1
|
Afonin DA, Gerasimov ES, Škodová-Sveráková I, Záhonová K, Gahura O, Albanaz ATS, Myšková E, Bykova A, Paris Z, Lukeš J, Opperdoes FR, Horváth A, Zimmer SL, Yurchenko V. Blastocrithidia nonstop mitochondrial genome and its expression are remarkably insulated from nuclear codon reassignment. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:3870-3885. [PMID: 38452217 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae168] [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: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The canonical stop codons of the nuclear genome of the trypanosomatid Blastocrithidia nonstop are recoded. Here, we investigated the effect of this recoding on the mitochondrial genome and gene expression. Trypanosomatids possess a single mitochondrion and protein-coding transcripts of this genome require RNA editing in order to generate open reading frames of many transcripts encoded as 'cryptogenes'. Small RNAs that can number in the hundreds direct editing and produce a mitochondrial transcriptome of unusual complexity. We find B. nonstop to have a typical trypanosomatid mitochondrial genetic code, which presumably requires the mitochondrion to disable utilization of the two nucleus-encoded suppressor tRNAs, which appear to be imported into the organelle. Alterations of the protein factors responsible for mRNA editing were also documented, but they have likely originated from sources other than B. nonstop nuclear genome recoding. The population of guide RNAs directing editing is minimal, yet virtually all genes for the plethora of known editing factors are still present. Most intriguingly, despite lacking complex I cryptogene guide RNAs, these cryptogene transcripts are stochastically edited to high levels.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Genome, Mitochondrial
- RNA Editing
- Cell Nucleus/genetics
- Cell Nucleus/metabolism
- RNA, Transfer/genetics
- RNA, Transfer/metabolism
- Open Reading Frames/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Trypanosomatina/genetics
- Trypanosomatina/metabolism
- Codon/genetics
- Mitochondria/genetics
- Mitochondria/metabolism
- Codon, Terminator/genetics
- RNA, Guide, Kinetoplastida/genetics
- RNA, Guide, Kinetoplastida/metabolism
- Genetic Code
- Protozoan Proteins/genetics
- Protozoan Proteins/metabolism
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry A Afonin
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Evgeny S Gerasimov
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia
- Institute for Information Transmission Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 127051, Russia
| | - Ingrid Škodová-Sveráková
- Life Science Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, 710 00 Ostrava, Czechia
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, 842 15 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Kristína Záhonová
- Life Science Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, 710 00 Ostrava, Czechia
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czechia
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV 252 50 Vestec, Czechia
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, T6G 2R3 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ondřej Gahura
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Amanda T S Albanaz
- Life Science Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, 710 00 Ostrava, Czechia
| | - Eva Myšková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Anastassia Bykova
- Life Science Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, 710 00 Ostrava, Czechia
| | - Zdeněk Paris
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czechia
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Julius Lukeš
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czechia
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Fred R Opperdoes
- De Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anton Horváth
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, 842 15 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Sara L Zimmer
- University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth Campus, Duluth, MN 55812, USA
| | - Vyacheslav Yurchenko
- Life Science Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, 710 00 Ostrava, Czechia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Muthukumar S, Li CT, Liu RJ, Bellodi C. Roles and regulation of tRNA-derived small RNAs in animals. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2024:10.1038/s41580-023-00690-z. [PMID: 38182846 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-023-00690-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
A growing class of small RNAs, known as tRNA-derived RNAs (tdRs), tRNA-derived small RNAs or tRNA-derived fragments, have long been considered mere intermediates of tRNA degradation. These small RNAs have recently been implicated in an evolutionarily conserved repertoire of biological processes. In this Review, we discuss the biogenesis and molecular functions of tdRs in mammals, including tdR-mediated gene regulation in cell metabolism, immune responses, transgenerational inheritance, development and cancer. We also discuss the accumulation of tRNA-derived stress-induced RNAs as a distinct adaptive cellular response to pathophysiological conditions. Furthermore, we highlight new conceptual advances linking RNA modifications with tdR activities and discuss challenges in studying tdR biology in health and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sowndarya Muthukumar
- Division of Molecular Hematology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund Stem Cell Center, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Cai-Tao Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ru-Juan Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Cristian Bellodi
- Division of Molecular Hematology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund Stem Cell Center, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Brogli R, Cristodero M, Schneider A, Polacek N. A ribosome-bound tRNA half stimulates mitochondrial translation during stress recovery in Trypanosoma brucei. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113112. [PMID: 37703180 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei and its disease-causing relatives are among the few organisms that barely regulate the transcription of protein-coding genes. Yet, alterations in its gene expression are essential to survive in different host environments. Recently, tRNA-derived RNAs have been implicated as regulators of many cellular processes within and beyond translation. Previously, we identified the tRNAThr-3'-half (AGU) as a ribosome-associated non-coding RNA able to enhance global translation. Here we report that the tRNAThr-3'-half is generated upon starvation inside the mitochondria. The tRNAThr-3'-half associates with mitochondrial ribosomes and stimulates translation during stress recovery, positively affecting mitochondrial activity and, consequently, cellular energy production capacity. Our results describe an organelle ribosome-associated ncRNA involved in translation regulation to boost the central hub of energy metabolism as an immediate stress recovery response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Brogli
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biochemical Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marina Cristodero
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
| | - André Schneider
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Norbert Polacek
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Nasim F, Qureshi IA. Aminoacyl tRNA Synthetases: Implications of Structural Biology in Drug Development against Trypanosomatid Parasites. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:14884-14899. [PMID: 37151504 PMCID: PMC10157851 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c00826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The ensemble of aminoacyl tRNA synthetases is regarded as a key component of the protein translation machinery. With the progressive increase in structure-based studies on tRNA synthetase-ligand complexes, the detailed picture of these enzymes is becoming clear. Having known their critical role in deciphering the genetic code in a living system, they have always been chosen as one of the important targets for development of antimicrobial drugs. Later on, the role of aminoacyl tRNA synthetases (aaRSs) on the survivability of trypanosomatids has also been validated. It became evident through several gene knockout studies that targeting even one of these enzymes affected parasitic growth drastically. Such successful studies have inspired researchers to search for inhibitors that could specifically target trypanosomal aaRSs, and their never-ending efforts have provided fruitful results. Taking all such studies into consideration, these macromolecules of prime importance deserve further investigation for the development of drugs that cure spectrum of infections caused by trypanosomatids. In this review, we have compiled advancements of over a decade that have taken place in the pursuit of devising drugs by using trypanosomatid aaRSs as a major target of interest. Several of these inhibitors work on an exemplary low concentration range without posing any threat to the mammalian cells which is a very critical aspect of the drug discovery process. Advancements have been made in terms of using structural biology as an important tool to analyze the architecture of the trypanosomatids aaRSs and concoction of inhibitors with augmented specificities toward their targets. Some of the inhibitors that have been tested on other parasites successfully but their efficacy has so far not been validated against these trypanosomatids have also been appended.
Collapse
|
5
|
Current Status of Regulatory Non-Coding RNAs Research in the Tritryp. Noncoding RNA 2022; 8:ncrna8040054. [PMID: 35893237 PMCID: PMC9326685 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna8040054] [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: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosomatids are protozoan parasites that cause devastating vector-borne human diseases. Gene expression regulation of these organisms depends on post-transcriptional control in responding to diverse environments while going through multiple developmental stages of their complex life cycles. In this scenario, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are excellent candidates for a very efficient, quick, and economic strategy to regulate gene expression. The advent of high throughput RNA sequencing technologies show the presence and deregulation of small RNA fragments derived from canonical ncRNAs. This review seeks to depict the ncRNA landscape in trypanosomatids, focusing on the small RNA fragments derived from functional RNA molecules observed in RNA sequencing studies. Small RNA fragments derived from canonical ncRNAs (tsRNAs, snsRNAs, sdRNAs, and sdrRNAs) were identified in trypanosomatids. Some of these RNAs display changes in their levels associated with different environments and developmental stages, demanding further studies to determine their functional characterization and potential roles. Nevertheless, a comprehensive and detailed ncRNA annotation for most trypanosomatid genomes is still needed, allowing better and more extensive comparative and functional studies.
Collapse
|
6
|
Docampo R, Vercesi AE. Mitochondrial Ca 2+ and Reactive Oxygen Species in Trypanosomatids. Antioxid Redox Signal 2022; 36:969-983. [PMID: 34218689 PMCID: PMC9125514 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2021.0058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Significance: Millions of people are infected with trypanosomatids and new therapeutic approaches are needed. Trypanosomatids possess one mitochondrion per cell and its study has led to discoveries of general biological interest. These mitochondria, as in their animal counterparts, generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and have evolved enzymatic and nonenzymatic defenses against them. Mitochondrial calcium ion (Ca2+) overload leads to generation of ROS and its study could lead to relevant information on the biology of trypanosomatids and to novel drug targets. Recent Advances: Mitochondrial Ca2+ is normally involved in maintaining the bioenergetics of trypanosomes, but when Ca2+ overload occurs, it is associated with cell death. Trypanosomes lack key players in the mechanism of cell death described in mammalian cells, although mitochondrial Ca2+ overload results in collapse of their membrane potential, production of ROS, and cytochrome c release. They are also very resistant to mitochondrial permeability transition, and cell death after mitochondrial Ca2+ overload depends on generation of ROS. Critical Issues: In this review, we consider the mechanisms of mitochondrial oxidant generation and removal and the involvement of Ca2+ in trypanosome cell death. Future Directions: More studies are required to determine the reactions involved in generation of ROS by the mitochondria of trypanosomatids, their enzymatic and nonenzymatic defenses against ROS, and the occurrence and composition of a mitochondrial permeability transition pore. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 36, 969-983.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Docampo
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Cela M, Théobald-Dietrich A, Rudinger-Thirion J, Wolff P, Geslain R, Frugier M. Identification of host tRNAs preferentially recognized by the Plasmodium surface protein tRip. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:10618-10629. [PMID: 34530443 PMCID: PMC8501954 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is a life-threatening and devastating parasitic disease. Our previous work showed that parasite development requires the import of exogenous transfer RNAs (tRNAs), which represents a novel and unique form of host-pathogen interaction, as well as a potentially druggable target. This import is mediated by tRip (tRNA import protein), a membrane protein located on the parasite surface. tRip displays an extracellular domain homologous to the well-characterized OB-fold tRNA-binding domain, a structural motif known to indiscriminately interact with tRNAs. We used MIST (Microarray Identification of Shifted tRNAs), a previously established in vitro approach, to systematically assess the specificity of complexes between native Homo sapiens tRNAs and recombinant Plasmodium falciparum tRip. We demonstrate that tRip unexpectedly binds to host tRNAs with a wide range of affinities, suggesting that only a small subset of human tRNAs is preferentially imported into the parasite. In particular, we show with in vitro transcribed constructs that tRip does not bind specific tRNAs solely based on their primary sequence, hinting that post-transcriptional modifications modulate the formation of our host/parasite molecular complex. Finally, we discuss the potential utilization of the most efficient tRip ligands for the translation of the parasite's genetic information.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Cela
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l’ARN, UPR 9002, F-67000Strasbourg, France
| | - Anne Théobald-Dietrich
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l’ARN, UPR 9002, F-67000Strasbourg, France
| | - Joëlle Rudinger-Thirion
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l’ARN, UPR 9002, F-67000Strasbourg, France
| | - Philippe Wolff
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l’ARN, UPR 9002, F-67000Strasbourg, France
| | - Renaud Geslain
- Laboratory of tRNA Biology, Department of Biology, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Magali Frugier
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l’ARN, UPR 9002, F-67000Strasbourg, France
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Shikha S, Huot JL, Schneider A, Niemann M. tRNA import across the mitochondrial inner membrane in T. brucei requires TIM subunits but is independent of protein import. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:12269-12281. [PMID: 33231678 PMCID: PMC7708065 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa1098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial tRNA import is widespread, but mechanistic insights of how tRNAs are translocated across mitochondrial membranes remain scarce. The parasitic protozoan T. brucei lacks mitochondrial tRNA genes. Consequently, it imports all organellar tRNAs from the cytosol. Here we investigated the connection between tRNA and protein translocation across the mitochondrial inner membrane. Trypanosomes have a single inner membrane protein translocase that consists of three heterooligomeric submodules, which all are required for import of matrix proteins. In vivo depletion of individual submodules shows that surprisingly only the integral membrane core module, including the protein import pore, but not the presequence-associated import motor are required for mitochondrial tRNA import. Thus we could uncouple import of matrix proteins from import of tRNAs even though both substrates are imported into the same mitochondrial subcompartment. This is reminiscent to the outer membrane where the main protein translocase but not on-going protein translocation is required for tRNA import. We also show that import of tRNAs across the outer and inner membranes are coupled to each other. Taken together, these data support the 'alternate import model', which states that tRNA and protein import while mechanistically independent use the same translocation pores but not at the same time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shikha Shikha
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jonathan L Huot
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - André Schneider
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Moritz Niemann
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Shikha S, Schneider A. The single CCA-adding enzyme of T. brucei has distinct functions in the cytosol and in mitochondria. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:6138-6150. [PMID: 32234763 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.011877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
tRNAs universally carry a CCA nucleotide triplet at their 3'-ends. In eukaryotes, the CCA is added post-transcriptionally by the CCA-adding enzyme (CAE). The mitochondrion of the parasitic protozoan Trypanosoma brucei lacks tRNA genes and therefore imports all of its tRNAs from the cytosol. This has generated interest in the tRNA modifications and their distribution in this organism, including how CCA is added to tRNAs. Here, using a BLAST search for genes encoding putative CAE proteins in T. brucei, we identified a single ORF, Tb927.9.8780, as a potential candidate. Knockdown of this putative protein, termed TbCAE, resulted in the accumulation of truncated tRNAs, abolished translation, and inhibited both total and mitochondrial CCA-adding activities, indicating that TbCAE is located both in the cytosol and mitochondrion. However, mitochondrially localized tRNAs were much less affected by the TbCAE ablation than the other tRNAs. Complementation assays revealed that the N-terminal 10 amino acids of TbCAE are dispensable for its activity and mitochondrial localization and that deletion of 10 further amino acids abolishes both. A growth arrest caused by the TbCAE knockdown was rescued by the expression of the cytosolic isoform of yeast CAE, even though it was not imported into mitochondria. This finding indicated that the yeast enzyme complements the essential function of TbCAE by adding CCA to the primary tRNA transcripts. Of note, ablation of the mitochondrial TbCAE activity, which likely has a repair function, only marginally affected growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shikha Shikha
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, Bern CH-3012, Switzerland
| | - André Schneider
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, Bern CH-3012, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|