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Mazzetto M, Gonzalez LE, Sanchez N, Reinke V. Characterization of the distribution and dynamics of chromatin states in the C. elegans germline reveals substantial H3K4me3 remodeling during oogenesis. Genome Res 2024; 34:57-69. [PMID: 38164610 PMCID: PMC10903938 DOI: 10.1101/gr.278247.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Chromatin organization in the C. elegans germline is tightly regulated and critical for germ cell differentiation. Although certain germline epigenetic regulatory mechanisms have been identified, how they influence chromatin structure and ultimately gene expression remains unclear, in part because most genomic studies have focused on data collected from intact worms comprising both somatic and germline tissues. We therefore analyzed histone modification and chromatin accessibility data from isolated germ nuclei representing undifferentiated proliferating and meiosis I populations to define chromatin states. We correlated these states with overall transcript abundance, spatiotemporal expression patterns, and the function of small RNA pathways. Because the essential role of the germline is to transmit genetic information and establish gene expression in the early embryo, we compared epigenetic and transcriptomic profiles from undifferentiated germ cells to those of embryos to define the epigenetic changes during this developmental transition. The active histone modification H3K4me3 shows particularly dynamic remodeling as germ cells differentiate into oocytes, which suggests a mechanism for establishing early transcription of essential genes during zygotic genome activation. This analysis highlights the dynamism of the chromatin landscape across developmental transitions and provides a resource for future investigation into epigenetic regulatory mechanisms in germ cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lauren E Gonzalez
- Department of Genetics, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA
| | - Nancy Sanchez
- Department of Genetics, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA
| | - Valerie Reinke
- Department of Genetics, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA
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2
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Youness RA, Habashy DA, Khater N, Elsayed K, Dawoud A, Hakim S, Nafea H, Bourquin C, Abdel-Kader RM, Gad MZ. Role of Hydrogen Sulfide in Oncological and Non-Oncological Disorders and Its Regulation by Non-Coding RNAs: A Comprehensive Review. Noncoding RNA 2024; 10:7. [PMID: 38250807 PMCID: PMC10801522 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna10010007] [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: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Recently, myriad studies have defined the versatile abilities of gasotransmitters and their synthesizing enzymes to play a "Maestro" role in orchestrating several oncological and non-oncological circuits and, thus, nominated them as possible therapeutic targets. Although a significant amount of work has been conducted on the role of nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO) and their inter-relationship in the field of oncology, research about hydrogen sulfide (H2S) remains in its infancy. Recently, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been reported to play a dominating role in the regulation of the endogenous machinery system of H2S in several pathological contexts. A growing list of microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are leading the way as upstream regulators for H2S biosynthesis in different mammalian cells during the development and progression of human diseases; therefore, their targeting can be of great therapeutic benefit. In the current review, the authors shed the light onto the biosynthetic pathways of H2S and their regulation by miRNAs and lncRNAs in various oncological and non-oncological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana A. Youness
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo (GUC), Cairo 11835, Egypt
- Biology and Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Biotechnology, German International University (GIU), New Administrative Capital, Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Danira Ashraf Habashy
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo (GUC), Cairo 11835, Egypt
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo (GUC), Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Nour Khater
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo (GUC), Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Kareem Elsayed
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo (GUC), Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Alyaa Dawoud
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo (GUC), Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Sousanna Hakim
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo (GUC), Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Heba Nafea
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo (GUC), Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Carole Bourquin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, Department of Anaesthesiology, Pharmacology, Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland;
| | - Reham M. Abdel-Kader
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo (GUC), Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Z. Gad
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo (GUC), Cairo 11835, Egypt
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3
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Isenmann M, Stoddart MJ, Schmelzeisen R, Gross C, Della Bella E, Rothweiler RM. Basic Principles of RNA Interference: Nucleic Acid Types and In Vitro Intracellular Delivery Methods. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:1321. [PMID: 37512632 PMCID: PMC10383872 DOI: 10.3390/mi14071321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Since its discovery in 1989, RNA interference (RNAi) has become a widely used tool for the in vitro downregulation of specific gene expression in molecular biological research. This basically involves a complementary RNA that binds a target sequence to affect its transcription or translation process. Currently, various small RNAs, such as small interfering RNA (siRNA), micro RNA (miRNA), small hairpin RNA (shRNA), and PIWI interacting RNA (piRNA), are available for application on in vitro cell culture, to regulate the cells' gene expression by mimicking the endogenous RNAi-machinery. In addition, several biochemical, physical, and viral methods have been established to deliver these RNAs into the cell or nucleus. Since each RNA and each delivery method entail different off-target effects, limitations, and compatibilities, it is crucial to understand their basic mode of action. This review is intended to provide an overview of different nucleic acids and delivery methods for planning, interpreting, and troubleshooting of RNAi experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Isenmann
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetterstrasse 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- AO Research Institute Davos, Clavadelerstrasse 8, 7270 Davos, Switzerland
| | - Martin James Stoddart
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetterstrasse 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- AO Research Institute Davos, Clavadelerstrasse 8, 7270 Davos, Switzerland
| | - Rainer Schmelzeisen
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetterstrasse 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christian Gross
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetterstrasse 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Elena Della Bella
- AO Research Institute Davos, Clavadelerstrasse 8, 7270 Davos, Switzerland
| | - René Marcel Rothweiler
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetterstrasse 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- AO Research Institute Davos, Clavadelerstrasse 8, 7270 Davos, Switzerland
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4
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Seroussi U, Lugowski A, Wadi L, Lao RX, Willis AR, Zhao W, Sundby AE, Charlesworth AG, Reinke AW, Claycomb JM. A comprehensive survey of C. elegans argonaute proteins reveals organism-wide gene regulatory networks and functions. eLife 2023; 12:e83853. [PMID: 36790166 PMCID: PMC10101689 DOI: 10.7554/elife.83853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Argonaute (AGO) proteins associate with small RNAs to direct their effector function on complementary transcripts. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans contains an expanded family of 19 functional AGO proteins, many of which have not been fully characterized. In this work, we systematically analyzed every C. elegans AGO using CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing to introduce GFP::3xFLAG tags. We have characterized the expression patterns of each AGO throughout development, identified small RNA binding complements, and determined the effects of ago loss on small RNA populations and developmental phenotypes. Our analysis indicates stratification of subsets of AGOs into distinct regulatory modules, and integration of our data led us to uncover novel stress-induced fertility and pathogen response phenotypes due to ago loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uri Seroussi
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of TorontoTorontoCanada
| | - Andrew Lugowski
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of TorontoTorontoCanada
| | - Lina Wadi
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of TorontoTorontoCanada
| | - Robert X Lao
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of TorontoTorontoCanada
| | | | - Winnie Zhao
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of TorontoTorontoCanada
| | - Adam E Sundby
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of TorontoTorontoCanada
| | | | - Aaron W Reinke
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of TorontoTorontoCanada
| | - Julie M Claycomb
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of TorontoTorontoCanada
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5
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Bernardi N, Bianconi E, Vecchi A, Ameri P. Noncoding RNAs in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Heart Fail Clin 2023; 19:137-152. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hfc.2022.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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6
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Quévillon Huberdeau M, Shah VN, Nahar S, Neumeier J, Houle F, Bruckmann A, Gypas F, Nakanishi K, Großhans H, Meister G, Simard MJ. A specific type of Argonaute phosphorylation regulates binding to microRNAs during C. elegans development. Cell Rep 2022; 41:111822. [PMID: 36516777 PMCID: PMC10436268 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Argonaute proteins are at the core of the microRNA-mediated gene silencing pathway essential for animals. In C. elegans, the microRNA-specific Argonautes ALG-1 and ALG-2 regulate multiple processes required for proper animal developmental timing and viability. Here we identified a phosphorylation site on ALG-1 that modulates microRNA association. Mutating ALG-1 serine 642 into a phospho-mimicking residue impairs microRNA binding and causes embryonic lethality and post-embryonic phenotypes that are consistent with alteration of microRNA functions. Monitoring microRNA levels in alg-1 phosphorylation mutant animals shows that microRNA passenger strands increase in abundance but are not preferentially loaded into ALG-1, indicating that the miRNA binding defects could lead to microRNA duplex accumulation. Our genetic and biochemical experiments support protein kinase A (PKA) KIN-1 as the putative kinase that phosphorylates ALG-1 serine 642. Our data indicate that PKA triggers ALG-1 phosphorylation to regulate its microRNA association during C. elegans development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Quévillon Huberdeau
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Oncology Division), Québec City, QC G1R 3S3, Canada; Université Laval Cancer Research Centre, Québec City, QC G1R 3S3, Canada
| | - Vivek Nilesh Shah
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Oncology Division), Québec City, QC G1R 3S3, Canada; Université Laval Cancer Research Centre, Québec City, QC G1R 3S3, Canada
| | - Smita Nahar
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Julia Neumeier
- Regensburg Center for Biochemistry (RCB), Laboratory for RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - François Houle
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Oncology Division), Québec City, QC G1R 3S3, Canada; Université Laval Cancer Research Centre, Québec City, QC G1R 3S3, Canada
| | - Astrid Bruckmann
- Regensburg Center for Biochemistry (RCB), Laboratory for RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Foivos Gypas
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kotaro Nakanishi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Center for RNA Biology, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Helge Großhans
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gunter Meister
- Regensburg Center for Biochemistry (RCB), Laboratory for RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Martin J Simard
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Oncology Division), Québec City, QC G1R 3S3, Canada; Université Laval Cancer Research Centre, Québec City, QC G1R 3S3, Canada.
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Menegatti J, Nakel J, Stepanov YK, Caban KM, Ludwig N, Nord R, Pfitzner T, Yazdani M, Vilimova M, Kehl T, Lenhof HP, Philipp SE, Meese E, Fröhlich T, Grässer FA, Hart M. Changes of Protein Expression after CRISPR/Cas9 Knockout of miRNA-142 in Cell Lines Derived from Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14205031. [PMID: 36291816 PMCID: PMC9600116 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14205031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The gene of the human tumor suppressive microRNA-142 (miR-142) carries mutations in about 20% of cases of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Because microRNAs post-transcriptionally regulate the protein expression of their cognate messenger RNA (mRNAs) targets, we determined the effect of miR-142 knockout on protein expression in two cell lines derived from DLBCL. We found a significant up-regulation of 52 proteins but also a down-regulation of 41 proteins upon miR-142 deletion. Knockout of a miRNA may be used to identify novel targets, and seed-sequence mutants of a miRNA unable to bind to their targets can be used to confirm potential novel targets. With this approach, we identify AKT1S1, CCNB1, LIMA1 and TFRC as novel targets of miR-142. As miR-142 is highly present in the miRNA processing RISC complexes, the deletion of this miRNA might result in its replacement by other miRNAs, thus introducing an additional layer of complexity regarding gene regulation. Abstract Background: As microRNA-142 (miR-142) is the only human microRNA gene where mutations have consistently been found in about 20% of all cases of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), we wanted to determine the impact of miR-142 inactivation on protein expression of DLBCL cell lines. Methods: miR-142 was deleted by CRISPR/Cas9 knockout in cell lines from DLBCL. Results: By proteome analyses, miR-142 knockout resulted in a consistent up-regulation of 52 but also down-regulation of 41 proteins in GC-DLBCL lines BJAB and SUDHL4. Various mitochondrial ribosomal proteins were up-regulated in line with their pro-tumorigenic properties, while proteins necessary for MHC-I presentation were down-regulated in accordance with the finding that miR-142 knockout mice have a defective immune response. CFL2, CLIC4, STAU1, and TWF1 are known targets of miR-142, and we could additionally confirm AKT1S1, CCNB1, LIMA1, and TFRC as new targets of miR-142-3p or -5p. Conclusions: Seed-sequence mutants of miR-142 confirmed potential targets and novel targets of miRNAs can be identified in miRNA knockout cell lines. Due to the complex contribution of miRNAs within cellular regulatory networks, in particular when miRNAs highly present in RISC complexes are replaced by other miRNAs, primary effects on gene expression may be covered by secondary layers of regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Menegatti
- Institute of Virology, Saarland University Medical School, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Jacqueline Nakel
- Institute of Virology, Saarland University Medical School, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Youli K. Stepanov
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Karolina M. Caban
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Nicole Ludwig
- Institute of Human Genetics, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Ruth Nord
- Institute of Virology, Saarland University Medical School, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Pfitzner
- Institute of Virology, Saarland University Medical School, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Maryam Yazdani
- Institute of Virology, Saarland University Medical School, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Monika Vilimova
- Institute of Virology, Saarland University Medical School, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Tim Kehl
- Center for Bioinformatics, Saarland University, 66041 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Hans-Peter Lenhof
- Center for Bioinformatics, Saarland University, 66041 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Stephan E. Philipp
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Saarland University Medical School, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Eckart Meese
- Institute of Human Genetics, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Fröhlich
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Friedrich A. Grässer
- Institute of Virology, Saarland University Medical School, 66421 Homburg, Germany
- Correspondence: (F.A.G.); (M.H.)
| | - Martin Hart
- Institute of Human Genetics, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany
- Correspondence: (F.A.G.); (M.H.)
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Kowalczyk M, Kowalczyk E, Galita G, Majsterek I, Talarowska M, Popławski T, Kwiatkowski P, Lichota A, Sienkiewicz M. Association of Polymorphic Variants in Argonaute Genes with Depression Risk in a Polish Population. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810586. [PMID: 36142498 PMCID: PMC9500920 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Argonaute (AGO) proteins, through their key role in the regulation of gene expression, participate in many biological processes, including cell differentiation, proliferation, death and DNA repair. Accurate regulation of gene expression appears to be important for the proper development of complex neural circuits. Loss of AGO proteins is known to lead to early embryonic mortality in mice with various malformations, including anomalies of the central nervous system. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of AGO genes can lead to deregulation of the processes in which AGO proteins are involved. The contribution of different SNPs in depression has been extensively studied. However, there are hardly any studies on the contribution of AGO genes. The aim of our research was to assess the relationship between the occurrence of depression and the presence of SNPs in genes AGO1 (rs636882) and AGO2 (rs4961280; rs2292779; rs2977490) in a Polish population. One hundred and one subjects in the study group were diagnosed with recurrent depressive disorder by a psychiatrist. The control group comprised 117 healthy subjects. Study participants performed the HDRS (Hamilton Depression Scale) test to confirm or exclude depression and assess severity. The frequency of polymorphic variants of genes AGO1 (rs636882) and AGO2 (rs4961280; rs2292779; rs2977490) was determined using TaqMan SNP genotyping assays and the TaqMan universal PCR master mix, no AmpErase UNG. The rs4961280/AGO2 polymorphism was associated with a decrease in depression occurrence in the codominant (OR = 0.51, p = 0.034), dominant (OR = 0.49, p = 0.01), and overdominant (OR = 0.58, p = 0.049) models. Based on the obtained results, we found that the studied patients demonstrated a lower risk of depression with the presence of the polymorphic variant of the rs4961280/AGO2 gene—genotype C/A and C/A-A/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Kowalczyk
- Babinski Memorial Hospital, Aleksandrowska St. 159, 91-229 Lodz, Poland
| | - Edward Kowalczyk
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical University of Lodz, Zeligowskiego St. 7/9, 90-752 Lodz, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Galita
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 5, 92-215 Lodz, Poland
| | - Ireneusz Majsterek
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 5, 92-215 Lodz, Poland
| | - Monika Talarowska
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychopathology, Institute of Psychology, University of Lodz, Smugowa St. 10/12, 91-433 Lodz, Poland
| | - Tomasz Popławski
- Department of Microbiology and Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 5, 92-215 Lodz, Poland
| | - Paweł Kwiatkowski
- Department of Diagnostic Immunology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstancow Wielkopolskich Av. 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Anna Lichota
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Microbiological Diagnostic, Medical University of Lodz, Muszynskiego St. 1, 90-151 Lodz, Poland
| | - Monika Sienkiewicz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Microbiological Diagnostic, Medical University of Lodz, Muszynskiego St. 1, 90-151 Lodz, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-42-272-55-60
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9
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Leitão AL, Enguita FJ. A Structural View of miRNA Biogenesis and Function. Noncoding RNA 2022; 8:ncrna8010010. [PMID: 35202084 PMCID: PMC8874510 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna8010010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that act as post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression. Since their discovery in 1993, they have been the subject of deep study due to their involvement in many important biological processes. Compared with other ncRNAs, miRNAs are generated from devoted transcriptional units which are processed by a specific set of endonucleases. The contribution of structural biology methods for understanding miRNA biogenesis and function has been essential for the dissection of their roles in cell biology and human disease. In this review, we summarize the application of structural biology for the characterization of the molecular players involved in miRNA biogenesis (processors and effectors), starting from the X-ray crystallography methods to the more recent cryo-electron microscopy protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Lúcia Leitão
- MEtRICs, Department of Sciences and Technology of Biomass, NOVA School of Science and Technology, FCT NOVA, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal;
| | - Francisco J. Enguita
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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Sun Y, Wang J, Ma Y, Li J, Sun X, Zhao X, Shi X, Hu Y, Qu F, Zhang X. Radiation induces NORAD expression to promote ESCC radiotherapy resistance via EEPD1/ATR/Chk1 signalling and by inhibiting pri-miR-199a1 processing and the exosomal transfer of miR-199a-5p. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2021; 40:306. [PMID: 34587992 PMCID: PMC8479908 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02084-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Radioresistance, a poorly understood phenomenon, results in the failure of radiotherapy and subsequent local recurrence, threatening a large proportion of patients with ESCC. To date, lncRNAs have been reported to be involved in diverse biological processes, including radioresistance. METHODS FISH and qRT-PCR were adopted to examine the expression and localization of lncRNA-NORAD, pri-miR-199a1 and miR-199a-5p. Electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) were conducted to observe and identify exosomes. High-throughput microRNAs sequencing and TMT mass spectrometry were performed to identify the functional miRNA and proteins. A series of in vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to investigate the biological effect of NORAD. ChIP, RIP-qPCR, co-IP and dual-luciferase reporter assays were conducted to explore the interaction of related RNAs and proteins. RESULTS We show here that DNA damage activates the noncoding RNA NORAD, which is critical for ESCC radioresistance. NORAD was expressed at high levels in radioresistant ESCC cells. Radiation treatment promotes NORAD expression by enhancing H3K4me2 enrichment in its sequence. NORAD knockdown cells exhibit significant hypersensitivity to radiation in vivo and in vitro. NORAD is required to initiate the repair and restart of stalled forks, G2 cycle arrest and homologous recombination repair upon radiation treatment. Mechanistically, NORAD inhibits miR-199a-5p expression by competitively binding PUM1 from pri-miR-199a1, inhibiting the processing of pri-miR-199a1. Mature miR-199a-5p in NORAD knockdown cells is packaged into exosomes; miR-199a-5p restores the radiosensitivity of radioresistant cells by targeting EEPD1 and then inhibiting the ATR/Chk1 signalling pathway. Simultaneously, NORAD knockdown inhibits the ubiquitination of PD-L1, leading to a better response to radiation and anti-PD-1 treatment in a mouse model. CONCLUSIONS Based on the findings of this study, lncRNA-NORAD represents a potential treatment target for improving the efficiency of immunotherapy in combination with radiation in ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Sun
- The Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Jizhao Wang
- The Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Ma
- The Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Li
- The Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuanzi Sun
- The Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Xu Zhao
- The Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaobo Shi
- The Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 157 XiWu Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710004, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunfeng Hu
- The Department of Radiation Oncology, Yanan University Affiliated Hospital, 157 Beida Road, Yanan, Shannxi, 716099, People's Republic of China
| | - Fengyi Qu
- The Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaozhi Zhang
- The Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China.
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11
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Liu X, Shen L, Han B, Yao H. Involvement of noncoding RNA in blood-brain barrier integrity in central nervous system disease. Noncoding RNA Res 2021; 6:130-138. [PMID: 34377876 PMCID: PMC8327137 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2021.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Given the important role of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in the central nervous system (CNS), increasing studies have been carried out to determine how the structural and functional integrity of the BBB impacts the pathogenesis of CNS diseases such as stroke, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and gliomas. Emerging studies have revealed that noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) help to maintain the integrity and permeability of the BBB, thereby mediating CNS homeostasis. This review summarizes recent studies that focus on the effects of ncRNAs on the BBB in CNS diseases, including regulating the biological processes of inflammation, necrosis, and apoptosis of cells, affecting the translational dysfunction of proteins and regulating tight junctions (TJs). A comprehensive and detailed understanding of the interaction between ncRNAs and the BBB will lay a solid foundation for the development of early diagnostic methods and effective treatments for CNS diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Liu
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ling Shen
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bing Han
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Honghong Yao
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
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12
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Nowak I, Sarshad AA. Argonaute Proteins Take Center Stage in Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13040788. [PMID: 33668654 PMCID: PMC7918559 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The dysregulation of RNA interference (RNAi) has often been observed in cancers, where the main focus of research has been on the small RNA molecules directing RNAi. In this review, we focus on the activity of Argonaute proteins, central components of RNAi, in tumorigenesis, and also highlight their potential applications in grading tumors and anti-cancer therapies. Abstract Argonaute proteins (AGOs) play crucial roles in RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) formation and activity. AGOs loaded with small RNA molecules (miRNA or siRNA) either catalyze endoribonucleolytic cleavage of target RNAs or recruit factors responsible for translational silencing and target destabilization. miRNAs are well characterized and broadly studied in tumorigenesis; nevertheless, the functions of the AGOs in cancers have lagged behind. Here, we discuss the current state of knowledge on the role of AGOs in tumorigenesis, highlighting canonical and non-canonical functions of AGOs in cancer cells, as well as the biomarker potential of AGO expression in different of tumor types. Furthermore, we point to the possible application of the AGOs in development of novel therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iwona Nowak
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden;
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Aishe A. Sarshad
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden;
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Correspondence:
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13
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Liu L, Gao H, Guo C, Liu T, Li N, Qian Q. Therapeutic Mechanism of Nucleic Acid Drugs. ChemistrySelect 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.202002901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lianxiao Liu
- Nucleic Acid Drug Division Shanghai Cell Therapy Group Co., Ltd. 75 A Qianyang Rd, Jiading District Shanghai 201805 China
| | - Haixia Gao
- Nucleic Acid Drug Division Shanghai Cell Therapy Group Co., Ltd. 75 A Qianyang Rd, Jiading District Shanghai 201805 China
| | - Chuanxin Guo
- Nucleic Acid Drug Division Shanghai Cell Therapy Group Co., Ltd. 75 A Qianyang Rd, Jiading District Shanghai 201805 China
| | - Tao Liu
- Nucleic Acid Drug Division Shanghai Cell Therapy Group Co., Ltd. 75 A Qianyang Rd, Jiading District Shanghai 201805 China
| | - Ning Li
- Nucleic Acid Drug Division Shanghai Cell Therapy Group Co., Ltd. 75 A Qianyang Rd, Jiading District Shanghai 201805 China
| | - Qijun Qian
- Nucleic Acid Drug Division Shanghai Cell Therapy Group Co., Ltd. 75 A Qianyang Rd, Jiading District Shanghai 201805 China
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14
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Kataruka S, Modrak M, Kinterova V, Malik R, Zeitler DM, Horvat F, Kanka J, Meister G, Svoboda P. MicroRNA dilution during oocyte growth disables the microRNA pathway in mammalian oocytes. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:8050-8062. [PMID: 32609824 PMCID: PMC7430632 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are ubiquitous small RNAs guiding post-transcriptional gene repression in countless biological processes. However, the miRNA pathway in mouse oocytes appears inactive and dispensable for development. We propose that marginalization of the miRNA pathway activity stems from the constraints and adaptations of RNA metabolism elicited by the diluting effects of oocyte growth. We report that miRNAs do not accumulate like mRNAs during the oocyte growth because miRNA turnover has not adapted to it. The most abundant miRNAs total tens of thousands of molecules in growing (∅ 40 μm) and fully grown (∅ 80 μm) oocytes, a number similar to that observed in much smaller fibroblasts. The lack of miRNA accumulation results in a 100-fold lower miRNA concentration in fully grown oocytes than in somatic cells. This brings a knock-down-like effect, where diluted miRNAs engage targets but are not abundant enough for significant repression. Low-miRNA concentrations were observed in rat, hamster, porcine and bovine oocytes, arguing that miRNA inactivity is not mouse-specific but a common mammalian oocyte feature. Injection of 250,000 miRNA molecules was sufficient to restore reporter repression in mouse and porcine oocytes, suggesting that miRNA inactivity comes from low-miRNA abundance and not from some suppressor of the pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubhangini Kataruka
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Modrak
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Kinterova
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Rumburská 89, 277 21 Liběchov, Czech Republic
| | - Radek Malik
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Daniela M Zeitler
- RNA Biology, Biochemistry Center Regensburg, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Filip Horvat
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic.,Bioinformatics Group, Division of Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Horvatovac 102a, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Jiri Kanka
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Rumburská 89, 277 21 Liběchov, Czech Republic
| | - Gunter Meister
- RNA Biology, Biochemistry Center Regensburg, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Petr Svoboda
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic
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15
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Abstract
A diversity of gene regulatory mechanisms drives the changes in gene expression required for animal development. Here, we discuss the developmental roles of a class of gene regulatory factors composed of a core protein subunit of the Argonaute family and a 21-26-nucleotide RNA cofactor. These represent ancient regulatory complexes, originally evolved to repress genomic parasites such as transposons, viruses and retroviruses. However, over the course of evolution, small RNA-guided pathways have expanded and diversified, and they play multiple roles across all eukaryotes. Pertinent to this review, Argonaute and small RNA-mediated regulation has acquired numerous functions that affect all aspects of animal life. The regulatory function is provided by the Argonaute protein and its interactors, while the small RNA provides target specificity, guiding the Argonaute to a complementary RNA. C. elegans has 19 different, functional Argonautes, defining distinct yet interconnected pathways. Each Argonaute binds a relatively well-defined class of small RNA with distinct molecular properties. A broad classification of animal small RNA pathways distinguishes between two groups: (i) the microRNA pathway is involved in repressing relatively specific endogenous genes and (ii) the other small RNA pathways, which effectively act as a genomic immune system to primarily repress expression of foreign or "non-self" RNA while maintaining correct endogenous gene expression. microRNAs play prominent direct roles in all developmental stages, adult physiology and lifespan. The other small RNA pathways act primarily in the germline, but their impact extends far beyond, into embryogenesis and adult physiology, and even to subsequent generations. Here, we review the mechanisms and developmental functions of the diverse small RNA pathways of C. elegans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luisa Cochella
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria.
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16
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Artificial miRNAs targeting CAG repeat expansion in ORFs cause rapid deadenylation and translation inhibition of mutant transcripts. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 78:1577-1596. [PMID: 32696070 PMCID: PMC7904544 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03596-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases are incurable neurological disorders caused by CAG repeat expansion in the open reading frames (ORFs) of specific genes. This type of mutation in the HTT gene is responsible for Huntington’s disease (HD). CAG repeat-targeting artificial miRNAs (art-miRNAs) were shown as attractive therapeutic approach for polyQ disorders as they caused allele-selective decrease in the level of mutant proteins. Here, using polyQ disease models, we aimed to demonstrate how miRNA-based gene expression regulation is dependent on target sequence features. We show that the silencing efficiency and selectivity of art-miRNAs is influenced by the localization of the CAG repeat tract within transcript and the specific sequence context. Furthermore, we aimed to reveal the events leading to downregulation of mutant polyQ proteins and found very rapid activation of translational repression and HTT transcript deadenylation. Slicer-activity of AGO2 was dispensable in this process, as determined in AGO2 knockout cells generated with CRISPR-Cas9 technology. We also showed highly allele-selective downregulation of huntingtin in human HD neural progenitors (NPs). Taken together, art-miRNA activity may serve as a model of the cooperative activity and targeting of ORF regions by endogenous miRNAs.
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17
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Nammian P, Razban V, Tabei SMB, Asadi-Yousefabad SL. MicroRNA-126: Dual Role in Angiogenesis Dependent Diseases. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 26:4883-4893. [PMID: 32364067 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666200504120737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND MicroRNA-126, a microRNA implicated in blood vessel integrity and angiogenesis is significantly up/down regulated in different physiological and pathological conditions related to angiogenesis such as cardiovascular formation and angiogenesis dependent diseases. MicroRNA-126 plays a critical role in angiogenesis via regulating the proliferation, differentiation, migration, and apoptosis of angiogenesis related cells such as endothelial cells. OBJECTIVE The aim of this review is to investigate the molecular mechanisms and the effects of microRNA-126 on the process of angiogenesis in pathophysiological conditions. METHODS To conduct this review, related articles published between 2001 and 2019 were collected from the PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus and Scientific Information Database using search terms such as microRNA-126, angiogenesis, cardiovascular disorders, hypoxia, VEFG-A, endothelial cells, VEGF pathway, and gene silencing. Then, the qualified articles were reviewed. RESULTS MicroRNA-126 regulates the response of endothelial cells to VEGF, through directly repressing multiple targets, including Sprouty-related EVH1 domain-containing protein 1 (SPRED1) and phosphoinositol-3 kinase regulatory subunit 2 (PIK3R2/p85-b). MicroRNA-126 -3p and microRNA-126 -5p have cell-type and strandspecific functions and also various targets in angiogenesis that lead to the regulation of angiogenesis via different pathways and consequently diverse responses. CONCLUSION MicroRNA-126 can bind to multiple targets and potentially be both positive and negative regulators of gene expression. Thus, microRNA-126 could cause the opposite biological effects depending on the context. As a result, understanding the different cellular pathways through which microRNA-126 regulates angiogenesis in various situations is a critical aspect in the development of novel and effective treatments for diseases with insufficient angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pegah Nammian
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Vahid Razban
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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18
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Neumeier J, Meister G. siRNA Specificity: RNAi Mechanisms and Strategies to Reduce Off-Target Effects. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:526455. [PMID: 33584737 PMCID: PMC7876455 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.526455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are processed from long double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), and a guide strand is selected and incorporated into the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). Within RISC, a member of the Argonaute protein family directly binds the guide strand and the siRNA guides RISC to fully complementary sites on-target RNAs, which are then sequence-specifically cleaved by the Argonaute protein-a process commonly referred to as RNA interference (RNAi). In animals, endogenous microRNAs (miRNAs) function similarly but do not lead to direct cleavage of the target RNA but to translational inhibition followed by exonucleolytic decay. This is due to only partial complementarity between the miRNA and the target RNA. SiRNAs, however, can function as miRNAs, and partial complementarity can lead to miRNA-like off-target effects in RNAi applications. Since siRNAs are widely used not only for screening but also for therapeutics as well as crop protection purposes, such miRNA-like off-target effects need to be minimized. Strategies such as RNA modifications or pooling of siRNAs have been developed and are used to reduce off-target effects.
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19
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Guan R, Li H, Zhang H, An S. Comparative analysis of dsRNA-induced lncRNAs in three kinds of insect species. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 103:e21640. [PMID: 31667893 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) that have immune responses to various stimuli have been identified in some insects. One type of pathogen-associated molecular pattern, double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), can trigger the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway and immune response. Interestingly, there has been no research into characterizing the relationship between lncRNA and dsRNA-induced RNAi pathways. In this study, dsRNA-induced lncRNAs were investigated in two species of lepidopteran insects, Helicoverpa armigera and Plutella xylostella, and one species of coleopteran insects, Tribolium castaneum. Between untreated group and dsRNA-induced group; 3,463 H. armigera, 6,245 P. xylostella, and 3,067 T. castaneum differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified while 156 H. armigera, 247 P. xylostella, 415 T. castaneum lncRNAs and their putative target genes showed consistent changes in gene expression. In T. castaneum, most target genes of the differentially expressed lncRNAs are enriched in the cyclic adenosine monophosphate signaling pathway, ABC transporters, and Janus kinase-signal transducers and activators of the transcription signaling pathway. Conversely, in H. armigera and P. xylostella, the differentially expressed lncRNAs were mainly enriched in the metabolic, digestive, and synthetic signaling pathways. This result indicates that dsRNA-induced lncRNA is species-dependent. We also found that both Dicer-2 and the lncRNA that targets Dicer-2 were significantly upregulated after dsRNA treatment in P. xylostella, indicating that some lncRNAs may be involved in the regulation of the core RNAi pathway in insects. Our results are the first to identify a relationship between lncRNAs and dsRNA in various insect species with different RNAi efficiencies. These results provide a reference for future study of the dsRNA-induced RNAi pathway and different RNAi efficiencies among insect species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruobing Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crop Science, College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Haichao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crop Science, College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Shiheng An
- State Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crop Science, College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
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20
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Redmond W, Allen D, Elledge MC, Arellanes R, Redmond L, Yeahquo J, Zhang S, Youngblood M, Reiner A, Seo J. Screening of microRNAs controlling body fat in Drosophila melanogaster and identification of miR-969 and its target, Gr47b. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219707. [PMID: 31318925 PMCID: PMC6638924 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-protein coding RNAs and post-transcriptionally regulate cellular gene expression. In animal development, miRNAs play essential roles such as stem cell maintenance, organogenesis, and apoptosis. Using gain-of-function (GOF) screening with 160 miRNA lines in Drosophila melanogaster, we identified a set of miRNAs which regulates body fat contents and named them microCATs (microRNAs Controlling Adipose Tissue). Further examination of egg-to-adult developmental kinetics of selected miRNA lines showed a negative correlation between fat content and developmental time. Comparison of microCATs with loss-of-function miRNA screening data uncovered miR-969 as an essential regulator of adiposity. Subsequently, we demonstrated adipose tissue-specific knock-down of gustatory receptor 47b (Gr47b), a miR-969 target, greatly reduced the amount of body fat, recapitulating the miR-969 GOF phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Redmond
- Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, Rogers State University, Claremore, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Dylan Allen
- Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, Rogers State University, Claremore, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - M. Christian Elledge
- Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, Rogers State University, Claremore, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Russell Arellanes
- Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, Rogers State University, Claremore, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Lucille Redmond
- Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, Rogers State University, Claremore, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Jared Yeahquo
- Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, Rogers State University, Claremore, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Shuyin Zhang
- Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, Rogers State University, Claremore, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Morgan Youngblood
- Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, Rogers State University, Claremore, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Austin Reiner
- Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, Rogers State University, Claremore, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Jin Seo
- Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, Rogers State University, Claremore, Oklahoma, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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21
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Meng F, Yang M, Li Y, Li T, Liu X, Wang G, Wang Z, Jin X, Li W. Functional Analysis of RNA Interference-Related Soybean Pod Borer ( Lepidoptera) Genes Based on Transcriptome Sequences. Front Physiol 2018; 9:383. [PMID: 29773992 PMCID: PMC5943558 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is useful for controlling pests of agriculturally important crops. The soybean pod borer (SPB) is the most important soybean pest in Northeastern Asia. In an earlier study, we confirmed that the SPB could be controlled via transgenic plant-mediated RNAi. Here, the SPB transcriptome was sequenced to identify RNAi-related genes, and also to establish an RNAi-of-RNAi assay system for evaluating genes involved in the SPB systemic RNAi response. The core RNAi genes, as well as genes potentially involved in double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) uptake were identified based on SPB transcriptome sequences. A phylogenetic analysis and the characterization of these core components as well as dsRNA uptake related genes revealed that they contain conserved domains essential for the RNAi pathway. The results of the RNAi-of-RNAi assay involving Laccase 2 (a critical cuticle pigmentation gene) as a marker showed that genes encoding the sid-like (Sil1), scavenger receptor class C (Src), and scavenger receptor class B (Srb3 and Srb4) proteins of the endocytic pathway were required for SPB cellular uptake of dsRNA. The SPB response was inferred to contain three functional small RNA pathways (i.e., miRNA, siRNA, and piRNA pathways). Additionally, the SPB systemic RNA response may rely on systemic RNA interference deficient transmembrane channel-mediated and receptor-mediated endocytic pathways. The results presented herein may be useful for developing RNAi-mediated methods to control SPB infestations in soybean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanli Meng
- Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology in Chinese Ministry of Education, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Mingyu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology in Chinese Ministry of Education, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Yang Li
- Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology in Chinese Ministry of Education, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Tianyu Li
- Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology in Chinese Ministry of Education, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Xinxin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology in Chinese Ministry of Education, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Guoyue Wang
- Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology in Chinese Ministry of Education, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Zhanchun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology in Chinese Ministry of Education, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Xianhao Jin
- Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology in Chinese Ministry of Education, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Wenbin Li
- Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology in Chinese Ministry of Education, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
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22
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Michelini F, Jalihal AP, Francia S, Meers C, Neeb ZT, Rossiello F, Gioia U, Aguado J, Jones-Weinert C, Luke B, Biamonti G, Nowacki M, Storici F, Carninci P, Walter NG, d'Adda di Fagagna F. From "Cellular" RNA to "Smart" RNA: Multiple Roles of RNA in Genome Stability and Beyond. Chem Rev 2018; 118:4365-4403. [PMID: 29600857 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.7b00487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Coding for proteins has been considered the main function of RNA since the "central dogma" of biology was proposed. The discovery of noncoding transcripts shed light on additional roles of RNA, ranging from the support of polypeptide synthesis, to the assembly of subnuclear structures, to gene expression modulation. Cellular RNA has therefore been recognized as a central player in often unanticipated biological processes, including genomic stability. This ever-expanding list of functions inspired us to think of RNA as a "smart" phone, which has replaced the older obsolete "cellular" phone. In this review, we summarize the last two decades of advances in research on the interface between RNA biology and genome stability. We start with an account of the emergence of noncoding RNA, and then we discuss the involvement of RNA in DNA damage signaling and repair, telomere maintenance, and genomic rearrangements. We continue with the depiction of single-molecule RNA detection techniques, and we conclude by illustrating the possibilities of RNA modulation in hopes of creating or improving new therapies. The widespread biological functions of RNA have made this molecule a reoccurring theme in basic and translational research, warranting it the transcendence from classically studied "cellular" RNA to "smart" RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Michelini
- IFOM - The FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology , Milan , 20139 , Italy
| | - Ameya P Jalihal
- Single Molecule Analysis Group and Center for RNA Biomedicine, Department of Chemistry , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , Michigan 48109-1055 , United States
| | - Sofia Francia
- IFOM - The FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology , Milan , 20139 , Italy.,Istituto di Genetica Molecolare , CNR - Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche , Pavia , 27100 , Italy
| | - Chance Meers
- School of Biological Sciences , Georgia Institute of Technology , Atlanta , Georgia 30332 , United States
| | - Zachary T Neeb
- Institute of Cell Biology , University of Bern , Baltzerstrasse 4 , 3012 Bern , Switzerland
| | | | - Ubaldo Gioia
- IFOM - The FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology , Milan , 20139 , Italy
| | - Julio Aguado
- IFOM - The FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology , Milan , 20139 , Italy
| | | | - Brian Luke
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Neurobiology , Johannes Gutenberg University , 55099 Mainz , Germany.,Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB) , 55128 Mainz , Germany
| | - Giuseppe Biamonti
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare , CNR - Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche , Pavia , 27100 , Italy
| | - Mariusz Nowacki
- Institute of Cell Biology , University of Bern , Baltzerstrasse 4 , 3012 Bern , Switzerland
| | - Francesca Storici
- School of Biological Sciences , Georgia Institute of Technology , Atlanta , Georgia 30332 , United States
| | - Piero Carninci
- RIKEN Center for Life Science Technologies , 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku , Yokohama City , Kanagawa 230-0045 , Japan
| | - Nils G Walter
- Single Molecule Analysis Group and Center for RNA Biomedicine, Department of Chemistry , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , Michigan 48109-1055 , United States
| | - Fabrizio d'Adda di Fagagna
- IFOM - The FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology , Milan , 20139 , Italy.,Istituto di Genetica Molecolare , CNR - Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche , Pavia , 27100 , Italy
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23
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Brustikova K, Sedlak D, Kubikova J, Skuta C, Solcova K, Malik R, Bartunek P, Svoboda P. Cell-Based Reporter System for High-Throughput Screening of MicroRNA Pathway Inhibitors and Its Limitations. Front Genet 2018. [PMID: 29535760 PMCID: PMC5835079 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNAs repressing gene expression. They contribute to many physiological processes and pathologies. Consequently, strategies for manipulation of the miRNA pathway are of interest as they could provide tools for experimental or therapeutic interventions. One of such tools could be small chemical compounds identified through high-throughput screening (HTS) with reporter assays. While a number of chemical compounds have been identified in such high-throughput screens, their application potential remains elusive. Here, we report our experience with cell-based HTS of a library of 12,816 chemical compounds to identify miRNA pathway modulators. We used human HeLa and mouse NIH 3T3 cell lines with stably integrated or transiently expressed luciferase reporters repressed by endogenous miR-30 and let-7 miRNAs and identified 163 putative miRNA inhibitors. We report that compounds relieving miRNA-mediated repression via stress induction are infrequent; we have found only two compounds that reproducibly induced stress granules and relieved miRNA-targeted reporter repression. However, we have found that this assay type readily yields non-specific (miRNA-independent) stimulators of luciferase reporter activity. Furthermore, our data provide partial support for previously published miRNA pathway modulators; the most notable intersections were found among anthracyclines, dopamine derivatives, flavones, and stilbenes. Altogether, our results underscore the importance of appropriate negative controls in development of small compound inhibitors of the miRNA pathway. This particularly concerns validation strategies, which would greatly profit from assays that fundamentally differ from the routinely employed miRNA-targeted reporter assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Brustikova
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - David Sedlak
- CZ-OPENSCREEN, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jana Kubikova
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Ctibor Skuta
- CZ-OPENSCREEN, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Katerina Solcova
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Radek Malik
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Petr Bartunek
- CZ-OPENSCREEN, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Petr Svoboda
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
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24
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Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs), widely distributed, small regulatory RNA genes, target both messenger RNA (mRNA) degradation and suppression of protein translation based on sequence complementarity between the miRNA and its targeted mRNA. Different names have been used to describe various types of miRNA. During evolution, RNA retroviruses or transgenes invaded the eukaryotic genome and were inserted itself in the noncoding regions of DNA, conceivably acting as transposon-like jumping genes, providing defense from viral invasion and fine-tuning of gene expression as a secondary level of gene modulation in eukaryotes. When a transposon is inserted in the intron, it becomes an intronic miRNA, taking advantage of the protein synthesis machinery, i.e., mRNA transcription and splicing, as a means for processing and maturation. MiRNAs have been found to play an important, but not life-threatening, role in embryonic development. They might play a pivotal role in diverse biological systems in various organisms, facilitating a quick response and accurate plotting of body physiology and structures. Based on these unique properties, manufactured intronic miRNAs have been developed for in vitro evaluation of gene function, in vivo gene therapy, and generation of transgenic animal models. The biogenesis of miRNAs, circulating miRNAs, miRNAs and cancer, iPSCs, and heart disease are presented in this chapter, highlighting some recent studies on these topics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Yao Ying
- Department of Integrative Anatomical Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Donald C Chang
- WJWU & LYNN Institute for Stem Cell Research, Santa Fe Springs, CA, USA
| | - Shi-Lung Lin
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, WJWU & LYNN Institute for Stem Cell Research, Santa Fe Springs, CA, USA
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25
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Militello G, Weirick T, John D, Döring C, Dimmeler S, Uchida S. Screening and validation of lncRNAs and circRNAs as miRNA sponges. Brief Bioinform 2017; 18:780-788. [PMID: 27373735 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbw053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Intensive research in past two decades has uncovered the presence and importance of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), which includes microRNAs (miRs) and long ncRNAs (lncRNAs). These two classes of ncRNAs interact to a certain extent, as some lncRNAs bind to miRs to sequester them. Such lncRNAs are collectively called 'competing endogenous RNAs' or 'miRNA sponges'. In this study, we screened for lncRNAs that may act as miRNA sponges using the publicly available data sets and databases. To uncover the roles of miRNA sponges, loss-of-function experiments were conducted, which revealed the biological roles as miRNA sponges. LINC00324 is important for the cell survival by binding to miR-615-5p leading to the de-repression of its target BTG2. LOC400043 controls several biological functions via sequestering miR-28-3p and miR-96-5p, thereby changing the expressions of transcriptional regulators. Finally, we also screened for circular RNAs (circRNAs) that may function as miRNA sponges. The results were negative at least for the selected circRNAs in this study. In conclusion, miRNA sponges can be identified by applying a series of bioinformatics techniques and validated with biological experiments.
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26
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Treiber T, Treiber N, Plessmann U, Harlander S, Daiß JL, Eichner N, Lehmann G, Schall K, Urlaub H, Meister G. A Compendium of RNA-Binding Proteins that Regulate MicroRNA Biogenesis. Mol Cell 2017; 66:270-284.e13. [PMID: 28431233 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2017.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 205] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Revised: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
During microRNA (miRNA) biogenesis, two endonucleolytic reactions convert stem-loop-structured precursors into mature miRNAs. These processing steps can be posttranscriptionally regulated by RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). Here, we have used a proteomics-based pull-down approach to map and characterize the interactome of a multitude of pre-miRNAs. We identify ∼180 RBPs that interact specifically with distinct pre-miRNAs. For functional validation, we combined RNAi and CRISPR/Cas-mediated knockout experiments to analyze RBP-dependent changes in miRNA levels. Indeed, a large number of the investigated candidates, including splicing factors and other mRNA processing proteins, have effects on miRNA processing. As an example, we show that TRIM71/LIN41 is a potent regulator of miR-29a processing and its inactivation directly affects miR-29a targets. We provide an extended database of RBPs that interact with pre-miRNAs in extracts of different cell types, highlighting a widespread layer of co- and posttranscriptional regulation of miRNA biogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Treiber
- Biochemistry Center Regensburg (BZR), Laboratory for RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Nora Treiber
- Biochemistry Center Regensburg (BZR), Laboratory for RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Uwe Plessmann
- Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Group, Max-Planck-Institute of Biophysical Chemistry, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Simone Harlander
- Biochemistry Center Regensburg (BZR), Laboratory for RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Julia-Lisa Daiß
- Biochemistry Center Regensburg (BZR), Laboratory for RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Norbert Eichner
- Biochemistry Center Regensburg (BZR), Laboratory for RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Gerhard Lehmann
- Biochemistry Center Regensburg (BZR), Laboratory for RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Kevin Schall
- Biochemistry Center Regensburg (BZR), Laboratory for RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Henning Urlaub
- Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Group, Max-Planck-Institute of Biophysical Chemistry, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Gunter Meister
- Biochemistry Center Regensburg (BZR), Laboratory for RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
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27
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Guo H, Kazadaeva Y, Ortega FE, Manjunath N, Desai TJ. Trinucleotide repeat containing 6c (TNRC6c) is essential for microvascular maturation during distal airspace sacculation in the developing lung. Dev Biol 2017; 430:214-223. [PMID: 28811219 PMCID: PMC5634525 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2017.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Revised: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
GW182 (also known asTNRC6) family members are critically involved in the final effector phase of miRNA-mediated mRNA repression. The three mammalian paralogs, TNRC6a, b and c, are thought to be redundant based on Argonaute (Ago) binding, tethering assays, and RNAi silencing of individual members in cell lines. To test this idea, we generated TNRC6a, b and c knockout mice. TNRC6a mutants die at mid-gestation, while b- and c- deleted mice are born at a Mendelian ratio. However, the majority of TNRC6b and all TNRC6c mutants die within 24h after birth, the latter with respiratory failure. Necropsy of TNRC6c mutants revealed normal-appearing airways that give rise to abnormally thick-walled distal gas exchange sacs. Immunohistological analysis of mutant lungs demonstrated a normal distribution of bronchiolar and alveolar cells, indicating that loss of TNRC6c did not abrogate epithelial cell differentiation. The cellular kinetics and relative proportions of endothelial, epithelial, and mesenchymal cells were also not altered. However, the underlying capillary network was simplified and endothelial cells had failed to become tightly apposed to the surface epithelium in TNRC6c mutants, presumably causing the observed respiratory failure. TGFβ family mutant mice exhibit a similar lung phenotype of thick-walled air sacs and neonatal lethality, and qRT-PCR confirmed dynamic downregulation of TGFβ1 and TGFβR2 in TNRC6c mutant lungs during sacculation. VEGFR, but not VEGF-A ligand, was also lower, likely reflecting the overall reduced capillary density in TNRC6c mutants. Together, these results demonstrate that GW182 paralogs are not functionally redundant in vivo. Surprisingly, despite regulating a general cellular process, TNRC6c is selectively required only in the distal lung and not until late in gestation for proper expression of the TGFβ family genes that drive sacculation. These results imply a complex and indirect mode of regulation of sacculation by TNRC6c, mediated in part by dynamic transcriptional repression of an inhibitor of TGFβ family gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Guo
- Center of Emphasis in Infectious Disease, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX 79905, United States
| | - Yana Kazadaeva
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
| | - Fabian E Ortega
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
| | - Narasimaswamy Manjunath
- Center of Emphasis in Infectious Disease, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX 79905, United States
| | - Tushar J Desai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, United States.
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28
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Quévillon Huberdeau M, Zeitler DM, Hauptmann J, Bruckmann A, Fressigné L, Danner J, Piquet S, Strieder N, Engelmann JC, Jannot G, Deutzmann R, Simard MJ, Meister G. Phosphorylation of Argonaute proteins affects mRNA binding and is essential for microRNA-guided gene silencing in vivo. EMBO J 2017. [PMID: 28645918 DOI: 10.15252/embj.201696386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Argonaute proteins associate with microRNAs and are key components of gene silencing pathways. With such a pivotal role, these proteins represent ideal targets for regulatory post-translational modifications. Using quantitative mass spectrometry, we find that a C-terminal serine/threonine cluster is phosphorylated at five different residues in human and Caenorhabditis elegans In human, hyper-phosphorylation does not affect microRNA binding, localization, or cleavage activity of Ago2. However, mRNA binding is strongly affected. Strikingly, on Ago2 mutants that cannot bind microRNAs or mRNAs, the cluster remains unphosphorylated indicating a role at late stages of gene silencing. In C. elegans, the phosphorylation of the conserved cluster of ALG-1 is essential for microRNA function in vivo Furthermore, a single point mutation within the cluster is sufficient to phenocopy the loss of its complete phosphorylation. Interestingly, this mutant retains its capacity to produce and bind microRNAs and represses expression when artificially tethered to an mRNA Altogether, our data suggest that the phosphorylation state of the serine/threonine cluster is important for Argonaute-mRNA interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Quévillon Huberdeau
- St-Patrick Research Group in Basic Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec-Université Laval Research Centre (L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec), Quebec City, Québec, Canada.,Laval University Cancer Research Centre, Quebec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Daniela M Zeitler
- Biochemistry Center Regensburg (BZR), Laboratory for RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Judith Hauptmann
- Biochemistry Center Regensburg (BZR), Laboratory for RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Astrid Bruckmann
- Biochemistry Center Regensburg (BZR), Laboratory for RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Lucile Fressigné
- St-Patrick Research Group in Basic Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec-Université Laval Research Centre (L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec), Quebec City, Québec, Canada.,Laval University Cancer Research Centre, Quebec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Johannes Danner
- Biochemistry Center Regensburg (BZR), Laboratory for RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sandra Piquet
- St-Patrick Research Group in Basic Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec-Université Laval Research Centre (L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec), Quebec City, Québec, Canada.,Laval University Cancer Research Centre, Quebec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Nicholas Strieder
- Department of Statistical Bioinformatics, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Julia C Engelmann
- Department of Statistical Bioinformatics, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Guillaume Jannot
- St-Patrick Research Group in Basic Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec-Université Laval Research Centre (L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec), Quebec City, Québec, Canada.,Laval University Cancer Research Centre, Quebec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Rainer Deutzmann
- Biochemistry Center Regensburg (BZR), Laboratory for RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Martin J Simard
- St-Patrick Research Group in Basic Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec-Université Laval Research Centre (L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec), Quebec City, Québec, Canada .,Laval University Cancer Research Centre, Quebec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Gunter Meister
- Biochemistry Center Regensburg (BZR), Laboratory for RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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29
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Swarts DC, Szczepaniak M, Sheng G, Chandradoss SD, Zhu Y, Timmers EM, Zhang Y, Zhao H, Lou J, Wang Y, Joo C, van der Oost J. Autonomous Generation and Loading of DNA Guides by Bacterial Argonaute. Mol Cell 2017; 65:985-998.e6. [PMID: 28262506 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2017.01.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2016] [Revised: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 01/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Several prokaryotic Argonaute proteins (pAgos) utilize small DNA guides to mediate host defense by targeting invading DNA complementary to the DNA guide. It is unknown how these DNA guides are being generated and loaded onto pAgo. Here, we demonstrate that guide-free Argonaute from Thermus thermophilus (TtAgo) can degrade double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), thereby generating small dsDNA fragments that subsequently are loaded onto TtAgo. Combining single-molecule fluorescence, molecular dynamic simulations, and structural studies, we show that TtAgo loads dsDNA molecules with a preference toward a deoxyguanosine on the passenger strand at the position opposite to the 5' end of the guide strand. This explains why in vivo TtAgo is preferentially loaded with guides with a 5' end deoxycytidine. Our data demonstrate that TtAgo can independently generate and selectively load functional DNA guides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daan C Swarts
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Agrotechnology and Food Sciences, Wageningen University, 6708 WE Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Malwina Szczepaniak
- Kavli Institute of NanoScience, Department of BioNanoScience, Delft University of Technology, 2628 CD Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Gang Sheng
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Stanley D Chandradoss
- Kavli Institute of NanoScience, Department of BioNanoScience, Delft University of Technology, 2628 CD Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Yifan Zhu
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Agrotechnology and Food Sciences, Wageningen University, 6708 WE Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Elizabeth M Timmers
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Agrotechnology and Food Sciences, Wageningen University, 6708 WE Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Yong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Hongtu Zhao
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jizhong Lou
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yanli Wang
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Chirlmin Joo
- Kavli Institute of NanoScience, Department of BioNanoScience, Delft University of Technology, 2628 CD Delft, the Netherlands.
| | - John van der Oost
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Agrotechnology and Food Sciences, Wageningen University, 6708 WE Wageningen, the Netherlands.
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30
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Analysis of Argonaute Complex Bound mRNAs in DU145 Prostate Carcinoma Cells Reveals New miRNA Target Genes. Prostate Cancer 2017; 2017:4893921. [PMID: 28163933 PMCID: PMC5253174 DOI: 10.1155/2017/4893921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Posttranscriptional gene regulation by microRNAs (miRNAs) contributes to the induction and maintenance of prostate carcinoma (PCa). To identify mRNAs enriched or removed from Ago2-containing RISC complexes, these complexes were immunoprecipitated from normal prostate fibroblasts (PNFs) and the PCa line DU145 and the bound mRNAs were quantified by microarray. The analysis of Ago complexes derived from PNFs or DU145 confirmed the enrichment or depletion of a variety of mRNAs already known from the literature to be deregulated. Novel potential targets were analyzed by luciferase assays with miRNAs known to be deregulated in PCa. We demonstrate that the mRNAs of the death effector domain-containing protein (DEDD), the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, member 10b protein (TNFRSF10B), the tumor protein p53 inducible nuclear protein 1 (TP53INP1), and the secreted protein, acidic, cysteine-rich (SPARC; osteonectin) are regulated by miRNAs miR-148a, miR-20a, miR-24, and miR-29a/b, respectively. Therefore, these miRNAs represent potential targets for therapy. Surprisingly, overexpression of miR-24 induced focus formation and proliferation of DU145 cells, while miR-29b reduced proliferation. The study confirms genes deregulated in PCa by virtue of their presence/absence in the Ago2-complex. In conjunction with the already published miRNA profiles of PCa, the data can be used to identify miRNA-regulated mRNAs.
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Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a large class of small noncoding RNAs that regulate the expression of distinct target mRNAs. miRNAs are incorporated into Argonaute (AGO) proteins and guide them to their target mRNAs. Subsequently, AGO proteins recruit a member of the glycine-tryptophan-rich (GW) protein family by direct protein-protein interaction. GW proteins coordinate all downstream processes leading to robust and efficient gene silencing. A short peptide of GW proteins comprising the AGO interaction motif can be used to biochemically isolate endogenous AGO protein complexes. Furthermore, within a cell such a peptide competes with endogenous GW proteins for AGO binding and thus can be used as potent inhibitor of the miRNA pathway. Here, we describe a method that utilizes a GW-based polypeptide (T6B-assay) to validate miRNA-mRNA interactions in tissue culture systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Danner
- Biochemistry Center Regensburg (BZR), Laboratory for RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Balagopal Pai
- Biochemistry Center Regensburg (BZR), Laboratory for RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Ludwig Wankerl
- Biochemistry Center Regensburg (BZR), Laboratory for RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Gunter Meister
- Biochemistry Center Regensburg (BZR), Laboratory for RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053, Regensburg, Germany.
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Advancing the use of noncoding RNA in regulatory toxicology: Report of an ECETOC workshop. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2016; 82:127-139. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2016.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Gene silencing pathways found in the green alga Volvox carteri reveal insights into evolution and origins of small RNA systems in plants. BMC Genomics 2016; 17:853. [PMID: 27806710 PMCID: PMC5093975 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-016-3202-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Volvox carteri (V. carteri) is a multicellular green alga used as model system for the evolution of multicellularity. So far, the contribution of small RNA pathways to these phenomena is not understood. Thus, we have sequenced V. carteri Argonaute 3 (VcAGO3)-associated small RNAs from different developmental stages. Results Using this functional approach, we define the Volvox microRNA (miRNA) repertoire and show that miRNAs are not conserved in the closely related unicellular alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Furthermore, we find that miRNAs are differentially expressed during different life stages of V. carteri. In addition to miRNAs, transposon-associated small RNAs or phased siRNA loci, which are common in higher land plants, are highly abundant in Volvox as well. Transposons not only give rise to miRNAs and other small RNAs, they are also targets of small RNAs. Conclusion Our analyses reveal a surprisingly complex small RNA network in Volvox as elaborate as in higher land plants. At least the identified VcAGO3-associated miRNAs are not conserved in C. reinhardtii suggesting fast evolution of small RNA systems. Thus, distinct small RNAs may contribute to multicellularity and also division of labor in reproductive and somatic cells. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-016-3202-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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De Santis R, Liepelt A, Mossanen JC, Dueck A, Simons N, Mohs A, Trautwein C, Meister G, Marx G, Ostareck-Lederer A, Ostareck DH. miR-155 targets Caspase-3 mRNA in activated macrophages. RNA Biol 2016; 13:43-58. [PMID: 26574931 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2015.1109768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
To secure the functionality of activated macrophages in the innate immune response, efficient life span control is required. Recognition of bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) by toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) induces downstream signaling pathways, which merge to induce the expression of cytokine genes and anti-apoptotic genes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as important inflammatory response modulators, but information about their functional impact on apoptosis is scarce. To identify miRNAs differentially expressed in response to LPS, cDNA libraries from untreated and LPS-activated murine macrophages were analyzed by deep sequencing and regulated miRNA expression was verified by Northern blotting and qPCR. Employing TargetScan(TM) we identified CASPASE-3 (CASP-3) mRNA that encodes a key player in apoptosis as potential target of LPS-induced miR-155. LPS-dependent primary macrophage activation revealed TLR4-mediated enhancement of miR-155 expression and CASP-3 mRNA reduction. Endogenous CASP-3 and cleaved CASP-3 protein declined in LPS-activated macrophages. Accumulation of miR-155 and CASP-3 mRNA in miRNA-induced silencing complexes (miRISC) was demonstrated by ARGONAUTE 2 (AGO2) immunoprecipitation. Importantly, specific antagomir transfection effectively reduced mature miR-155 and resulted in significantly elevated CASP-3 mRNA levels in activated macrophages. In vitro translation assays demonstrated that the target site in the CASP-3 mRNA 3'UTR mediates miR-155-dependent Luciferase reporter mRNA destabilization. Strikingly, Annexin V staining of macrophages transfected with antagomir-155 and stimulated with LPS prior to staurosporine (SSP) treatment implied that LPS-induced miR-155 prevents apoptosis through CASP-3 mRNA down-regulation. In conclusion, we report that miR-155-mediated CASP-3 mRNA destabilization in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages suppresses apoptosis, as a prerequisite to maintain their crucial function in inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca De Santis
- a Department of Intensive Care and Intermediate Care , University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University , Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074 , Aachen , Germany
| | - Anke Liepelt
- a Department of Intensive Care and Intermediate Care , University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University , Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074 , Aachen , Germany.,b Department of Internal Medicine III , University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University , Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074 , Aachen , Germany
| | - Jana C Mossanen
- a Department of Intensive Care and Intermediate Care , University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University , Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074 , Aachen , Germany
| | - Anne Dueck
- c Biochemistry Center Regensburg (BZR) , Laboratory for RNA Biology, University of Regensburg , Universitätsstrasse 31, 93053 , Regensburg , Germany
| | - Nadine Simons
- a Department of Intensive Care and Intermediate Care , University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University , Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074 , Aachen , Germany
| | - Antje Mohs
- b Department of Internal Medicine III , University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University , Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074 , Aachen , Germany
| | - Christian Trautwein
- b Department of Internal Medicine III , University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University , Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074 , Aachen , Germany
| | - Gunter Meister
- c Biochemistry Center Regensburg (BZR) , Laboratory for RNA Biology, University of Regensburg , Universitätsstrasse 31, 93053 , Regensburg , Germany
| | - Gernot Marx
- a Department of Intensive Care and Intermediate Care , University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University , Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074 , Aachen , Germany
| | - Antje Ostareck-Lederer
- a Department of Intensive Care and Intermediate Care , University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University , Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074 , Aachen , Germany
| | - Dirk H Ostareck
- a Department of Intensive Care and Intermediate Care , University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University , Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074 , Aachen , Germany
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Völler D, Linck L, Bruckmann A, Hauptmann J, Deutzmann R, Meister G, Bosserhoff AK. Argonaute Family Protein Expression in Normal Tissue and Cancer Entities. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0161165. [PMID: 27518285 PMCID: PMC4982624 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0161165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The members of the Argonaute (AGO) protein family are key players in miRNA-guided gene silencing. They enable the interaction between small RNAs and their respective target mRNA(s) and support the catalytic destruction of the gene transcript or recruit additional proteins for downstream gene silencing. The human AGO family consists of four AGO proteins (AGO1-AGO4), but only AGO2 harbors nuclease activity. In this study, we characterized the expression of the four AGO proteins in cancer cell lines and normal tissues with a new mass spectrometry approach called AGO-APP (AGO Affinity Purification by Peptides). In all analyzed normal tissues, AGO1 and AGO2 were most prominent, but marked tissue-specific differences were identified. Furthermore, considerable changes during development were observed by comparing fetal and adult tissues. We also identified decreased overall AGO expression in melanoma derived cell lines compared to other tumor cell lines and normal tissues, with the largest differences in AGO2 expression. The experiments described in this study suggest that reduced amounts of AGO proteins, as key players in miRNA processing, have impact on several cellular processes. Deregulated miRNA expression has been attributed to chromosomal aberrations, promoter regulation and it is known to have a major impact on tumor development and progression. Our findings will further increase our basic understanding of the molecular basis of miRNA processing and its relevance for disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Völler
- Institute of Biochemistry, Emil-Fischer-Zentrum, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Lisa Linck
- Institute of Biochemistry, Emil-Fischer-Zentrum, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Astrid Bruckmann
- Biochemistry Center Regensburg, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Judith Hauptmann
- Biochemistry Center Regensburg, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Rainer Deutzmann
- Biochemistry Center Regensburg, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Gunter Meister
- Biochemistry Center Regensburg, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Anja Katrin Bosserhoff
- Institute of Biochemistry, Emil-Fischer-Zentrum, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Hasler D, Meister G. From tRNA to miRNA: RNA-folding contributes to correct entry into noncoding RNA pathways. FEBS Lett 2016; 590:2354-63. [DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.12294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2016] [Revised: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Hasler
- Biochemistry Center Regensburg (BZR); Laboratory for RNA Biology; University of Regensburg; Germany
| | - Gunter Meister
- Biochemistry Center Regensburg (BZR); Laboratory for RNA Biology; University of Regensburg; Germany
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Hasler D, Lehmann G, Murakawa Y, Klironomos F, Jakob L, Grässer FA, Rajewsky N, Landthaler M, Meister G. The Lupus Autoantigen La Prevents Mis-channeling of tRNA Fragments into the Human MicroRNA Pathway. Mol Cell 2016; 63:110-24. [PMID: 27345152 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2016.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2016] [Revised: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The Lupus autoantigen La is an RNA-binding protein that stabilizes RNA polymerase III (Pol III) transcripts and supports RNA folding and has in addition been implicated in the mammalian microRNA (miRNA) pathway. Here, we have analyzed effects of La depletion on Argonaute (Ago)-bound small RNAs in human cells. We find that in the absence of La, distinct tRNA fragments are loaded into Ago proteins. Thus, La functions as gatekeeper ensuring correct tRNA maturation and protecting the miRNA pathway from potentially functional tRNA fragments. However, one specific isoleucin pre-tRNA produces both a functional tRNA and a miRNA even when La is present. We demonstrate that the fully complementary 5' leader and 3' trailer of the pre-tRNA-Ile form a double-stranded RNA molecule that has low affinity to La. Instead, Exportin-5 (Xpo5) recognizes it as miRNA precursor and transports it into the cytoplasm for Dicer processing and Ago loading.
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MESH Headings
- A549 Cells
- Argonaute Proteins/metabolism
- Autoantigens/genetics
- Autoantigens/metabolism
- Binding Sites
- DEAD-box RNA Helicases/metabolism
- HEK293 Cells
- HeLa Cells
- Hep G2 Cells
- Herpesvirus 4, Human/genetics
- Herpesvirus 4, Human/metabolism
- Humans
- Karyopherins/metabolism
- MCF-7 Cells
- MicroRNAs/genetics
- MicroRNAs/metabolism
- Nucleic Acid Conformation
- Protein Binding
- RNA Interference
- RNA Polymerase III/metabolism
- RNA Precursors/chemistry
- RNA Precursors/genetics
- RNA Precursors/metabolism
- RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional
- RNA, Transfer, Ile/chemistry
- RNA, Transfer, Ile/genetics
- RNA, Transfer, Ile/metabolism
- RNA, Viral/genetics
- RNA, Viral/metabolism
- Ribonuclease III/metabolism
- Ribonucleoproteins/genetics
- Ribonucleoproteins/metabolism
- Structure-Activity Relationship
- Transfection
- SS-B Antigen
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Hasler
- Biochemistry Center Regensburg (BZR), Laboratory for RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg 93053, Germany
| | - Gerhard Lehmann
- Biochemistry Center Regensburg (BZR), Laboratory for RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg 93053, Germany
| | - Yasuhiro Murakawa
- Laboratory for RNA Biology and Posttranscriptional Regulation, Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin 13125, Germany
| | - Filippos Klironomos
- Laboratory for Systems Biology of Gene Regulatory Elements, Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin 13125, Germany
| | - Leonhard Jakob
- Biochemistry Center Regensburg (BZR), Laboratory for RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg 93053, Germany
| | - Friedrich A Grässer
- Institute of Virology, Saarland University Medical School, Homburg/Saar 66421, Germany
| | - Nikolaus Rajewsky
- Laboratory for Systems Biology of Gene Regulatory Elements, Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin 13125, Germany
| | - Markus Landthaler
- Laboratory for RNA Biology and Posttranscriptional Regulation, Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin 13125, Germany
| | - Gunter Meister
- Biochemistry Center Regensburg (BZR), Laboratory for RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg 93053, Germany.
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Intracellular and extracellular microRNA: An update on localization and biological role. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 51:33-49. [PMID: 27396686 DOI: 10.1016/j.proghi.2016.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Revised: 06/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNA (miRNA) is a class of small non-coding RNAs which mediate post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) by sequence-specific inhibition of target mRNAs translation and/or lowering their half-lives in the cytoplasm. Together with their binding partners, Argonaute (AGO) proteins, miRNAs form cores of RNA-induced silencing complexes (RISC). Despite a substantial progress in understanding RISC structure, until recently little was known about its localization in the cell. This review is aimed to provide an overview of the emerging picture of miRNA and RISC localization and function both in the intracellular space and outside of the cell. In contrast to the common assumption that PTGS occurs in the cytoplasm, it was found to operate mainly on the membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Besides ER membranes miRNAs were found in all main cellular compartments including nucleus, nucleolus and mitochondria where they regulate various processes including transcription, translation, alternative splicing and DNA repair. Moreover, a certain pool of miRNAs may not be associated with RISC and carry completely different functions. Finally, the discovery of cell-free miRNAs in all biological fluids suggests that miRNAs might also act as signaling molecules outside the cell, and may be utilized as biomarkers for a variety of diseases. In this review we discuss miRNA secretion mechanisms and possible pathways of cell-cell communication via miRNA-containing exosomes in vivo.
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Zhao J, Schnitzler GR, Iyer LK, Aronovitz MJ, Baur WE, Karas RH. MicroRNA-Offset RNA Alters Gene Expression and Cell Proliferation. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0156772. [PMID: 27276022 PMCID: PMC4898817 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0156772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 05/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNA-offset RNAs (moRs) were first identified in simple chordates and subsequently in mouse and human cells by deep sequencing of short RNAs. MoRs are derived from sequences located immediately adjacent to microRNAs (miRs) in the primary miR (pri-miR). Currently moRs are considered to be simply a by-product of miR biosynthesis that lack biological activity. Here we show for the first time that a moR is biologically active. We demonstrate that endogenous or over-expressed moR-21 significantly alters gene expression and inhibits the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). In addition, we find that miR-21 and moR-21 may regulate different genes in a given pathway and can oppose each other in regulating certain genes. We report that there is a “seed region” of moR-21 as well as a “seed match region” in the target gene 3’UTR that are indispensable for moR-21-mediated gene down-regulation. We further demonstrate that moR-21-mediated gene repression is Argonaute 2 (Ago2) dependent. Taken together, these findings provide the first evidence that microRNA offset RNA alters gene expression and is biologically active.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Zhao
- Molecular Cardiology Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, 02111, United States of America
| | - Gavin R. Schnitzler
- Molecular Cardiology Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, 02111, United States of America
| | - Lakshmanan K. Iyer
- Molecular Cardiology Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, 02111, United States of America
| | - Mark J. Aronovitz
- Molecular Cardiology Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, 02111, United States of America
| | - Wendy E. Baur
- Molecular Cardiology Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, 02111, United States of America
| | - Richard H. Karas
- Molecular Cardiology Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, 02111, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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40
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Coll-Bonfill N, de la Cruz-Thea B, Pisano MV, Musri MM. Noncoding RNAs in smooth muscle cell homeostasis: implications in phenotypic switch and vascular disorders. Pflugers Arch 2016; 468:1071-87. [PMID: 27109570 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-016-1821-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC) are a highly specialized cell type that exhibit extraordinary plasticity in adult animals in response to a number of environmental cues. Upon vascular injury, SMC undergo phenotypic switch from a contractile-differentiated to a proliferative/migratory-dedifferentiated phenotype. This process plays a major role in vascular lesion formation and during the development of vascular remodeling. Vascular remodeling comprises the accumulation of dedifferentiated SMC in the intima of arteries and is central to a number of vascular diseases such as arteriosclerosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or pulmonary hypertension. Therefore, it is critical to understand the molecular mechanisms that govern SMC phenotype. In the last decade, a number of new classes of noncoding RNAs have been described. These molecules have emerged as key factors controlling tissue homeostasis during physiological and pathological conditions. In this review, we will discuss the role of noncoding RNAs, including microRNAs and long noncoding RNAs, in the regulation of SMC plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Coll-Bonfill
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine Hospital Clínic-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - B de la Cruz-Thea
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra, INIMEC-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Friuli 2434, 5016, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - M V Pisano
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra, INIMEC-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Friuli 2434, 5016, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - M M Musri
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra, INIMEC-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Friuli 2434, 5016, Córdoba, Argentina.
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41
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Jakob L, Treiber T, Treiber N, Gust A, Kramm K, Hansen K, Stotz M, Wankerl L, Herzog F, Hannus S, Grohmann D, Meister G. Structural and functional insights into the fly microRNA biogenesis factor Loquacious. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2016; 22:383-396. [PMID: 26769856 PMCID: PMC4748816 DOI: 10.1261/rna.055426.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2015] [Accepted: 12/02/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
In the microRNA (miRNA) pathway, Dicer processes precursors to mature miRNAs. For efficient processing, double-stranded RNA-binding proteins support Dicer proteins. In flies, Loquacious (Loqs) interacts with Dicer1 (dmDcr1) to facilitate miRNA processing. Here, we have solved the structure of the third double-stranded RNA-binding domain (dsRBD) of Loqs and define specific structural elements that interact with dmDcr1. In addition, we show that the linker preceding dsRBD3 contributes significantly to dmDcr1 binding. Furthermore, our structural work demonstrates that the third dsRBD of Loqs forms homodimers. Mutations in the dimerization interface abrogate dmDcr1 interaction. Loqs, however, binds to dmDcr1 as a monomer using the identified dimerization surface, which suggests that Loqs might form dimers under conditions where dmDcr1 is absent or not accessible. Since critical sequence elements are conserved, we suggest that dimerization might be a general feature of dsRBD proteins in gene silencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonhard Jakob
- Biochemistry Center Regensburg (BZR), Laboratory for RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Treiber
- Biochemistry Center Regensburg (BZR), Laboratory for RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Nora Treiber
- Biochemistry Center Regensburg (BZR), Laboratory for RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Gust
- Department of Microbiology and Archaea Centre, Laboratory of Single-Molecule Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Kevin Kramm
- Department of Microbiology and Archaea Centre, Laboratory of Single-Molecule Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Kerrin Hansen
- Intana Bioscience GmbH, 82152 Planegg, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Mathias Stotz
- Biochemistry Center Regensburg (BZR), Laboratory for RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Ludwig Wankerl
- Biochemistry Center Regensburg (BZR), Laboratory for RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Franz Herzog
- Gene Center and Department of Biochemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 81377 München, Germany
| | - Stefan Hannus
- Intana Bioscience GmbH, 82152 Planegg, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Dina Grohmann
- Department of Microbiology and Archaea Centre, Laboratory of Single-Molecule Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Gunter Meister
- Biochemistry Center Regensburg (BZR), Laboratory for RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
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Hombach S, Kretz M. Non-coding RNAs: Classification, Biology and Functioning. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 937:3-17. [PMID: 27573892 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-42059-2_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 511] [Impact Index Per Article: 63.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
One of the long-standing principles of molecular biology is that DNA acts as a template for transcription of messenger RNAs, which serve as blueprints for protein translation. A rapidly growing number of exceptions to this rule have been reported over the past decades: they include long known classes of RNAs involved in translation such as transfer RNAs and ribosomal RNAs, small nuclear RNAs involved in splicing events, and small nucleolar RNAs mainly involved in the modification of other small RNAs, such as ribosomal RNAs and transfer RNAs. More recently, several classes of short regulatory non-coding RNAs, including piwi-associated RNAs, endogenous short-interfering RNAs and microRNAs have been discovered in mammals, which act as key regulators of gene expression in many different cellular pathways and systems. Additionally, the human genome encodes several thousand long non-protein coding RNAs >200 nucleotides in length, some of which play crucial roles in a variety of biological processes such as epigenetic control of chromatin, promoter-specific gene regulation, mRNA stability, X-chromosome inactivation and imprinting. In this chapter, we will introduce several classes of short and long non-coding RNAs, describe their diverse roles in mammalian gene regulation and give examples for known modes of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Hombach
- Institute of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Markus Kretz
- Institute of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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43
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A Small RNA-Based Immune System Defends Germ Cells against Mobile Genetic Elements. Stem Cells Int 2015; 2016:7595791. [PMID: 26681955 PMCID: PMC4670677 DOI: 10.1155/2016/7595791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Transposons are mobile genetic elements that threaten the survival of species by destabilizing the germline genomes. Limiting the spread of these selfish elements is imperative. Germ cells employ specialized small regulatory RNA pathways to restrain transposon activity. PIWI proteins and Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) silence transposons at the transcriptional and posttranscriptional level with loss-of-function mutant animals universally exhibiting sterility often associated with germ cell defects. This short review aims to illustrate basic strategies of piRNA-guided defense against transposons. Mechanisms of piRNA silencing are most readily studied in Drosophila melanogaster, which serves as a model to delineate molecular concepts and as a reference for mammalian piRNA systems. PiRNA pathways utilize two major strategies to handle the challenges of transposon control: (1) the hard-wired molecular memory of prior transpositions enables recognition of mobile genetic elements and discriminates transposons from host genes; (2) a feed-forward adaptation mechanism shapes piRNA populations to selectively combat the immediate threat of transposon transcripts. In flies, maternally contributed PIWI-piRNA complexes bolster both of these lines of defense and ensure transgenerational immunity. While recent studies have provided a conceptual framework of what could be viewed as an ancient immune system, we are just beginning to appreciate its many molecular innovations.
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44
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Evers M, Huttner M, Dueck A, Meister G, Engelmann JC. miRA: adaptable novel miRNA identification in plants using small RNA sequencing data. BMC Bioinformatics 2015; 16:370. [PMID: 26542525 PMCID: PMC4635600 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-015-0798-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2015] [Accepted: 10/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short regulatory RNAs derived from longer precursor RNAs. miRNA biogenesis has been studied in animals and plants, recently elucidating more complex aspects, such as non-conserved, species-specific, and heterogeneous miRNA precursor populations. Small RNA sequencing data can help in computationally identifying genomic loci of miRNA precursors. The challenge is to predict a valid miRNA precursor from inhomogeneous read coverage from a complex RNA library: while the mature miRNA typically produces many sequence reads, the remaining part of the precursor is covered very sparsely. As recent results suggest, alternative miRNA biogenesis pathways may lead to a more diverse miRNA precursor population than previously assumed. In plants, the latter manifests itself in e.g. complex secondary structures and expression from multiple loci within precursors. Current miRNA identification algorithms often depend on already existing gene annotation, and/or make use of specific miRNA precursor features such as precursor lengths, secondary structures etc. Consequently and in view of the emerging new understanding of a more complex miRNA biogenesis in plants, current tools may fail to characterise organism-specific and heterogeneous miRNA populations. Results miRA is a new tool to identify miRNA precursors in plants, allowing for heterogeneous and complex precursor populations. miRA requires small RNA sequencing data and a corresponding reference genome, and evaluates precursor secondary structures and precursor processing accuracy; key parameters can be adapted based on the specific organism under investigation. We show that miRA outperforms the currently best plant miRNA prediction tools both in sensitivity and specificity, for data involving Arabidopsis thaliana and the Volvocine algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii; the latter organism has been shown to exhibit a heterogeneous and complex precursor population with little cross-species miRNA sequence conservation, and therefore constitutes an ideal model organism. Furthermore we identify novel miRNAs in the Chlamydomonas-related organism Volvox carteri. Conclusions We propose miRA, a new plant miRNA identification tool that is well adapted to complex precursor populations. miRA is particularly suited for organisms with no existing miRNA annotation, or without a known related organism with well characterized miRNAs. Moreover, miRA has proven its ability to identify species-specific miRNAs. miRA is flexible in its parameter settings, and produces user-friendly output files in various formats (pdf, csv, genome-browser-suitable annotation files, etc.). It is freely available at https://github.com/mhuttner/miRA. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12859-015-0798-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurits Evers
- Institute of Functional Genomics, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Michael Huttner
- Institute of Functional Genomics, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Anne Dueck
- Biochemistry Center Regensburg (BZR), Laboratory for RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Gunter Meister
- Biochemistry Center Regensburg (BZR), Laboratory for RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Julia C Engelmann
- Institute of Functional Genomics, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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45
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Sloan KE, Gleizes PE, Bohnsack MT. Nucleocytoplasmic Transport of RNAs and RNA-Protein Complexes. J Mol Biol 2015; 428:2040-59. [PMID: 26434509 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2015.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Revised: 09/26/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
RNAs and ribonucleoprotein complexes (RNPs) play key roles in mediating and regulating gene expression. In eukaryotes, most RNAs are transcribed, processed and assembled with proteins in the nucleus and then either function in the cytoplasm or also undergo a cytoplasmic phase in their biogenesis. This compartmentalization ensures that sequential steps in gene expression and RNP production are performed in the correct order and it allows important quality control mechanisms that prevent the involvement of aberrant RNAs/RNPs in these cellular pathways. The selective exchange of RNAs/RNPs between the nucleus and cytoplasm is enabled by nuclear pore complexes, which function as gateways between these compartments. RNA/RNP transport is facilitated by a range of nuclear transport receptors and adaptors, which are specifically recruited to their cargos and mediate interactions with nucleoporins to allow directional translocation through nuclear pore complexes. While some transport factors are only responsible for the export/import of a certain class of RNA/RNP, others are multifunctional and, in the case of large RNPs, several export factors appear to work together to bring about export. Recent structural studies have revealed aspects of the mechanisms employed by transport receptors to enable specific cargo recognition, and genome-wide approaches have provided the first insights into the diverse composition of pre-mRNPs during export. Furthermore, the regulation of RNA/RNP export is emerging as an important means to modulate gene expression under stress conditions and in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E Sloan
- Institute for Molecular Biology, Goettingen University Medical Department, 37073 Goettingen, Germany
| | - Pierre-Emmanuel Gleizes
- Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire Eucaryote, UMR 5099, Université de Toulouse-Paul Sabatier, CNRS, Toulouse, France
| | - Markus T Bohnsack
- Institute for Molecular Biology, Goettingen University Medical Department, 37073 Goettingen, Germany; Goettingen Centre for Molecular Biosciences, Georg-August-University, 37075 Goettingen, Germany.
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Abstract
MicroRNAs are small noncoding ribonucleotides that regulate mRNA translation or degradation and have major roles in cellular function. MicroRNA (miRNA) levels are deregulated or altered in many diseases. There is overwhelming evidence that miRNAs also play an important role in the regulation of glucose homeostasis and thereby may contribute to the establishment of diabetes. MiRNAs have been shown to affect insulin levels by regulating insulin production, insulin exocytosis, and endocrine pancreas development. Although a large number of miRNAs have been identified from pancreatic β-cells using various screens, functional studies that link most of the identified miRNAs to regulation of pancreatic β-cell function are lacking. This review focuses on miRNAs with important roles in regulation of insulin production, insulin secretion, and β-cell development, and will discuss only miRNAs with established roles in β-cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabire Ozcan
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536
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47
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Moon SL, Dodd BJT, Brackney DE, Wilusz CJ, Ebel GD, Wilusz J. Flavivirus sfRNA suppresses antiviral RNA interference in cultured cells and mosquitoes and directly interacts with the RNAi machinery. Virology 2015; 485:322-9. [PMID: 26331679 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2015.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2015] [Revised: 08/07/2015] [Accepted: 08/09/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Productive arbovirus infections require mechanisms to suppress or circumvent the cellular RNA interference (RNAi) pathway, a major antiviral response in mosquitoes. In this study, we demonstrate that two flaviviruses, Dengue virus and Kunjin virus, significantly repress siRNA-mediated RNAi in infected human cells as well as during infection of the mosquito vector Culex quinquefasciatus. Arthropod-borne flaviviruses generate a small structured non-coding RNA from the viral 3' UTR referred to as sfRNA. Analysis of infections with a mutant Kunjin virus that is unable to generate appreciable amounts of the major sfRNA species indicated that RNAi suppression was associated with the generation of the non-coding sfRNA. Co-immunoprecipitation of sfRNA with RNAi mediators Dicer and Ago2 suggest a model for RNAi suppression. Collectively, these data help to establish a clear role for sfRNA in RNAi suppression and adds to the emerging impact of viral long non-coding RNAs in modulating aspects of anti-viral immune processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie L Moon
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Benjamin J T Dodd
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Doug E Brackney
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Carol J Wilusz
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Gregory D Ebel
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Jeffrey Wilusz
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
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Schraivogel D, Schindler SG, Danner J, Kremmer E, Pfaff J, Hannus S, Depping R, Meister G. Importin-β facilitates nuclear import of human GW proteins and balances cytoplasmic gene silencing protein levels. Nucleic Acids Res 2015; 43:7447-61. [PMID: 26170235 PMCID: PMC4551936 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkv705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2015] [Accepted: 07/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) guide Argonaute (Ago) proteins to distinct target mRNAs leading to translational repression and mRNA decay. Ago proteins interact with a member of the GW protein family, referred to as TNRC6A-C in mammals, which coordinate downstream gene-silencing processes. The cytoplasmic functions of TNRC6 and Ago proteins are reasonably well established. Both protein families are found in the nucleus as well. Their detailed nuclear functions, however, remain elusive. Furthermore, it is not clear which import routes Ago and TNRC6 proteins take into the nucleus. Using different nuclear transport assays, we find that Ago as well as TNRC6 proteins shuttle between the cytoplasm and the nucleus. While import receptors might function redundantly to transport Ago2, we demonstrate that TNRC6 proteins are imported by the Importin-β pathway. Finally, we show that nuclear localization of both Ago2 and TNRC6 proteins can depend on each other suggesting actively balanced cytoplasmic Ago – TNRC6 levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Schraivogel
- Biochemistry Center Regensburg (BZR), Laboratory for RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Susann G Schindler
- Institute of Physiology, Center for Structural and Cell Biology in Medicine, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Johannes Danner
- Biochemistry Center Regensburg (BZR), Laboratory for RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Kremmer
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, Helmholtz Center Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Marchioninistraße 25, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Janina Pfaff
- Biochemistry Center Regensburg (BZR), Laboratory for RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Hannus
- Intana Biosciences GmbH, Lochhamerstrasse 29A, 82152 Martinsried/Planegg, Germany
| | - Reinhard Depping
- Institute of Physiology, Center for Structural and Cell Biology in Medicine, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Gunter Meister
- Biochemistry Center Regensburg (BZR), Laboratory for RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
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Mikhaleva EA, Yakushev EY, Stolyarenko AD, Klenov MS, Rozovsky YM, Gvozdev VA. Piwi protein as a nucleolus visitor in Drosophila melanogaster. Mol Biol 2015. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893315010100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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50
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Complex formation of RNA silencing proteins in the perinuclear region of Neurospora crassa. Genetics 2015; 199:1017-21. [PMID: 25644701 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.115.174623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2014] [Accepted: 01/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In Neurospora, genes not paired during meiosis are targeted by meiotic silencing by unpaired DNA (MSUD). Here, our bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) study suggests that RNA-directed RNA polymerase, Dicer, Argonaute, and others form a silencing complex in the perinuclear region, with intimate interactions among the majority of them. We have also shown that SAD-2 is likely the anchor for this assembly.
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