Target site effects in the RNA interference and microRNA pathways

2008 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 1216-1219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregor Obernosterer ◽  
Hakim Tafer ◽  
Javier Martinez
Keyword(s):  
Rna Interference ◽  
Site Effects ◽  
Initial Study ◽  
Target Site ◽  
Small Interfering Rnas ◽  
Endonucleolytic Cleavage ◽  
Downstream Effects ◽  
Rna Targets ◽  
Target Sites ◽  
Rnai Activity

In RNAi (RNA interference), siRNAs (small interfering RNAs) are loaded into the RISC (RNA-induced silencing complex), which then mediates endonucleolytic cleavage of complementary target RNAs. Although RNAi has become one of the most powerful tools in molecular biology to assess gene function, there remains a great number of ineffective siRNAs. It is already known that the assembly and activation of RISC is a crucial determinant of RNAi activity, but downstream effects such as target accessibility have not been analysed extensively. Therefore we assessed the effect of target site accessibility and found that it significantly improves the potency of siRNAs. Similarly, miRNAs (microRNAs) act by repressing protein synthesis through imperfect base-pairing to the 3′-UTR (untranslated region) of target mRNAs. We found that predicted target sites reside in regions of high accessibility and tested whether this criterion could be used in the search of functional miRNA targets. In addition, we performed reporter gene assays to test whether accessibility correlates with measured mRNA suppression levels. The results of our initial study suggest that secondary structures might add a so far underrepresented layer of complexity in the recognition of RNA targets by miRNAs.

scholarly journals Synthetic Pre-miRNA-Based shRNA as Potent RNAi Triggers

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kazuya Terasawa ◽  
Kazuharu Shimizu ◽  
Gozoh Tsujimoto
Keyword(s):  
Biological Activity ◽  
Rna Interference ◽  
Gene Function ◽  
Small Interfering Rnas ◽  
Therapeutic Applications ◽  
Short Hairpin ◽  
Short Hairpin Rnas ◽  
Interferon Responses ◽  
Rnai Activity ◽  
Target Effects

RNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful tool for studying gene function owing to the ease with which it can selectively silence genes of interest, and it has also attracted attention because of its potential for therapeutic applications. Chemically synthesized small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and DNA vector-based short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) are now widely used as RNAi triggers. In contrast to expressed shRNAs, the use of synthetic shRNAs is limited. Here we designed shRNAs modeled on a precursor microRNA (pre-miRNA) and evaluated their biological activity. We demonstrated that chemically synthetic pre-miRNA-based shRNAs have more potent RNAi activity than their corresponding siRNAs and found that their antisense strands are more efficiently incorporated into the RNA-induced silencing complex. Although greater off-target effects and interferon responses were induced by shRNAs than by their corresponding siRNAs, these effects could be overcome by simply using a lower concentration or by optimizing and chemically modifying shRNAs similar to synthetic siRNAs. These are challenges for the future.

scholarly journals AGO CLIP-based imputation of potent siRNA sequences targeting SARS-CoV-2 with antifibrotic miRNA-like activity

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Seung Hyun Ahn ◽  
Dowoon Gu ◽  
Yongjun Koh ◽  
Hye-Sook Lee ◽  
Sung Wook Chi
Keyword(s):  
Rna Interference ◽  
Rna Folding ◽  
Rna Viruses ◽  
Sequence Variants ◽  
Structural Protein ◽  
Small Interfering Rnas ◽  
Rna Dependent Rna Polymerase ◽  
Target Sites ◽  
And Function ◽  
Sirna Target

AbstractCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is associated with fatal pulmonary fibrosis. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) can be developed to induce RNA interference against SARS-CoV-2, and their susceptible target sites can be inferred by Argonaute crosslinking immunoprecipitation sequencing (AGO CLIP). Here, by reanalysing AGO CLIP data in RNA viruses, we delineated putative AGO binding in the conserved non-structural protein 12 (nsp12) region encoding RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) in SARS-CoV-2. We utilised the inferred AGO binding to optimise the local RNA folding parameter to calculate target accessibility and predict all potent siRNA target sites in the SARS-CoV-2 genome, avoiding sequence variants. siRNAs loaded onto AGO also repressed seed (positions 2–8)-matched transcripts by acting as microRNAs (miRNAs). To utilise this, we further screened 13 potential siRNAs whose seed sequences were matched to known antifibrotic miRNAs and confirmed their miRNA-like activity. A miR-27-mimicking siRNA designed to target the nsp12 region (27/RdRP) was validated to silence a synthesised nsp12 RNA mimic in lung cell lines and function as an antifibrotic miR-27 in regulating target transcriptomes related to TGF-β signalling. siRNA sequences with an antifibrotic miRNA-like activity that could synergistically treat COVID-19 are available online (http://clip.korea.ac.kr/covid19).

scholarly journals High-pressure sprayed siRNA triggers influence the efficiency but not the profile of transitive silencing

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veli Vural Uslu ◽  
Athanasios Dalakouras ◽  
Victor A Steffens ◽  
Gabi Krczal ◽  
Michael Wassenegger
Keyword(s):  
High Pressure ◽  
Feedback Mechanism ◽  
Small Interfering Rnas ◽  
Primary Target ◽  
Endonucleolytic Cleavage ◽  
Argonaute Proteins ◽  
Target Sites ◽  
Secondary Sirnas ◽  
Positive Feedback Mechanism ◽  
Target Rna

ABSTRACTIn plants, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are a quintessential class of RNA interference (RNAi)-inducing molecules produced by the endonucleolytic cleavage of double stranded RNAs (dsRNAs). In order to ensure robust RNAi, the siRNAs are amplified through a positive feedback mechanism called transitivity. Transitivity relies on RNA-DIRECTED-RNA POLYMERASE 6 (RDR6)-mediated dsRNA synthesis using siRNA-targeted RNA. This secondary dsRNA is subsequently cleaved into secondary, mainly phased, siRNAs (phasiRNAs) by DICER-LIKE (DCL) endonucleases. As primary siRNAs, secondary siRNAs are also loaded into ARGONAUTE proteins (AGOs) to form an RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) reinforcing cleavage of the target RNA. Although the molecular players underlying transitivity are well established, the mode of action of transitivity remains elusive. In this study, we investigated the influence of primary target sites on transgene silencing and transitivity using the GFP-expressing Nicotiana benthamiana 16C line, high pressure spraying protocol (HPSP), and synthetic 22-nucleotide (nt) long siRNAs. We found that the siRNA targeting the 3’ of the GFP transgene was less efficient in inducing silencing when compared to the siRNAs targeting the 5’ and middle region of the GFP. Moreover, sRNA sequencing of locally silenced leaves showed that the amount but not the profile of secondary RNAs are shaped by the occupancy of the primary siRNA triggers on the target RNA. Our findings suggest that RDR6-mediated dsRNA synthesis is not primed by primary siRNAs and that dsRNA synthesis appears to be generally initiated at the 3’ end of the target RNA.

scholarly journals Analysis of the Interaction of Primate Retroviruses with the Human RNA Interference Machinery

2007 ◽  
Vol 81 (22) ◽  
pp. 12218-12226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Lin ◽  
Bryan R. Cullen
Keyword(s):  
Rna Interference ◽  
Virus Type ◽  
Leukemia Virus ◽  
Foamy Virus ◽  
Human Cells ◽  
Small Interfering Rnas ◽  
Cell Leukemia Virus Type ◽  
Human T Cell ◽  
Hiv 1

ABSTRACT The question of whether retroviruses, including human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), interact with the cellular RNA interference machinery has been controversial. Here, we present data showing that neither HIV-1 nor human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) expresses significant levels of either small interfering RNAs or microRNAs in persistently infected T cells. We also demonstrate that the retroviral nuclear transcription factors HIV-1 Tat and HTLV-1 Tax, as well as the Tas transactivator encoded by primate foamy virus, fail to inhibit RNA interference in human cells. Moreover, the stable expression of physiological levels of HIV-1 Tat did not globally inhibit microRNA production or expression in infected human cells. Together, these data argue that HIV-1 and HTLV-1 neither induce the production of viral small interfering RNAs or microRNAs nor repress the cellular RNA interference machinery in infected cells.

TGF-β1 RNA Interference in Mouse Primary Dura Cell Culture: Downstream Effects on TGF Receptors, FGF-2, and FGF-R1 mRNA Levels

2009 ◽  
Vol 124 (5) ◽  
pp. 1466-1473 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arun K. Gosain ◽  
Jacques A. Machol ◽  
Christy Gliniak ◽  
Nadine L. N. Halligan
Keyword(s):  
Cell Culture ◽  
Rna Interference ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Downstream Effects ◽  
Tgf Β1

scholarly journals Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Escapes from RNA Interference-Mediated Inhibition

2004 ◽  
Vol 78 (5) ◽  
pp. 2601-2605 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atze T. Das ◽  
Thijn R. Brummelkamp ◽  
Ellen M. Westerhout ◽  
Monique Vink ◽  
Mandy Madiredjo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Rna Interference ◽  
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type ◽  
Virus Type ◽  
Antiviral Drug ◽  
Target Sequence ◽  
Small Interfering Rnas ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Hiv 1

ABSTRACT Short-term assays have suggested that RNA interference (RNAi) may be a powerful new method for intracellular immunization against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. However, RNAi has not yet been shown to protect cells against HIV-1 in long-term virus replication assays. We stably introduced vectors expressing small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) directed against the HIV-1 genome into human T cells by retroviral transduction. We report here that an siRNA directed against the viral Nef gene (siRNA-Nef) confers resistance to HIV-1 replication. This block in replication is not absolute, and HIV-1 escape variants that were no longer inhibited by siRNA-Nef appeared after several weeks of culture. These RNAi-resistant viruses contained nucleotide substitutions or deletions in the Nef gene that modified or deleted the siRNA-Nef target sequence. These results demonstrate that efficient inhibition of HIV-1 replication through RNAi is possible in stably transduced cells. Therefore, RNAi could become a realistic gene therapy approach with which to overcome the devastating effect of HIV-1 on the immune system. However, as is known for antiviral drug therapy against HIV-1, antiviral approaches involving RNAi should be used in a combined fashion to prevent the emergence of resistant viruses.

scholarly journals Cas12a is a dynamic and precise RNA-guided nuclease without off-target activity on λ-DNA

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bijoya Paul ◽  
Loic Chaubet ◽  
Emma Verver ◽  
Guillermo Montoya
Keyword(s):  
Dna Binding ◽  
Genome Editing ◽  
Optical Tweezers ◽  
Target Site ◽  
Target Dna ◽  
Multiple Binding ◽  
Target Sites ◽  
Dna Binding And Cleavage ◽  
Target Activity ◽  
Insight Into

Cas12a is an RNA-guided endonuclease that is emerging as a powerful genome-editing tool. Here we combined optical tweezers with fluorescence to monitor Cas12a binding onto λ-DNA, providing insight into its DNA binding and cleavage mechanisms. At low forces Cas12a binds DNA specifically with two off-target sites, while at higher forces numerous binding events appear driven by the mechanical distortion of the DNA and partial matches to the crRNA. Despite the multiple binding events, cleavage is only observed on the target site at low forces, when the DNA is flexible. Activity assays show that the preferential off-target sites are not cleaved, and the λ-DNA is severed at the target site. This precision is also observed in Cas12a variants where the specific dsDNA and the unspecific ssDNA cleavage are dissociated or nick the target DNA. We propose that Cas12a and its variants are precise endonucleases that efficiently scan the DNA for its target but only cleave the selected site in the λ-DNA.

scholarly journals Small interfering RNAs are highly effective inhibitors regarding Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus replication in vitro

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fanni Földes ◽  
Mónika Madai ◽  
Henrietta Papp ◽  
Gábor Kemenesi ◽  
Brigitta Zana ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rna Interference ◽  
Hemorrhagic Fever ◽  
Fever Virus ◽  
World Health ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Small Interfering Rnas ◽  
Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever ◽  
Hemorrhagic Fever Virus ◽  
Antiviral Therapies

AbstractCrimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is one of the prioritized diseases of World Health Organization, considering its potential to create a public health emergency and more importantly, the absence of efficacious drugs and/or vaccines regarding treatment. The highly lethal nature characteristic to CCHFV restricts research to BSL-4 laboratories, which complicates effective research and developmental strategies. In consideration of antiviral therapies, RNA interference can be used to suppress viral replication by targeting viral genes. RNA interference uses small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to silence genes. The aim of our study was to design siRNAs that inhibit CCHFV replication and can serve as a basis for further antiviral therapies. A549 cells were infected with CCHFV after transfection with the siRNAs. Following 72 hours, nucleic acid from the supernatant was extracted for Droplet Digital PCR analysis. Among the investigated siRNAs we identified four effective candidates against all three segments of CCHF genome: one for the S and M segments, whilst two for the L segment. Consequently, blocking any segment of CCHFV leads to changes in the virus copy number that indicates an antiviral effect of the siRNAs in vitro. The most active siRNAs were demonstrated a specific inhibitory effect against CCHFV in a dose-dependent manner. In summary, we demonstrated the ability of specific siRNAs to inhibit CCHFV replication in vitro. This promising result can be used in future anti-CCHFV therapy developments.

scholarly journals Mechanism and Function of Antiviral RNA Interference in Mice

mBio ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Qingxia Han ◽  
Gang Chen ◽  
Jinyan Wang ◽  
David Jee ◽  
Wan-Xiang Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rna Interference ◽  
Rna Replication ◽  
Interferon Response ◽  
Type I ◽  
Small Interfering Rnas ◽  
Guide Rna ◽  
Argonaute 2 ◽  
Adult Mice ◽  
And Function ◽  
Nodamura Virus

ABSTRACT Distinct mammalian RNA viruses trigger Dicer-mediated production of virus-derived small-interfering RNAs (vsiRNA) and encode unrelated proteins to suppress vsiRNA biogenesis. However, the mechanism and function of the mammalian RNA interference (RNAi) response are poorly understood. Here, we characterized antiviral RNAi in a mouse model of infection with Nodamura virus (NoV), a mosquito-transmissible positive-strand RNA virus encoding a known double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-binding viral suppressor of RNAi (VSR), the B2 protein. We show that inhibition of NoV RNA replication by antiviral RNAi in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) requires Dicer-dependent vsiRNA biogenesis and Argonaute-2 slicer activity. We found that VSR-B2 of NoV enhances viral RNA replication in wild-type but not RNAi-defective MEFs such as Argonaute-2 catalytic-dead MEFs and Dicer or Argonaute-2 knockout MEFs, indicating that VSR-B2 acts mainly by suppressing antiviral RNAi in the differentiated murine cells. Consistently, VSR-B2 expression in MEFs has no detectable effect on the induction of interferon-stimulated genes or the activation of global RNA cleavages by RNase L. Moreover, we demonstrate that NoV infection of adult mice induces production of abundant vsiRNA active to guide RNA slicing by Argonaute-2. Notably, VSR-B2 suppresses the biogenesis of both vsiRNA and the slicing-competent vsiRNA-Argonaute-2 complex without detectable inhibition of Argonaute-2 slicing guided by endogenous microRNA, which dramatically enhances viral load and promotes lethal NoV infection in adult mice either intact or defective in the signaling by type I, II, and III interferons. Together, our findings suggest that the mouse RNAi response confers essential protective antiviral immunity in both the presence and absence of the interferon response. IMPORTANCE Innate immune sensing of viral nucleic acids in mammals triggers potent antiviral responses regulated by interferons known to antagonize the induction of RNA interference (RNAi) by synthetic long double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). Here, we show that Nodamura virus (NoV) infection in adult mice activates processing of the viral dsRNA replicative intermediates into small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) active to guide RNA slicing by Argonaute-2. Genetic studies demonstrate that NoV RNA replication in mouse embryonic fibroblasts is inhibited by the RNAi pathway and enhanced by the B2 viral RNAi suppressor only in RNAi-competent cells. When B2 is rendered nonexpressing or nonfunctional, the resulting mutant viruses become nonpathogenic and are cleared in adult mice either intact or defective in the signaling by type I, II, and III interferons. Our findings suggest that mouse antiviral RNAi is active and necessary for the in vivo defense against viral infection in both the presence and absence of the interferon response.

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