable, long noncoding RNAs containing intronic sequences. While sisRNAs have been found across diverse species, their level of conservation remains poorly understood. Here we report that the biogenesis and functions of a sisRNA transcribed from the highly conserved Arglu1 locus are distinct in human and Drosophila melanogaster. The Arglu1 genes in both species show similar exon-intron structures where the intron 2 is orthologous and positionally conserved. In humans, Arglu1 sisRNA retains the entire intron 2 and promotes host gene splicing. Mechanistically, Arglu1 sisRNA represses the splicing-inhibitory activity of ARGLU1 protein by binding to ARGLU1 protein and promoting its localization to nuclear speckles, away from the Arglu1 gene locus. In contrast, Drosophila dArglu1 sisRNA forms via premature cleavage of intron 2 and represses host gene splicing. This repression occurs through a local accumulation of dARGLU1 protein and inhibition of telescripting by U1 snRNPs at the dArglu1 locus. We propose that distinct biogenesis of positionally conserved Arglu1 sisRNAs in both species may have led to functional divergence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seow Neng Chan
- Temasek Life Sciences LaboratoryNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Jun Wei Pek
- Temasek Life Sciences LaboratoryNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Department of Biological SciencesNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
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Koh XY, Pek JW. Passing down maternal dietary memories through lncRNAs. Trends Genet 2023; 39:91-93. [PMID: 35934591 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2022.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Parental diet is known to influence the offspring in an intergenerational manner, and this has been implicated in species adaptation and general health. Recent studies highlight the role of maternal long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in serving as one of the 'memories' of maternal diet in regulating offspring development and predisposition to metabolic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Yi Koh
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, 1 Research Link, Singapore 117604, Singapore
| | - Jun Wei Pek
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, 1 Research Link, Singapore 117604, Singapore; Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive, Singapore 117543, Singapore.
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Srichaikul K, Hegele RA, Jenkins DJA. Great Chinese Famine and the Effects on Cardiometabolic Health for Future Generations. Hypertension 2022; 79:532-535. [PMID: 35138871 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.121.18546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Korbua Srichaikul
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada (K.S., D.J.A.J.).,Clinical Nutrition Risk Factor Modification Centre, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (K.S., D.J.A.J.).,Population Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (K.S., D.J.A.J.)
| | - Robert A Hegele
- Department of Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada (R.A.H.)
| | - David J A Jenkins
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada (K.S., D.J.A.J.).,Clinical Nutrition Risk Factor Modification Centre, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (K.S., D.J.A.J.).,Population Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (K.S., D.J.A.J.).,Toronto 3D Knowledge Synthesis and Clinical Trials Unit, Ontario, Canada (D.J.A.J.).,Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute (D.J.A.J.), St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism (D.J.A.J.), St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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