Role of V protein RNA binding in inhibition of measles virus minigenome replication

ABSTRACT The central role of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) in activating host immune responses stems from their high capacity to express alpha interferon (IFN-α) after stimulation of Toll-like receptors 7 and 9 (TLR7 and -9). This involves the adapter MyD88 and the kinases interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 (IRAK1), IRAK4, and IκB kinase α (IKKα), which activates IFN regulatory factor 7 (IRF7) and is independent of the canonical kinases TBK1 and IKKε. We have recently shown that the immunosuppressive measles virus (MV) abolishes TLR7/9/MyD88-dependent IFN induction in human pDC (Schlender et al., J. Virol. 79:5507-5515, 2005), but the molecular mechanisms remained elusive. Here, we have reconstituted the pathway in cell lines and identified IKKα and IRF7 as specific targets of the MV V protein (MV-V). Binding of MV-V to IKKα resulted in phosphorylation of V on the expense of IRF7 phosphorylation by IKKα in vitro and in living cells. This corroborates the role of IKKα as the kinase phosphorylating IRF7. MV-V in addition bound to IRF7 and to phosphomimetic IRF7 and inhibited IRF7 transcriptional activity. Binding to both IKKα and IRF7 required the 68-amino-acid unique C-terminal domain of V. Inhibition of TLR/MyD88-dependent IFN induction by MV-V is unique among paramyxovirus V proteins and should contribute to the unique immunosuppressive phenotype of measles. The mechanisms employed by MV-V inspire strategies to interfere with immunopathological TLR/MyD88 signaling.

Download Full-text

Faculty Opinions recommendation of Antagonism of the phosphatase PP1 by the measles virus V protein is required for innate immune escape of MDA5.

Faculty Opinions – Post-Publication Peer Review of the Biomedical Literature ◽

10.3410/f.718485713.793497050 ◽

2014 ◽

Author(s):

Grant McFadden

Keyword(s):

Measles Virus ◽

Immune Escape ◽

Innate Immune ◽

V Protein

Download Full-text

NOB1: A Potential Biomarker or Target in Cancer

Current Drug Targets ◽

10.2174/1389450120666190308145346 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 20 (10) ◽

pp. 1081-1089

Author(s):

Weiwei Ke ◽

Zaiming Lu ◽

Xiangxuan Zhao

Keyword(s):

Cancer Treatment ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Rna Binding ◽

Binding Protein ◽

Tumor Development ◽

Anticancer Therapy ◽

Research Progress ◽

Normal Tissues ◽

Potential Biomarker

Human NIN1/RPN12 binding protein 1 homolog (NOB1), an RNA binding protein, is expressed ubiquitously in normal tissues such as the lung, liver, and spleen. Its core physiological function is to regulate protease activities and participate in maintaining RNA metabolism and stability. NOB1 is overexpressed in a variety of cancers, including pancreatic cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate carcinoma, osteosarcoma, papillary thyroid carcinoma, colorectal cancer, and glioma. Although existing data indicate that NOB1 overexpression is associated with cancer growth, invasion, and poor prognosis, the molecular mechanisms behind these effects and its exact roles remain unclear. Several studies have confirmed that NOB1 is clinically relevant in different cancers, and further research at the molecular level will help evaluate the role of NOB1 in tumors. NOB1 has become an attractive target in anticancer therapy because it is overexpressed in many cancers and mediates different stages of tumor development. Elucidating the role of NOB1 in different signaling pathways as a potential cancer treatment will provide new ideas for existing cancer treatment methods. This review summarizes the research progress made into NOB1 in cancer in the past decade; this information provides valuable clues and theoretical guidance for future anticancer therapy by targeting NOB1.

Download Full-text

The Therapeutic Potential and Role of miRNA, lncRNA, and circRNA in Osteoarthritis

Current Gene Therapy ◽

10.2174/1566523219666190716092203 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 19 (4) ◽

pp. 255-263 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Yuangang Wu ◽

Xiaoxi Lu ◽

Bin Shen ◽

Yi Zeng

Keyword(s):

Gene Expression ◽

Gene Therapy ◽

Extracellular Matrix ◽

Inflammatory Reaction ◽

Noncoding Rna ◽

Rna Binding ◽

Rna Binding Proteins ◽

Protein Translation ◽

Cochrane Library

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease characterized by progressive degeneration, joint hyperplasia, narrowing of joint spaces, and extracellular matrix metabolism. Recent studies have shown that the pathogenesis of OA may be related to non-coding RNA, and its pathological mechanism may be an effective way to reduce OA. Objective: The purpose of this review was to investigate the recent progress of miRNA, long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) and circular RNA (circRNA) in gene therapy of OA, discussing the effects of this RNA on gene expression, inflammatory reaction, apoptosis and extracellular matrix in OA. Methods: The following electronic databases were searched, including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, for published studies involving the miRNA, lncRNA, and circRNA in OA. The outcomes included the gene expression, inflammatory reaction, apoptosis, and extracellular matrix. Results and Discussion: With the development of technology, miRNA, lncRNA, and circRNA have been found in many diseases. More importantly, recent studies have found that RNA interacts with RNA-binding proteins to regulate gene transcription and protein translation, and is involved in various pathological processes of OA, thus becoming a potential therapy for OA. Conclusion: In this paper, we briefly introduced the role of miRNA, lncRNA, and circRNA in the occurrence and development of OA and as a new target for gene therapy.

Download Full-text

Smooth muscle-specific HuR knockout induces defective autophagy and atherosclerosis

Cell Death and Disease ◽

10.1038/s41419-021-03671-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (4) ◽

Author(s):

Shanshan Liu ◽

Xiuxin Jiang ◽

Xiuru Cui ◽

Jingjing Wang ◽

Shangming Liu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Smooth Muscle ◽

Cardiovascular Events ◽

Rna Binding ◽

Rna Binding Protein ◽

Plaque Burden ◽

Atherosclerotic Plaques ◽

Ampk Activation ◽

Homeostatic Regulation ◽

Human Antigen R

AbstractHuman antigen R (HuR) is a widespread RNA-binding protein involved in homeostatic regulation and pathological processes in many diseases. Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of cardiovascular disease and acute cardiovascular events. However, the role of HuR in atherosclerosis remains unknown. In this study, mice with smooth muscle-specific HuR knockout (HuRSMKO) were generated to investigate the role of HuR in atherosclerosis. HuR expression was reduced in atherosclerotic plaques. As compared with controls, HuRSMKO mice showed increased plaque burden in the atherosclerotic model. Mechanically, HuR could bind to the mRNAs of adenosine 5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) α1 and AMPKα2, thus increasing their stability and translation. HuR deficiency reduced p-AMPK and LC3II levels and increased p62 level, thereby resulting in defective autophagy. Finally, pharmacological AMPK activation induced autophagy and suppressed atherosclerosis in HuRSMKO mice. Our findings suggest that smooth muscle HuR has a protective effect against atherosclerosis by increasing AMPK-mediated autophagy.

Download Full-text

RNA secondary structure dependence in METTL3–METTL14 mRNA methylation is modulated by the N-terminal domain of METTL3

Biological Chemistry ◽

10.1515/hsz-2020-0265 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 402 (1) ◽

pp. 89-98

Author(s):

Nathalie Meiser ◽

Nicole Mench ◽

Martin Hengesbach

Keyword(s):

Secondary Structure ◽

Rna Binding ◽

Specific Protein ◽

Structure Dependence ◽

Terminal Domain ◽

Methylation Assay ◽

A Site ◽

Methylation Activity

AbstractN6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant modification in mRNA. The core of the human N6-methyltransferase complex (MTC) is formed by a heterodimer consisting of METTL3 and METTL14, which specifically catalyzes m6A formation within an RRACH sequence context. Using recombinant proteins in a site-specific methylation assay that allows determination of quantitative methylation yields, our results show that this complex methylates its target RNAs not only sequence but also secondary structure dependent. Furthermore, we demonstrate the role of specific protein domains on both RNA binding and substrate turnover, focusing on postulated RNA binding elements. Our results show that one zinc finger motif within the complex is sufficient to bind RNA, however, both zinc fingers are required for methylation activity. We show that the N-terminal domain of METTL3 alters the secondary structure dependence of methylation yields. Our results demonstrate that a cooperative effect of all RNA-binding elements in the METTL3–METTL14 complex is required for efficient catalysis, and that binding of further proteins affecting the NTD of METTL3 may regulate substrate specificity.

Download Full-text

Oncogenic lncRNA ZNF561-AS1 is essential for colorectal cancer proliferation and survival through regulation of miR-26a-3p/miR-128-5p-SRSF6 axis

Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research ◽

10.1186/s13046-021-01882-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 40 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Zizhen Si ◽

Lei Yu ◽

Haoyu Jing ◽

Lun Wu ◽

Xidi Wang

Keyword(s):

Colorectal Cancer ◽

Rna Binding ◽

Xenograft Model ◽

Luciferase Reporter ◽

Cancer Proliferation ◽

Mouse Xenograft ◽

Mouse Xenograft Model

Abstract Background Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) are reported to influence colorectal cancer (CRC) progression. Currently, the functions of the lncRNA ZNF561 antisense RNA 1 (ZNF561-AS1) in CRC are unknown. Methods ZNF561-AS1 and SRSF6 expression in CRC patient samples and CRC cell lines was evaluated through TCGA database analysis, western blot along with real-time PCR. SRSF6 expression in CRC cells was also examined upon ZNF561-AS1 depletion or overexpression. Interaction between miR-26a-3p, miR-128-5p, ZNF561-AS1, and SRSF6 was examined by dual luciferase reporter assay, as well as RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) mediated knockdown experiments were performed to assess the role of ZNF561-AS1 and SRSF6 in the proliferative actives and apoptosis rate of CRC cells. A mouse xenograft model was employed to assess tumor growth upon ZNF561-AS1 knockdown and SRSF6 rescue. Results We find that ZNF561-AS1 and SRSF6 were upregulated in CRC patient tissues. ZNF561-AS1 expression was reduced in tissues from treated CRC patients but upregulated in CRC tissues from relapsed patients. SRSF6 expression was suppressed and enhanced by ZNF561-AS1 depletion and overexpression, respectively. Mechanistically, ZNF561-AS1 regulated SRSF6 expression by sponging miR-26a-3p and miR-128-5p. ZNF561-AS1-miR-26a-3p/miR-128-5p-SRSF6 axis was required for CRC proliferation and survival. ZNF561-AS1 knockdown suppressed CRC cell proliferation and triggered apoptosis. ZNF561-AS1 depletion suppressed the growth of tumors in a model of a nude mouse xenograft. Similar observations were made upon SRSF6 depletion. SRSF6 overexpression reversed the inhibitory activities of ZNF561-AS1 in vivo, as well as in vitro. Conclusion In summary, we find that ZNF561-AS1 promotes CRC progression via the miR-26a-3p/miR-128-5p-SRSF6 axis. This study reveals new perspectives into the role of ZNF561-AS1 in CRC.

Download Full-text

RNA Helicase A Regulates the Replication of RNA Viruses

Viruses ◽

10.3390/v13030361 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (3) ◽

pp. 361

Author(s):

Rui-Zhu Shi ◽

Yuan-Qing Pan ◽

Li Xing

Keyword(s):

Virus Replication ◽

Rna Binding ◽

Rna Viruses ◽

Rna Helicase ◽

Rna Helicase A ◽

Double Stranded Rna ◽

Binding Domains ◽

N Terminus

The RNA helicase A (RHA) is a member of DExH-box helicases and characterized by two double-stranded RNA binding domains at the N-terminus. RHA unwinds double-stranded RNA in vitro and is involved in RNA metabolisms in the cell. RHA is also hijacked by a variety of RNA viruses to facilitate virus replication. Herein, this review will provide an overview of the role of RHA in the replication of RNA viruses.

Download Full-text

Moonlighting in Bacillus subtilis: The Small Proteins SR1P and SR7P Regulate the Moonlighting Activity of Glyceraldehyde 3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase A (GapA) and Enolase in RNA Degradation

Microorganisms ◽

10.3390/microorganisms9051046 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (5) ◽

pp. 1046

Author(s):

Inam Ul Haq ◽

Sabine Brantl

Keyword(s):

Bacillus Subtilis ◽

Antisense Rna ◽

Rna Binding ◽

Rna Degradation ◽

Metabolic Enzyme ◽

Dual Function ◽

Small Proteins ◽

Moonlighting Proteins ◽

Rnase Y

Moonlighting proteins are proteins with more than one function. During the past 25 years, they have been found to be rather widespread in bacteria. In Bacillus subtilis, moonlighting has been disclosed to occur via DNA, protein or RNA binding or protein phosphorylation. In addition, two metabolic enzymes, enolase and phosphofructokinase, were localized in the degradosome-like network (DLN) where they were thought to be scaffolding components. The DLN comprises the major endoribonuclease RNase Y, 3′-5′ exoribonuclease PnpA, endo/5′-3′ exoribonucleases J1/J2 and helicase CshA. We have ascertained that the metabolic enzyme GapA is an additional component of the DLN. In addition, we identified two small proteins that bind scaffolding components of the degradosome: SR1P encoded by the dual-function sRNA SR1 binds GapA, promotes the GapA-RNase J1 interaction and increases the RNase J1 activity. SR7P encoded by the dual-function antisense RNA SR7 binds to enolase thereby enhancing the enzymatic activity of enolase bound RNase Y. We discuss the role of small proteins in modulating the activity of two moonlighting proteins.

Download Full-text

Current insights into the implications of m6A RNA methylation and autophagy interaction in human diseases

Cell & Bioscience ◽

10.1186/s13578-021-00661-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Xuechai Chen ◽

Jianan Wang ◽

Muhammad Tahir ◽

Fangfang Zhang ◽

Yuanyuan Ran ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Intervertebral Disc Degeneration ◽

Rna Binding ◽

Rna Binding Proteins ◽

Degradation Process ◽

Human Diseases ◽

Rna Modification ◽

Rna Methylation ◽

M6a Rna Methylation ◽

The Impact

AbstractAutophagy is a conserved degradation process crucial to maintaining the primary function of cellular and organismal metabolism. Impaired autophagy could develop numerous diseases, including cancer, cardiomyopathy, neurodegenerative disorders, and aging. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common RNA modification in eukaryotic cells, and the fate of m6A modified transcripts is controlled by m6A RNA binding proteins. m6A modification influences mRNA alternative splicing, stability, translation, and subcellular localization. Intriguingly, recent studies show that m6A RNA methylation could alter the expression of essential autophagy-related (ATG) genes and influence the autophagy function. Thus, both m6A modification and autophagy could play a crucial role in the onset and progression of various human diseases. In this review, we summarize the latest studies describing the impact of m6A modification in autophagy regulation and discuss the role of m6A modification-autophagy axis in different human diseases, including obesity, heart disease, azoospermatism or oligospermatism, intervertebral disc degeneration, and cancer. The comprehensive understanding of the m6A modification and autophagy interplay may help in interpreting their impact on human diseases and may aid in devising future therapeutic strategies.

Download Full-text