1
|
Papadimitriou E, Thomaidou D. Post-transcriptional mechanisms controlling neurogenesis and direct neuronal reprogramming. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1929-1939. [PMID: 38227517 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.390976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurogenesis is a tightly regulated process in time and space both in the developing embryo and in adult neurogenic niches. A drastic change in the transcriptome and proteome of radial glial cells or neural stem cells towards the neuronal state is achieved due to sophisticated mechanisms of epigenetic, transcriptional, and post-transcriptional regulation. Understanding these neurogenic mechanisms is of major importance, not only for shedding light on very complex and crucial developmental processes, but also for the identification of putative reprogramming factors, that harbor hierarchically central regulatory roles in the course of neurogenesis and bare thus the capacity to drive direct reprogramming towards the neuronal fate. The major transcriptional programs that orchestrate the neurogenic process have been the focus of research for many years and key neurogenic transcription factors, as well as repressor complexes, have been identified and employed in direct reprogramming protocols to convert non-neuronal cells, into functional neurons. The post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression during nervous system development has emerged as another important and intricate regulatory layer, strongly contributing to the complexity of the mechanisms controlling neurogenesis and neuronal function. In particular, recent advances are highlighting the importance of specific RNA binding proteins that control major steps of mRNA life cycle during neurogenesis, such as alternative splicing, polyadenylation, stability, and translation. Apart from the RNA binding proteins, microRNAs, a class of small non-coding RNAs that block the translation of their target mRNAs, have also been shown to play crucial roles in all the stages of the neurogenic process, from neural stem/progenitor cell proliferation, neuronal differentiation and migration, to functional maturation. Here, we provide an overview of the most prominent post-transcriptional mechanisms mediated by RNA binding proteins and microRNAs during the neurogenic process, giving particular emphasis on the interplay of specific RNA binding proteins with neurogenic microRNAs. Taking under consideration that the molecular mechanisms of neurogenesis exert high similarity to the ones driving direct neuronal reprogramming, we also discuss the current advances in in vitro and in vivo direct neuronal reprogramming approaches that have employed microRNAs or RNA binding proteins as reprogramming factors, highlighting the so far known mechanisms of their reprogramming action.
Collapse
|
2
|
Seo Y, Rhim J, Kim JH. RNA-binding proteins and exoribonucleases modulating miRNA in cancer: the enemy within. Exp Mol Med 2024; 56:1080-1106. [PMID: 38689093 PMCID: PMC11148060 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-024-01224-z] [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: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent progress in the investigation of microRNA (miRNA) biogenesis and the miRNA processing machinery has revealed previously unknown roles of posttranscriptional regulation in gene expression. The molecular mechanistic interplay between miRNAs and their regulatory factors, RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and exoribonucleases, has been revealed to play a critical role in tumorigenesis. Moreover, recent studies have shown that the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)-causing hepatitis C virus (HCV) is also characterized by close crosstalk of a multitude of host RBPs and exoribonucleases with miR-122 and its RNA genome, suggesting the importance of the mechanistic interplay among these factors during the proliferation of HCV. This review primarily aims to comprehensively describe the well-established roles and discuss the recently discovered understanding of miRNA regulators, RBPs and exoribonucleases, in relation to various cancers and the proliferation of a representative cancer-causing RNA virus, HCV. These have also opened the door to the emerging potential for treating cancers as well as HCV infection by targeting miRNAs or their respective cellular modulators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoona Seo
- Cancer Molecular Biology Branch, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, 10408, Korea
- Department of Cancer Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, National Cancer Center, Goyang, 10408, Korea
| | - Jiho Rhim
- Cancer Molecular Biology Branch, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, 10408, Korea
- Department of Cancer Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, National Cancer Center, Goyang, 10408, Korea
| | - Jong Heon Kim
- Cancer Molecular Biology Branch, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, 10408, Korea.
- Department of Cancer Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, National Cancer Center, Goyang, 10408, Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yuan A, Nixon RA. Posttranscriptional regulation of neurofilament proteins and tau in health and disease. Brain Res Bull 2023; 192:115-127. [PMID: 36441047 PMCID: PMC9907725 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2022.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Neurofilament and tau proteins are neuron-specific cytoskeletal proteins that are enriched in axons, regulated by many of the same protein kinases, interact physically, and are the principal constituents of neurofibrillary lesions in major adult-onset dementias. Both proteins share functions related to the modulation of stability and functions of the microtubule network in axons, axonal transport and scaffolding of organelles, long-term synaptic potentiation, and learning and memory. Expression of these proteins is regulated not only at the transcriptional level but also through posttranscriptional control of pre-mRNA splicing, mRNA stability, transport, localization, local translation and degradation. Current evidence suggests that posttranscriptional determinants of their levels are usually regulated by RNA-binding proteins and microRNAs primarily through 3'-untranslated regions of neurofilament and tau mRNAs. Dysregulations of neurofilament and tau expression caused by mutations or pathologies of RNA-binding proteins such as TDP43, FUS and microRNAs are increasingly recognized in association with varied neurological disorders. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of posttranscriptional control of neurofilament and tau by examining the posttranscriptional regulation of neurofilament and tau by RNA-binding proteins and microRNAs implicated in health and diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aidong Yuan
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA; Department of Psychiatry, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA; NYU Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA.
| | - Ralph A. Nixon
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA,Department of Psychiatry, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA,Department of Cell Biology, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA,NYU Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA,Correspondence to: Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA, (A. Yuan), (R.A. Nixon)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Dos Santos MGP, Gatti da Silva GH, Nagasse HY, Fuziwara CS, Edna Teruko K, Coltri PP. hnRNP A1 and hnRNP C associate with miR-17 and miR-18 in thyroid cancer cells. FEBS Open Bio 2022; 12:1253-1264. [PMID: 35417090 PMCID: PMC9157402 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13409] [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: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs) are essential players in the regulation of gene expression. The majority of the twenty different hnRNP proteins act through the modulation of pre‐mRNA splicing. Most have been shown to regulate the expression of critical genes for the progression of tumorigenic processes and were also observed to be overexpressed in several types of cancer. Moreover, these proteins were described as essential components for the maturation of some microRNAs (miRNAs). In the human genome, over 70% of miRNAs are transcribed from introns; therefore, we hypothesized that regulatory proteins involved with splicing could be important for their maturation. Increased expression of the miR‐17‐92 cluster has already been shown to be related to the development of many cancers, such as thyroid, lung, and lymphoma. In this article, we show that overexpression of hnRNP A1 and hnRNP C in BCPAP thyroid cancer cells directly affects the expression of miR‐17‐92 miRNAs. Both proteins associate with the 5′‐end of this cluster, strongly precipitate miRNAs miR‐17 and miR‐18a and upregulate the expression of miR‐92a. Upon overexpression of these hnRNPs, BCPAP cells also show increased proliferation, migration, and invasion rates, suggesting upregulation of these proteins and miRNAs is related to an enhanced tumorigenic phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gabriela Pereira Dos Santos
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e do Desenvolvimento, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, 05508-000, São Paulo, Brazil.,National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Guilherme Henrique Gatti da Silva
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e do Desenvolvimento, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, 05508-000, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Helder Yudi Nagasse
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e do Desenvolvimento, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, 05508-000, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cesar Seigi Fuziwara
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e do Desenvolvimento, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, 05508-000, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Kimura Edna Teruko
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e do Desenvolvimento, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, 05508-000, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Patricia Pereira Coltri
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e do Desenvolvimento, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, 05508-000, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Jungers CF, Djuranovic S. Modulation of miRISC-Mediated Gene Silencing in Eukaryotes. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:832916. [PMID: 35237661 PMCID: PMC8882679 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.832916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene expression is regulated at multiple levels in eukaryotic cells. Regulation at the post-transcriptional level is modulated by various trans-acting factors that bind to specific sequences in the messenger RNA (mRNA). The binding of different trans factors influences various aspects of the mRNA such as degradation rate, translation efficiency, splicing, localization, etc. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short endogenous ncRNAs that combine with the Argonaute to form the microRNA-induced silencing complex (miRISC), which uses base-pair complementation to silence the target transcript. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) contribute to post-transcriptional control by influencing the mRNA stability and translation upon binding to cis-elements within the mRNA transcript. RBPs have been shown to impact gene expression through influencing the miRISC biogenesis, composition, or miRISC-mRNA target interaction. While there is clear evidence that those interactions between RBPs, miRNAs, miRISC and target mRNAs influence the efficiency of miRISC-mediated gene silencing, the exact mechanism for most of them remains unclear. This review summarizes our current knowledge on gene expression regulation through interactions of miRNAs and RBPs.
Collapse
|
6
|
Morello G, Villari A, Spampinato AG, La Cognata V, Guarnaccia M, Gentile G, Ciotti MT, Calissano P, D’Agata V, Severini C, Cavallaro S. Transcriptional Profiles of Cell Fate Transitions Reveal Early Drivers of Neuronal Apoptosis and Survival. Cells 2021; 10:3238. [PMID: 34831459 PMCID: PMC8620386 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113238] [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: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal apoptosis and survival are regulated at the transcriptional level. To identify key genes and upstream regulators primarily responsible for these processes, we overlayed the temporal transcriptome of cerebellar granule neurons following induction of apoptosis and their rescue by three different neurotrophic factors. We identified a core set of 175 genes showing opposite expression trends at the intersection of apoptosis and survival. Their functional annotations and expression signatures significantly correlated to neurological, psychiatric and oncological disorders. Transcription regulatory network analysis revealed the action of nine upstream transcription factors, converging pro-apoptosis and pro-survival-inducing signals in a highly interconnected functionally and temporally ordered manner. Five of these transcription factors are potential drug targets. Transcriptome-based computational drug repurposing produced a list of drug candidates that may revert the apoptotic core set signature. Besides elucidating early drivers of neuronal apoptosis and survival, our systems biology-based perspective paves the way to innovative pharmacology focused on upstream targets and regulatory networks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Morello
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (IRIB-CNR), Via Paolo Gaifami, 18, 95125 Catania, Italy; (G.M.); (A.V.); (A.G.S.); (V.L.C.); (M.G.); (G.G.)
| | - Ambra Villari
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (IRIB-CNR), Via Paolo Gaifami, 18, 95125 Catania, Italy; (G.M.); (A.V.); (A.G.S.); (V.L.C.); (M.G.); (G.G.)
| | - Antonio Gianmaria Spampinato
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (IRIB-CNR), Via Paolo Gaifami, 18, 95125 Catania, Italy; (G.M.); (A.V.); (A.G.S.); (V.L.C.); (M.G.); (G.G.)
| | - Valentina La Cognata
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (IRIB-CNR), Via Paolo Gaifami, 18, 95125 Catania, Italy; (G.M.); (A.V.); (A.G.S.); (V.L.C.); (M.G.); (G.G.)
| | - Maria Guarnaccia
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (IRIB-CNR), Via Paolo Gaifami, 18, 95125 Catania, Italy; (G.M.); (A.V.); (A.G.S.); (V.L.C.); (M.G.); (G.G.)
| | - Giulia Gentile
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (IRIB-CNR), Via Paolo Gaifami, 18, 95125 Catania, Italy; (G.M.); (A.V.); (A.G.S.); (V.L.C.); (M.G.); (G.G.)
| | - Maria Teresa Ciotti
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Via E. Ramarini, 32, Monterotondo Scalo, 00015 Rome, Italy; (M.T.C.); (C.S.)
| | - Pietro Calissano
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI Foundation), Viale Regina Elena, 295, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Velia D’Agata
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 87, 95123 Catania, Italy;
| | - Cinzia Severini
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Via E. Ramarini, 32, Monterotondo Scalo, 00015 Rome, Italy; (M.T.C.); (C.S.)
| | - Sebastiano Cavallaro
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (IRIB-CNR), Via Paolo Gaifami, 18, 95125 Catania, Italy; (G.M.); (A.V.); (A.G.S.); (V.L.C.); (M.G.); (G.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kern F, Aparicio-Puerta E, Li Y, Fehlmann T, Kehl T, Wagner V, Ray K, Ludwig N, Lenhof HP, Meese E, Keller A. miRTargetLink 2.0-interactive miRNA target gene and target pathway networks. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:W409-W416. [PMID: 34009375 PMCID: PMC8262750 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Which genes, gene sets or pathways are regulated by certain miRNAs? Which miRNAs regulate a particular target gene or target pathway in a certain physiological context? Answering such common research questions can be time consuming and labor intensive. Especially for researchers without computational experience, the integration of different data sources, selection of the right parameters and concise visualization can be demanding. A comprehensive analysis should be central to present adequate answers to complex biological questions. With miRTargetLink 2.0, we develop an all-in-one solution for human, mouse and rat miRNA networks. Users input in the unidirectional search mode either a single gene, gene set or gene pathway, alternatively a single miRNA, a set of miRNAs or an miRNA pathway. Moreover, genes and miRNAs can jointly be provided to the tool in the bidirectional search mode. For the selected entities, interaction graphs are generated from different data sources and dynamically presented. Connected application programming interfaces (APIs) to the tailored enrichment tools miEAA and GeneTrail facilitate downstream analysis of pathways and context-annotated categories of network nodes. MiRTargetLink 2.0 is freely accessible at https://www.ccb.uni-saarland.de/mirtargetlink2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Kern
- Chair for Clinical Bioinformatics, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | | | - Yongping Li
- Chair for Clinical Bioinformatics, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Tobias Fehlmann
- Chair for Clinical Bioinformatics, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Tim Kehl
- Center for Bioinformatics, Saarland Informatics Campus, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Viktoria Wagner
- Chair for Clinical Bioinformatics, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Kamalika Ray
- Chair for Clinical Bioinformatics, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Nicole Ludwig
- Center for Human and Molecular Biology, Institute of Human Genetics, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Hans-Peter Lenhof
- Center for Bioinformatics, Saarland Informatics Campus, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Eckart Meese
- Center for Human and Molecular Biology, Institute of Human Genetics, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Keller
- Chair for Clinical Bioinformatics, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford 94304, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kinoshita C, Kubota N, Aoyama K. Interplay of RNA-Binding Proteins and microRNAs in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22105292. [PMID: 34069857 PMCID: PMC8157344 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The number of patients with neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) is increasing, along with the growing number of older adults. This escalation threatens to create a medical and social crisis. NDs include a large spectrum of heterogeneous and multifactorial pathologies, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease and multiple system atrophy, and the formation of inclusion bodies resulting from protein misfolding and aggregation is a hallmark of these disorders. The proteinaceous components of the pathological inclusions include several RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), which play important roles in splicing, stability, transcription and translation. In addition, RBPs were shown to play a critical role in regulating miRNA biogenesis and metabolism. The dysfunction of both RBPs and miRNAs is often observed in several NDs. Thus, the data about the interplay among RBPs and miRNAs and their cooperation in brain functions would be important to know for better understanding NDs and the development of effective therapeutics. In this review, we focused on the connection between miRNAs, RBPs and neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chisato Kinoshita
- Department of Pharmacology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, 2-11-1 Kaga, Itabashi, Tokyo 173-8605, Japan;
- Correspondence: (C.K.); (K.A.); Tel.: +81-3-3964-3794 (C.K.); +81-3-3964-3793 (K.A.)
| | - Noriko Kubota
- Department of Pharmacology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, 2-11-1 Kaga, Itabashi, Tokyo 173-8605, Japan;
- Teikyo University Support Center for Women Physicians and Researchers, 2-11-1 Kaga, Itabashi, Tokyo 173-8605, Japan
| | - Koji Aoyama
- Department of Pharmacology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, 2-11-1 Kaga, Itabashi, Tokyo 173-8605, Japan;
- Correspondence: (C.K.); (K.A.); Tel.: +81-3-3964-3794 (C.K.); +81-3-3964-3793 (K.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
Hundreds of microRNAs (miRNAs) are expressed in distinct spatial and temporal patterns during embryonic and postnatal mouse development. The loss of all miRNAs through the deletion of critical miRNA biogenesis factors results in early lethality. The function of each miRNA stems from their cumulative negative regulation of multiple mRNA targets expressed in a particular cell type. During development, miRNAs often coordinate the timing and direction of cell fate transitions. In adults, miRNAs frequently contribute to organismal fitness through homeostatic roles in physiology. Here, we review how the recent dissection of miRNA-knockout phenotypes in mice as well as advances related to their targets, dosage, and interactions have collectively informed our understanding of the roles of miRNAs in mammalian development and adaptive responses.
Collapse
|
10
|
Velázquez-Cruz A, Baños-Jaime B, Díaz-Quintana A, De la Rosa MA, Díaz-Moreno I. Post-translational Control of RNA-Binding Proteins and Disease-Related Dysregulation. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:658852. [PMID: 33987205 PMCID: PMC8111222 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.658852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell signaling mechanisms modulate gene expression in response to internal and external stimuli. Cellular adaptation requires a precise and coordinated regulation of the transcription and translation processes. The post-transcriptional control of mRNA metabolism is mediated by the so-called RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), which assemble with specific transcripts forming messenger ribonucleoprotein particles of highly dynamic composition. RBPs constitute a class of trans-acting regulatory proteins with affinity for certain consensus elements present in mRNA molecules. However, these regulators are subjected to post-translational modifications (PTMs) that constantly adjust their activity to maintain cell homeostasis. PTMs can dramatically change the subcellular localization, the binding affinity for RNA and protein partners, and the turnover rate of RBPs. Moreover, the ability of many RBPs to undergo phase transition and/or their recruitment to previously formed membrane-less organelles, such as stress granules, is also regulated by specific PTMs. Interestingly, the dysregulation of PTMs in RBPs has been associated with the pathophysiology of many different diseases. Abnormal PTM patterns can lead to the distortion of the physiological role of RBPs due to mislocalization, loss or gain of function, and/or accelerated or disrupted degradation. This Mini Review offers a broad overview of the post-translational regulation of selected RBPs and the involvement of their dysregulation in neurodegenerative disorders, cancer and other pathologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Velázquez-Cruz
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas, Centro de Investigaciones Científicas Isla de la Cartuja, Universidad de Sevilla, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Seville, Spain
| | - Blanca Baños-Jaime
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas, Centro de Investigaciones Científicas Isla de la Cartuja, Universidad de Sevilla, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Seville, Spain
| | - Antonio Díaz-Quintana
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas, Centro de Investigaciones Científicas Isla de la Cartuja, Universidad de Sevilla, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Seville, Spain
| | - Miguel A De la Rosa
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas, Centro de Investigaciones Científicas Isla de la Cartuja, Universidad de Sevilla, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Seville, Spain
| | - Irene Díaz-Moreno
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas, Centro de Investigaciones Científicas Isla de la Cartuja, Universidad de Sevilla, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Seville, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Chen TH. Circulating microRNAs as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in spinal muscular atrophy. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2021; 13:1756286420979954. [PMID: 33488772 PMCID: PMC7768327 DOI: 10.1177/1756286420979954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a leading genetic cause of infant death, is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the selective loss of particular groups of motor neurons (MNs) in the anterior horn of the spinal cord with progressive muscle wasting. SMA is caused by a deficiency of the survival motor neuron (SMN) protein due to a homozygous deletion or mutation of the SMN1 gene. However, the molecular mechanisms whereby the SMN complex regulates MN functions are not fully elucidated. Emerging studies on SMA pathogenesis have turned the attention of researchers to RNA metabolism, given that increasingly identified SMN-associated modifiers are involved in both coding and non-coding RNA (ncRNA) processing. Among various ncRNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs) are the most studied in terms of regulation of posttranscriptional gene expression. Recently, the discovery that miRNAs are critical to MN function and survival led to the study of dysregulated miRNAs in SMA pathogenesis. Circulating miRNAs have drawn attention as a readily available biomarker due to their property of being clinically detectable in numerous human biofluids through non-invasive approaches. As there are recent promising findings from novel miRNA-based medicines, this article presents an extensive review of the most up-to-date studies connecting specific miRNAs to SMA pathogenesis and the potential applications of miRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for SMA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tai-Heng Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Emergency, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, School of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, No. 100, Tzyou 1st Road, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ehses J, Fernández-Moya SM, Schröger L, Kiebler MA. Synergistic regulation of Rgs4 mRNA by HuR and miR-26/RISC in neurons. RNA Biol 2020; 18:988-998. [PMID: 32779957 PMCID: PMC8216180 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2020.1795409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The negative regulator of G-protein signalling 4 (Rgs4) is linked to several neurologic diseases, e.g. schizophrenia, addiction, seizure and pain perception. Consequently, Rgs4 expression is tightly regulated, resulting in high mRNA and protein turnover. The post-transcriptional control of gene expression is mediated via RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) that interact with mRNAs in a combinatorial fashion. Here, we show that in neurons the RBP HuR reduces endogenous Rgs4 expression by destabilizing Rgs4 mRNA. Interestingly, in smooth muscle cells, Rgs4 is stabilized by HuR, indicating tissue-dependent differences in HuR function. Using in vitro RNA-based pulldown experiments, we identify the functional AU-rich element (ARE) within the Rgs4 3ʹ-UTR that is recognized and bound by HuR. Bioinformatic analysis uncovered that this ARE lies within a highly conserved area next to a miR-26 binding site. We find that the neuronal-enriched miR-26 negatively influences Rgs4 expression in neurons. Further, HuR and miR-26 act synergistically in fluorescent reporter assays. Together, our data suggest a regulatory mechanism, in which an RBP selectively destabilizes a target mRNA in cooperation with a miRNA and the RISC machinery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janina Ehses
- BioMedical Center, Medical Faculty, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Sandra M Fernández-Moya
- BioMedical Center, Medical Faculty, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Luise Schröger
- BioMedical Center, Medical Faculty, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Michael A Kiebler
- BioMedical Center, Medical Faculty, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Martinsried, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zhang B, Tian L, Xie J, Chen G, Wang F. Targeting miRNAs by natural products: A new way for cancer therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 130:110546. [PMID: 32721631 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression through mRNA degradation or translation inhibition. MiRNAs play important roles in a variety of biological processes, and dysregulation of miRNA expression is highly associated with cancer development. Individual miRNA regulates multiple gene expressions, enabling them to regulate multiple cellular signaling pathways simultaneously. Hence, miRNAs could be served as cancer biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis, and also therapeutic targets. Recently, more and more evidences showed that natural products such as paclitaxel, curcumin, resveratrol, genistein or epigallocatechin-3-gallate exert their anti-proliferative and/or pro-apoptotic effects through regulating one or more miRNAs, leading to the inhibition of cancer cell growth, induction of apoptosis or enhancement of conventional cancer therapeutic efficacy. Herein, we outlined the recent advances in the regulation of miRNAs expression by the natural products and highlight the importance of these natural drugs as a potential strategy in cancer treatment. This review will help us better understand how natural products modulate miRNAs and contribute to the development of effective and safe natural drugs for therapeutic purposes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beilei Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of Molecular and Neuro Imaging, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an 710071, China; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710038, China
| | - Ling Tian
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, 510632, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jinrong Xie
- Engineering Research Center of Molecular and Neuro Imaging, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an 710071, China
| | - Guo Chen
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, 510632, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Fu Wang
- Engineering Research Center of Molecular and Neuro Imaging, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an 710071, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Yang WJ, Yan AZ, Xu YJ, Guo XY, Fu XG, Li D, Liao J, Zhang D, Lan FH. Further identification of a 140bp sequence from amid intron 9 of human FMR1 gene as a new exon. BMC Genet 2020; 21:63. [PMID: 32552710 PMCID: PMC7301526 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-020-00870-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The disease gene of fragile X syndrome, FMR1 gene, encodes fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). The alternative splicing (AS) of FMR1 can affect the structure and function of FMRP. However, the biological functions of alternatively spliced isoforms remain elusive. In a previous study, we identified a new 140bp exon from the intron 9 of human FMR1 gene. In this study, we further examined the biological functions of this new exon and its underlying signaling pathways. Results qRT-PCR results showed that this novel exon is commonly expressed in the peripheral blood of normal individuals. Comparative genomics showed that sequences paralogous to the 140 bp sequence only exist in the genomes of primates. To explore the biological functions of the new transcript, we constructed recombinant eukaryotic expression vectors and lentiviral overexpression vectors. Results showed that the spliced transcript encoded a truncated protein which was expressed mainly in the cell nucleus. Additionally, several genes, including the BEX1 gene involved in mGluR-LTP or mGluR-LTD signaling pathways were significantly influenced when the truncated FMRP was overexpressed. Conclusions our work identified a new exon from amid intron 9 of human FMR1 gene with wide expression in normal healthy individuals, which emphasizes the notion that the AS of FMR1 gene is complex and may in a large part account for the multiple functions of FMRP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Jing Yang
- Department of Clinical Genetics and Experimental Medicine, 900th Hospital of the Joint Logistics Force, Xiamen University School of Medicine, 156 Xi'erhuanbei Road, Fuzhou City, Fujian Province, 350025, People's Republic of China.,Present addresses: Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ai-Zhen Yan
- Department of Clinical Genetics and Experimental Medicine, 900th Hospital of the Joint Logistics Force, Xiamen University School of Medicine, 156 Xi'erhuanbei Road, Fuzhou City, Fujian Province, 350025, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong-Jun Xu
- Department of Clinical Genetics and Experimental Medicine, 900th Hospital of the Joint Logistics Force, Xiamen University School of Medicine, 156 Xi'erhuanbei Road, Fuzhou City, Fujian Province, 350025, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Yan Guo
- Department of Clinical Genetics and Experimental Medicine, 900th Hospital of the Joint Logistics Force, Xiamen University School of Medicine, 156 Xi'erhuanbei Road, Fuzhou City, Fujian Province, 350025, People's Republic of China.,Present addresses: Department of Laboratory Medicine, Fuzhou No. 2 Hospital Affiliated Xiamen University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350007, People's Republic of China
| | - Xian-Guo Fu
- Department of Clinical Genetics and Experimental Medicine, 900th Hospital of the Joint Logistics Force, Xiamen University School of Medicine, 156 Xi'erhuanbei Road, Fuzhou City, Fujian Province, 350025, People's Republic of China.,Present addresses: Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ningde Municipal Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Ningde City, 352100, Fujian Province, China
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Clinical Genetics and Experimental Medicine, 900th Hospital of the Joint Logistics Force, Xiamen University School of Medicine, 156 Xi'erhuanbei Road, Fuzhou City, Fujian Province, 350025, People's Republic of China
| | - Juan Liao
- Department of Clinical Genetics and Experimental Medicine, 900th Hospital of the Joint Logistics Force, Xiamen University School of Medicine, 156 Xi'erhuanbei Road, Fuzhou City, Fujian Province, 350025, People's Republic of China.,Present addresses: Department of Laboratory Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated People's Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China
| | - Duo Zhang
- Department of Clinical Genetics and Experimental Medicine, 900th Hospital of the Joint Logistics Force, Xiamen University School of Medicine, 156 Xi'erhuanbei Road, Fuzhou City, Fujian Province, 350025, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng-Hua Lan
- Department of Clinical Genetics and Experimental Medicine, 900th Hospital of the Joint Logistics Force, Xiamen University School of Medicine, 156 Xi'erhuanbei Road, Fuzhou City, Fujian Province, 350025, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Paez-Colasante X, Figueroa-Romero C, Rumora AE, Hur J, Mendelson FE, Hayes JM, Backus C, Taubman GF, Heinicke L, Walter NG, Barmada SJ, Sakowski SA, Feldman EL. Cytoplasmic TDP43 Binds microRNAs: New Disease Targets in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:117. [PMID: 32477070 PMCID: PMC7235295 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, fatal, and incurable neurodegenerative disease. Recent studies suggest that dysregulation of gene expression by microRNAs (miRNAs) may play an important role in ALS pathogenesis. The reversible nature of this dysregulation makes miRNAs attractive pharmacological targets and a potential therapeutic avenue. Under physiological conditions, miRNA biogenesis, which begins in the nucleus and includes further maturation in the cytoplasm, involves trans-activation response element DNA/RNA-binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP43). However, TDP43 mutations or stress trigger TDP43 mislocalization and inclusion formation, a hallmark of most ALS cases, that may lead to aberrant protein/miRNA interactions in the cytoplasm. Herein, we demonstrated that TDP43 exhibits differential binding affinity for select miRNAs, which prompted us to profile miRNAs that preferentially bind cytoplasmic TDP43. Using cellular models expressing TDP43 variants and miRNA profiling analyses, we identified differential levels of 65 cytoplasmic TDP43-associated miRNAs. Of these, approximately 30% exhibited levels that differed by more than 3-fold in the cytoplasmic TDP43 models relative to our control model. The hits included both novel miRNAs and miRNAs previously associated with ALS that potentially regulate several predicted genes and pathways that may be important for pathogenesis. Accordingly, these findings highlight specific miRNAs that may shed light on relevant disease pathways and could represent potential biomarkers and reversible treatment targets for ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Amy E. Rumora
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Junguk Hur
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States
| | - Faye E. Mendelson
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - John M. Hayes
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Carey Backus
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | | | - Laurie Heinicke
- Single Molecule Analysis Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Nils G. Walter
- Single Molecule Analysis Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Sami J. Barmada
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Stacey A. Sakowski
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Eva L. Feldman
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Loffreda A, Nizzardo M, Arosio A, Ruepp MD, Calogero RA, Volinia S, Galasso M, Bendotti C, Ferrarese C, Lunetta C, Rizzuti M, Ronchi AE, Mühlemann O, Tremolizzo L, Corti S, Barabino SML. miR-129-5p: A key factor and therapeutic target in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Prog Neurobiol 2020; 190:101803. [PMID: 32335272 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2020.101803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a relentless and fatal neurological disease characterized by the selective degeneration of motor neurons. No effective therapy is available for this disease. Several lines of evidence indicate that alteration of RNA metabolism, including microRNA (miRNA) processing, is a relevant pathogenetic factor and a possible therapeutic target for ALS. Here, we showed that the abundance of components in the miRNA processing machinery is altered in a SOD1-linked cellular model, suggesting consequent dysregulation of miRNA biogenesis. Indeed, high-throughput sequencing of the small RNA fraction showed that among the altered miRNAs, miR-129-5p was increased in different models of SOD1-linked ALS and in peripheral blood cells of sporadic ALS patients. We demonstrated that miR-129-5p upregulation causes the downregulation of one of its targets: the RNA-binding protein ELAVL4/HuD. ELAVL4/HuD is predominantly expressed in neurons, where it controls several key neuronal mRNAs. Overexpression of pre-miR-129-1 inhibited neurite outgrowth and differentiation via HuD silencing in vitro, while its inhibition with an antagomir rescued the phenotype. Remarkably, we showed that administration of an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) inhibitor of miR-129-5p to an ALS animal model, SOD1 (G93A) mice, result in a significant increase in survival and improved the neuromuscular phenotype in treated mice. These results identify miR-129-5p as a therapeutic target that is amenable to ASO modulation for the treatment of ALS patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Loffreda
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Nizzardo
- Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Arosio
- School of Medicine and Surgery and Milan Center for Neuroscience (NeuroMI), University of Milano-Bicocca, 20052 Monza, MB, Italy
| | - Marc-David Ruepp
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Raffaele A Calogero
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Stefano Volinia
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marco Galasso
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Caterina Bendotti
- Department of Neuroscience, IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", 20156 Milan, Italy
| | - Carlo Ferrarese
- School of Medicine and Surgery and Milan Center for Neuroscience (NeuroMI), University of Milano-Bicocca, 20052 Monza, MB, Italy; Neurology Unit, San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, MB, Italy
| | - Christian Lunetta
- NEuroMuscular Omnicentre (NEMO), Fondazione Serena Onlus, 20162 Milan, Italy
| | - Mafalda Rizzuti
- Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonella E Ronchi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Oliver Mühlemann
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Lucio Tremolizzo
- School of Medicine and Surgery and Milan Center for Neuroscience (NeuroMI), University of Milano-Bicocca, 20052 Monza, MB, Italy; Neurology Unit, San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, MB, Italy
| | - Stefania Corti
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Italy; Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia M L Barabino
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Nawalpuri B, Ravindran S, Muddashetty RS. The Role of Dynamic miRISC During Neuronal Development. Front Mol Biosci 2020; 7:8. [PMID: 32118035 PMCID: PMC7025485 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Activity-dependent protein synthesis plays an important role during neuronal development by fine-tuning the formation and function of neuronal circuits. Recent studies have shown that miRNAs are integral to this regulation because of their ability to control protein synthesis in a rapid, specific and potentially reversible manner. miRNA mediated regulation is a multistep process that involves inhibition of translation before degradation of targeted mRNA, which provides the possibility to store and reverse the inhibition at multiple stages. This flexibility is primarily thought to be derived from the composition of miRNA induced silencing complex (miRISC). AGO2 is likely the only obligatory component of miRISC, while multiple RBPs are shown to be associated with this core miRISC to form diverse miRISC complexes. The formation of these heterogeneous miRISC complexes is intricately regulated by various extracellular signals and cell-specific contexts. In this review, we discuss the composition of miRISC and its functions during neuronal development. Neurodevelopment is guided by both internal programs and external cues. Neuronal activity and external signals play an important role in the formation and refining of the neuronal network. miRISC composition and diversity have a critical role at distinct stages of neurodevelopment. Even though there is a good amount of literature available on the role of miRNAs mediated regulation of neuronal development, surprisingly the role of miRISC composition and its functional dynamics in neuronal development is not much discussed. In this article, we review the available literature on the heterogeneity of the neuronal miRISC composition and how this may influence translation regulation in the context of neuronal development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bharti Nawalpuri
- Centre for Brain Development and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (Instem), Bangalore, India.,School of Chemical and Biotechnology, Shanmugha Arts, Science, and Technology and Research Academy (SASTRA) University, Thanjavur, India
| | - Sreenath Ravindran
- Centre for Brain Development and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (Instem), Bangalore, India.,Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Ravi S Muddashetty
- Centre for Brain Development and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (Instem), Bangalore, India
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Majumder M, Palanisamy V. RNA binding protein FXR1-miR301a-3p axis contributes to p21WAF1 degradation in oral cancer. PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1008580. [PMID: 31940341 PMCID: PMC6986764 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) associate with the primary, precursor, and mature microRNAs, which in turn control post-transcriptional gene regulation. Here, by small RNAseq, we show that RBP FXR1 controls the expression of a subset of mature miRNAs, including highly expressed miR301a-3p in oral cancer cells. We also confirm that FXR1 controls the stability of miR301a-3p. Exoribonuclease PNPT1 degrades miR301a-3p in the absence of FXR1 in oral cancer cells, and the degradation is rescued in the FXR1 and PNPT1 co-knockdown cells. In vitro, we show that PNPT1 is unable to bind and degrade the miRNA once the FXR1-miRNA complex forms. Both miR301a-3p and FXR1 cooperatively target the 3'-UTR of p21 mRNA to promote its degradation. Thus, our work illustrates the unique role of FXR1 that is critical for the stability of a subset of mature miRNAs or at least miR301a-3p to target p21 in oral cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mrinmoyee Majumder
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States of America
| | - Viswanathan Palanisamy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Chen TH, Chen JA. Multifaceted roles of microRNAs: From motor neuron generation in embryos to degeneration in spinal muscular atrophy. eLife 2019; 8:50848. [PMID: 31738166 PMCID: PMC6861003 DOI: 10.7554/elife.50848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Two crucial questions in neuroscience are how neurons establish individual identity in the developing nervous system and why only specific neuron subtypes are vulnerable to neurodegenerative diseases. In the central nervous system, spinal motor neurons serve as one of the best-characterized cell types for addressing these two questions. In this review, we dissect these questions by evaluating the emerging role of regulatory microRNAs in motor neuron generation in developing embryos and their potential contributions to neurodegenerative diseases such as spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Given recent promising results from novel microRNA-based medicines, we discuss the potential applications of microRNAs for clinical assessments of SMA disease progression and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tai-Heng Chen
- PhD Program in Translational Medicine, Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Academia Sinica, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Emergency, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.,Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jun-An Chen
- PhD Program in Translational Medicine, Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Academia Sinica, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
RNA binding protein HuD and microRNA-203a cooperatively regulate insulinoma-associated 1 mRNA. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 521:971-976. [PMID: 31722792 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.11.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
RNA binding protein HuD regulates translation and turnover of target mRNAs, thereby affecting gene expression at the posttranscriptional level in mainly neuronal as well as pancreatic β-cells. Here, we identified insulinoma-associated 1 (INSM1), an essential factor governing differentiation and proliferation of neuroendocrine cells, as a novel target of HuD and demonstrated the regulatory mechanism of INSM1 expression by HuD. HuD bound to 3'untranslated region (3'UTR) of Insm1 mRNA and negatively regulated its expression; knockdown of HuD increased INSM1 expression, while HuD overexpression repressed it by destabilizing its mRNA. In addition, we further demonstrated that HuD enhanced reduction of INSM1 by miR-203a, a novel miRNA targeting Insm1 mRNA 3'UTR. These results suggest that HuD and miR-203a cooperatively regulate INSM1 expression and it provides a novel regulatory mechanism of INSM1 expression by HuD and miR-203a.
Collapse
|
21
|
Musashi‐2 and related stem cell proteins in the mouse suprachiasmatic nucleus and their potential role in circadian rhythms. Int J Dev Neurosci 2019; 75:44-58. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2019.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
|
22
|
Nussbacher JK, Yeo GW. Systematic Discovery of RNA Binding Proteins that Regulate MicroRNA Levels. Mol Cell 2019; 69:1005-1016.e7. [PMID: 29547715 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2018.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Revised: 12/26/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
RNA binding proteins (RBPs) interact with primary, precursor, and mature microRNAs (miRs) to influence mature miR levels, which in turn affect critical aspects of human development and disease. To understand how RBPs contribute to miR biogenesis, we analyzed human enhanced UV crosslinking followed by immunoprecipitation (eCLIP) datasets for 126 RBPs to discover miR-encoding genomic loci that are statistically enriched for RBP binding. We find that 92% of RBPs interact directly with at least one miR locus, and that some interactions are cell line specific despite expression of the miR locus in both cell lines evaluated. We validated that ILF3 and BUD13 directly interact with and stabilize miR-144 and that BUD13 suppresses mir-210 processing to the mature species. We also observed that DDX3X regulates primary miR-20a, while LARP4 stabilizes precursor mir-210. Our approach to identifying regulators of miR loci can be applied to any user-defined RNA annotation, thereby guiding the discovery of uncharacterized regulators of RNA processing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia K Nussbacher
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Stem Cell Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Gene W Yeo
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Stem Cell Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Molecular Engineering Laboratory, A★STAR, Singapore, Singapore; Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Lemcke H, David R. Potential mechanisms of microRNA mobility. Traffic 2018; 19:910-917. [PMID: 30058163 DOI: 10.1111/tra.12606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
microRNAs (miRNAs) are important epigenetic modulators of gene expression that control cellular physiology as well as tissue homeostasis, and development. In addition to the temporal aspects of miRNA-mediated gene regulation, the intracellular localization of miRNA is crucial for its silencing activity. Recent studies indicated that miRNA is even translocated between cells via gap junctional cell-cell contacts, allowing spatiotemporal modulation of gene expression within multicellular systems. Although non coding RNA remains a focus of intense research, studies regarding the intra-and intercellular mobility of small RNAs are still largely missing. Emerging data from experimental and computational work suggest the involvement of transport mechanisms governing proper localization of miRNA in single cells and cellular syncytia. Based on these data, we discuss a model of miRNA translocation that could help to address the spatial aspects of miRNA function and the impact of miRNA molecules on the intercellular signaling network.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heiko Lemcke
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Reference and Translation Center for Cardiac Stem Cell Therapy (RTC), University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany.,Department Life, Light & Matter, University of Rostock, 18051 Rostock, Germany
| | - Robert David
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Reference and Translation Center for Cardiac Stem Cell Therapy (RTC), University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany.,Department Life, Light & Matter, University of Rostock, 18051 Rostock, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Myers N, Olender T, Savidor A, Levin Y, Reuven N, Shaul Y. The Disordered Landscape of the 20S Proteasome Substrates Reveals Tight Association with Phase Separated Granules. Proteomics 2018; 18:e1800076. [PMID: 30039638 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201800076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Proteasomal degradation is the main route of regulated proteostasis. The 20S proteasome is the core particle (CP) responsible for the catalytic activity of all proteasome complexes. Structural constraints mean that only unfolded, extended polypeptide chains may enter the catalytic core of the 20S proteasome. It has been previously shown that the 20S CP is active in degradation of certain intrinsically disordered proteins (IDP) lacking structural constrains. Here, a comprehensive analysis of the 20S CP substrates in vitro is conducted. It is revealed that the 20S CP substrates are highly disordered. However, not all the IDPs are 20S CP substrates. The group of the IDPs that are 20S CP substrates, termed 20S-IDPome are characterized by having significantly more protein binding partners, more posttranslational modification sites, and are highly enriched for RNA binding proteins. The vast majority of them are involved in splicing, mRNA processing, and translation. Remarkably, it is found that low complexity proteins with prion-like domain (PrLD), which interact with GR or PR di-peptide repeats, are the most preferential 20S CP substrates. The finding suggests roles of the 20S CP in gene transcription and formation of phase-separated granules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadav Myers
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science Department of Molecular Genetics, 76100, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Tsviya Olender
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science Department of Molecular Genetics, 76100, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Alon Savidor
- The Nancy and Stephen Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine (G-INCPM), Weizmann Institute of Science, 76100, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yishai Levin
- The Nancy and Stephen Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine (G-INCPM), Weizmann Institute of Science, 76100, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Nina Reuven
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science Department of Molecular Genetics, 76100, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yosef Shaul
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science Department of Molecular Genetics, 76100, Rehovot, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Fukuda K, Masuda A, Naka T, Suzuki A, Kato Y, Saga Y. Requirement of the 3'-UTR-dependent suppression of DAZL in oocytes for pre-implantation mouse development. PLoS Genet 2018; 14:e1007436. [PMID: 29883445 PMCID: PMC6010300 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Revised: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional oocytes are produced through complex molecular and cellular processes. In particular, the contribution of post-transcriptional gene regulation mediated by RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) is crucial for controlling proper gene expression during this process. DAZL (deleted in azoospermia-like) is one of the RBPs required for the sexual differentiation of primordial germ cells and for the progression of meiosis in ovulated oocytes. However, the involvement of DAZL in the development of follicular oocytes is still unknown. Here, we show that Dazl is translationally suppressed in a 3'-UTR-dependent manner in follicular oocytes, and this suppression is required for normal pre-implantation development. We found that suppression of DAZL occurred in postnatal oocytes concomitant with the formation of primordial follicles, whereas Dazl mRNA was continuously expressed throughout oocyte development, raising the possibility that DAZL is dispensable for the survival and growth of follicular oocytes. Indeed, follicular oocyte-specific knockout of Dazl resulted in the production of normal number of pups. On the other hand, genetically modified female mice that overexpress DAZL produced fewer numbers of pups than the control due to defective pre-implantation development. Our data suggest that post-transcriptional suppression of DAZL in oocytes is an important mechanism controlling gene expression in the development of functional oocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kurumi Fukuda
- Division of Mammalian Development, Genetic Strains Research Center, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka, Japan
- Department of Genetics, SOKENDAI, Mishima, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Aki Masuda
- Division of Mammalian Development, Genetic Strains Research Center, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Takuma Naka
- Division of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yokohama National University, Yokohama Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Atsushi Suzuki
- Division of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yokohama National University, Yokohama Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yuzuru Kato
- Division of Mammalian Development, Genetic Strains Research Center, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka, Japan
- Department of Genetics, SOKENDAI, Mishima, Shizuoka, Japan
- * E-mail: (YK); (YS)
| | - Yumiko Saga
- Division of Mammalian Development, Genetic Strains Research Center, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka, Japan
- Department of Genetics, SOKENDAI, Mishima, Shizuoka, Japan
- Department of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- * E-mail: (YK); (YS)
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Li D, Gao D, Qi J, Chai R, Zhan Y, Xing C. Conjugated Polymer/Graphene Oxide Complexes for Photothermal Activation of DNA Unzipping and Binding to Protein. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2018. [DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.8b00047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
27
|
Interplay between TETs and microRNAs in the adult brain for memory formation. Sci Rep 2018; 8:1678. [PMID: 29374200 PMCID: PMC5786039 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-19806-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
5-hydroxymethylation (5-hmC) is an epigenetic modification on DNA that results from the conversion of 5-methylcytosine by Ten-Eleven Translocation (TET) proteins. 5-hmC is widely present in the brain and is subjected to dynamic regulation during development and upon neuronal activity. It was recently shown to be involved in memory processes but currently, little is known about how it is controlled in the brain during memory formation. Here, we show that Tet3 is selectively up-regulated by activity in hippocampal neurons in vitro, and after formation of fear memory in the hippocampus. This is accompanied by a decrease in miR-29b expression that, through complementary sequences, regulates the level of Tet3 by preferential binding to its 3′UTR. We newly reveal that SAM68, a nuclear RNA-binding protein known to regulate splicing, acts upstream of miR-29 by modulating its biogenesis. Together, these findings identify novel players in the adult brain necessary for the regulation of 5-hmC during memory formation.
Collapse
|
28
|
Russell AP, Ghobrial L, Ngo S, Yerbury J, Zacharewicz E, Chung R, Lamon S. Dysregulation of microRNA biogenesis machinery and microRNA/RNA ratio in skeletal muscle of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mice. Muscle Nerve 2017; 57:838-847. [PMID: 29236291 DOI: 10.1002/mus.26039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The pathology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is associated with impaired RNA processing and microRNA (miRNA) dysregulation. Here we investigate the regulation of the members of the miRNA biogenesis pathways and total miRNA levels at different stages of the disease. METHODS Muscle, brain, and spinal cord tissue were obtained from presymptomatic, symptomatic, and end-stage superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1)G93A mice. miRNA and transcript levels were measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS As the diseases progresses, several genes involved in miRNA biogenesis as well as the miRNA/total RNA (totRNA) ratio increased in the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle but not in the soleus or in neural tissue. DISCUSSION We propose that a dysregulation in the miRNA/totRNA ratio in the TA muscle from SOD1G93A mice reflects a pathological increase in miRNA biogenesis machinery. Alterations in the miRNA/totRNA ratio influence the levels of reference noncoding RNAs and may therefore potentially compromise the accuracy of commonly used miRNA normalization strategies. Muscle Nerve 57: 838-847, 2018.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron P Russell
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Lobna Ghobrial
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Shyuan Ngo
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, Australia Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Justin Yerbury
- Illawarra Health & Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Evelyn Zacharewicz
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Roger Chung
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Séverine Lamon
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Lin Q, Ma L, Liu Z, Yang Z, Wang J, Liu J, Jiang G. Targeting microRNAs: a new action mechanism of natural compounds. Oncotarget 2017; 8:15961-15970. [PMID: 28052018 PMCID: PMC5362538 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.14392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Unlike genetics, epigenetics involves the modification of genome without changes in DNA sequences, including DNA methylation, histone modification, chromatin remodeling and noncoding RNA regulation. MicroRNA (miRNA), a member of noncoding RNAs superfamily, participates in RNA interference through a unique mechanism. Currently, microRNAs have been found to be regulated by some natural compounds. Through altering the expression of miRNAs and influencing the downstream signaling pathways or target genes, several natural compounds exhibit its bioactivity in the prevention, diagnosis, therapy, prognosis and drug resistance of human diseases, such as cancer. In this review, several natural compounds and their studies about miRNA-related action mechanism were summarized. These studies provide a new insight into action mechanism by which natural compound exerts its bioactivity and a novel treatment strategy, demonstrating natural compound a promising remedy for clinical treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Lin
- College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Leina Ma
- The Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhantao Liu
- College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhihong Yang
- College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jin Wang
- College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jia Liu
- College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Guohui Jiang
- College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| |
Collapse
|