scholarly journals R-Loops between nascent pri-miRNAs and the encoding loci promote co-transcriptional processing of miRNAs in plants

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucia Gonzalo ◽  
Ileana Tossolini ◽  
Tomasz Gulanicz ◽  
Damian A. Cambiagno ◽  
Anna Kasprowicz-Maluski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rna Polymerase Ii ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Dynamic Balance ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Mirna Biogenesis ◽  
Sequencing Data ◽  
Nascent Transcript ◽  
Mirna Processing ◽  
Plant Mirna ◽  
Processing Mechanisms

SummaryIn most organisms, the maturation of nascent RNAs is coupled to transcription, undergoing many processing steps co-transcriptionally. Unlike in animals, the RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) transcribes microRNAs (miRNAs) as long and structurally variable pri-miRNAs in plants. Current evidence suggests that the miRNA biogenesis complex assembly initiates early during the transcription of pri-miRNAs in plants. However, it is unknown whether miRNA processing occurs co-transcriptionally. Here, we show that plant miRNA biogenesis is coupled to transcription in a process that relies on the formation of DNA:RNA hybrids (R-loops) between the nascent transcript and the encoding loci. We used native elongating transcript sequencing data and imaging techniques to demonstrate that plant miRNA biogenesis occurs co-transcriptionally. We found that the entire biogenesis occurs coupled to transcription for pri-miRNAs processed from the loop but requires a second nucleoplasmic step for those processed from the base of the hairpin. Furthermore, we found that co- and post-transcriptional miRNA processing mechanisms co-exist for most miRNAs in a dynamic balance. Notably, we discovered that R-loops between the 5’-end single-stranded arm of the pri-miRNAs and the encoding loci anchor the transcript, promoting co-transcriptional processing. Our data demonstrate the coupling of transcription and miRNA processing in plants and discovered an unexpected function for R-loops promoting RNA processing. Furthermore, our results suggest the neo-functionalization of co-transcriptionally processed miRNAs, boosting countless regulatory scenarios.

scholarly journals The NF90-NF45 Complex Functions as a Negative Regulator in the MicroRNA Processing Pathway

2009 ◽  
Vol 29 (13) ◽  
pp. 3754-3769 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuji Sakamoto ◽  
Kazuma Aoki ◽  
Takuma Higuchi ◽  
Hiroshi Todaka ◽  
Keiko Morisawa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rna Polymerase Ii ◽  
Transcriptional Activation ◽  
Binding Activity ◽  
Negative Regulator ◽  
Mirna Biogenesis ◽  
Mirna Processing ◽  
Regulatory Machinery ◽  
Complex Functions ◽  
Microprocessor Complex ◽  
Microrna Processing

ABSTRACT The positive regulatory machinery in the microRNA (miRNA) processing pathway is relatively well characterized, but negative regulation of the pathway is largely unknown. Here we show that a complex of nuclear factor 90 (NF90) and NF45 proteins functions as a negative regulator in miRNA biogenesis. Primary miRNA (pri-miRNA) processing into precursor miRNA (pre-miRNA) was inhibited by overexpression of the NF90 and NF45 proteins, and considerable amounts of pri-miRNAs accumulated in cells coexpressing NF90 and NF45. Treatment of cells overexpressing NF90 and NF45 with an RNA polymerase II inhibitor, α-amanitin, did not reduce the amounts of pri-miRNAs, suggesting that the accumulation of pri-miRNAs is not due to transcriptional activation. In addition, the NF90 and NF45 complex was not found to interact with the Microprocessor complex, which is a processing factor of pri-miRNAs, but was found to bind endogenous pri-miRNAs. NF90-NF45 exhibited higher binding activity for pri-let-7a than pri-miR-21. Of note, depletion of NF90 caused a reduction of pri-let-7a and an increase of mature let-7a miRNA, which has a potent antiproliferative activity, and caused growth suppression of transformed cells. These findings suggest that the association of the NF90-NF45 complex with pri-miRNAs impairs access of the Microprocessor complex to the pri-miRNAs, resulting in a reduction of mature miRNA production.

scholarly journals DRB1 as a mediator between transcription and microRNA processing

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dawid Bielewicz ◽  
Jakub Dolata ◽  
Mateusz Bajczyk ◽  
Lukasz Szewc ◽  
Tomasz Gulanicz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rna Polymerase Ii ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Rna Binding Protein ◽  
Mirna Biogenesis ◽  
Transcriptional Level ◽  
Core Component ◽  
Double Stranded Rna ◽  
Mirna Processing ◽  
It Impacts ◽  
Microrna Processing

AbstractDRB1 (HYL1) is a double-stranded RNA binding protein involved in miRNA processing in plants. It is a core component of the Microprocessor complex and enhances the efficiency and precision of miRNA processing by DCL1 protein. In this work, we report a novel function of DRB1 protein in the transcription of MIR genes. DRB1 co-localizes with RNA Polymerase II and affects its distribution along MIR genes. Moreover, proteomic experiments revealed that DRB1 protein interacts with many transcription factors. Finally, we show that the action of DRB1 is not limited to MIR genes as it impacts expression of many other genes, majority of which are involved in plant response to light. These discoveries add DRB1 as another player of gene regulation at transcriptional level, independent of its role in miRNA biogenesis.

scholarly journals Extensive Analysis of miRNA Trimming and Tailing Indicates that AGO1 Has a Complex Role in miRNA Turnover

Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 267
Author(s):  
Axel J. Giudicatti ◽  
Ariel H. Tomassi ◽  
Pablo A. Manavella ◽  
Agustin L. Arce
Keyword(s):  
Small Rna ◽  
Stress Responses ◽  
Cellular Localization ◽  
Mirna Biogenesis ◽  
Small Rna Sequencing ◽  
Sequencing Data ◽  
Extensive Analysis ◽  
Small Regulatory Rnas ◽  
Regulatory Rnas ◽  
Argonaute 1

MicroRNAs are small regulatory RNAs involved in several processes in plants ranging from development and stress responses to defense against pathogens. In order to accomplish their molecular functions, miRNAs are methylated and loaded into one ARGONAUTE (AGO) protein, commonly known as AGO1, to stabilize and protect the molecule and to assemble a functional RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). A specific machinery controls miRNA turnover to ensure the silencing release of targeted-genes in given circumstances. The trimming and tailing of miRNAs are fundamental modifications related to their turnover and, hence, to their action. In order to gain a better understanding of these modifications, we analyzed Arabidopsis thaliana small RNA sequencing data from a diversity of mutants, related to miRNA biogenesis, action, and turnover, and from different cellular fractions and immunoprecipitations. Besides confirming the effects of known players in these pathways, we found increased trimming and tailing in miRNA biogenesis mutants. More importantly, our analysis allowed us to reveal the importance of ARGONAUTE 1 (AGO1) loading, slicing activity, and cellular localization in trimming and tailing of miRNAs.

MicroRNA annotation in plants: current status and challenges

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yongxin Zhao ◽  
Zheng Kuang ◽  
Ying Wang ◽  
Lei Li ◽  
Xiaozeng Yang
Keyword(s):  
Small Rna ◽  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Mirna Biogenesis ◽  
Plant Mirnas ◽  
Signal To Noise ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Plant Mirna ◽  
History Of ◽  
Mirna Biogenesis Pathway

Abstract Last two decades, the studies on microRNAs (miRNAs) and the numbers of annotated miRNAs in plants and animals have surged. Herein, we reviewed the current progress and challenges of miRNA annotation in plants. Via the comparison of plant and animal miRNAs, we pinpointed out the difficulties on plant miRNA annotation and proposed potential solutions. In terms of recalling the history of methods and criteria in plant miRNA annotation, we detailed how the major progresses made and evolved. By collecting and categorizing bioinformatics tools for plant miRNA annotation, we surveyed their advantages and disadvantages, especially for ones with the principle of mimicking the miRNA biogenesis pathway by parsing deeply sequenced small RNA (sRNA) libraries. In addition, we summarized all available databases hosting plant miRNAs, and posted the potential optimization solutions such as how to increase the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in these databases. Finally, we discussed the challenges and perspectives of plant miRNA annotations, and indicated the possibilities offered by an all-in-one tool and platform according to the integration of artificial intelligence.

Sequencing of Argonaute-bound miRNA/mRNA hybrids reveals regulation of the unfolded protein response by microRNA-320a

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher J Fields ◽  
Lu Li ◽  
Nicholas M Hiers ◽  
Tianqi Li ◽  
Peike Sheng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Er Stress ◽  
Unfolded Protein Response ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Rna Polymerase Ii ◽  
Mirna Biogenesis ◽  
Unfolded Protein ◽  
Colorectal Cancer Cells ◽  
The Unfolded Protein Response ◽  
Protein Response

MicroRNAs (miRNA) are short non-coding RNAs widely implicated in gene regulation. Most metazoan miRNAs utilize the RNase III enzymes Drosha and Dicer for biogenesis. One notable exception is the RNA polymerase II transcription start sites (TSS) miRNAs whose biogenesis does not require Drosha. The functional importance of the TSS-miRNA biogenesis is uncertain. To better understand the function of TSS-miRNAs, we applied a modified Crosslinking, Ligation, and Sequencing of Hybrids on Argonaute (AGO-qCLASH) to identify the targets for TSS-miRNAs in HCT116 colorectal cancer cells with or without DROSHA knockout. We observed that miR-320a hybrids dominate in TSS-miRNA hybrids identified by AGO-qCLASH. Targets for miR-320a are enriched in the eIF2 signaling pathway, a downstream component of the unfolded protein response. Consistently, in miR-320a mimic- and antagomir- transfected cells, differentially expressed genes are enriched in eIF2 signaling. Within the AGO-qCLASH data, we identified the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperone Calnexin as a direct miR-320a target, thus connecting miR-320a to the unfolded protein response. During ER stress, but not amino acid deprivation, miR-320a up-regulates ATF4, a critical transcription factor for resolving ER stress. Our study investigates the targetome of the TSS-miRNAs in colorectal cancer cells and establishes miR-320a as a regulator of unfolded protein response.

scholarly journals A machine learning-based framework for modeling transcription elongation

2021 ◽  
Vol 118 (6) ◽  
pp. e2007450118
Author(s):  
Peiyuan Feng ◽  
An Xiao ◽  
Meng Fang ◽  
Fangping Wan ◽  
Shuya Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rna Polymerase Ii ◽  
High Throughput Sequencing ◽  
Gene Expression Regulation ◽  
Transcription Elongation ◽  
Transcriptional Elongation ◽  
Sequencing Data ◽  
Pol Ii ◽  
High Throughput Sequencing Data ◽  
Pol Ii Pausing ◽  
Elongation Process

RNA polymerase II (Pol II) generally pauses at certain positions along gene bodies, thereby interrupting the transcription elongation process, which is often coupled with various important biological functions, such as precursor mRNA splicing and gene expression regulation. Characterizing the transcriptional elongation dynamics can thus help us understand many essential biological processes in eukaryotic cells. However, experimentally measuring Pol II elongation rates is generally time and resource consuming. We developed PEPMAN (polymerase II elongation pausing modeling through attention-based deep neural network), a deep learning-based model that accurately predicts Pol II pausing sites based on the native elongating transcript sequencing (NET-seq) data. Through fully taking advantage of the attention mechanism, PEPMAN is able to decipher important sequence features underlying Pol II pausing. More importantly, we demonstrated that the analyses of the PEPMAN-predicted results around various types of alternative splicing sites can provide useful clues into understanding the cotranscriptional splicing events. In addition, associating the PEPMAN prediction results with different epigenetic features can help reveal important factors related to the transcription elongation process. All these results demonstrated that PEPMAN can provide a useful and effective tool for modeling transcription elongation and understanding the related biological factors from available high-throughput sequencing data.

scholarly journals The Integrator complex regulates microRNA abundance through RISC loading

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nina Kirstein ◽  
Sadat Dokaneheifard ◽  
Pradeep Reddy Cingaram ◽  
Monica Guiselle Valencia ◽  
Felipe Beckedorff ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rna Polymerase Ii ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Mature Mirnas ◽  
Mirna Biogenesis ◽  
Important Regulator ◽  
Rna Maturation ◽  
Nascent Transcripts ◽  
Post Transcriptional Regulation ◽  
Mirna Duplex

MicroRNA (miRNA) homeostasis is crucial for the post-transcriptional regulation of their target genes and miRNA dysregulation has been linked to multiple diseases, including cancer. The molecular mechanisms underlying miRNA biogenesis from processing of primary miRNA transcripts to formation of mature miRNA duplex are well understood. Loading of miRNA duplex into members of the Argonaute (Ago) protein family, representing the core of the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), is pivotal to miRNA-mediated gene silencing. The Integrator complex has been previously shown to be an important regulator of RNA maturation, RNA polymerase II pause-release, and premature transcriptional termination. Here, we report that loss of Integrator results in global diminution of mature miRNAs. By incorporating 4-Thiouridine (s4U) in nascent transcripts, we traced miRNA fate from biogenesis to stabilization and identified Integrator to be essential for proper miRNA assembly into RISC. Enhanced UV crosslinking and immunoprecipitation (eCLIP) of Integrator confirms a robust association with mature miRNAs. Indeed, Integrator potentiates Ago2-mediated cleavage of target RNAs. These findings highlight an essential role for Integrator in miRNA abundance and RISC function.

scholarly journals Identification of cis Elements Directing Termination of Yeast Nonpolyadenylated snoRNA Transcripts

2004 ◽  
Vol 24 (14) ◽  
pp. 6241-6252 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristina L. Carroll ◽  
Dennis A. Pradhan ◽  
Josh A. Granek ◽  
Neil D. Clarke ◽  
Jeffry L. Corden
Keyword(s):  
Rna Polymerase Ii ◽  
Binding Sites ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Rna Binding Proteins ◽  
Large Degree ◽  
Sequence Motifs ◽  
Mobility Shift ◽  
Nascent Transcript ◽  
Pol Ii ◽  
Gel Mobility Shift

ABSTRACT RNA polymerase II (Pol II) termination is triggered by sequences present in the nascent transcript. Termination of pre-mRNA transcription is coupled to recognition of cis-acting sequences that direct cleavage and polyadenylation of the pre-mRNA. Termination of nonpolyadenylated [non-poly(A)] Pol II transcripts in Saccharomyces cerevisiae requires the RNA-binding proteins Nrd1 and Nab3. We have used a mutational strategy to characterize non-poly(A) termination elements downstream of the SNR13 and SNR47 snoRNA genes. This approach detected two common RNA sequence motifs, GUA[AG] and UCUU. The first motif corresponds to the known Nrd1-binding site, which we have verified here by gel mobility shift assays. We also show that Nab3 protein binds specifically to RNA containing the UCUU motif. Taken together, our data suggest that Nrd1 and Nab3 binding sites play a significant role in defining non-poly(A) terminators. As is the case with poly(A) terminators, there is no strong consensus for non-poly(A) terminators, and the arrangement of Nrd1p and Nab3p binding sites varies considerably. In addition, the organization of these sequences is not strongly conserved among even closely related yeasts. This indicates a large degree of genetic variability. Despite this variability, we were able to use a computational model to show that the binding sites for Nrd1 and Nab3 can identify genes for which transcription termination is mediated by these proteins.

scholarly journals mRNA adenosine methylase (MTA) deposits m6A on pri-miRNAs to modulate miRNA biogenesis inArabidopsis thaliana

2020 ◽  
Vol 117 (35) ◽  
pp. 21785-21795 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susheel Sagar Bhat ◽  
Dawid Bielewicz ◽  
Tomasz Gulanicz ◽  
Zsuzsanna Bodi ◽  
Xiang Yu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Structure ◽  
Rna Polymerase ◽  
Rna Polymerase Ii ◽  
Rna Structure ◽  
Methylation Status ◽  
Mirna Biogenesis ◽  
Stem Loop ◽  
Structure Probing ◽  
Plant Transcriptome ◽  
Loop Regions

InArabidopsis thaliana, the METTL3 homolog, mRNA adenosine methylase (MTA) introducesN6-methyladenosine (m6A) into various coding and noncoding RNAs of the plant transcriptome. Here, we show that an MTA-deficient mutant (mta) has decreased levels of microRNAs (miRNAs) but accumulates primary miRNA transcripts (pri-miRNAs). Moreover, pri-miRNAs are methylated by MTA, and RNA structure probing analysis reveals a decrease in secondary structure within stem–loop regions of these transcripts inmtamutant plants. We demonstrate interaction between MTA and both RNA Polymerase II and TOUGH (TGH), a plant protein needed for early steps of miRNA biogenesis. Both MTA and TGH are necessary for efficient colocalization of the Microprocessor components Dicer-like 1 (DCL1) and Hyponastic Leaves 1 (HYL1) with RNA Polymerase II. We propose that secondary structure of miRNA precursors induced by their MTA-dependent m6A methylation status, together with direct interactions between MTA and TGH, influence the recruitment of Microprocessor to plant pri-miRNAs. Therefore, the lack of MTA inmtamutant plants disturbs pri-miRNA processing and leads to the decrease in miRNA accumulation. Furthermore, our findings reveal that reduced miR393b levels likely contributes to the impaired auxin response phenotypes ofmtamutant plants.

scholarly journals DNA methylation directs microRNA biogenesis in mammalian cells

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ohad Glaich ◽  
Shivang Parikh ◽  
Rachel E. Bell ◽  
Keren Mekahel ◽  
Maya Donyo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Rna Polymerase ◽  
Rna Polymerase Ii ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Sequence Conservation ◽  
Mirna Biogenesis ◽  
Coding Sequence ◽  
Microrna Biogenesis ◽  
Flanking Regions

AbstractMicroRNA (miRNA) biogenesis initiates co-transcriptionally, but how the Microprocessor machinery pinpoints the locations of short precursor miRNA sequences within long flanking regions of the transcript is not known. Here we show that miRNA biogenesis depends on DNA methylation. When the regions flanking the miRNA coding sequence are highly methylated, the miRNAs are more highly expressed, have greater sequence conservation, and are more likely to drive cancer-related phenotypes than miRNAs encoded by unmethylated loci. We show that the removal of DNA methylation from miRNA loci leads to their downregulation. Further, we found that MeCP2 binding to methylated miRNA loci halts RNA polymerase II elongation, leading to enhanced processing of the primary miRNA by Drosha. Taken together, our data reveal that DNA methylation directly affects miRNA biogenesis.

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