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Wang Q, Huang Y, Zhu Y, Zhang W, Wang B, Du X, Dai Q, Zhang F, Fang Z. The m6A methyltransferase METTL5 promotes neutrophil extracellular trap network release to regulate hepatocellular carcinoma progression. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e7165. [PMID: 38613157 PMCID: PMC11015054 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.7165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide, it has a poor prognosis due to its highly invasive and metastatic nature. Consequently, identifying effective prognostic markers and potential therapeutic targets has been extensively investigated. METTL5, an 18S rRNA methyltransferase, is abnormally high in HCC. But its biological function and prognostic significance in HCC remain largely unelucidated. This study aimed to investigate the role of METTL5 in HCC progression, and elucidate its possible molecular mechanisms in HCC via transcriptome sequencing, providing new insights for identifying new HCC prognostic markers and therapeutic targets. METHODS The METTL5 expression in HCC and paracancerous tissues was analyzed using HCC immunohistochemical microarrays and bioinformatic retrieval methods to correlate METTL5 with clinicopathological features and survival prognosis. We constructed a METTL5 knockdown hepatocellular carcinoma cell line model and an animal model to determine the effect of METTL5 on hepatocellular carcinoma progression. Subsequently, RNA sequencing was performed to analyze the molecular mechanism of METTL5 in HCC based on the sequencing results, and relevant experiments were performed to verify it. RESULTS We found that METTL5 expression was elevated in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues and correlated with poor patient prognosis, and in the analysis of clinicopathological features showed a correlation with TNM staging. In hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines with knockdown of METTL5, the malignant biological behavior was significantly reduced both in vitro and in vivo. Based on the sequencing results as well as the results of GO functional enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, we found that METTL5 could promote the generation and release of neutrophil extracellular capture network (NETs) and might further accelerate the progression of HCC. CONCLUSION The m6A methyltransferase METTL5 is overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and correlates with poor prognosis. METTL5 accelerates malignant progression of HCC by promoting generation and release of the neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) network, providing new insights for clinical biomarkers and immunotherapeutic targets in HCC prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang ProvinceWenzhou Medical UniversityLinhaiZhejiangChina
| | - Yuxi Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang ProvinceWenzhou Medical UniversityLinhaiZhejiangChina
| | - Yu Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang ProvinceLinhaiZhejiangChina
| | - Wenlong Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang ProvinceLinhaiZhejiangChina
| | - Binfeng Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang ProvinceLinhaiZhejiangChina
| | - Xuefeng Du
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang ProvinceLinhaiZhejiangChina
| | - Qiqiang Dai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang ProvinceLinhaiZhejiangChina
| | - Fabiao Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang ProvinceLinhaiZhejiangChina
| | - Zheping Fang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang ProvinceWenzhou Medical UniversityLinhaiZhejiangChina
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang ProvinceLinhaiZhejiangChina
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Helm M, Bohnsack MT, Carell T, Dalpke A, Entian KD, Ehrenhofer-Murray A, Ficner R, Hammann C, Höbartner C, Jäschke A, Jeltsch A, Kaiser S, Klassen R, Leidel SA, Marx A, Mörl M, Meier JC, Meister G, Rentmeister A, Rodnina M, Roignant JY, Schaffrath R, Stadler P, Stafforst T. Experience with German Research Consortia in the Field of Chemical Biology of Native Nucleic Acid Modifications. ACS Chem Biol 2023; 18:2441-2449. [PMID: 37962075 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.3c00586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
The chemical biology of native nucleic acid modifications has seen an intense upswing, first concerning DNA modifications in the field of epigenetics and then concerning RNA modifications in a field that was correspondingly rebaptized epitranscriptomics by analogy. The German Research Foundation (DFG) has funded several consortia with a scientific focus in these fields, strengthening the traditionally well-developed nucleic acid chemistry community and inciting it to team up with colleagues from the life sciences and data science to tackle interdisciplinary challenges. This Perspective focuses on the genesis, scientific outcome, and downstream impact of the DFG priority program SPP1784 and offers insight into how it fecundated further consortia in the field. Pertinent research was funded from mid-2015 to 2022, including an extension related to the coronavirus pandemic. Despite being a detriment to research activity in general, the pandemic has resulted in tremendously boosted interest in the field of RNA and RNA modifications as a consequence of their widespread and successful use in vaccination campaigns against SARS-CoV-2. Funded principal investigators published over 250 pertinent papers with a very substantial impact on the field. The program also helped to redirect numerous laboratories toward this dynamic field. Finally, SPP1784 spawned initiatives for several funded consortia that continue to drive the fields of nucleic acid modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Helm
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Markus T Bohnsack
- Department of Molecular Biology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Carell
- Department of Chemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Alexander Dalpke
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Karl-Dieter Entian
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, Goethe-University Frankfurt am Main, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | - Ralf Ficner
- Institute for Microbiology and Genetics, Georg-August University Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Christian Hammann
- Department of Medicine, HMU Health and Medical University, 14471 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Claudia Höbartner
- Institute for Organic Chemistry, Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andres Jäschke
- Institute for Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Albert Jeltsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Stefanie Kaiser
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Roland Klassen
- Institute for Biology - Microbiology, University of Kassel, 34132 Kassel, Germany
| | - Sebastian A Leidel
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Marx
- Department of Chemistry - Organic/Cellular Chemistry, University of Constance, 78457 Constance, Germany
| | - Mario Mörl
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jochen C Meier
- Department of Cell Physiology, Technical University of Braunschweig, 38106 Brunswick, Germany
| | - Gunter Meister
- Institute of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology - Biochemistry I, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Andrea Rentmeister
- Institute for Biochemistry, Westphalian Wilhelms University Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Marina Rodnina
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jean-Yves Roignant
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Raffael Schaffrath
- Institute for Biology - Microbiology, University of Kassel, 34132 Kassel, Germany
| | - Peter Stadler
- Institute for Computer Science - Bioinformatics, University of Leipzig, 04107 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Thorsten Stafforst
- Interfaculty Institute for Biochemistry, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
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Dai Z, Zhu W, Hou Y, Zhang X, Ren X, Lei K, Liao J, Liu H, Chen Z, Peng S, Li S, Lin S, Kuang M. METTL5-mediated 18S rRNA m 6A modification promotes oncogenic mRNA translation and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma progression. Mol Ther 2023; 31:3225-3242. [PMID: 37735874 PMCID: PMC10638452 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a deadly cancer with rapid tumor progression. While hyperactive mRNA translation caused by mis-regulated mRNA or tRNA modifications promotes ICC development, the role of rRNA modifications remains elusive. Here, we found that 18S rRNA m6A modification and its methyltransferase METTL5 were aberrantly upregulated in ICC and associated with poorer survival (log rank test, p < 0.05). We further revealed the critical role of METTL5-mediated 18S rRNA m6A modification in regulation of ICC cell growth and metastasis using loss- and gain-of function assays in vitro and in vivo. The oncogenic function of METTL5 is corroborated using liver-specific knockout and overexpression ICC mouse models. Mechanistically, METTL5 depletion impairs 18S rRNA m6A modification that hampers ribosome synthesis and inhibits translation of G-quadruplex-containing mRNAs that are enriched in the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β pathway. Our study uncovers the important role of METTL5-mediated 18S rRNA m6A modification in ICC and unravels the mechanism of rRNA m6A modification-mediated oncogenic mRNA translation control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihao Dai
- Center of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Wanjie Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yingdong Hou
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xinyue Zhang
- Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xuxin Ren
- Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Kai Lei
- Center of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Junbin Liao
- Center of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Haining Liu
- Center of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Zhihang Chen
- Center of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Sui Peng
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China; Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China; Clinical Trials Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Shaoqiang Li
- Center of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Shuibin Lin
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Ming Kuang
- Center of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China; Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China; Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
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Breger K, Kunkler CN, O'Leary NJ, Hulewicz JP, Brown JA. Ghost authors revealed: The structure and function of human N 6 -methyladenosine RNA methyltransferases. Wiley Interdiscip Rev RNA 2023; 15:e1810. [PMID: 37674370 PMCID: PMC10915109 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Despite the discovery of modified nucleic acids nearly 75 years ago, their biological functions are still being elucidated. N6 -methyladenosine (m6 A) is the most abundant modification in eukaryotic messenger RNA (mRNA) and has also been detected in non-coding RNAs, including long non-coding RNA, ribosomal RNA, and small nuclear RNA. In general, m6 A marks can alter RNA secondary structure and initiate unique RNA-protein interactions that can alter splicing, mRNA turnover, and translation, just to name a few. Although m6 A marks in human RNAs have been known to exist since 1974, the structures and functions of methyltransferases responsible for writing m6 A marks have been established only recently. Thus far, there are four confirmed human methyltransferases that catalyze the transfer of a methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) to the N6 position of adenosine, producing m6 A: methyltransferase-like protein (METTL) 3/METTL14 complex, METTL16, METTL5, and zinc-finger CCHC-domain-containing protein 4. Though the methyltransferases have unique RNA targets, all human m6 A RNA methyltransferases contain a Rossmann fold with a conserved SAM-binding pocket, suggesting that they utilize a similar catalytic mechanism for methyl transfer. For each of the human m6 A RNA methyltransferases, we present the biological functions and links to human disease, RNA targets, catalytic and kinetic mechanisms, and macromolecular structures. We also discuss m6 A marks in human viruses and parasites, assigning m6 A marks in the transcriptome to specific methyltransferases, small molecules targeting m6 A methyltransferases, and the enzymes responsible for hypermodified m6 A marks and their biological functions in humans. Understanding m6 A methyltransferases is a critical steppingstone toward establishing the m6 A epitranscriptome and more broadly the RNome. This article is categorized under: RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein-RNA Recognition RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > RNA-Protein Complexes RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein-RNA Interactions: Functional Implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurtis Breger
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Charlotte N Kunkler
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Nathan J O'Leary
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Jacob P Hulewicz
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Jessica A Brown
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
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5
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Liu C, Zhang S, Xue J, Zhang H, Yin J. Evaluation of PEN2-ATP6AP1 axis as an antiparasitic target for metformin based on phylogeny analysis and molecular docking. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2023; 255:111580. [PMID: 37473813 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2023.111580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metformin (Met), the first-line drug used in the treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus, is effective against a variety of parasites. However, the molecular target of Met at clinical dose against various parasites remains unclear. Recently, low-dose Met (clinical dose) has been reported to directly bind PEN2 (presenilin enhancer protein 2) and initiate the lysosomal glucose-sensing pathway for AMPK activation via ATP6AP1 (V-type proton ATPase subunit S1), rather than perturbing AMP/ATP levels. METHODS To explore the possibility of PEN2-ATP6AP1 axis as a drug target of Met for the treatment of parasitic diseases, we identified and characterized orthologs of PEN2 and ATP6AP1 genes in parasites, by constructing phylogenetic trees, analyzing protein sequences and predicting interactions between Met and parasite PEN2. RESULTS The results showed that PEN2 and ATP6AP1 genes are only found together in a few of parasite species in the cestoda and nematoda groups. Indicated by molecular simulation, Met might function by interacting with PEN2 on V37/W38/E5 (Trichinella spiralis) with similar binding energy, and on F35/S39 (Caenorhabditis elegans) with higher binding energy, comparing to human PEN2. Hence, these results indicated that only the T. spiralis PEN2-ATP6AP1 axis has the potential to be the direct target of low-concentration Met. Together with contribution of host cells including immune cells in vivo, T. spiralis PEN2-ATP6AP1 axis might play roles in reducing parasite load at low-concentration Met. However, the mechanisms of low-concentration Met on other parasitic infections might be mainly achieved by regulating host cells, rather than directly targeting PEN2-ATP6AP1 axis. CONCLUSIONS These findings revealed the potential mechanisms by which Met treats various parasitic diseases, and shed new light on the development of antiparasitic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congshan Liu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Shangrui Zhang
- Henan Medical College, No. 8 Shuanghu Avenue, Longhu Town, Xinzheng, Zhengzhou City 451191, Henan Province, China
| | - Jian Xue
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Haobing Zhang
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Jianhai Yin
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai 200025, China.
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Wang C, Ulryck N, Herzel L, Pythoud N, Kleiber N, Guérineau V, Jactel V, Moritz C, Bohnsack M, Carapito C, Touboul D, Bohnsack K, Graille M. N 2-methylguanosine modifications on human tRNAs and snRNA U6 are important for cell proliferation, protein translation and pre-mRNA splicing. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:7496-7519. [PMID: 37283053 PMCID: PMC10415138 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Modified nucleotides in non-coding RNAs, such as tRNAs and snRNAs, represent an important layer of gene expression regulation through their ability to fine-tune mRNA maturation and translation. Dysregulation of such modifications and the enzymes installing them have been linked to various human pathologies including neurodevelopmental disorders and cancers. Several methyltransferases (MTases) are regulated allosterically by human TRMT112 (Trm112 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae), but the interactome of this regulator and targets of its interacting MTases remain incompletely characterized. Here, we have investigated the interaction network of human TRMT112 in intact cells and identify three poorly characterized putative MTases (TRMT11, THUMPD3 and THUMPD2) as direct partners. We demonstrate that these three proteins are active N2-methylguanosine (m2G) MTases and that TRMT11 and THUMPD3 methylate positions 10 and 6 of tRNAs, respectively. For THUMPD2, we discovered that it directly associates with the U6 snRNA, a core component of the catalytic spliceosome, and is required for the formation of m2G, the last 'orphan' modification in U6 snRNA. Furthermore, our data reveal the combined importance of TRMT11 and THUMPD3 for optimal protein synthesis and cell proliferation as well as a role for THUMPD2 in fine-tuning pre-mRNA splicing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Wang
- Laboratoire de Biologie Structurale de la Cellule (BIOC), CNRS, École polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91120 Palaiseau, France
| | - Nathalie Ulryck
- Laboratoire de Biologie Structurale de la Cellule (BIOC), CNRS, École polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91120 Palaiseau, France
| | - Lydia Herzel
- Department of Molecular Biology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Nicolas Pythoud
- Laboratoire de Spectrométrie de Masse BioOrganique, CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, IPHC UMR 7178, Infrastructure Nationale de Protéomique ProFI, FR2048 Strasbourg, France
| | - Nicole Kleiber
- Department of Molecular Biology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Vincent Guérineau
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles, UPR 2301, 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Vincent Jactel
- Laboratoire de Synthèse Organique (LSO), CNRS, École polytechnique, ENSTA, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91120 Palaiseau, France
| | - Chloé Moritz
- Laboratoire de Spectrométrie de Masse BioOrganique, CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, IPHC UMR 7178, Infrastructure Nationale de Protéomique ProFI, FR2048 Strasbourg, France
| | - Markus T Bohnsack
- Department of Molecular Biology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence “Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells” (MBExC), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Christine Carapito
- Laboratoire de Spectrométrie de Masse BioOrganique, CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, IPHC UMR 7178, Infrastructure Nationale de Protéomique ProFI, FR2048 Strasbourg, France
| | - David Touboul
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles, UPR 2301, 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
- Laboratoire de Chimie Moléculaire (LCM), CNRS, École polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91120 Palaiseau, France
| | - Katherine E Bohnsack
- Department of Molecular Biology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Marc Graille
- Laboratoire de Biologie Structurale de la Cellule (BIOC), CNRS, École polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91120 Palaiseau, France
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Qi YN, Liu Z, Hong LL, Li P, Ling ZQ. Methyltransferase-like proteins in cancer biology and potential therapeutic targeting. J Hematol Oncol 2023; 16:89. [PMID: 37533128 PMCID: PMC10394802 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-023-01477-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA modification has recently become a significant process of gene regulation, and the methyltransferase-like (METTL) family of proteins plays a critical role in RNA modification, methylating various types of RNAs, including mRNA, tRNA, microRNA, rRNA, and mitochondrial RNAs. METTL proteins consist of a unique seven-beta-strand domain, which binds to the methyl donor SAM to catalyze methyl transfer. The most typical family member METTL3/METTL14 forms a methyltransferase complex involved in N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of RNA, regulating tumor proliferation, metastasis and invasion, immunotherapy resistance, and metabolic reprogramming of tumor cells. METTL1, METTL4, METTL5, and METTL16 have also been recently identified to have some regulatory ability in tumorigenesis, and the rest of the METTL family members rely on their methyltransferase activity for methylation of different nucleotides, proteins, and small molecules, which regulate translation and affect processes such as cell differentiation and development. Herein, we summarize the literature on METTLs in the last three years to elucidate their roles in human cancers and provide a theoretical basis for their future use as potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Nan Qi
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, P.R. China
| | - Zhu Liu
- Zhejiang Cancer Institute, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, No.1 Banshan East Rd., Gongshu District, Hangzhou, 310022, Zhejiang, P.R. China
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310018, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Lian-Lian Hong
- Zhejiang Cancer Institute, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, No.1 Banshan East Rd., Gongshu District, Hangzhou, 310022, Zhejiang, P.R. China
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310018, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Pei Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, P.R. China.
| | - Zhi-Qiang Ling
- Zhejiang Cancer Institute, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, No.1 Banshan East Rd., Gongshu District, Hangzhou, 310022, Zhejiang, P.R. China.
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310018, Zhejiang, P.R. China.
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Zhang M, Nie J, Chen Y, Li X, Chen H. Connecting the Dots: N6-Methyladenosine (m 6 A) Modification in Spermatogenesis. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2023; 7:e2300068. [PMID: 37353958 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202300068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6 A) is the most common RNA modification found in eukaryotes and is involved in multiple biological processes, including neuronal development, tumorigenesis, and gametogenesis. It is well known that methylation-modifying enzymes (classified into writers, erasers, and readers) mediate catalysis, clearance, and recognition of m6 A. Recent studies suggest that these genes may be associated with spermatogenesis. Numerous studies have revealed the m6 A role during spermatogenesis. However, the expression patterns and relationships of these m6 A enzymes during various stages of spermatogenesis remain unknown. In this review, it is aimed to provide an overview of m6 A enzyme functions and elucidate their potential mechanisms and regulatory relationships at a specific phase during spermatogenesis, providing new insights into the m6 A modification underlying the spermatogenesis process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengya Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, 226000, China
| | - Junyu Nie
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, 226000, China
| | - Yufei Chen
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, 226000, China
| | - Xiaofeng Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Lianhua Road No. 1120, Futian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, 518000, P. R. China
| | - Hao Chen
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, 226000, China
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9
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Chen AY, Owens MC, Liu KF. Coordination of RNA modifications in the brain and beyond. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:2737-2749. [PMID: 37138184 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02083-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Gene expression regulation is a critical process throughout the body, especially in the nervous system. One mechanism by which biological systems regulate gene expression is via enzyme-mediated RNA modifications, also known as epitranscriptomic regulation. RNA modifications, which have been found on nearly all RNA species across all domains of life, are chemically diverse covalent modifications of RNA nucleotides and represent a robust and rapid mechanism for the regulation of gene expression. Although numerous studies have been conducted regarding the impact that single modifications in single RNA molecules have on gene expression, emerging evidence highlights potential crosstalk between and coordination of modifications across RNA species. These potential coordination axes of RNA modifications have emerged as a new direction in the field of epitranscriptomic research. In this review, we will highlight several examples of gene regulation via RNA modification in the nervous system, followed by a summary of the current state of the field of RNA modification coordination axes. In doing so, we aim to inspire the field to gain a deeper understanding of the roles of RNA modifications and coordination of these modifications in the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Yulin Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, PA, 19081, USA
| | - Michael C Owens
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Graduate Group in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Kathy Fange Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Graduate Group in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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10
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Ensinck I, Sideri T, Modic M, Capitanchik C, Vivori C, Toolan-Kerr P, van Werven FJ. m6A-ELISA, a simple method for quantifying N6-methyladenosine from mRNA populations. RNA 2023; 29:705-712. [PMID: 36759126 PMCID: PMC10159001 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079554.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a widely studied and abundant RNA modification. The m6A mark regulates the fate of RNAs in various ways, which in turn drives changes in cell physiology, development, and disease pathology. Over the last decade, numerous methods have been developed to map and quantify m6A sites genome-wide through deep sequencing. Alternatively, m6A levels can be quantified from a population of RNAs using techniques such as liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry or thin layer chromatography. However, many methods for quantifying m6A levels involve extensive protocols and specialized data analysis, and often only a few samples can be handled in a single experiment. Here, we developed a simple method for determining relative m6A levels in mRNA populations from various sources based on an enzyme-linked immunosorbent-based assay (m6A-ELISA). We have optimized various steps of m6A-ELISA, such as sample preparation and the background signal resulting from the primary antibody. We validated the method using mRNA populations from budding yeast and mouse embryonic stem cells. The full protocol takes less than a day, requiring only 25 ng of mRNA. The m6A-ELISA protocol is quick, cost-effective, and scalable, making it a valuable tool for determining relative m6A levels in samples from various sources that could be adapted to detect other mRNA modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imke Ensinck
- The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, United Kingdom
| | | | - Miha Modic
- The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, United Kingdom
- Dementia Research Institute at KCL, London SE5 9RX, United Kingdom
- National Institute of Chemistry, SI-1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Claudia Vivori
- The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, United Kingdom
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11
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Abstract
N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) is one of the most abundant modifications of the epitranscriptome and is found in cellular RNAs across all kingdoms of life. Advances in detection and mapping methods have improved our understanding of the effects of m6A on mRNA fate and ribosomal RNA function, and have uncovered novel functional roles in virtually every species of RNA. In this Review, we explore the latest studies revealing roles for m6A-modified RNAs in chromatin architecture, transcriptional regulation and genome stability. We also summarize m6A functions in biological processes such as stem-cell renewal and differentiation, brain function, immunity and cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Boulias
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School Initiative for RNA Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eric Lieberman Greer
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School Initiative for RNA Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
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12
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Patel A, Clark KD. Characterizing RNA modifications in the central nervous system and single cells by RNA sequencing and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry techniques. Anal Bioanal Chem 2023:10.1007/s00216-023-04604-y. [PMID: 36840809 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-023-04604-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
Post-transcriptional modifications to RNA constitute a newly appreciated layer of translation regulation in the central nervous system (CNS). The identity, stoichiometric quantity, and sequence position of these unusual epitranscriptomic marks are central to their function, making analytical methods that are capable of accurate and reproducible measurements paramount to the characterization of the neuro-epitranscriptome. RNA sequencing-based methods and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) techniques have been leveraged to provide an early glimpse of the landscape of RNA modifications in bulk CNS tissues. However, recent advances in sample preparation, separations, and detection methods have revealed that individual cells display remarkable heterogeneity in their RNA modification profiles, raising questions about the prevalence and function of cell-specific distributions of post-transcriptionally modified nucleosides in the brain. In this Trends article, we present an overview of RNA sequencing and LC-MS/MS methodologies for the analysis of RNA modifications in the CNS with special emphasis on recent advancements in techniques that facilitate single-cell and subcellular detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arya Patel
- Department of Chemistry, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Kevin D Clark
- Department of Chemistry, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA.
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13
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Naarmann-de Vries IS, Zorbas C, Lemsara A, Piechotta M, Ernst FGM, Wacheul L, Lafontaine DLJ, Dieterich C. Comprehensive identification of diverse ribosomal RNA modifications by targeted nanopore direct RNA sequencing and JACUSA2. RNA Biol 2023; 20:652-665. [PMID: 37635368 PMCID: PMC10464549 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2023.2248752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Ribosomal RNAs are decorated by numerous post-transcriptional modifications whose exact roles in ribosome biogenesis, function, and human pathophysiology remain largely unknown. Here, we report a targeted direct rRNA sequencing approach involving a substrate selection step and demonstrate its suitability to identify differential modification sites in combination with the JACUSA2 software. We compared JACUSA2 to other tools designed for RNA modification detection and show that JACUSA2 outperforms other software with regard to detection of base modifications such as methylation, acetylation and aminocarboxypropylation. To illustrate its widespread usability, we applied our method to a collection of CRISPR-Cas9 engineered colon carcinoma cells lacking specific enzymatic activities responsible for particular rRNA modifications and systematically compared them to isogenic wild-type RNAs. Besides the numerous 2'-O methylated riboses and pseudouridylated residues, our approach was suitable to reliably identify differential base methylation and acetylation events. Importantly, our method does not require any prior knowledge of modification sites or the need to train complex models. We further report for the first time detection of human rRNA modifications by direct RNA-sequencing on Flongle flow cells, the smallest-scale nanopore flow cell available to date. The use of these smaller flow cells reduces RNA input requirements, making our workflow suitable for the analysis of samples with limited availability and clinical work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel S. Naarmann-de Vries
- Section of Bioinformatics and Systems Cardiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Heidelberg/Mannheim, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christiane Zorbas
- RNA Molecular Biology, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique (F.R.S./FNRS), Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Amina Lemsara
- Section of Bioinformatics and Systems Cardiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Piechotta
- Section of Bioinformatics and Systems Cardiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Felix G. M. Ernst
- RNA Molecular Biology, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique (F.R.S./FNRS), Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Ludivine Wacheul
- RNA Molecular Biology, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique (F.R.S./FNRS), Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Denis L. J. Lafontaine
- RNA Molecular Biology, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique (F.R.S./FNRS), Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Christoph Dieterich
- Section of Bioinformatics and Systems Cardiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Heidelberg/Mannheim, Heidelberg, Germany
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14
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Abstract
RNA is not always a faithful copy of DNA. Advances in tools enabling the interrogation of the exact RNA sequence have permitted revision of how genetic information is transferred. We now know that RNA is a dynamic molecule, amenable to chemical modifications of its four canonical nucleotides by dedicated RNA-binding enzymes. The ever-expanding catalogue of identified RNA modifications in mammals has led to a burst of studies in the past 5 years that have explored the biological relevance of the RNA modifications, also known as epitranscriptome. These studies concluded that chemical modification of RNA nucleotides alters several properties of RNA molecules including sequence, secondary structure, RNA-protein interaction, localization and processing. Importantly, a plethora of cellular functions during development, homeostasis and disease are controlled by RNA modification enzymes. Understanding the regulatory interface between a single-nucleotide modification and cellular function will pave the way towards the development of novel diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic tools for the management of diseases, including cardiovascular disease. In this Review, we use two well-studied and abundant RNA modifications - adenosine-to-inosine RNA editing and N6-methyladenosine RNA methylation - as examples on which to base the discussion about the current knowledge on installation or removal of RNA modifications, their effect on biological processes related to cardiovascular health and disease, and the potential for development and application of epitranscriptome-based prognostic, diagnostic and therapeutic tools for cardiovascular disease.
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15
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Zhang C, Dai D, Zhang W, Yang W, Guo Y, Wei Q. Role of m6A RNA methylation in the development of hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 37:2039-2050. [PMID: 36066844 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.15999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common liver malignancy that can be developed from hepatitis B and cirrhosis. Many pathophysiological alterations, including hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA integration, oxidative stress, cytokine release, telomerase homeostasis, mitochondrial damage, epigenetic modification, and tumor microenvironment, are involved in the biological process from hepatitis B to cirrhosis and HCC. N6-methyladenosine (m6A), as an epitranscriptomic modification of RNAs, can regulate the stability, splicing, degradation, transcription, and translation of downstream target RNAs in HBV and liver cancer cells. m6A regulators (writers, erasers, and readers) play an important role in the pathogenesis of HBV-associated HCC by regulating cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, autophagy, differentiation, inflammation, angiogenesis, and tumor microenvironment. This review summarizes the current progress of m6A methylation in the molecular mechanisms, biological functions, and potential clinical implications of HBV-associated HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dongjun Dai
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wangjian Zhang
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenjun Yang
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yinglu Guo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qichun Wei
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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16
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Wagner A, Schosserer M. The epitranscriptome in ageing and stress resistance: A systematic review. Ageing Res Rev 2022; 81:101700. [PMID: 35908668 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2022.101700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Modifications of RNA, collectively called the "epitranscriptome", might provide novel biomarkers and innovative targets for interventions in geroscience but are just beginning to be studied in the context of ageing and stress resistance. RNA modifications modulate gene expression by affecting translation initiation and speed, miRNA binding, RNA stability, and RNA degradation. Nonetheless, the precise underlying molecular mechanisms and physiological consequences of most alterations of the epitranscriptome are still only poorly understood. We here systematically review different types of modifications of rRNA, tRNA and mRNA, the methodology to analyze them, current challenges in the field, and human disease associations. Furthermore, we compiled evidence for a connection between individual enzymes, which install RNA modifications, and lifespan in yeast, worm and fly. We also included resistance to different stressors and competitive fitness as search criteria for genes potentially relevant to ageing. Promising candidates identified by this approach include RCM1/NSUN5, RRP8, and F33A8.4/ZCCHC4 that introduce base methylations in rRNA, the methyltransferases DNMT2 and TRM9/ALKBH8, as well as factors involved in the thiolation or A to I editing in tRNA, and finally the m6A machinery for mRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Wagner
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Markus Schosserer
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria; Institute of Medical Genetics, Center for Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria.
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17
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Turkalj EM, Vissers C. The emerging importance of METTL5-mediated ribosomal RNA methylation. Exp Mol Med 2022; 54:1617-25. [PMID: 36266443 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-022-00869-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The study of the epitranscriptome has thus far focused largely on mRNA methylation. Recent human genetics studies suggest that methylation of ribosomal RNA also contributes to brain development and cognition. In particular, the m6A modification at the A-1832 position of the 18S rRNA is installed by METTL5. Mutations or deletions of Mettl5 in humans and mice, respectively, cause abnormal translation and gene expression that in turn mediates stem cell behaviors such as differentiation. In this review, we provide an overview of the current knowledge of the methyltransferase METTL5, as well as the molecular biology surrounding m6A on rRNA and how it regulates cell behavior.
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18
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Peng H, Chen B, Wei W, Guo S, Han H, Yang C, Ma J, Wang L, Peng S, Kuang M, Lin S. N 6-methyladenosine (m 6A) in 18S rRNA promotes fatty acid metabolism and oncogenic transformation. Nat Metab 2022; 4:1041-1054. [PMID: 35999469 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-022-00622-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant RNA modifications lead to dysregulated gene expression and cancer progression. Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) accounts for more than 80% of a cell's total RNA, but the functions and molecular mechanisms underlying rRNA modifications in cancers are poorly understood. Here, we show that the 18S rRNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methyltransferase complex METTL5-TRMT112 is upregulated in various cancer types and correlated with poor prognosis. In addition, we demonstrate the critical functions of METTL5 in promoting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumorigenesis in vitro and in mouse models. Mechanistically, depletion of METTL5-mediated 18S rRNA m6A modification results in impaired 80S ribosome assembly and decreased translation of mRNAs involved in fatty acid metabolism. We further reveal that ACSL4 mediates the function of METTL5 on fatty acid metabolism and HCC progression, and targeting ACSL4 and METTL5 synergistically inhibits HCC tumorigenesis in vivo. Our study uncovers mechanistic insights underlying mRNA translation control and HCC tumorigenesis through lipid metabolism remodeling and provides a molecular basis for the development of therapeutic strategies for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Peng
- Center for Translational Medicine, Precision Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Breast Cancer, Cancer Center, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Binbin Chen
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Center for Translational Medicine, Precision Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Siyao Guo
- Center for Translational Medicine, Precision Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui Han
- Center for Translational Medicine, Precision Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunlong Yang
- Center for Translational Medicine, Precision Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jieyi Ma
- Center for Translational Medicine, Precision Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Center for Translational Medicine, Precision Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sui Peng
- Institute of Precision Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- Clinical Trial Unit, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Ming Kuang
- Institute of Precision Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- Department of Liver Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Shuibin Lin
- Center for Translational Medicine, Precision Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- Institute of Precision Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.
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19
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Liu C, Cao J, Zhang H, Wu J, Yin J. Profiling of Transcriptome-Wide N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) Modifications and Identifying m6A Associated Regulation in Sperm Tail Formation in Anopheles sinensis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094630. [PMID: 35563020 PMCID: PMC9101273 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent discoveries of reversible N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation on messenger RNA (mRNA) and mapping of m6A methylomes in many species have revealed potential regulatory functions of this RNA modification by m6A players—writers, readers, and erasers. Here, we first profile transcriptome-wide m6A in female and male Anopheles sinensis and reveal that m6A is also a highly conserved modification of mRNA in mosquitoes. Distinct from mammals and yeast but similar to Arabidopsis thaliana, m6A in An. sinensis is enriched not only around the stop codon and within 3′-untranslated regions but also around the start codon and 5′-UTR. Gene ontology analysis indicates the unique distribution pattern of m6A in An. sinensis is associated with mosquito sex-specific pathways such as tRNA wobble uridine modification and phospholipid-binding in females, and peptidoglycan catabolic process, exosome and signal recognition particle, endoplasmic reticulum targeting, and RNA helicase activity in males. The positive correlation between m6A deposition and mRNA abundance indicates that m6A can play a role in regulating gene expression in mosquitoes. Furthermore, many spermatogenesis-associated genes, especially those related to mature sperm flagellum formation, are positively modulated by m6A methylation. A transcriptional regulatory network of m6A in An. sinensis is first profiled in the present study, especially in spermatogenesis, which may provide a new clue for the control of this disease-transmitting vector.
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20
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Han Y, Du T, Guo S, Wang L, Dai G, Long T, Xu T, Zhuang X, Liu C, Li S, Zhang D, Liao X, Dong Y, Lui KO, Tan X, Lin S, Chen Y, Huang ZP. Loss of m6A Methyltransferase METTL5 Promotes Cardiac Hypertrophy Through Epitranscriptomic Control of SUZ12 Expression. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:852775. [PMID: 35295259 PMCID: PMC8920042 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.852775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Enhancement of protein synthesis from mRNA translation is one of the key steps supporting cardiomyocyte hypertrophy during cardiac remodeling. The methyltransferase-like5 (METTL5), which catalyzes m6A modification of 18S rRNA at position A1832, has been shown to regulate the efficiency of mRNA translation during the differentiation of ES cells and the growth of cancer cells. It remains unknown whether and how METTL5 regulates cardiac hypertrophy. In this study, we have generated a mouse model, METTL5-cKO, with cardiac-specific depletion of METTL5 in vivo. Loss function of METTL5 promotes pressure overload-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and adverse remodeling. The regulatory function of METTL5 in hypertrophic growth of cardiomyocytes was further confirmed with both gain- and loss-of-function approaches in primary cardiomyocytes. Mechanically, METTL5 can modulate the mRNA translation of SUZ12, a core component of PRC2 complex, and further regulate the transcriptomic shift during cardiac hypertrophy. Altogether, our study may uncover an important translational regulator of cardiac hypertrophy through m6A modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanchuang Han
- Department of Cardiology, Center for Translational Medicine, Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tailai Du
- Department of Cardiology, Center for Translational Medicine, Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Siyao Guo
- Department of Cardiology, Center for Translational Medicine, Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Center for Translational Medicine, Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gang Dai
- NHC Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tianxin Long
- Department of Cardiology, Center for Translational Medicine, Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ting Xu
- Department of Cardiology, Center for Translational Medicine, Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaodong Zhuang
- Department of Cardiology, Center for Translational Medicine, Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chen Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Center for Translational Medicine, Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shujuan Li
- Department of Cardiology, Center for Translational Medicine, Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dihua Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinxue Liao
- Department of Cardiology, Center for Translational Medicine, Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yugang Dong
- Department of Cardiology, Center for Translational Medicine, Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kathy O. Lui
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xu Tan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Infectious Disease Research, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shuibin Lin
- Department of Cardiology, Center for Translational Medicine, Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yili Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Center for Translational Medicine, Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Yili Chen
| | - Zhan-Peng Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Center for Translational Medicine, Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Zhan-Peng Huang
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Liu C, Cao J, Zhang H, Yin J. Evolutionary History of RNA Modifications at N6-Adenosine Originating from the R-M System in Eukaryotes and Prokaryotes. Biology 2022; 11:214. [PMID: 35205080 PMCID: PMC8868631 DOI: 10.3390/biology11020214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary The m6A is the most abundant and well-studied modification of mRNA, and plays an important role in transcription and translation. It is known to be evolutionarily conserved machinery present in the last eukaryotic common ancestor (LECA). The writers and erasers responsible for adding or removing m6A belong to specific protein families, respectively, suggesting that these members are evolutionarily related. However, only some of these mRNA m6A modification-associated proteins have been studied from an evolutionary perspective, while there has been no comprehensive and systematic analysis of the distributions and evolutionary history of N6mA-associated proteins in the three kingdoms of life. In this study, we identified orthologues of all the reported N6mA-associated proteins in 88 organisms from three kingdoms of life and comprehensively reconstructed the evolutionary history of the RNA N6mA modification machinery. The results demonstrate that RNA N6mA-MTases are derived from at least two different types of prokaryotic DNA MTases (class α and β MTases). As the m6A reader, YTH proteins may be acquired by LECA from an individual prokaryotic YTH-domain protein that evolved from the N-terminals of an R-M system endonuclease. In addition, the origin of eukaryotic ALKBH family proteins is inferred to be driven by at least two occasions of independent HTG from the bacterial ALKB family. Abstract Methylation at the N6-position of adenosine (N6mA) on mRNA (m6A) is one of the most widespread, highly selective and dynamically regulated RNA modifications and plays an important role in transcription and translation. In the present study, a comprehensive analysis of phylogenetic relationships, conserved domain sequence characteristics and protein structure comparisons were employed to explore the distribution of RNA N6mA modification (m6A, m6,6A, m6Am, m6, 6Am and m6t6A)-associated proteins (writers, readers and erasers) in three kingdoms of life and reveal the evolutionary history of these modifications. These findings further confirmed that the restriction-modification (R-M) system is the origin of DNA and RNA N6mA modifications. Among them, the existing mRNA m6A modification system derived from the last eukaryotic common ancestor (LECA) is the evolutionary product of elements from the last universal common ancestor (LUCA) or driven by horizontal gene transfer (HGT) from bacterial elements. The subsequent massive gene gains and losses contribute to the development of unique and diverse functions in distinct species. Particularly, RNA methyltransferases (MTases) as the writer responsible for adding N6mA marks on mRNA and ncRNAs may have evolved from class α and β prokaryotic “orphan” MTases originating from the R-M system. The reader, YTH proteins that specifically recognize the m6A deposit, may be acquired by LECA from an individual prokaryotic YTH-domain protein that evolved from N-terminals of an R-M system endonuclease. The eraser, which emerged from the ALKB family (ALKBH5 and FTO) in eukaryotes, may be driven by independent HTG from bacterial ALKB proteins. The evolutionary history of RNA N6mA modifications was inferred in the present study, which will deepen our understanding of these modifications in different species.
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22
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Sepich-Poore C, Zheng Z, Schmitt E, Wen K, Zhang ZS, Cui XL, Dai Q, Zhu AC, Zhang L, Sanchez Castillo A, Tan H, Peng J, Zhuang X, He C, Nachtergaele S. The METTL5-TRMT112 N 6-methyladenosine methyltransferase complex regulates mRNA translation via 18S rRNA methylation. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101590. [PMID: 35033535 PMCID: PMC8857481 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs) have long been known to carry chemical modifications, including 2'O-methylation, pseudouridylation, N6-methyladenosine (m6A), and N6,6-dimethyladenosine. While the functions of many of these modifications are unclear, some are highly conserved and occur in regions of the ribosome critical for mRNA decoding. Both 28S rRNA and 18S rRNA carry single m6A sites, and while the methyltransferase ZCCHC4 has been identified as the enzyme responsible for the 28S rRNA m6A modification, the methyltransferase responsible for the 18S rRNA m6A modification has remained unclear. Here, we show that the METTL5-TRMT112 methyltransferase complex installs the m6A modification at position 1832 of human 18S rRNA. Our work supports findings that TRMT112 is required for METTL5 stability and reveals that human METTL5 mutations associated with microcephaly and intellectual disability disrupt this interaction. We show that loss of METTL5 in human cancer cell lines and in mice regulates gene expression at the translational level; additionally, Mettl5 knockout mice display reduced body size and evidence of metabolic defects. While recent work has focused heavily on m6A modifications in mRNA and their roles in mRNA processing and translation, we demonstrate here that deorphanizing putative methyltransferase enzymes can reveal previously unappreciated regulatory roles for m6A in noncoding RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caraline Sepich-Poore
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA; University of Chicago Medical Scientist Training Program, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Zhong Zheng
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Emily Schmitt
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Kailong Wen
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Zijie Scott Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Xiao-Long Cui
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Qing Dai
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Allen C Zhu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA; University of Chicago Medical Scientist Training Program, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Linda Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Arantxa Sanchez Castillo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Haiyan Tan
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Departments of Structural Biology and Developmental Neurobiology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Junmin Peng
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Departments of Structural Biology and Developmental Neurobiology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Xiaoxi Zhuang
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Chuan He
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
| | - Sigrid Nachtergaele
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
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23
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Motorin Y, Helm M. RNA nucleotide methylation: 2021 update. Wiley Interdiscip Rev RNA 2022; 13:e1691. [PMID: 34913259 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Among RNA modifications, transfer of methylgroups from the typical cofactor S-adenosyl-l-methionine by methyltransferases (MTases) to RNA is by far the most common reaction. Since our last review about a decade ago, the field has witnessed the re-emergence of mRNA methylation as an important mechanism in gene regulation. Attention has then spread to many other RNA species; all being included into the newly coined concept of the "epitranscriptome." The focus moved from prokaryotes and single cell eukaryotes as model organisms to higher eukaryotes, in particular to mammals. The perception of the field has dramatically changed over the past decade. A previous lack of phenotypes in knockouts in single cell organisms has been replaced by the apparition of MTases in numerous disease models and clinical investigations. Major driving forces of the field include methylation mapping techniques, as well as the characterization of the various MTases, termed "writers." The latter term has spilled over from DNA modification in the neighboring epigenetics field, along with the designations "readers," applied to mediators of biological effects upon specific binding to a methylated RNA. Furthermore "eraser" enzymes effect the newly discovered oxidative removal of methylgroups. A sense of reversibility and dynamics has replaced the older perception of RNA modification as a concrete-cast, irreversible part of RNA maturation. A related concept concerns incompletely methylated residues, which, through permutation of each site, lead to inhomogeneous populations of numerous modivariants. This review recapitulates the major developments of the past decade outlined above, and attempts a prediction of upcoming trends. This article is categorized under: RNA Processing > RNA Editing and Modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Motorin
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, INSERM, UMS2008/US40 IBSLor, EpiRNA-Seq Core Facility, Nancy, France.,Université de Lorraine, CNRS, UMR7365 IMoPA, Nancy, France
| | - Mark Helm
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität, Mainz, Germany
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24
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Huang H, Li H, Pan R, Wang S, Khan AA, Zhao Y, Zhu H, Liu X. Ribosome 18S m 6A methyltransferase METTL5 promotes pancreatic cancer progression by modulating c‑Myc translation. Int J Oncol 2022; 60:9. [PMID: 34970694 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2021.5299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Methyltransferase N6‑adenosine (METTL5) is a methyltransferase that specifically catalyzes 18S rRNA N6 methylation at adenosine 1832 (m6A1832), which is located in a critical position in the decoding center, therefore suggesting its potential importance in the regulation of translation. However, the underlying mechanism of METTL5‑mediated translation regulation of specific genes and its biological functions are largely undefined. To the best of our knowledge, the present study demonstrated for the first time that METTL5 was an oncogene that promoted cell proliferation, migration, invasion and tumorigenesis in pancreatic cancer. In addition, the oncogenic function of METTL5 may involve an increase in c‑Myc translation, as evidenced by the fact that the oncogenic effect caused by METTL5 overexpression could be abolished by c‑Myc knockdown. Notably, m6A modifications at the 5' untranslated region (5'UTR) and coding DNA sequence region (near the 5'UTR) of c‑Myc mRNA played a critical role in the specific translation regulation by METTL5. In addition, it was further demonstrated that METTL5 and its cofactor tRNA methyltransferase activator subunit 11‑2 synergistically promote pancreatic cancer progression. These findings revealed important roles for METTL5 in the development of pancreatic cancer and present the METTL5/c‑Myc axis as a novel therapeutic strategy for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Huang
- Center of Excellence for Environmental Safety and Biological Effects, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Antiviral Drugs, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, P.R. China
| | - Huan Li
- Center of Excellence for Environmental Safety and Biological Effects, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Antiviral Drugs, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, P.R. China
| | - Ruining Pan
- Center of Excellence for Environmental Safety and Biological Effects, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Antiviral Drugs, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, P.R. China
| | - Sijia Wang
- Center of Excellence for Environmental Safety and Biological Effects, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Antiviral Drugs, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, P.R. China
| | - Aamir Ali Khan
- Center of Excellence for Environmental Safety and Biological Effects, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Antiviral Drugs, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, P.R. China
| | - Yue Zhao
- Intensive Care Unit, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Beijing 102218, P.R. China
| | - Huiyu Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan 450046, P.R. China
| | - Xinhui Liu
- Center of Excellence for Environmental Safety and Biological Effects, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Antiviral Drugs, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, P.R. China
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Delhermite J, Tafforeau L, Sharma S, Marchand V, Wacheul L, Lattuca R, Desiderio S, Motorin Y, Bellefroid E, Lafontaine DLJ. Systematic mapping of rRNA 2'-O methylation during frog development and involvement of the methyltransferase Fibrillarin in eye and craniofacial development in Xenopus laevis. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1010012. [PMID: 35041640 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ribosomes are essential nanomachines responsible for protein production. Although ribosomes are present in every living cell, ribosome biogenesis dysfunction diseases, called ribosomopathies, impact particular tissues specifically. Here, we evaluate the importance of the box C/D snoRNA-associated ribosomal RNA methyltransferase fibrillarin (Fbl) in the early embryonic development of Xenopus laevis. We report that in developing embryos, the neural plate, neural crest cells (NCCs), and NCC derivatives are rich in fbl transcripts. Fbl knockdown leads to striking morphological defects affecting the eyes and craniofacial skeleton, due to lack of NCC survival caused by massive p53-dependent apoptosis. Fbl is required for efficient pre-rRNA processing and 18S rRNA production, which explains the early developmental defects. Using RiboMethSeq, we systematically reinvestigated ribosomal RNA 2’-O methylation in X. laevis, confirming all 89 previously mapped sites and identifying 15 novel putative positions in 18S and 28S rRNA. Twenty-three positions, including 10 of the new ones, were validated orthogonally by low dNTP primer extension. Bioinformatic screening of the X. laevis transcriptome revealed candidate box C/D snoRNAs for all methylated positions. Mapping of 2’-O methylation at six developmental stages in individual embryos indicated a trend towards reduced methylation at specific positions during development. We conclude that fibrillarin knockdown in early Xenopus embryos causes reduced production of functional ribosomal subunits, thus impairing NCC formation and migration. Ribosomes are essential nanomachines responsible for protein production in all cells. Ribosomopathies are diseases caused by improper ribosome formation due to mutations in ribosomal proteins or ribosome assembly factors. Such diseases primarily affect the brain and blood, and it is unclear how malfunctioning of a process as general as ribosome formation can lead to tissue-specific diseases. Here we have examined how fibrillarin, an enzyme which modifies ribosomal RNA by adding methyl groups at specific sites, affects early embryonic development in the frog Xenopus laevis. We have revealed its importance in the maturation of cells forming an embryonic structure called the neural crest. Fibrillarin depletion leads to reduced eye size and abnormal head shape, reminiscent of other conditions such as Treacher Collins syndrome. Molecularly, the observed phenotypes are explainable by increased p53-dependent programmed cell death triggered by inhibition of certain pre-rRNA processing steps. Our systematic investigation of the ribosomal RNA 2’-O methylation repertoire across development has further revealed hypomodification at a late stage of development, which might play a role in late developmental transitions involving differential translation by compositionally different ribosomes.
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Lei K, Lin S, Yuan Q. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs): Critical roles in mRNA translation and diseases. Genes Dis 2021; 10:126-134. [PMID: 37013049 PMCID: PMC10066336 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2021.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
As key components of the ribosome and the most abundant RNA species, the rRNAs are modified during ribosome formation. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a conserved RNA modification occurring on different RNA species including rRNAs. Recently, it has been reported that ZCCHC4 and METTL5 are methyltransferases that mediate m6A modification of human 28S and 18S rRNA, respectively. The newly discovered biological functions of the two methyltransferases include regulation of mRNA translation, cell proliferation, cell differentiation, stress response, and other biological processes. Both of them, especially METTL5, have been proved to be associated with a variety of diseases such as intellectual disability, cancer, congenital dysplasia and have potential clinical application as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Shuibin Lin
- Center for Translational Medicine, Precision Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Quan Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Corresponding author. State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No.14, 3rd Section, South Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.
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27
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Wang Z, Liu J, Yang Y, Xing C, Jing J, Yuan Y. Expression and prognostic potential of ribosome 18S RNA m 6A methyltransferase METTL5 in gastric cancer. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:569. [PMID: 34702266 PMCID: PMC8549223 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-02274-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ribosomal RNA N6-methyltransferase METTL5 was reported to catalyze m6A in 18S rRNA. We aimed to investigate the expression and prognostic features of METTL5 in gastric cancer (GC). Methods In this study, 168 GC patients and their corresponding adjacent tissues were collected. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of METTL5 protein. Univariate and multivariate Cox analysis were used to dertermine the prognostic role of METTL5 protein in GC, and a nomogram was constructed to evaluate GC patients’ prognosis based on METTL5 expression. Data from TCGA and GEO database were also used to validate the prognostic value of METTL5 in GC patients on mRNA level. We further performed GSEA enrichment analysis to explore the possible function and related pathways related to METTL5. Results METTL5 protein in gastric cancer tissues (GCTs) was significantly decreased compared with adjacent normal tissues (ANTs) and adjacent intestinal metaplasia tissues (AIMTs) (P < 0.001, respectively). Meanwhile, METTL5 expression was negatively correlated with clinicopathologic stage. According to multivariate Cox proportional hazards model analysis, METTL5 protein expression was a good independent predictor of GC prognosis (p < 0.05). Patients with high METTL5 expression had better prognosis. The nomogram constructed based on METTL5 expression could predict the prognosis of GC patients well. GSEA analysis showed that genes of METTL5 low expression group were enriched in some oncogenic signaling pathways such as ERBB, MAPK, JAK-STAT, Wnt, and mTOR, as well as some immune pathways, including Fc-gamma R mediated phagocytosis, Fc-epsilon Ri, chemokine, T cell receptor and B cell receptor signaling pathway. While the high expression group of METTL5 was mainly related to oxidative phosphorylation, nucleotide excision repair and mismatch repair. Conclusions METTL5 protein was decreased in GCTs compared with AIMTs and ANTs, and it may be a potential prognostic biomarker in GC. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-021-02274-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenshuang Wang
- Tumor Etiology and Screening Department of Cancer Institute and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Jingwei Liu
- Tumor Etiology and Screening Department of Cancer Institute and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China.,Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer Etiology and Prevention in Liaoning Province, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery of the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Chenzhong Xing
- Tumor Etiology and Screening Department of Cancer Institute and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China.,Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer Etiology and Prevention in Liaoning Province, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Jingjing Jing
- Tumor Etiology and Screening Department of Cancer Institute and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China. .,Key Laboratory of Cancer Etiology and Prevention in Liaoning Education Department, the First hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China. .,Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer Etiology and Prevention in Liaoning Province, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning Province, China.
| | - Yuan Yuan
- Tumor Etiology and Screening Department of Cancer Institute and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China. .,Key Laboratory of Cancer Etiology and Prevention in Liaoning Education Department, the First hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China. .,Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer Etiology and Prevention in Liaoning Province, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning Province, China.
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Zhan L, Zhang J, Zhu S, Liu X, Zhang J, Wang W, Fan Y, Sun S, Wei B, Cao Y. N 6-Methyladenosine RNA Modification: An Emerging Immunotherapeutic Approach to Turning Up Cold Tumors. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:736298. [PMID: 34616742 PMCID: PMC8488118 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.736298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy is a novel clinical approach that has shown clinical efficacy in multiple cancers. However, only a fraction of patients respond well to immunotherapy. Immuno-oncological studies have identified the type of tumors that are sensitive to immunotherapy, the so-called hot tumors, while unresponsive tumors, known as “cold tumors,” have the potential to turn into hot ones. Therefore, the mechanisms underlying cold tumor formation must be elucidated, and efforts should be made to turn cold tumors into hot tumors. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification affects the maturation and function of immune cells by controlling mRNA immunogenicity and innate immune components in the tumor microenvironment (TME), suggesting its predominant role in the development of tumors and its potential use as a target to improve cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we first describe the TME, cold and hot tumors, and m6A RNA modification. Then, we focus on the role of m6A RNA modification in cold tumor formation and regulation. Finally, we discuss the potential clinical implications and immunotherapeutic approaches of m6A RNA modification in cancer patients. In conclusion, m6A RNA modification is involved in cold tumor formation by regulating immunity, tumor-cell-intrinsic pathways, soluble inhibitory mediators in the TME, increasing metabolic competition, and affecting the tumor mutational burden. Furthermore, m6A RNA modification regulators may potentially be used as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for different types of cancer. In addition, targeting m6A RNA modification may sensitize cancers to immunotherapy, making it a promising immunotherapeutic approach for turning cold tumors into hot ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Junhui Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Suding Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaojing Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Wenyan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yijun Fan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Shiying Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Bing Wei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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Körtel N, Rücklé C, Zhou Y, Busch A, Hoch-Kraft P, Sutandy FXR, Haase J, Pradhan M, Musheev M, Ostareck D, Ostareck-Lederer A, Dieterich C, Hüttelmaier S, Niehrs C, Rausch O, Dominissini D, König J, Zarnack K. Deep and accurate detection of m6A RNA modifications using miCLIP2 and m6Aboost machine learning. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:e92. [PMID: 34157120 PMCID: PMC8450095 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant internal RNA modification in eukaryotic mRNAs and influences many aspects of RNA processing. miCLIP (m6A individual-nucleotide resolution UV crosslinking and immunoprecipitation) is an antibody-based approach to map m6A sites with single-nucleotide resolution. However, due to broad antibody reactivity, reliable identification of m6A sites from miCLIP data remains challenging. Here, we present miCLIP2 in combination with machine learning to significantly improve m6A detection. The optimized miCLIP2 results in high-complexity libraries from less input material. Importantly, we established a robust computational pipeline to tackle the inherent issue of false positives in antibody-based m6A detection. The analyses were calibrated with Mettl3 knockout cells to learn the characteristics of m6A deposition, including m6A sites outside of DRACH motifs. To make our results universally applicable, we trained a machine learning model, m6Aboost, based on the experimental and RNA sequence features. Importantly, m6Aboost allows prediction of genuine m6A sites in miCLIP2 data without filtering for DRACH motifs or the need for Mettl3 depletion. Using m6Aboost, we identify thousands of high-confidence m6A sites in different murine and human cell lines, which provide a rich resource for future analysis. Collectively, our combined experimental and computational methodology greatly improves m6A identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Körtel
- Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Mainz 55128, Germany
| | | | - You Zhou
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (BMLS) & Faculty of Biological Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt 60438, Germany
| | - Anke Busch
- Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Mainz 55128, Germany
| | | | - F X Reymond Sutandy
- Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Mainz 55128, Germany
- Institute of Biochemistry II, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt 60590, Germany
| | - Jacob Haase
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sect. Molecular Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Charles Tanford Protein Center, Halle 06120, Germany
| | - Mihika Pradhan
- Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Mainz 55128, Germany
| | | | - Dirk Ostareck
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen 52074, Germany
| | - Antje Ostareck-Lederer
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen 52074, Germany
| | - Christoph Dieterich
- Klaus Tschira Institute for Integrative Computational Cardiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) - Partner Site Heidelberg/Mannheim, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Stefan Hüttelmaier
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sect. Molecular Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Charles Tanford Protein Center, Halle 06120, Germany
| | - Christof Niehrs
- Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Mainz 55128, Germany
- Division of Molecular Embryology, DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Dan Dominissini
- Cancer Research Center and Wohl Institute for Translational Medicine, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel HaShomer, and Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Julian König
- Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Mainz 55128, Germany
| | - Kathi Zarnack
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (BMLS) & Faculty of Biological Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt 60438, Germany
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30
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Wong JM, Eirin-Lopez JM. Evolution of methyltransferase like (METTL) proteins in Metazoa: A complex gene family involved in epitranscriptomic regulation and other epigenetic processes. Mol Biol Evol 2021; 38:5309-5327. [PMID: 34480573 PMCID: PMC8662637 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msab267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The methyltransferase-like (METTL) proteins constitute a family of seven-beta-strand methyltransferases with S-adenosyl methionine-binding domains that modify DNA, RNA, and proteins. Methylation by METTL proteins contributes to the epigenetic, and in the case of RNA modifications, epitranscriptomic regulation of a variety of biological processes. Despite their functional importance, most investigations of the substrates and functions of METTLs within metazoans have been restricted to model vertebrate taxa. In the present work, we explore the evolutionary mechanisms driving the diversification and functional differentiation of 33 individual METTL proteins across Metazoa. Our results show that METTLs are nearly ubiquitous across the animal kingdom, with most having arisen early in metazoan evolution (i.e., occur in basal metazoan phyla). Individual METTL lineages each originated from single independent ancestors, constituting monophyletic clades, which suggests that each METTL was subject to strong selective constraints driving its structural and/or functional specialization. Interestingly, a similar process did not extend to the differentiation of nucleoside-modifying and protein-modifying METTLs (i.e., each METTL type did not form a unique monophyletic clade). The members of these two types of METTLs also exhibited differences in their rates of evolution. Overall, we provide evidence that the long-term evolution of METTL family members was driven by strong purifying selection, which in combination with adaptive selection episodes, led to the functional specialization of individual METTL lineages. This work contributes useful information regarding the evolution of a gene family that fulfills a variety of epigenetic functions, and can have profound influences on molecular processes and phenotypic traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliet M Wong
- Environmental Epigenetics Laboratory, Institute of Environment, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Jose M Eirin-Lopez
- Environmental Epigenetics Laboratory, Institute of Environment, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
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31
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Oerum S, Meynier V, Catala M, Tisné C. A comprehensive review of m6A/m6Am RNA methyltransferase structures. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:7239-7255. [PMID: 34023900 PMCID: PMC8287941 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene expression is regulated at many levels including co- or post-transcriptionally, where chemical modifications are added to RNA on riboses and bases. Expression control via RNA modifications has been termed 'epitranscriptomics' to keep with the related 'epigenomics' for DNA modification. One such RNA modification is the N6-methylation found on adenosine (m6A) and 2'-O-methyladenosine (m6Am) in most types of RNA. The N6-methylation can affect the fold, stability, degradation and cellular interaction(s) of the modified RNA, implicating it in processes such as splicing, translation, export and decay. The multiple roles played by this modification explains why m6A misregulation is connected to multiple human cancers. The m6A/m6Am writer enzymes are RNA methyltransferases (MTases). Structures are available for functionally characterized m6A RNA MTases from human (m6A mRNA, m6A snRNA, m6A rRNA and m6Am mRNA MTases), zebrafish (m6Am mRNA MTase) and bacteria (m6A rRNA MTase). For each of these MTases, we describe their overall domain organization, the active site architecture and the substrate binding. We identify areas that remain to be investigated, propose yet unexplored routes for structural characterization of MTase:substrate complexes, and highlight common structural elements that should be described for future m6A/m6Am RNA MTase structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Oerum
- Expression Génétique Microbienne, UMR 8261, CNRS, Université de Paris, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique (IBPC), 75005 Paris, France
| | - Vincent Meynier
- Expression Génétique Microbienne, UMR 8261, CNRS, Université de Paris, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique (IBPC), 75005 Paris, France
| | - Marjorie Catala
- Expression Génétique Microbienne, UMR 8261, CNRS, Université de Paris, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique (IBPC), 75005 Paris, France
| | - Carine Tisné
- Expression Génétique Microbienne, UMR 8261, CNRS, Université de Paris, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique (IBPC), 75005 Paris, France
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32
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Campeanu IJ, Jiang Y, Liu L, Pilecki M, Najor A, Cobani E, Manning M, Zhang XM, Yang ZQ. Multi-omics integration of methyltransferase-like protein family reveals clinical outcomes and functional signatures in human cancer. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14784. [PMID: 34285249 PMCID: PMC8292347 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94019-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Human methyltransferase-like (METTL) proteins transfer methyl groups to nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, and other small molecules, subsequently playing important roles in various cellular processes. In this study, we performed integrated genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and clinicopathological analyses of 34 METTLs in a large cohort of primary tumor and cell line data. We identified a subset of METTL genes, notably METTL1, METTL7B, and NTMT1, with high frequencies of genomic amplification and/or up-regulation at both the mRNA and protein levels in a spectrum of human cancers. Higher METTL1 expression was associated with high-grade tumors and poor disease prognosis. Loss-of-function analysis in tumor cell lines indicated the biological importance of METTL1, an m7G methyltransferase, in cancer cell growth and survival. Furthermore, functional annotation and pathway analysis of METTL1-associated proteins revealed that, in addition to the METTL1 cofactor WDR4, RNA regulators and DNA packaging complexes may be functionally interconnected with METTL1 in human cancer. Finally, we generated a crystal structure model of the METTL1–WDR4 heterodimeric complex that might aid in understanding the key functional residues. Our results provide new information for further functional study of some METTL alterations in human cancer and might lead to the development of small inhibitors that target cancer-promoting METTLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ion John Campeanu
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Yuanyuan Jiang
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Lanxin Liu
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Maksymilian Pilecki
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Alvina Najor
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Era Cobani
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Morenci Manning
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Xiaohong Mary Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.,Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, 4100 John R Street, HWCRC 815, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Zeng-Quan Yang
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA. .,Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, 4100 John R Street, HWCRC 815, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
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33
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Graille M. Division of labor in epitranscriptomics: What have we learnt from the structures of eukaryotic and viral multimeric RNA methyltransferases? Wiley Interdiscip Rev RNA 2021; 13:e1673. [PMID: 34044474 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The translation of an mRNA template into the corresponding protein is a highly complex and regulated choreography performed by ribosomes, tRNAs, and translation factors. Most RNAs involved in this process are decorated by multiple chemical modifications (known as epitranscriptomic marks) contributing to the efficiency, the fidelity, and the regulation of the mRNA translation process. Many of these epitranscriptomic marks are written by holoenzymes made of a catalytic subunit associated with an activating subunit. These holoenzymes play critical roles in cell development. Indeed, several mutations being identified in the genes encoding for those proteins are linked to human pathologies such as cancers and intellectual disorders for instance. This review describes the structural and functional properties of RNA methyltransferase holoenzymes, which when mutated often result in brain development pathologies. It illustrates how structurally different activating subunits contribute to the catalytic activity of these holoenzymes through common mechanistic trends that most likely apply to other classes of holoenzymes. This article is categorized under: RNA Processing > RNA Editing and Modification RNA Processing > Capping and 5' End Modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Graille
- Laboratoire de Biologie Structurale de la Cellule (BIOC), CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, IP Paris, Palaiseau Cedex, France
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34
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Fazi F, Fatica A. Regulation of Ribosome Function by RNA Modifications in Hematopoietic Development and Leukemia: It Is Not Only a Matter of m 6A. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094755. [PMID: 33946178 PMCID: PMC8125340 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Growth and maturation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are largely controlled at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. In particular, hematopoietic development requires a tight control of protein synthesis. Furthermore, translational deregulation strongly contributes to hematopoietic malignancies. Researchers have recently identified a new layer of gene expression regulation that consists of chemical modification of RNA species, which led to the birth of the epitranscriptomics field. RNA modifications provide an additional level of control in hematopoietic development by acting as post-transcriptional regulators of lineage-specific genetic programs. Other reviews have already described the important role of the N6-methylation of adenosine (m6A) within mRNA species in regulating hematopoietic differentiation and diseases. The aim of this review is to summarize the current status of the role of RNA modifications in the regulation of ribosome function, beyond m6A. In particular, we discuss the importance of RNA modifications in tRNA and rRNA molecules. By balancing translational rate and fidelity, they play an important role in regulating normal and malignant hematopoietic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Fazi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic & Orthopedic Sciences, Section of Histology & Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00165 Rome, Italy
- Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.F.); (A.F.)
| | - Alessandro Fatica
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology ‘Charles Darwin’, Sapienza University of Rome, 00165 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.F.); (A.F.)
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35
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Tian S, Lai J, Yu T, Li Q, Chen Q. Regulation of Gene Expression Associated With the N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) Enzyme System and Its Significance in Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 10:623634. [PMID: 33552994 PMCID: PMC7859513 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.623634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A), an important RNA modification, is a reversible behavior catalyzed by methyltransferase complexes (m6A "writers"), demethylated transferases (m6A "erasers"), and binding proteins (m6A "readers"). It plays a vital regulatory role in biological functions, involving in a variety of physiological and pathological processes. The level of m6A will affect the RNA metabolism including the degradation of mRNA, and processing or translation of the modified RNA. Its abnormal changes will lead to disrupting the regulation of gene expression and promoting the occurrence of aberrant cell behavior. The abnormal expression of m6A enzyme system can be a crucial impact disturbing the abundance of m6A, thus affecting the expression of oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes in various types of cancer. In this review, we elucidate the special role of m6A "writers", "erasers", and "readers" in normal physiology, and how their altered expression affects the cell metabolism and promotes the occurrence of tumors. We also discuss the potential to target these enzymes for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and the development of new therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuoran Tian
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Junzhong Lai
- The Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Tingting Yu
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qiumei Li
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qi Chen
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
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36
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Abstract
RNA carries a diverse array of chemical modifications that play important roles in the regulation of gene expression. N6 -methyladenosine (m6 A), installed onto mRNA by the METTL3/METTL14 methyltransferase complex, is the most prevalent mRNA modification. m6 A methylation regulates gene expression by influencing numerous aspects of mRNA metabolism, including pre-mRNA processing, nuclear export, decay, and translation. The importance of m6 A methylation as a mode of post-transcriptional gene expression regulation is evident in the crucial roles m6 A-mediated gene regulation plays in numerous physiological and pathophysiological processes. Here, we review current knowledge on the mechanisms by which m6 A exerts its functions and discuss recent advances that underscore the multifaceted role of m6 A in the regulation of gene expression. We highlight advances in our understanding of the regulation of m6 A deposition on mRNA and its context-dependent effects on mRNA decay and translation, the role of m6 A methylation of non-coding chromosomal-associated RNA species in regulating transcription, and the activities of the RNA demethylase FTO on diverse substrates. We also discuss emerging evidence for the therapeutic potential of targeting m6 A regulators in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Cody He
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Committee on Immunology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Chuan He
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Committee on Immunology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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37
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Wei M, Bai JW, Niu L, Zhang YQ, Chen HY, Zhang GJ. The Complex Roles and Therapeutic Implications of m 6A Modifications in Breast Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:615071. [PMID: 33505967 PMCID: PMC7829551 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.615071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence indicates that N6-methyladenosine (m6A), which directly regulates mRNA, is closely related to multiple biological processes and the progression of different malignancies, including breast cancer (BC). Studies of the aberrant expression of m6A mediators in BC revealed that they were associated with different BC subtypes and functions, such as proliferation, apoptosis, stemness, the cell cycle, migration, and metastasis, through several factors and signaling pathways, such as Bcl-2 and the PI3K/Akt pathway, among others. Several regulators that target m6A have been shown to have anticancer effects. Fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) was identified as the first m6A demethylase, and a series of inhibitors that target FTO were reported to have potential for the treatment of BC by inhibiting cell proliferation and promoting apoptosis. However, the exact mechanism by which m6A modifications are regulated by FTO inhibitors remains unknown. m6A modifications in BC have only been preliminarily studied, and their mechanisms require further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Wei
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jing-Wen Bai
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of Oncology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Lei Niu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yong-Qu Zhang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Hong-Yu Chen
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Guo-Jun Zhang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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38
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Yu D, Kaur G, Blumenthal RM, Zhang X, Cheng X. Enzymatic characterization of three human RNA adenosine methyltransferases reveals diverse substrate affinities and reaction optima. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100270. [PMID: 33428944 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA methylations of varied RNA species (mRNA, tRNA, rRNA, non-coding RNA) generate a range of modified nucleotides, including N6-methyladenosine. Here we study the enzymology of three human RNA methyltransferases that methylate the adenosine amino group in diverse contexts, when it is: the first transcribed nucleotide after the mRNA cap (PCIF1), at position 1832 of 18S rRNA (MettL5-Trm112 complex), and within a hairpin in the 3′ UTR of the S-adenosyl-l-methionine synthetase (MettL16). Among these three enzymes, the catalytic efficiency ranges from PCIF1, with the fastest turnover rate of >230 h−1 μM−1 on mRNA cap analog, down to MettL16, which has the lowest rate of ∼3 h−1 μM−1 acting on an RNA hairpin. Both PCIF1 and MettL5 have a binding affinity (Km) of ∼1 μM or less for both substrates of SAM and RNA, whereas MettL16 has significantly lower binding affinities for both (Km >0.4 mM for SAM and ∼10 μM for RNA). The three enzymes are active over a wide pH range (∼5.4–9.4) and have different preferences for ionic strength. Sodium chloride at 200 mM markedly diminished methylation activity of MettL5-Trm112 complex, whereas MettL16 had higher activity in the range of 200 to 500 mM NaCl. Zinc ion inhibited activities of all three enzymes. Together, these results illustrate the diversity of RNA adenosine methyltransferases in their enzymatic mechanisms and substrate specificities and underline the need for assay optimization in their study.
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Lirussi L, Demir Ö, You P, Sarno A, Amaro RE, Nilsen H. RNA Metabolism Guided by RNA Modifications: The Role of SMUG1 in rRNA Quality Control. Biomolecules 2021; 11:76. [PMID: 33430019 DOI: 10.3390/biom11010076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA modifications are essential for proper RNA processing, quality control, and maturation steps. In the last decade, some eukaryotic DNA repair enzymes have been shown to have an ability to recognize and process modified RNA substrates and thereby contribute to RNA surveillance. Single-strand-selective monofunctional uracil-DNA glycosylase 1 (SMUG1) is a base excision repair enzyme that not only recognizes and removes uracil and oxidized pyrimidines from DNA but is also able to process modified RNA substrates. SMUG1 interacts with the pseudouridine synthase dyskerin (DKC1), an enzyme essential for the correct assembly of small nucleolar ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs) and ribosomal RNA (rRNA) processing. Here, we review rRNA modifications and RNA quality control mechanisms in general and discuss the specific function of SMUG1 in rRNA metabolism. Cells lacking SMUG1 have elevated levels of immature rRNA molecules and accumulation of 5-hydroxymethyluridine (5hmU) in mature rRNA. SMUG1 may be required for post-transcriptional regulation and quality control of rRNAs, partly by regulating rRNA and stability.
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40
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Abstract
Translation occurring on cytoplasmic mRNA is precisely governed at three consecutive stages, including initiation, elongation and termination. A growing body of evidence has revealed that an emerging epitranscriptomic code N6-methyladenosine (m6A), asymmetrically present in a large subset of coding and non-coding transcripts, is crucially required for mediating the translatomic stability. Through recruiting translation machinery proteins, serving as a physical barrier, or directing RNA structural rearrangement and mRNA looping formation, m6A has been decoded to modulate translational dynamics through potentially influencing the progress of different stages, thereby forming an additional layer of complexity to the regulation of translation. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of how m6A guides mRNA translation under normal and stress conditions, highlighting the divergent molecular mechanisms of multifarious regulation of m6A-mediated translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Min Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
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41
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Rong B, Zhang Q, Wan J, Xing S, Dai R, Li Y, Cai J, Xie J, Song Y, Chen J, Zhang L, Yan G, Zhang W, Gao H, Han JJ, Qu Q, Ma H, Tian Y, Lan F. Ribosome 18S m 6A Methyltransferase METTL5 Promotes Translation Initiation and Breast Cancer Cell Growth. Cell Rep 2020; 33:108544. [PMID: 33357433 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
N6 methylation at adenosine 1832 (m6A1832) of mammalian 18S rRNA, occupying a critical position within the decoding center, is modified by a conserved methyltransferase, METTL5. Here, we find that METTL5 shows strong substrate preference toward the 18S A1832 motif but not the other reported m6A motifs. Comparison with a yeast ribosome structural model unmodified at this site indicates that the modification may facilitate mRNA binding by inducing conformation changes in the mammalian ribosomal decoding center. METTL5 promotes p70-S6K activation and proper translation initiation, and the loss of METTL5 significantly reduces the abundance of polysome. METTL5 expression is elevated in breast cancer patient samples and is required for growth of several breast cancer cell lines. We further find that Caenorhabditis elegans lacking the homolog metl-5 develop phenotypes known to be associated with impaired translation. Altogether, our findings uncover critical and conserved roles of METTL5 in the regulation of translation.
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42
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Wang Y, Zhang Y, Du Y, Zhou M, Hu Y, Zhang S. Emerging roles of N6-methyladenosine (m 6A) modification in breast cancer. Cell Biosci 2020; 10:136. [PMID: 33292526 PMCID: PMC7690038 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-020-00502-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant, dynamic, and reversible epigenetic RNA modification that is found in coding and non-coding RNAs. Emerging studies have shown that m6A and its regulators affect multiple steps in RNA metabolism and play broad roles in various cancers. Worldwide, breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer in female. It is a very heterogeneous disease characterized by genetic and epigenetic variations in tumor cells. Increasing evidence has shown that the dysregulation of m6A-related effectors, as methyltransferases, demethylases, and m6A binding proteins, is pivotal in breast cancer pathogenesis. In this review, we have summarized the most up-to-date research on the biological functions of m6A modification in breast cancer and have discussed the potential clinical applications and future directions of m6A modification as a biomarker as well as a therapeutic target of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Yujie Zhang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yushen Du
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Meiqi Zhou
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yue Hu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China
| | - Suzhan Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China
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Wang C, van Tran N, Jactel V, Guérineau V, Graille M. Structural and functional insights into Archaeoglobus fulgidus m2G10 tRNA methyltransferase Trm11 and its Trm112 activator. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:11068-11082. [PMID: 33035335 PMCID: PMC7641767 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
tRNAs play a central role during the translation process and are heavily post-transcriptionally modified to ensure optimal and faithful mRNA decoding. These epitranscriptomics marks are added by largely conserved proteins and defects in the function of some of these enzymes are responsible for neurodevelopmental disorders and cancers. Here, we focus on the Trm11 enzyme, which forms N2-methylguanosine (m2G) at position 10 of several tRNAs in both archaea and eukaryotes. While eukaryotic Trm11 enzyme is only active as a complex with Trm112, an allosteric activator of methyltransferases modifying factors (RNAs and proteins) involved in mRNA translation, former studies have shown that some archaeal Trm11 proteins are active on their own. As these studies were performed on Trm11 enzymes originating from archaeal organisms lacking TRM112 gene, we have characterized Trm11 (AfTrm11) from the Archaeoglobus fulgidus archaeon, which genome encodes for a Trm112 protein (AfTrm112). We show that AfTrm11 interacts directly with AfTrm112 similarly to eukaryotic enzymes and that although AfTrm11 is active as a single protein, its enzymatic activity is strongly enhanced by AfTrm112. We finally describe the first crystal structures of the AfTrm11-Trm112 complex and of Trm11, alone or bound to the methyltransferase inhibitor sinefungin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Wang
- Laboratoire de Biologie Structurale de la Cellule (BIOC), CNRS, Ecole polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, F-91128 Palaiseau, France
| | - Nhan van Tran
- Laboratoire de Biologie Structurale de la Cellule (BIOC), CNRS, Ecole polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, F-91128 Palaiseau, France
| | - Vincent Jactel
- Laboratoire de Synthèse Organique (LSO), CNRS, Ecole polytechnique, ENSTA, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, F-91128 Palaiseau, France
| | - Vincent Guérineau
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles, UPR 2301, 91198, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Marc Graille
- Laboratoire de Biologie Structurale de la Cellule (BIOC), CNRS, Ecole polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, F-91128 Palaiseau, France
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Yang C, Hu Y, Zhou B, Bao Y, Li Z, Gong C, Yang H, Wang S, Xiao Y. The role of m 6A modification in physiology and disease. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:960. [PMID: 33162550 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-03143-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Similar to DNA epigenetic modifications, multiple reversible chemical modifications on RNAs have been uncovered in a new layer of epigenetic modification. N6-methyladenosine (m6A), a modification that occurs in ~30% transcripts, is dynamically regulated by writer complex (methylase) and eraser (RNA demethylase) proteins, and is recognized by reader (m6A-binding) proteins. The effects of m6A modification are reflected in the functional modulation of mRNA splicing, export, localization, translation, and stability by regulating RNA structure and interactions between RNA and RNA-binding proteins. This modulation is involved in a variety of physiological behaviors, including neurodevelopment, immunoregulation, and cellular differentiation. The disruption of m6A modulations impairs gene expression and cellular function and ultimately leads to diseases such as cancer, psychiatric disorders, and metabolic disease. This review focuses on the mechanisms and functions of m6A modification in a variety of physiological behaviors and diseases.
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Xing M, Liu Q, Mao C, Zeng H, Zhang X, Zhao S, Chen L, Liu M, Shen B, Guo X, Ma H, Chen H, Zhang J. The 18S rRNA m 6 A methyltransferase METTL5 promotes mouse embryonic stem cell differentiation. EMBO Rep 2020; 21:e49863. [PMID: 32783360 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201949863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA modifications represent a novel layer of regulation of gene expression. Functional experiments revealed that N6 -methyladenosine (m6 A) on messenger RNA (mRNA) plays critical roles in cell fate determination and development. m6 A mark also resides in the decoding center of 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA); however, the biological function of m6 A on 18S rRNA is still poorly understood. Here, we report that methyltransferase-like 5 (METTL5) methylates 18S rRNA both in vivo and in vitro, which is consistent with previous reports. Deletion of Mettl5 causes a dramatic differentiation defect in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). Mechanistically, the m6 A deposited by METTL5 is involved in regulating the efficient translation of F-box and WD repeat domain-containing 7 (FBXW7), a key regulator of cell differentiation. Deficiency of METTL5 reduces FBXW7 levels and leads to the accumulation of its substrate c-MYC, thereby delaying the onset of mESC differentiation. Our study uncovers an important role of METTL5-mediated 18S m6 A in mESC differentiation through translation regulation and provides new insight into the functional significance of rRNA m6 A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, China
| | - Cong Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hanyi Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shuqin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Li Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mingxi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bin Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuejiang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Honghui Ma
- Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias of the Ministry of Education of China, East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Chen
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Wang L, Liang Y, Lin R, Xiong Q, Yu P, Ma J, Cheng M, Han H, Wang X, Wang G, Liang F, Pei Z, Chen D, Yuan Q, Jiang YZ, Lin S. Mettl5 mediated 18S rRNA N6-methyladenosine (m 6A) modification controls stem cell fate determination and neural function. Genes Dis 2020; 9:268-274. [PMID: 35005123 PMCID: PMC8720661 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2020.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Ribosome RNA (rRNA) accounts for more than 80% of the cell's total RNA, while the physiological functions of rRNA modifications are poorly understood. Mutations of 18S rRNA m6A methyltransferase METTL5 cause intellectual disability, microcephaly, and facial dysmorphisms in patients, however, little is known about the underlying mechanisms. In this study, we identified METTL5 protein complex and revealed that METTL5 mainly interacts with RNA binding proteins and ribosome proteins. Functionally, we found that Mettl5 knockout in mESCs leads to the abnormal craniofacial and nervous development. Moreover, using Mettl5 knockout mouse model, we further demonstrated that Mettl5 knockout mice exhibit intellectual disability, recapitulating the human phenotype. Mechanistically, we found that Mettl5 maintains brain function and intelligence by regulating the myelination process. Our study uncovered the causal correlation between mis-regulated 18S rRNA m6A modification and neural function defects, supporting the important physiological functions of rRNA modifications in human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wang
- Center for Translational Medicine, Precision Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, PR China.,Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, PR China
| | - Yu Liang
- Center for Translational Medicine, Precision Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, PR China.,Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, PR China
| | - Rongzhi Lin
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian 362000, PR China
| | - Qiuchan Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, PR China
| | - Peng Yu
- Center for Translational Medicine, Precision Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, PR China
| | - Jieyi Ma
- Center for Translational Medicine, Precision Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, PR China
| | - Maosheng Cheng
- Center for Translational Medicine, Precision Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, PR China
| | - Hui Han
- Center for Translational Medicine, Precision Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, PR China
| | - Xiaochen Wang
- Center for Translational Medicine, Precision Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, PR China
| | - Ganping Wang
- Center for Translational Medicine, Precision Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, PR China
| | - Fengyin Liang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, PR China
| | - Zhong Pei
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, PR China
| | - Demeng Chen
- Center for Translational Medicine, Precision Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, PR China
| | - Quan Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, PR China
| | - Yi-Zhou Jiang
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, PR China
| | - Shuibin Lin
- Center for Translational Medicine, Precision Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, PR China
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Affiliation(s)
- Erdem Sendinc
- Division of Newborn Medicine and Epigenetics Program, Department of Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115 USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - David Valle-Garcia
- Division of Newborn Medicine and Epigenetics Program, Department of Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115 USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
- Present Address: Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210 Mexico
| | - Alan Jiao
- Division of Newborn Medicine and Epigenetics Program, Department of Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115 USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Yang Shi
- Division of Newborn Medicine and Epigenetics Program, Department of Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115 USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
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48
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Leismann J, Spagnuolo M, Pradhan M, Wacheul L, Vu MA, Musheev M, Mier P, Andrade-Navarro MA, Graille M, Niehrs C, Lafontaine DL, Roignant JY. The 18S ribosomal RNA m 6 A methyltransferase Mettl5 is required for normal walking behavior in Drosophila. EMBO Rep 2020; 21:e49443. [PMID: 32350990 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201949443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA modifications have recently emerged as an important layer of gene regulation. N6-methyladenosine (m6 A) is the most prominent modification on eukaryotic messenger RNA and has also been found on noncoding RNA, including ribosomal and small nuclear RNA. Recently, several m6 A methyltransferases were identified, uncovering the specificity of m6 A deposition by structurally distinct enzymes. In order to discover additional m6 A enzymes, we performed an RNAi screen to deplete annotated orthologs of human methyltransferase-like proteins (METTLs) in Drosophila cells and identified CG9666, the ortholog of human METTL5. We show that CG9666 is required for specific deposition of m6 A on 18S ribosomal RNA via direct interaction with the Drosophila ortholog of human TRMT112, CG12975. Depletion of CG9666 yields a subsequent loss of the 18S rRNA m6 A modification, which lies in the vicinity of the ribosome decoding center; however, this does not compromise rRNA maturation. Instead, a loss of CG9666-mediated m6 A impacts fly behavior, providing an underlying molecular mechanism for the reported human phenotype in intellectual disability. Thus, our work expands the repertoire of m6 A methyltransferases, demonstrates the specialization of these enzymes, and further addresses the significance of ribosomal RNA modifications in gene expression and animal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ludivine Wacheul
- RNA Molecular Biology, ULB Cancer Research Center (U-CRC), Centre for Microscopy and Molecular Imaging (CMMI), Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique (F.R.S.-FNRS), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Charleroi-Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Minh Anh Vu
- Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Pablo Mier
- Faculty of Biology, Johannes-Gutenberg Universität Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Marc Graille
- BIOC, CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, IP Paris, Palaiseau, France
| | - Christof Niehrs
- Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Mainz, Germany.,Division of Molecular Embryology, DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Denis Lj Lafontaine
- RNA Molecular Biology, ULB Cancer Research Center (U-CRC), Centre for Microscopy and Molecular Imaging (CMMI), Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique (F.R.S.-FNRS), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Charleroi-Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Jean-Yves Roignant
- Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Mainz, Germany.,Center for Integrative Genomics, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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