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Blumenstiel JP. From the cauldron of conflict: Endogenous gene regulation by piRNA and other modes of adaptation enabled by selfish transposable elements. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2024; 164:1-12. [PMID: 38823219 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2024.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) provide a prime example of genetic conflict because they can proliferate in genomes and populations even if they harm the host. However, numerous studies have shown that TEs, though typically harmful, can also provide fuel for adaptation. This is because they code functional sequences that can be useful for the host in which they reside. In this review, I summarize the "how" and "why" of adaptation enabled by the genetic conflict between TEs and hosts. In addition, focusing on mechanisms of TE control by small piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), I highlight an indirect form of adaptation enabled by conflict. In this case, mechanisms of host defense that regulate TEs have been redeployed for endogenous gene regulation. I propose that the genetic conflict released by meiosis in early eukaryotes may have been important because, among other reasons, it spurred evolutionary innovation on multiple interwoven trajectories - on the part of hosts and also embedded genetic parasites. This form of evolution may function as a complexity generating engine that was a critical player in eukaryotic evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin P Blumenstiel
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Kansas, 1200 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, United States.
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Gál L, Fóthi Á, Orosz G, Nagy S, Than NG, Orbán TI. Exosomal small RNA profiling in first-trimester maternal blood explores early molecular pathways of preterm preeclampsia. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1321191. [PMID: 38455065 PMCID: PMC10917917 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1321191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Preeclampsia (PE) is a severe obstetrical syndrome characterized by new-onset hypertension and proteinuria and it is often associated with fetal intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). PE leads to long-term health complications, so early diagnosis would be crucial for timely prevention. There are multiple etiologies and subtypes of PE, and this heterogeneity has hindered accurate identification in the presymptomatic phase. Recent investigations have pointed to the potential role of small regulatory RNAs in PE, and these species, which travel in extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the circulation, have raised the possibility of non-invasive diagnostics. The aim of this study was to investigate the behavior of exosomal regulatory small RNAs in the most severe subtype of PE with IUGR. Methods We isolated exosomal EVs from first-trimester peripheral blood plasma samples of women who later developed preterm PE with IUGR (n=6) and gestational age-matched healthy controls (n=14). The small RNA content of EVs and their differential expression were determined by next-generation sequencing and further validated by quantitative real-time PCR. We also applied the rigorous exceRpt bioinformatics pipeline for small RNA identification, followed by target verification and Gene Ontology analysis. Results Overall, >2700 small RNAs were identified in all samples and, of interest, the majority belonged to the RNA interference (RNAi) pathways. Among the RNAi species, 16 differentially expressed microRNAs were up-regulated in PE, whereas up-regulated and down-regulated members were equally found among the six identified Piwi-associated RNAs. Gene ontology analysis of the predicted small RNA targets showed enrichment of genes in pathways related to immune processes involved in decidualization, placentation and embryonic development, indicating that dysregulation of the induced small RNAs is connected to the impairment of immune pathways in preeclampsia development. Finally, the subsequent validation experiments revealed that the hsa_piR_016658 piRNA is a promising biomarker candidate for preterm PE associated with IUGR. Discussion Our rigorously designed study in a homogeneous group of patients unraveled small RNAs in circulating maternal exosomes that act on physiological pathways dysregulated in preterm PE with IUGR. Therefore, our small RNA hits are not only suitable biomarker candidates, but the revealed biological pathways may further inform us about the complex pathology of this severe PE subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Gál
- Gene Regulation Research Group, Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Biology, Institute of Biology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ábel Fóthi
- Gene Regulation Research Group, Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gergő Orosz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Sándor Nagy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Petz Aladár University Teaching Hospital, Győr, Hungary
- Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, Széchenyi István University, Győr, Hungary
| | - Nándor Gábor Than
- Systems Biology of Reproduction Research Group, Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Maternity Private Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Budapest, Hungary
- Genesis Theranostix Group, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tamás I. Orbán
- Gene Regulation Research Group, Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Biology, Institute of Biology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
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3
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Spradling AC. The Ancient Origin and Function of Germline Cysts. Results Probl Cell Differ 2024; 71:3-21. [PMID: 37996670 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-37936-9_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Gamete production in most animal species is initiated within an evolutionarily ancient multicellular germline structure, the germline cyst, whose interconnected premeiotic cells synchronously develop from a single progenitor arising just downstream from a stem cell. Cysts in mice, Drosophila, and many other animals protect developing sperm, while in females, cysts generate nurse cells that guard sister oocytes from transposons (TEs) and help them grow and build a Balbiani body. However, the origin and extreme evolutionary conservation of germline cysts remains a mystery. We suggest that cysts arose in ancestral animals like Hydra and Planaria whose multipotent somatic and germline stem cells (neoblasts) express genes conserved in all animal germ cells and frequently begin differentiation in cysts. A syncytial state is proposed to help multipotent stem cell chromatin transition to an epigenetic state with heterochromatic domains suitable for TE repression and specialized function. Most modern animals now lack neoblasts but have retained stem cells and cysts in their early germlines, which continue to function using this ancient epigenetic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan C Spradling
- Carnegie Institution for Science/Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Huang S, Yoshitake K, Kinoshita S, Asakawa S. Transcriptional landscape of small non-coding RNAs reveals diversity of categories and functions in molluscs. RNA Biol 2024; 21:1-13. [PMID: 38693614 PMCID: PMC11067994 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2024.2348893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) are non-coding RNA molecules that play various roles in metazoans. Among the sncRNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs) guide post-translational gene regulation during cellular development, proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation, while PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) suppress transposon activity to safeguard the genome from detrimental insertion mutagenesis. While an increasing number of piRNAs are being identified in the soma and germlines of various organisms, they are scarcely reported in molluscs. To unravel the small RNA (sRNA) expression patterns and genomic function in molluscs, we generated a comprehensive sRNA dataset by sRNA sequencing (sRNA-seq) of eight mollusc species. Abundant miRNAs were identified and characterized in all investigated molluscs, and ubiquitous piRNAs were discovered in both somatic and gonadal tissues in six of the investigated molluscs, which are more closely associated with transposon silencing. Tens of piRNA clusters were also identified based on the genomic mapping results, which varied among different tissues and species. Our dataset serves as important reference data for future genomic and genetic studies on sRNAs in these molluscs and related species, especially in elucidating the ancestral state of piRNAs in bilaterians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songqian Huang
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Ministry of Science and Technology, College of Fisheries and Life Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, College of Fisheries and Life Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Fisheries and Life Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Aquatic Bioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazutoshi Yoshitake
- Department of Aquatic Bioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shigeharu Kinoshita
- Department of Aquatic Bioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shuichi Asakawa
- Department of Aquatic Bioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Wu Z, Yu X, Zhang S, He Y, Guo W. Novel roles of PIWI proteins and PIWI-interacting RNAs in human health and diseases. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:343. [PMID: 38031146 PMCID: PMC10685540 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01368-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-coding RNA has aroused great research interest recently, they play a wide range of biological functions, such as regulating cell cycle, cell proliferation, and intracellular substance metabolism. Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are emerging small non-coding RNAs that are 24-31 nucleotides in length. Previous studies on piRNAs were mainly limited to evaluating the binding to the PIWI protein family to play the biological role. However, recent studies have shed more lights on piRNA functions; aberrant piRNAs play unique roles in many human diseases, including diverse lethal cancers. Therefore, understanding the mechanism of piRNAs expression and the specific functional roles of piRNAs in human diseases is crucial for developing its clinical applications. Presently, research on piRNAs mainly focuses on their cancer-specific functions but lacks investigation of their expressions and epigenetic modifications. This review discusses piRNA's biogenesis and functional roles and the recent progress of functions of piRNA/PIWI protein complexes in human diseases. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeyu Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- Open and Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Xiao Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- Open and Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Shuijun Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- Open and Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yuting He
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
- Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
- Open and Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
- Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
| | - Wenzhi Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
- Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
- Open and Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
- Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
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Hisanaga T, Romani F, Wu S, Kowar T, Wu Y, Lintermann R, Fridrich A, Cho CH, Chaumier T, Jamge B, Montgomery SA, Axelsson E, Akimcheva S, Dierschke T, Bowman JL, Fujiwara T, Hirooka S, Miyagishima SY, Dolan L, Tirichine L, Schubert D, Berger F. The Polycomb repressive complex 2 deposits H3K27me3 and represses transposable elements in a broad range of eukaryotes. Curr Biol 2023; 33:4367-4380.e9. [PMID: 37738971 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.08.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
The mobility of transposable elements (TEs) contributes to evolution of genomes. Their uncontrolled activity causes genomic instability; therefore, expression of TEs is silenced by host genomes. TEs are marked with DNA and H3K9 methylation, which are associated with silencing in flowering plants, animals, and fungi. However, in distantly related groups of eukaryotes, TEs are marked by H3K27me3 deposited by the Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), an epigenetic mark associated with gene silencing in flowering plants and animals. The direct silencing of TEs by PRC2 has so far only been shown in one species of ciliates. To test if PRC2 silences TEs in a broader range of eukaryotes, we generated mutants with reduced PRC2 activity and analyzed the role of PRC2 in extant species along the lineage of Archaeplastida and in the diatom P. tricornutum. In this diatom and the red alga C. merolae, a greater proportion of TEs than genes were repressed by PRC2, whereas a greater proportion of genes than TEs were repressed by PRC2 in bryophytes. In flowering plants, TEs contained potential cis-elements recognized by transcription factors and associated with neighbor genes as transcriptional units repressed by PRC2. Thus, silencing of TEs by PRC2 is observed not only in Archaeplastida but also in diatoms and ciliates, suggesting that PRC2 deposited H3K27me3 to silence TEs in the last common ancestor of eukaryotes. We hypothesize that during the evolution of Archaeplastida, TE fragments marked with H3K27me3 were selected to shape transcriptional regulation, controlling networks of genes regulated by PRC2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuya Hisanaga
- Gregor Mendel Institute, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna BioCenter, Dr. Bohr-Gasse 3, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Facundo Romani
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EA, UK
| | - Shuangyang Wu
- Gregor Mendel Institute, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna BioCenter, Dr. Bohr-Gasse 3, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Teresa Kowar
- Epigenetics of Plants, Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Yue Wu
- Nantes Université, CNRS, US2B, UMR 6286, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Ruth Lintermann
- Epigenetics of Plants, Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Arie Fridrich
- Gregor Mendel Institute, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna BioCenter, Dr. Bohr-Gasse 3, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Chung Hyun Cho
- Gregor Mendel Institute, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna BioCenter, Dr. Bohr-Gasse 3, 1030 Vienna, Austria; Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | | | - Bhagyshree Jamge
- Gregor Mendel Institute, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna BioCenter, Dr. Bohr-Gasse 3, 1030 Vienna, Austria; Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Sean A Montgomery
- Gregor Mendel Institute, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna BioCenter, Dr. Bohr-Gasse 3, 1030 Vienna, Austria; Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Elin Axelsson
- Gregor Mendel Institute, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna BioCenter, Dr. Bohr-Gasse 3, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Svetlana Akimcheva
- Gregor Mendel Institute, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna BioCenter, Dr. Bohr-Gasse 3, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Tom Dierschke
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - John L Bowman
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence for Plant Success in Nature and Agriculture, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Takayuki Fujiwara
- Department of Gene Function and Phenomics, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan; Department of Genetics, Graduate University for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Hirooka
- Department of Gene Function and Phenomics, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan; Department of Genetics, Graduate University for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
| | - Shin-Ya Miyagishima
- Department of Gene Function and Phenomics, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan; Department of Genetics, Graduate University for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
| | - Liam Dolan
- Gregor Mendel Institute, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna BioCenter, Dr. Bohr-Gasse 3, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Leila Tirichine
- Nantes Université, CNRS, US2B, UMR 6286, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Daniel Schubert
- Epigenetics of Plants, Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Frédéric Berger
- Gregor Mendel Institute, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna BioCenter, Dr. Bohr-Gasse 3, 1030 Vienna, Austria.
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Pang LY, DeLuca S, Zhu H, Urban JM, Spradling AC. Chromatin and gene expression changes during female Drosophila germline stem cell development illuminate the biology of highly potent stem cells. eLife 2023; 12:RP90509. [PMID: 37831064 PMCID: PMC10575629 DOI: 10.7554/elife.90509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Highly potent animal stem cells either self renew or launch complex differentiation programs, using mechanisms that are only partly understood. Drosophila female germline stem cells (GSCs) perpetuate without change over evolutionary time and generate cystoblast daughters that develop into nurse cells and oocytes. Cystoblasts initiate differentiation by generating a transient syncytial state, the germline cyst, and by increasing pericentromeric H3K9me3 modification, actions likely to suppress transposable element activity. Relatively open GSC chromatin is further restricted by Polycomb repression of testis or somatic cell-expressed genes briefly active in early female germ cells. Subsequently, Neijre/CBP and Myc help upregulate growth and reprogram GSC metabolism by altering mitochondrial transmembrane transport, gluconeogenesis, and other processes. In all these respects GSC differentiation resembles development of the totipotent zygote. We propose that the totipotent stem cell state was shaped by the need to resist transposon activity over evolutionary timescales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang-Yu Pang
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Carnegie Institution for ScienceBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Steven DeLuca
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Carnegie Institution for ScienceBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Haolong Zhu
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Carnegie Institution for ScienceBaltimoreUnited States
| | - John M Urban
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Carnegie Institution for ScienceBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Allan C Spradling
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Carnegie Institution for ScienceBaltimoreUnited States
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Funabiki H, Wassing IE, Jia Q, Luo JD, Carroll T. Coevolution of the CDCA7-HELLS ICF-related nucleosome remodeling complex and DNA methyltransferases. eLife 2023; 12:RP86721. [PMID: 37769127 PMCID: PMC10538959 DOI: 10.7554/elife.86721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
5-Methylcytosine (5mC) and DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) are broadly conserved in eukaryotes but are also frequently lost during evolution. The mammalian SNF2 family ATPase HELLS and its plant ortholog DDM1 are critical for maintaining 5mC. Mutations in HELLS, its activator CDCA7, and the de novo DNA methyltransferase DNMT3B, cause immunodeficiency-centromeric instability-facial anomalies (ICF) syndrome, a genetic disorder associated with the loss of DNA methylation. We here examine the coevolution of CDCA7, HELLS and DNMTs. While DNMT3, the maintenance DNA methyltransferase DNMT1, HELLS, and CDCA7 are all highly conserved in vertebrates and green plants, they are frequently co-lost in other evolutionary clades. The presence-absence patterns of these genes are not random; almost all CDCA7 harboring eukaryote species also have HELLS and DNMT1 (or another maintenance methyltransferase, DNMT5). Coevolution of presence-absence patterns (CoPAP) analysis in Ecdysozoa further indicates coevolutionary linkages among CDCA7, HELLS, DNMT1 and its activator UHRF1. We hypothesize that CDCA7 becomes dispensable in species that lost HELLS or DNA methylation, and/or the loss of CDCA7 triggers the replacement of DNA methylation by other chromatin regulation mechanisms. Our study suggests that a unique specialized role of CDCA7 in HELLS-dependent DNA methylation maintenance is broadly inherited from the last eukaryotic common ancestor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hironori Funabiki
- Laboratory of Chromosome and Cell Biology, The Rockefeller UniversityNew YorkUnited States
| | - Isabel E Wassing
- Laboratory of Chromosome and Cell Biology, The Rockefeller UniversityNew YorkUnited States
| | - Qingyuan Jia
- Laboratory of Chromosome and Cell Biology, The Rockefeller UniversityNew YorkUnited States
| | - Ji-Dung Luo
- Bioinformatics Resource Center, The Rockefeller UniversityNew YorkUnited States
| | - Thomas Carroll
- Bioinformatics Resource Center, The Rockefeller UniversityNew YorkUnited States
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Loubalova Z, Konstantinidou P, Haase AD. Themes and variations on piRNA-guided transposon control. Mob DNA 2023; 14:10. [PMID: 37660099 PMCID: PMC10474768 DOI: 10.1186/s13100-023-00298-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023] Open
Abstract
PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are responsible for preventing the movement of transposable elements in germ cells and protect the integrity of germline genomes. In this review, we examine the common elements of piRNA-guided silencing as well as the differences observed between species. We have categorized the mechanisms of piRNA biogenesis and function into modules. Individual PIWI proteins combine these modules in various ways to produce unique PIWI-piRNA pathways, which nevertheless possess the ability to perform conserved functions. This modular model incorporates conserved core mechanisms and accommodates variable co-factors. Adaptability is a hallmark of this RNA-based immune system. We believe that considering the differences in germ cell biology and resident transposons in different organisms is essential for placing the variations observed in piRNA biology into context, while still highlighting the conserved themes that underpin this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Loubalova
- National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Parthena Konstantinidou
- National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Astrid D Haase
- National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Iyer SS, Sun Y, Seyfferth J, Manjunath V, Samata M, Alexiadis A, Kulkarni T, Gutierrez N, Georgiev P, Shvedunova M, Akhtar A. The NSL complex is required for piRNA production from telomeric clusters. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202302194. [PMID: 37399316 PMCID: PMC10313855 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302194] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The NSL complex is a transcriptional activator. Germline-specific knockdown of NSL complex subunits NSL1, NSL2, and NSL3 results in reduced piRNA production from a subset of bidirectional piRNA clusters, accompanied by widespread transposon derepression. The piRNAs most transcriptionally affected by NSL2 and NSL1 RNAi map to telomeric piRNA clusters. At the chromatin level, these piRNA clusters also show decreased levels of H3K9me3, HP1a, and Rhino after NSL2 depletion. Using NSL2 ChIP-seq in ovaries, we found that this protein specifically binds promoters of telomeric transposons HeT-A, TAHRE, and TART Germline-specific depletion of NSL2 also led to a reduction in nuclear Piwi in nurse cells. Our findings thereby support a role for the NSL complex in promoting the transcription of piRNA precursors from telomeric piRNA clusters and in regulating Piwi levels in the Drosophila female germline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shantanu S Iyer
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Yidan Sun
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Janine Seyfferth
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Vinitha Manjunath
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Maria Samata
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Anastasios Alexiadis
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Tanvi Kulkarni
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Noel Gutierrez
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Plamen Georgiev
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Maria Shvedunova
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Asifa Akhtar
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
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Orbán TI. One locus, several functional RNAs-emerging roles of the mechanisms responsible for the sequence variability of microRNAs. Biol Futur 2023:10.1007/s42977-023-00154-7. [PMID: 36847925 DOI: 10.1007/s42977-023-00154-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
With the development of modern molecular genetics, the original "one gene-one enzyme" hypothesis has been outdated. For protein coding genes, the discovery of alternative splicing and RNA editing provided the biochemical background for the RNA repertoire of a single locus, which also serves as an important pillar for the enormous protein variability of the genomes. Non-protein coding RNA genes were also revealed to produce several RNA species with distinct functions. The loci of microRNAs (miRNAs), encoding for small endogenous regulatory RNAs, were also found to produce a population of small RNAs, rather than a single defined product. This review aims to present the mechanisms contributing to the astonishing variability of miRNAs revealed by the new sequencing technologies. One important source is the careful balance of arm selection, producing sequentially different 5p- or 3p-miRNAs from the same pre-miRNA, thereby broadening the number of regulated target RNAs and the phenotypic response. In addition, the formation of 5', 3' and polymorphic isomiRs, with variable end and internal sequences also leads to a higher number of targeted sequences, and increases the regulatory output. These miRNA maturation processes, together with other known mechanisms such as RNA editing, further increase the potential outcome of this small RNA pathway. By discussing the subtle mechanisms behind the sequence diversity of miRNAs, this review intends to reveal this engaging aspect of the inherited "RNA world", how it contributes to the almost infinite molecular variability among living organisms, and how this variability can be exploited to treat human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamás I Orbán
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, Magyar Tudósok Körútja 2, Budapest, 1117, Hungary.
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12
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MacPherson RA, Shankar V, Sunkara LT, Hannah RC, Campbell MR, Anholt RRH, Mackay TFC. Pleiotropic fitness effects of the lncRNA Uhg4 in Drosophila melanogaster. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:781. [PMID: 36451091 PMCID: PMC9710044 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08972-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a diverse class of RNAs that are critical for gene regulation, DNA repair, and splicing, and have been implicated in development, stress response, and cancer. However, the functions of many lncRNAs remain unknown. In Drosophila melanogaster, U snoRNA host gene 4 (Uhg4) encodes an antisense long noncoding RNA that is host to seven small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs). Uhg4 is expressed ubiquitously during development and in all adult tissues, with maximal expression in ovaries; however, it has no annotated function(s). RESULTS We used CRISPR-Cas9 germline gene editing to generate multiple deletions spanning the promoter region and first exon of Uhg4. Females showed arrested egg development and both males and females were sterile. In addition, Uhg4 deletion mutants showed delayed development and decreased viability, and changes in sleep and responses to stress. Whole-genome RNA sequencing of Uhg4 deletion flies and their controls identified co-regulated genes and genetic interaction networks associated with Uhg4. Gene ontology analyses highlighted a broad spectrum of biological processes, including regulation of transcription and translation, morphogenesis, and stress response. CONCLUSION Uhg4 is a lncRNA essential for reproduction with pleiotropic effects on multiple fitness traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A MacPherson
- Center for Human Genetics and Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Clemson University, 114 Gregor Mendel Circle, Greenwood, SC, 29646, USA
| | - Vijay Shankar
- Center for Human Genetics and Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Clemson University, 114 Gregor Mendel Circle, Greenwood, SC, 29646, USA
| | - Lakshmi T Sunkara
- Present adress: Clemson Veterinary Diagnostic Center, Livestock Poultry Health, Clemson University, 500 Clemson Road, Columbia, SC, 29229, USA
| | - Rachel C Hannah
- Center for Human Genetics and Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Clemson University, 114 Gregor Mendel Circle, Greenwood, SC, 29646, USA
| | - Marion R Campbell
- Center for Human Genetics and Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Clemson University, 114 Gregor Mendel Circle, Greenwood, SC, 29646, USA
| | - Robert R H Anholt
- Center for Human Genetics and Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Clemson University, 114 Gregor Mendel Circle, Greenwood, SC, 29646, USA.
| | - Trudy F C Mackay
- Center for Human Genetics and Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Clemson University, 114 Gregor Mendel Circle, Greenwood, SC, 29646, USA.
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13
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Angileri KM, Bagia NA, Feschotte C. Transposon control as a checkpoint for tissue regeneration. Development 2022; 149:dev191957. [PMID: 36440631 PMCID: PMC10655923 DOI: 10.1242/dev.191957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Tissue regeneration requires precise temporal control of cellular processes such as inflammatory signaling, chromatin remodeling and proliferation. The combination of these processes forms a unique microenvironment permissive to the expression, and potential mobilization of, transposable elements (TEs). Here, we develop the hypothesis that TE activation creates a barrier to tissue repair that must be overcome to achieve successful regeneration. We discuss how uncontrolled TE activity may impede tissue restoration and review mechanisms by which TE activity may be controlled during regeneration. We posit that the diversification and co-evolution of TEs and host control mechanisms may contribute to the wide variation in regenerative competency across tissues and species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krista M. Angileri
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, 526 Campus Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| | - Nornubari A. Bagia
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, 526 Campus Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| | - Cedric Feschotte
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, 526 Campus Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
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14
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Yamanaka S, Namekawa SH, Ishiguro KI. Editorial: Regulatory mechanisms of gene expression, chromatin structure and nuclear dynamics in gametogenesis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:995650. [PMID: 36120569 PMCID: PMC9471665 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.995650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Soichiro Yamanaka
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- *Correspondence: Soichiro Yamanaka, ; Satoshi H. Namekawa, ; Kei-ichiro Ishiguro,
| | - Satoshi H. Namekawa
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Soichiro Yamanaka, ; Satoshi H. Namekawa, ; Kei-ichiro Ishiguro,
| | - Kei-ichiro Ishiguro
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG), Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- *Correspondence: Soichiro Yamanaka, ; Satoshi H. Namekawa, ; Kei-ichiro Ishiguro,
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15
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Yamamoto‐Matsuda H, Miyoshi K, Moritoh M, Yoshitane H, Fukada Y, Saito K, Yamanaka S, Siomi MC. Lint‐O
cooperates with L(3)mbt in target gene suppression to maintain homeostasis in fly ovary and brain. EMBO Rep 2022; 23:e53813. [PMID: 35993198 PMCID: PMC9535798 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202153813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Loss‐of‐function mutations in Drosophila lethal(3)malignant brain tumor [l(3)mbt] cause ectopic expression of germline genes and brain tumors. Loss of L(3)mbt function in ovarian somatic cells (OSCs) aberrantly activates germ‐specific piRNA amplification and leads to infertility. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, ChIP‐seq for L(3)mbt in cultured OSCs and RNA‐seq before and after L(3)mbt depletion shows that L(3)mbt genomic binding is not necessarily linked to gene regulation and that L(3)mbt controls piRNA pathway genes in multiple ways. Lack of known L(3)mbt co‐repressors, such as Lint‐1, has little effect on the levels of piRNA amplifiers. Identification of L(3)mbt interactors in OSCs and subsequent analysis reveals CG2662 as a novel co‐regulator of L(3)mbt, termed “L(3)mbt interactor in OSCs” (Lint‐O). Most of the L(3)mbt‐bound piRNA amplifier genes are also bound by Lint‐O in a similar fashion. Loss of Lint‐O impacts the levels of piRNA amplifiers, similar to the lack of L(3)mbt. The lint‐O‐deficient flies exhibit female sterility and tumorous brains. Thus, L(3)mbt and its novel co‐suppressor Lint‐O cooperate in suppressing target genes to maintain homeostasis in the ovary and brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitomi Yamamoto‐Matsuda
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science The University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan
| | - Keita Miyoshi
- Department of Chromosome Science National Institute of Genetics, Research Organization of Information and Systems Shizuoka Japan
- Department of Genetics School of Life Science, SOKENDAI Shizuoka Japan
| | - Mai Moritoh
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science The University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan
| | - Hikari Yoshitane
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science The University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Fukada
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science The University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan
| | - Kuniaki Saito
- Department of Chromosome Science National Institute of Genetics, Research Organization of Information and Systems Shizuoka Japan
- Department of Genetics School of Life Science, SOKENDAI Shizuoka Japan
| | - Soichiro Yamanaka
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science The University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan
| | - Mikiko C Siomi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science The University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan
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16
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Di Stefano L. All Quiet on the TE Front? The Role of Chromatin in Transposable Element Silencing. Cells 2022; 11:cells11162501. [PMID: 36010577 PMCID: PMC9406493 DOI: 10.3390/cells11162501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile genetic elements that constitute a sizeable portion of many eukaryotic genomes. Through their mobility, they represent a major source of genetic variation, and their activation can cause genetic instability and has been linked to aging, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Accordingly, tight regulation of TE transcription is necessary for normal development. Chromatin is at the heart of TE regulation; however, we still lack a comprehensive understanding of the precise role of chromatin marks in TE silencing and how chromatin marks are established and maintained at TE loci. In this review, I discuss evidence documenting the contribution of chromatin-associated proteins and histone marks in TE regulation across different species with an emphasis on Drosophila and mammalian systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Di Stefano
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Department (MCD), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), University of Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, 31062 Toulouse, France
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17
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Silencing the odorant receptor co-receptor impairs olfactory reception in a sensillum-specific manner in the cockroach. iScience 2022; 25:104272. [PMID: 35521537 PMCID: PMC9065313 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Insects detect odors via a large variety of odorant receptors (ORs) expressed in olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs). The insect OR is a heteromeric complex composed of a ligand-specific receptor and the co-receptor (ORco). In this study, we identified the ORco gene of the cockroach, Periplaneta americana (PameORco), and performed RNAi-based functional analysis of PameORco. All OSNs in the basiconic sensilla expressed PameORco and received a large variety of odors including sex pheromones. In trichoid sensilla, a PameORco-positive OSN was consistently paired with a PameORco-negative OSN tuned to acids. In adult cockroaches injected with PameORco dsRNA at the nymphal stage, the expression of PameORco, odor receptions via ORs, and its central processing were strongly suppressed. These results provide new insights into the molecular basis of olfactory reception in the cockroach. The long-lasting and irreversible effects of PameORco RNAi would be an effective method for controlling the household pest. Whole sequence of ORco in the American cockroach (PameORco) was characterized PameORco expressed in olfactory sensory neurons in a sensillar type-specific manner RNAi chronically and irreversibly suppressed the PameORco expression beyond molts PameORco was essential for receptions of sex pheromones and general odors
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Yamada H, Nishida KM, Iwasaki YW, Isota Y, Negishi L, Siomi MC. Siwi cooperates with Par-1 kinase to resolve the autoinhibitory effect of Papi for Siwi-piRISC biogenesis. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1518. [PMID: 35314687 PMCID: PMC8938449 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29193-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Bombyx Papi acts as a scaffold for Siwi-piRISC biogenesis on the mitochondrial surface. Papi binds first to Siwi via the Tudor domain and subsequently to piRNA precursors loaded onto Siwi via the K-homology (KH) domains. This second action depends on phosphorylation of Papi. However, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Here, we show that Siwi targets Par-1 kinase to Papi to phosphorylate Ser547 in the auxiliary domain. This modification enhances the ability of Papi to bind Siwi-bound piRNA precursors via the KH domains. The Papi S547A mutant bound to Siwi, but evaded phosphorylation by Par-1, abrogating Siwi-piRISC biogenesis. A Papi mutant that lacked the Tudor and auxiliary domains escaped coordinated regulation by Siwi and Par-1 and bound RNAs autonomously. Another Papi mutant that lacked the auxiliary domain bound Siwi but did not bind piRNA precursors. A sophisticated mechanism by which Siwi cooperates with Par-1 kinase to promote Siwi-piRISC biogenesis was uncovered. Siwi-piRISC protects the germline genome from DNA damage caused by selfish movement of transposons by suppressing their expression. Here, the authors show how molecularly Papi, which plays an important role in the production of Siwi-piRISC, cooperates with Par-1 kinase to ensure the accumulation of Siwi-piRISC in germ cells.
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19
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He C, Wang K, Gao Y, Wang C, Li L, Liao Y, Hu K, Liang M. Roles of Noncoding RNA in Reproduction. Front Genet 2021; 12:777510. [PMID: 34956326 PMCID: PMC8695933 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.777510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization predicts that infertility will be the third major health threat after cancer and cardiovascular disease, and will become a hot topic in medical research. Studies have shown that epigenetic changes are an important component of gametogenesis and related reproductive diseases. Epigenetic regulation of noncoding RNA (ncRNA) is appropriate and is a research hotspot in the biomedical field; these include long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), microRNA (miRNA), and PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA). As vital members of the intracellular gene regulatory network, they affect various life activities of cells. LncRNA functions as a molecular bait, molecular signal and molecular scaffold in the body through molecular guidance. miRNAs are critical regulators of gene expression; they mainly control the stability or translation of their target mRNA after transcription. piRNA functions mainly through silencing genomic transposable elements and the post-transcriptional regulation of mRNAs in animal germ cells. Current studies have shown that these ncRNAs also play significant roles in the reproductive system and are involved in the regulation of essential cellular events in spermatogenesis and follicular development. The abnormal expression of ncRNA is closely linked to testicular germ cell tumors, poly cystic ovary syndrome and other diseases. This paper briefly presents the research on the reproductive process and reproductive diseases involving ncRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ke Hu
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Meng Liang
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
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20
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Nazer E, Gómez Acuña L, Kornblihtt AR. Seeking the truth behind the myth: Argonaute tales from "nuclearland". Mol Cell 2021; 82:503-513. [PMID: 34856122 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2021.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Argonaute proteins have been traditionally characterized as a highly evolutionary conserved family engaged in post-transcriptional gene silencing pathways. The Argonaute family is mainly grouped into the AGO and PIWI clades. The canonical role of Argonaute proteins relies on their ability to bind small-RNAs that recognize complementary sequences on target mRNAs to induce either mRNA degradation or translational repression. However, there is an increasing amount of evidence supporting that Argonaute proteins also exert multiple nuclear functions that subsequently regulate gene expression. In this line, genome-wide studies showed that members from the AGO clade regulate transcription, 3D chromatin organization, and splicing of active loci located within euchromatin. Here, we discuss recent work based on high-throughput technologies that have significantly contributed to shed light on the multivariate nuclear functions of AGO proteins in different model organisms. We also analyze data supporting that AGO proteins are able to execute these nuclear functions independently from small RNA pathways. Finally, we integrate these mechanistic insights with recent reports highlighting the clinical importance of AGO in breast and prostate cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezequiel Nazer
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular and CONICET-UBA, Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Luciana Gómez Acuña
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Alberto R Kornblihtt
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular and CONICET-UBA, Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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21
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Huang S, Yoshitake K, Asakawa S. A Review of Discovery Profiling of PIWI-Interacting RNAs and Their Diverse Functions in Metazoans. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222011166. [PMID: 34681826 PMCID: PMC8538981 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) that perform crucial biological functions in metazoans and defend against transposable elements (TEs) in germ lines. Recently, ubiquitously expressed piRNAs were discovered in soma and germ lines using small RNA sequencing (sRNA-seq) in humans and animals, providing new insights into the diverse functions of piRNAs. However, the role of piRNAs has not yet been fully elucidated, and sRNA-seq studies continue to reveal different piRNA activities in the genome. In this review, we summarize a set of simplified processes for piRNA analysis in order to provide a useful guide for researchers to perform piRNA research suitable for their study objectives. These processes can help expand the functional research on piRNAs from previously reported sRNA-seq results in metazoans. Ubiquitously expressed piRNAs have been discovered in the soma and germ lines in Annelida, Cnidaria, Echinodermata, Crustacea, Arthropoda, and Mollusca, but they are limited to germ lines in Chordata. The roles of piRNAs in TE silencing, gene expression regulation, epigenetic regulation, embryonic development, immune response, and associated diseases will continue to be discovered via sRNA-seq.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songqian Huang
- Correspondence: (S.H.); (S.A.); Tel.: +81-3-5841-5296 (S.A.); Fax: +81-3-5841-8166 (S.A.)
| | | | - Shuichi Asakawa
- Correspondence: (S.H.); (S.A.); Tel.: +81-3-5841-5296 (S.A.); Fax: +81-3-5841-8166 (S.A.)
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