scholarly journals Dual modulation of phase-transitioning licenses the Bicc1 network of ciliopathy proteins to bind specific target mRNAs

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Rothé ◽  
Simon Fortier ◽  
Daniel B. Constam

SUMMARYPerturbations in biomolecular condensates that form by phase-transitioning are linked to a growing number of degenerative diseases. For example, mutations in a multivalent interaction network of the Ankyrin (ANK) and sterile alpha motif (SAM) domain-containing ANKS3 and ANKS6 proteins with the RNA-binding protein Bicaudal-C1 (Bicc1) associate with laterality defects and chronic kidney diseases known as ciliopathies. However, insights into the mechanisms that control RNA condensation in ribonucleoprotein particles (RNPs) are scarce. Here, we asked whether heterooligomerization modulates Bicc1 binding to RNA. Reconstitution assays in vitro and live imaging in vivo show that a K homology (KH) repeat of Bicc1 self-interacts and synergizes with SAM domain self-polymerization independently of RNA to concentrate bound mRNAs in gel-like granules that can split or fuse with each other. Importantly, emulsification of Bicc1 by ANKS3 inhibited binding to target mRNAs, whereas condensation by ANKS6 co-recruitment increased it by liberating the KH domains from ANKS3. Our findings suggest that the perturbation of Bicc1-Anks3-Anks6 RNP dynamics is a likely cause of associated ciliopathies.

eLife ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weirui Ma ◽  
Gang Zheng ◽  
Wei Xie ◽  
Christine Mayr

Liquid-like condensates have been thought to be sphere-like. Recently, various condensates with filamentous morphology have been observed in cells. One such condensate is the TIS granule network that shares a large surface area with the rough endoplasmic reticulum and is important for membrane protein trafficking. It has been unclear how condensates with mesh-like shapes, but dynamic protein components are formed. In vitro and in vivo reconstitution experiments revealed that the minimal components are a multivalent RNA-binding protein that concentrates RNAs that are able to form extensive intermolecular mRNA-mRNA interactions. mRNAs with large unstructured regions have a high propensity to form a pervasive intermolecular interaction network that acts as condensate skeleton. The underlying RNA matrix prevents full fusion of spherical liquid-like condensates, thus driving the formation of irregularly shaped membraneless organelles. The resulting large surface area may promote interactions at the condensate surface and at the interface with other organelles.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lili Han ◽  
Xiaofei Wang ◽  
Fei Wu ◽  
Chen Huang ◽  
Shuqun Zhang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background:Numerous studies have highlighted that dysregulation of RNA binding protein (RBP) expression is causally linked with human cancer tumorigenesis. The detailed biological effect and underlying mechanisms of RBP GRSF1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unclear.Methods:GRSF1 expression in HCC tissues and cells was measured by western blotting and qRT-PCR assays. HCC cells with stable knockdown of GRSF1 were established using two sh-RNA encoding lentiviruses. Then the functions of GRSF1 in HCC were explored using MTT, colony formation, flow cytometry, Transwell assays and xenograft model. Transcriptometric sequencing in GRSF1-deficient MHCC-97H cells were carried out to identify the downstream effector of GSRF1. The regulatory mechanisms among GRSF1, YY1 and miR-30e-5p were investigated by RNA immunoprecipitation, luciferase assay, RNA pull down and ChIP assay.Results:GRSF1was frequently increased in HCC tissue and cells with a worse clinical outcomes in HCC. GRSF1 worked as a novel oncogenic RBP in vitro and in vivo via post-regulating the stability of YY1 mRNA. And the GUUU motifs on YY1 3`UTR 2663-2847 was the specific binding motifs for GRSF1. More interesting, YY1 feedback promoted GRSF1 expression by binding to GRSF1 promoters. In addition, YY1 was a critical target of miR-30e-5p, which was confirmed by our data that inhibited HCC hepatocarcinogenesis. Further investigation showed GRSF1 and miR-30e-5p competitively regulated YY1 via binding to its YY1 3`UTR 2663-2847 region. At last, we identified that 3-amino-6-(4-methylsulfonylphenyl)-N-phenylpyrazine-2-carboxamide (VE821) blocked HCC progression by inhibiting the GRSF1/YY1 pathway.Conclusions:GRSF1 promoted hepatocarcinogenesis via competitively binding to YY1 3`UTR 2663-2847 with miR-30e-5p.The interaction network among GRSF1, YY1 and miR-30e-5p provided a new insight for the HCC pathogenesis, and VE821 may serve as a novel agent with potential for HCC treatment via inhibiting GRSF1/YY1 axis.


2015 ◽  
Vol 35 (19) ◽  
pp. 3339-3353 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Rothé ◽  
Lucia Leal-Esteban ◽  
Florian Bernet ◽  
Séverine Urfer ◽  
Nicholas Doerr ◽  
...  

Loss of the RNA-binding protein Bicaudal-C (Bicc1) provokes renal and pancreatic cysts as well as ectopic Wnt/β-catenin signaling during visceral left-right patterning. Renal cysts are linked to defective silencing of Bicc1 target mRNAs, including adenylate cyclase 6 (AC6). RNA binding of Bicc1 is mediated by N-terminal KH domains, whereas a C-terminal sterile alpha motif (SAM) self-polymerizesin vitroand localizes Bicc1 in cytoplasmic fociin vivo. To assess a role for multimerization in silencing, we conducted structure modeling and then mutated the SAM domain residues which in this model were predicted to polymerize Bicc1 in a left-handed helix. We show that a SAM-SAM interface concentrates Bicc1 in cytoplasmic clusters to specifically localize and silence bound mRNA. In addition, defective polymerization decreases Bicc1 stability and thus indirectly attenuates inhibition of Dishevelled 2 in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Importantly, aberrant C-terminal extension of the SAM domain inbpkmutant Bicc1 phenocopied these defects. We conclude that polymerization is a novel disease-relevant mechanism both to stabilize Bicc1 and to present associated mRNAs in specific silencing platforms.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Saikat Bhattacharya ◽  
Michaella J. Levy ◽  
Ning Zhang ◽  
Hua Li ◽  
Laurence Florens ◽  
...  

AbstractHeterogeneous ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs) are RNA binding molecules that are involved in key processes such as RNA splicing and transcription. One such hnRNP protein, hnRNP L, regulates alternative splicing (AS) by binding to pre-mRNA transcripts. However, it is unclear what factors contribute to hnRNP L-regulated AS events. Using proteomic approaches, we identified several key factors that co-purify with hnRNP L. We demonstrate that one such factor, the histone methyltransferase SETD2, specifically interacts with hnRNP L in vitro and in vivo. This interaction occurs through a previously uncharacterized domain in SETD2, the SETD2-hnRNP Interaction (SHI) domain, the deletion of which, leads to a reduced H3K36me3 deposition. Functionally, SETD2 regulates a subset of hnRNP L-targeted AS events. Our findings demonstrate that SETD2, by interacting with Pol II as well as hnRNP L, can mediate the crosstalk between the transcription and the splicing machinery.


Author(s):  
Zizhen Si ◽  
Lei Yu ◽  
Haoyu Jing ◽  
Lun Wu ◽  
Xidi Wang

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.


Oncogene ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiuxia Yan ◽  
Peng Zeng ◽  
Xiuqin Zhou ◽  
Xiaoying Zhao ◽  
Runqiang Chen ◽  
...  

AbstractThe prognosis for patients with metastatic bladder cancer (BCa) is poor, and it is not improved by current treatments. RNA-binding motif protein X-linked (RBMX) are involved in the regulation of the malignant progression of various tumors. However, the role of RBMX in BCa tumorigenicity and progression remains unclear. In this study, we found that RBMX was significantly downregulated in BCa tissues, especially in muscle-invasive BCa tissues. RBMX expression was negatively correlated with tumor stage, histological grade and poor patient prognosis. Functional assays demonstrated that RBMX inhibited BCa cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion in vitro and suppressed tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Mechanistic investigations revealed that hnRNP A1 was an RBMX-binding protein. RBMX competitively inhibited the combination of the RGG motif in hnRNP A1 and the sequences flanking PKM exon 9, leading to the formation of lower PKM2 and higher PKM1 levels, which attenuated the tumorigenicity and progression of BCa. Moreover, RBMX inhibited aerobic glycolysis through hnRNP A1-dependent PKM alternative splicing and counteracted the PKM2 overexpression-induced aggressive phenotype of the BCa cells. In conclusion, our findings indicate that RBMX suppresses BCa tumorigenicity and progression via an hnRNP A1-mediated PKM alternative splicing mechanism. RBMX may serve as a novel prognostic biomarker for clinical intervention in BCa.


2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 1934578X2110166
Author(s):  
Xin Yi Lim ◽  
Janice Sue Wen Chan ◽  
Terence Yew Chin Tan ◽  
Bee Ping Teh ◽  
Mohd Ridzuan Mohd Abd Razak ◽  
...  

Drug repurposing is commonly employed in the search for potential therapeutic agents. Andrographis paniculata, a medicinal plant commonly used for symptomatic relief of the common cold, and its phytoconstituent andrographolide, have been repeatedly identified as potential antivirals against SARS-CoV-2. In light of new evidence emerging since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, this rapid review was conducted to identify and evaluate the current SARS-CoV-2 antiviral evidence for A. paniculata, andrographolide, and andrographolide analogs. A systematic search and screen strategy of electronic databases and gray literature was undertaken to identify relevant primary articles. One target-based in vitro study reported the 3CLpro inhibitory activity of andrographolide as being no better than disulfiram. Another Vero cell-based study reported potential SARS-CoV-2 inhibitory activity for both andrographolide and A. paniculata extract. Eleven in silico studies predicted the binding of andrographolide and its analogs to several key antiviral targets of SARS-CoV-2 including the spike protein-ACE-2 receptor complex, spike protein, ACE-2 receptor, RdRp, 3CLpro, PLpro, and N-protein RNA-binding domain. In conclusion, in silico and in vitro studies collectively suggest multi-pathway targeting SARS-CoV-2 antiviral properties of andrographolide and its analogs, but in vivo data are needed to support these predictions.


2012 ◽  
Vol 302 (7) ◽  
pp. F884-F894 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nidia Maritza Hernandez ◽  
Anna Casselbrant ◽  
Meghnad Joshi ◽  
Bengt R. Johansson ◽  
Suchitra Sumitran-Holgersson

Anti-endothelial cell antibodies (AECA) have been reported to cause endothelial dysfunction, but their clinical importance for tissue-specific endothelial cells is not clear. We hypothesized that AECA reactive with human kidney endothelial cells (HKEC) may cause renal endothelial dysfunction in patients with chronic kidney diseases. We report that a higher fraction (56%) of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients than healthy controls (5%) have AECA reactive against kidney endothelial cells ( P <0.001). The presence of antibodies was associated with female gender ( P < 0.001), systolic hypertension ( P < 0.01), and elevated TNF-α ( P < 0.05). These antibodies markedly decrease expression of both adherens and tight junction proteins VE-cadherin, claudin-1, and zonula occludens-1 and provoked a rapid increase in cytosolic free Ca2+and rearrangement of actin filaments in HKEC compared with controls. This was followed by an enhancement in protein flux and phosphorylation of VE-cadherin, events associated with augmented endothelial cell permeability. Additionally, kidney biopsies from ESRD patients with AECA but not controls demonstrated a marked decrease in adherens and tight junctions in glomerular endothelium, confirming our in vitro data. In summary, our data demonstrate a causal link between AECA and their capacity to induce alterations in glomerular vascular permeability.


Author(s):  
Mingzhu Luan ◽  
Huiyun Wang ◽  
Jiazhen Wang ◽  
Xiaofan Zhang ◽  
Fenglan Zhao ◽  
...  

: In vivo and in vitro studies reveal that ursolic acid (UA) is able to counteract endogenous and exogenous inflammatory stimuli, and has favorable anti-inflammatory effects. The anti-inflammatory mechanisms mainly include decreasing the release of histamine in mast cells, suppressing the activities of lipoxygenase, cyclooxygenase and phospholipase, and reducing the production of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species, blocking the activation of signal pathway, down-regulating the expression of inflammatory factors, and inhibiting the activities of elastase and complement. These mechanisms can open up new avenues for the scientific community to develop or improve novel therapeutic approaches to tackle inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, atherosclerosis, neuroinflammation, liver diseases, kidney diseases, diabetes, dermatitis, bowel diseases, cancer. The anti-inflammatory activity, the anti-inflammatory mechanism of ursolic acid and its therapeutic applications are reviewed in this paper.


2003 ◽  
Vol 23 (19) ◽  
pp. 7055-7067 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shelly A. Waggoner ◽  
Stephen A. Liebhaber

ABSTRACT Posttranscriptional controls in higher eukaryotes are central to cell differentiation and developmental programs. These controls reflect sequence-specific interactions of mRNAs with one or more RNA binding proteins. The α-globin poly(C) binding proteins (αCPs) comprise a highly abundant subset of K homology (KH) domain RNA binding proteins and have a characteristic preference for binding single-stranded C-rich motifs. αCPs have been implicated in translation control and stabilization of multiple cellular and viral mRNAs. To explore the full contribution of αCPs to cell function, we have identified a set of mRNAs that associate in vivo with the major αCP2 isoforms. One hundred sixty mRNA species were consistently identified in three independent analyses of αCP2-RNP complexes immunopurified from a human hematopoietic cell line (K562). These mRNAs could be grouped into subsets encoding cytoskeletal components, transcription factors, proto-oncogenes, and cell signaling factors. Two mRNAs were linked to ceroid lipofuscinosis, indicating a potential role for αCP2 in this infantile neurodegenerative disease. Surprisingly, αCP2 mRNA itself was represented in αCP2-RNP complexes, suggesting autoregulatory control of αCP2 expression. In vitro analyses of representative target mRNAs confirmed direct binding of αCP2 within their 3′ untranslated regions. These data expand the list of mRNAs that associate with αCP2 in vivo and establish a foundation for modeling its role in coordinating pathways of posttranscriptional gene regulation.


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