scholarly journals RNA length has a non-trivial effect in the stability of biomolecular condensates formed by RNA-binding proteins

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ignacio Sanchez-Burgos ◽  
Jorge R Espinosa ◽  
Jerelle A Joseph ◽  
Rosana Collepardo-Guevara
Keyword(s):  
Phase Separation ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Rna Binding Proteins ◽  
Strong Dependence ◽  
Coarse Grained ◽  
Complex Coacervation ◽  
Protein Ratio ◽  
Heterotypic Interactions ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Homotypic Interactions

Biomolecular condensates formed via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) play a crucial role in the spatiotemporal organization of the cell material. Nucleic acids can act as critical modulators in the stability of these protein condensates. Here, we present a multiscale computational strategy, exploiting the advantages of both a sequence-dependent coarse-grained representation of proteins and a minimal coarse-grained model that represent proteins as patchy colloids, to unveil the role of RNA length in regulating the stability of RNA-binding protein (RBP) condensates. We find that for a constant RNA/protein ratio in which phase separation is enhanced, the protein fused in sarcoma (FUS), which can phase separate on its own-i.e., via homotypic interactions-only exhibits a mild dependency on the RNA strand length, whereas, the 25-repeat proline-arginine peptide (PR25), which does not undergo LLPS on its own at physiological conditions but instead exhibits complex coavervation with RNA-i.e., via heterotypic interactions-shows a strong dependence on the length of the added RNA chains. Our minimal patchy particle simulations, where we recapitulate the modulation of homotypic protein LLPS and complex coacervation by RNA length, suggest that the strikingly different effect of RNA length on homotypic LLPS versus complex coacervation is general. Phase separation is RNA-length dependent as long as the relative contribution of heterotypic interactions sustaining LLPS is comparable or higher than that committed by protein homotypic interactions. Taken together, our results contribute to illuminate the intricate physicochemical mechanisms that influence the stability of RBP condensates through RNA inclusion.

scholarly journals Sequence dependent co-phase separation of RNA-protein mixtures elucidated using molecular simulations

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roshan Mammen Regy ◽  
Gregory L. Dignon ◽  
Wenwei Zheng ◽  
Young Chan Kim ◽  
Jeetain Mittal
Keyword(s):  
Phase Separation ◽  
Intrinsically Disordered Proteins ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Rna Binding Proteins ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Coarse Grained ◽  
Disordered Proteins ◽  
Sequence Specificity ◽  
Intrinsically Disordered ◽  
Modelling Framework

ABSTRACTRibonucleoprotein (RNP) granules are membraneless organelles (MLOs) which majorly consist of RNA and RNA-binding proteins and are formed via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). Experimental studies investigating the drivers of LLPS have shown that intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) and nucleic acids like RNA play a key role in modulating protein phase separation. There is currently a dearth of modelling techniques which allow one to delve deeper into how RNA plays its role as a modulator/promoter of LLPS in cells using computational methods. Here we present a coarse-grained RNA model developed to fill this gap, which together with our recently developed HPS model for protein LLPS, allows us to capture the factors driving RNA-protein co-phase separation. We explore the capabilities of the modelling framework with the LAF-1 RGG/RNA system which has been well studied in experiments and also with the HPS model previously. Further taking advantage of the fact that the HPS model maintains sequence specificity we explore the role of charge patterning on controlling RNA incorporation into condensates. With increased charge patterning we observe formation of structured or patterned condensates which suggests the possible roles of RNA in not only shifting the phase boundaries but also introducing microscopic organization in MLOs.

scholarly journals Deciphering how naturally occurring sequence features impact the phase behaviors of disordered prion-like domains

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Bremer ◽  
Mina Farag ◽  
Wade M. Borcherds ◽  
Ivan Peran ◽  
Erik W. Martin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phase Separation ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Driving Forces ◽  
Rna Binding Proteins ◽  
Low Complexity ◽  
Coarse Grained ◽  
Coarse Grained Model ◽  
Intrinsically Disordered ◽  
Lysine Residues ◽  
Arginine Residues

AbstractPhase separation of intrinsically disordered prion-like low-complexity domains (PLCDs) derived from RNA-binding proteins enable the formation of biomolecular condensates in cells. PLCDs have distinct amino acid compositions, and here we decipher the physicochemical impact of conserved compositional biases on the driving forces for phase separation. We find that tyrosine residues make for stronger drivers of phase separation than phenylalanine. Depending on their sequence contexts, arginine residues enhance or weaken phase separation, whereas lysine residues weaken cohesive interactions within PLCDs. Increased net charge per residue (NCPR) weakens the driving forces for phase separation of PLCDs and this effect can be modeled quantitatively. The effects of NCPR also weaken known correlations between the dimensions of single chains in dilute solution and the driving forces for phase separation. We build on experimental data to develop a coarse-grained model for accurate simulations of phase separation that yield novel insights regarding PLCD phase behavior.

scholarly journals Sequence dependent phase separation of protein-polynucleotide mixtures elucidated using molecular simulations

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (22) ◽  
pp. 12593-12603 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roshan Mammen Regy ◽  
Gregory L Dignon ◽  
Wenwei Zheng ◽  
Young C Kim ◽  
Jeetain Mittal
Keyword(s):  
Phase Separation ◽  
Intrinsically Disordered Proteins ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Rna Binding Proteins ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Coarse Grained ◽  
Disordered Proteins ◽  
Sequence Specificity ◽  
Intrinsically Disordered

Abstract Ribonucleoprotein (RNP) granules are membraneless organelles (MLOs), which majorly consist of RNA and RNA-binding proteins and are formed via liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS). Experimental studies investigating the drivers of LLPS have shown that intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) and nucleic acids like RNA and other polynucleotides play a key role in modulating protein phase separation. There is currently a dearth of modelling techniques which allow one to delve deeper into how polynucleotides play the role of a modulator/promoter of LLPS in cells using computational methods. Here, we present a coarse-grained polynucleotide model developed to fill this gap, which together with our recently developed HPS model for protein LLPS, allows us to capture the factors driving protein-polynucleotide phase separation. We explore the capabilities of the modelling framework with the LAF-1 RGG system which has been well studied in experiments and also with the HPS model previously. Further taking advantage of the fact that the HPS model maintains sequence specificity we explore the role of charge patterning on controlling polynucleotide incorporation into condensates. With increased charge patterning we observe formation of structured or patterned condensates which suggests the possible roles of polynucleotides in not only shifting the phase boundaries but also introducing microscopic organization in MLOs.

scholarly journals RNA promotes phase separation of glycolysis enzymes into yeast G bodies in hypoxia

eLife ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory G Fuller ◽  
Ting Han ◽  
Mallory A Freeberg ◽  
James J Moresco ◽  
Amirhossein Ghanbari Niaki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phase Separation ◽  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Rna Binding Proteins ◽  
Glucose Consumption ◽  
Separation Mechanism ◽  
Hypoxic Stress ◽  
Body Formation ◽  
Heterotypic Interactions

In hypoxic stress conditions, glycolysis enzymes assemble into singular cytoplasmic granules called glycolytic (G) bodies. G body formation in yeast correlates with increased glucose consumption and cell survival. However, the physical properties and organizing principles that define G body formation are unclear. We demonstrate that glycolysis enzymes are non-canonical RNA binding proteins, sharing many common mRNA substrates that are also integral constituents of G bodies. Targeting nonspecific endoribonucleases to G bodies reveals that RNA nucleates G body formation and maintains its structural integrity. Consistent with a phase separation mechanism of biogenesis, recruitment of glycolysis enzymes to G bodies relies on multivalent homotypic and heterotypic interactions. Furthermore, G bodies fuse in vivo and are largely insensitive to 1,6-hexanediol, consistent with a hydrogel-like composition. Taken together, our results elucidate the biophysical nature of G bodies and demonstrate that RNA nucleates phase separation of the glycolysis machinery in response to hypoxic stress.

scholarly journals RNA promotes phase separation of glycolysis enzymes into yeast G bodies in hypoxia

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory G. Fuller ◽  
Ting Han ◽  
Mallory A. Freeberg ◽  
James J. Moresco ◽  
John R Yates ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phase Separation ◽  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Rna Binding Proteins ◽  
Glucose Consumption ◽  
Live Cells ◽  
Separation Mechanism ◽  
Hypoxic Stress ◽  
Body Formation ◽  
Heterotypic Interactions

AbstractIn hypoxic stress conditions, glycolysis enzymes assemble into singular cytoplasmic granules called glycolytic (G) bodies. Formation of G bodies in yeast is correlated with increased glucose consumption and cell survival. However, the physical properties and organizing principles that define G body formation are unclear. We demonstrate that glycolysis enzymes are non-canonical RNA binding proteins, sharing many common mRNA substrates that are also integral constituents of G bodies. Tethering a G body component, the beta subunit of the yeast phosphofructokinase, Pfk2, to nonspecific endoribonucleases reveals that RNA nucleates G body formation and subsequent maintenance of G body structural integrity. Consistent with a phase separation mechanism of G body formation, recruitment of glycolysis enzymes to G bodies relies on multivalent homotypic and heterotypic interactions. Furthermore, G bodies can fuse in live cells and are largely insensitive to 1,6-hexanediol treatment, consistent with a hydrogel-like state in its composition. Taken together, our results elucidate the biophysical nature of G bodies and demonstrate that RNA nucleates phase separation of the glycolysis machinery in response to hypoxic stress.

scholarly journals Triciribine Engages ZFP36L1 and HuR to Stabilize LDLR mRNA

Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (19) ◽  
pp. 4505
Author(s):  
Hilde Sundvold
Keyword(s):  
Rna Binding ◽  
Rna Binding Proteins ◽  
Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Ring Finger ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Akt Inhibitor ◽  
Human Hepatoma Cells ◽  
Density Lipoprotein Receptor ◽  
The Stability

An increased understanding of low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and its regulation may facilitate drug development for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Triciribine (TCN), which is a highly selective AKT inhibitor, increases the stability of LDLR mRNA downstream of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in human hepatoma cells (HepG2). Here, a candidate approach was used in order to determine whether the RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) ZFP36 ring finger protein like 1 (ZFP36L1) and Hu antigen R (HuR) play a role in TCN-mediated stabilization of LDLR mRNA. The depletion of HuR led to a reduction of LDLR mRNA stability, an event that was more pronounced in TCN-treated cells. TCN was found to induce the translocation of nuclear HuR to cytoplasm in an ERK-dependent manner. ZFP36L1 depletion increased the stability of LDLR mRNA consistent with its destabilizing role. However, in contrast to HuR, TCN had no effect on LDLR mRNA turnover in ZFP36L1-depleted cells. TCN induced the phosphorylation of ZFP36L1 in an ERK/RSK-dependent manner and promoted its dissociation from the CCR4-NOT complex. In sum, these data suggest that TCN utilizes ERK signaling to increase the activity of HuR and inhibit ZFP36L1 to stabilize LDLR mRNA in HepG2 cells.

scholarly journals Control of Cytokine mRNA Expression by RNA-binding Proteins and microRNAs

2012 ◽  
Vol 91 (7) ◽  
pp. 651-658 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Palanisamy ◽  
A. Jakymiw ◽  
E.A. Van Tubergen ◽  
N.J. D’Silva ◽  
K.L. Kirkwood
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Mrna Stability ◽  
Binding Proteins ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Rna Binding Proteins ◽  
Periodontal Diseases ◽  
Pharyngeal Cancer ◽  
Cytokine Mrna ◽  
Mediators Of Inflammation ◽  
The Stability

Cytokines are critical mediators of inflammation and host defenses. Regulation of cytokines can occur at various stages of gene expression, including transcription, mRNA export, and post- transcriptional and translational levels. Among these modes of regulation, post-transcriptional regulation has been shown to play a vital role in controlling the expression of cytokines by modulating mRNA stability. The stability of cytokine mRNAs, including TNFα, IL-6, and IL-8, has been reported to be altered by the presence of AU-rich elements (AREs) located in the 3′-untranslated regions (3′UTRs) of the mRNAs. Numerous RNA-binding proteins and microRNAs bind to these 3′UTRs to regulate the stability and/or translation of the mRNAs. Thus, this paper describes the cooperative function between RNA-binding proteins and miRNAs and how they regulate AU-rich elements containing cytokine mRNA stability/degradation and translation. These mRNA control mechanisms can potentially influence inflammation as it relates to oral biology, including periodontal diseases and oral pharyngeal cancer progression.

scholarly journals Nonclassical nuclear localization signals mediate nuclear import of CIRBP

2020 ◽  
Vol 117 (15) ◽  
pp. 8503-8514 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Bourgeois ◽  
Saskia Hutten ◽  
Benjamin Gottschalk ◽  
Mario Hofweber ◽  
Gesa Richter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phase Separation ◽  
Nuclear Localization ◽  
Nuclear Import ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Rna Binding Proteins ◽  
Specific Interaction ◽  
Stress Granule ◽  
Rich Region ◽  
Nuclear Localization Signals ◽  
Cargo Proteins

The specific interaction of importins with nuclear localization signals (NLSs) of cargo proteins not only mediates nuclear import but also, prevents their aberrant phase separation and stress granule recruitment in the cytoplasm. The importin Transportin-1 (TNPO1) plays a key role in the (patho-)physiology of both processes. Here, we report that both TNPO1 and Transportin-3 (TNPO3) recognize two nonclassical NLSs within the cold-inducible RNA-binding protein (CIRBP). Our biophysical investigations show that TNPO1 recognizes an arginine-glycine(-glycine) (RG/RGG)–rich region, whereas TNPO3 recognizes a region rich in arginine-serine-tyrosine (RSY) residues. These interactions regulate nuclear localization, phase separation, and stress granule recruitment of CIRBP in cells. The presence of both RG/RGG and RSY regions in numerous other RNA-binding proteins suggests that the interaction of TNPO1 and TNPO3 with these nonclassical NLSs may regulate the formation of membraneless organelles and subcellular localization of numerous proteins.

scholarly journals Competitive binding of CUGBP1 and HuR to occludin mRNA controls its translation and modulates epithelial barrier function

2013 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 85-99 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ting-Xi Yu ◽  
Jaladanki N. Rao ◽  
Tongtong Zou ◽  
Lan Liu ◽  
Lan Xiao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Barrier Function ◽  
Untranslated Region ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Rna Binding Proteins ◽  
Cell Monolayer ◽  
Intestinal Epithelial ◽  
Processing Bodies ◽  
Epithelial Barrier Function ◽  
P Bodies ◽  
The Stability

RNA-binding proteins CUG-binding protein 1 (CUGBP1) and HuR are highly expressed in epithelial tissues and modulate the stability and translation of target mRNAs. Here we present evidence that CUGBP1 and HuR jointly regulate the translation of occludin and play a crucial role in the maintenance of tight junction (TJ) integrity in the intestinal epithelial cell monolayer. CUGBP1 and HuR competed for association with the same occludin 3′-untranslated region element and regulated occludin translation competitively and in opposite directions. CUGBP1 overexpression decreased HuR binding to occludin mRNA, repressed occludin translation, and compromised the TJ barrier function, whereas HuR overexpression inhibited CUGBP1 association with occludin mRNA and promoted occludin translation, thereby enhancing the barrier integrity. Repression of occludin translation by CUGBP1 was due to the colocalization of CUGBP1 and tagged occludin RNA in processing bodies (P-bodies), and this colocalization was prevented by HuR overexpression. These findings indicate that CUGBP1 represses occludin translation by increasing occludin mRNA recruitment to P-bodies, whereas HuR promotes occludin translation by blocking occludin mRNA translocation to P-bodies via the displacement of CUGBP1.

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