scholarly journals Multiple Alu exonizations in 3’UTR of a primate specific isoform of CYP20A1 creates a potential miRNA sponge

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aniket Bhattacharya ◽  
Vineet Jha ◽  
Khushboo Singhal ◽  
Mahar Fatima ◽  
Dayanidhi Singh ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Alu repeats contribute to phylogenetic novelties in conserved regulatory networks in primates. Exaptation of Alus in transcript isoforms could nucleate large-scale mRNA-miRNA interactions and modulate cellular outcomes. Result: Using a functional genomics approach, we report a transcript isoform of an orphan gene, CYP20A1 (CYP20A1_Alu-LT) that arise through exonization of 23 Alus in 3’UTR and is expressed in higher primates. CYP20A1_Alu-LT, confirmed by 3’RACE, is an outlier in length (9kb) and is expressed in multiple cell lines. We demonstrate its presence in single nucleus RNA-seq of ~16000 human cortical neurons (including rosehip neurons). Most strikingly, miRanda predicts ~4700 miRNA recognition elements (MREs; with threshold< -25kcal/mol) for ~1000 miRNAs, which have primarily originated within the 3’UTR-Alus post exonization. CYP20A1_Alu-LT could be a potential multi- miRNA sponge as it harbours - ≥10 MREs for 140 miRNAs and has cytosolic localization. In order to test this further, we explored whether expression of CYP20A1_Alu-LT correlates with genome wide mRNAs harboring similar MRE targets. We carried out RNAseq with conjoint miRNAseq analysis in primary human neurons as we observed CYP20A1_Alu-LT to be downregulated during heat shock response and upregulated in HIV1-Tat treatment. CYP20A1_Alu-LT expression was positively correlated with 380 genes that were significantly downregulated in heat shock and upregulated in Tat and harboured MREs for a set of nine expressed miRNAs that were also enriched in CYP20A1_Alu-LT. The enrichment of MREs in the 380 genes were significant compared to random sets of expressed (p=4.716e-12) as well as differentially expressed genes (p=8.134e-12). Gene ontology revealed involvement of these genes in neuronal development and hemostasis pathways. Conclusion: We demonstrate a potential role for CYP20A1_Alu-LT as miRNA sponge due to significant enrichment of MREs within Alus in a transcript isoform specific manner. This highlights a novel component of Alu-miRNA mediated transcriptional modulation that could govern specific physiological outcomes in higher primates.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aniket Bhattacharya ◽  
Vineet Jha ◽  
Khushboo Singhal ◽  
Mahar Fatima ◽  
Dayanidhi Singh ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Alu repeats contribute to phylogenetic novelties in conserved regulatory networks in primates. Exaptation of Alus in transcript isoforms could nucleate large-scale mRNA-miRNA interactions and modulate cellular outcomes. Result: Using a functional genomics approach, we report a transcript isoform of an orphan gene, CYP20A1 (CYP20A1_Alu-LT) that arise through exonization of 23 Alus in 3’UTR and is expressed in higher primates. CYP20A1_Alu-LT, confirmed by 3’RACE, is an outlier in length (9kb) and is expressed in multiple cell lines. Using publicly available datasets, we demonstrate its presence in single nucleus RNA-seq of 15928 human cortical neurons (including rosehip neurons). miRanda predicts ~4700 miRNA recognition elements (MREs; with threshold< -25kcal/mol) for ~1000 miRNAs, which have primarily originated within the 3’UTR-Alus post exonization. CYP20A1_Alu-LT could be a potential multi-miRNA sponge as it harbours ≥10 MREs for 140 miRNAs and has cytosolic localization. In order to test this further, we explored whether expression of CYP20A1_Alu-LT correlates with genome wide mRNAs harboring similar MRE targets. We carried out RNAseq with conjoint miRNA-seq analysis in primary human neurons as we observed CYP20A1_Alu-LT to be downregulated during heat shock response and upregulated in HIV1-Tat treatment. CYP20A1_Alu-LT expression was positively correlated with 380 genes that were significantly downregulated in heat shock and upregulated in Tat and harboured MREs for a set of nine expressed miRNAs that were also enriched in CYP20A1_Alu-LT. The enrichment of MREs in the 380 genes were significant compared to random sets of expressed (p=4.716e-12) as well as differentially expressed genes (p=8.134e-12). Gene ontology suggested involvement of these genes in neuronal development and hemostasis pathways. Conclusion: Our study suggests a potential role for CYP20A1_Alu-LT as miRNA sponge due to significant enrichment of MREs within Alus in a transcript isoform specific manner. This highlights a novel component of Alu-miRNA mediated transcriptional modulation that could govern specific physiological outcomes in higher primates.


Author(s):  
Aniket Bhattacharya ◽  
Vineet Jha ◽  
Khushboo Singhal ◽  
Mahar Fatima ◽  
Dayanidhi Singh ◽  
...  

Abstract Alu repeats contribute to phylogenetic novelties in conserved regulatory networks in primates. Our study highlights how exonized Alus could nucleate large-scale mRNA-miRNA interactions. Using a functional genomics approach, we characterize a transcript isoform of an orphan gene, CYP20A1 (CYP20A1_Alu-LT) that has exonization of 23 Alus in its 3’UTR. CYP20A1_Alu-LT, confirmed by 3’RACE, is an outlier in length (9 kb 3’UTR) and widely expressed. Using publically available datasets, we demonstrate its expression in higher primates and presence in single nucleus RNA-seq of 15928 human cortical neurons. miRanda predicts ∼4700 miRNA recognition elements (MREs) for ∼1000 miRNAs, primarily originated within these 3’UTR-Alus. CYP20A1_Alu-LT could be a potential multi-miRNA sponge as it harbors ≥10 MREs for 140 miRNAs and has cytosolic localization. We further tested whether expression of CYP20A1_Alu-LT correlates with mRNAs harboring similar MRE targets. RNA-seq with conjoint miRNA-seq analysis was done in primary human neurons where we observed CYP20A1_Alu-LT to be downregulated during heat shock response and upregulated in HIV1-Tat treatment. 380 genes were positively correlated with its expression (significantly downregulated in heat shock and upregulated in Tat) and they harbored MREs for nine expressed miRNAs which were also enriched in CYP20A1_Alu-LT. MREs were significantly enriched in these 380 genes compared to random sets of differentially expressed genes (p = 8.134e-12). Gene ontology suggested involvement of these genes in neuronal development and hemostasis pathways thus proposing a novel component of Alu-miRNA mediated transcriptional modulation that could govern specific physiological outcomes in higher primates.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aniket Bhattacharya ◽  
Vineet Jha ◽  
Khushboo Singhal ◽  
Mahar Fatima ◽  
Dayanidhi Singh ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Primate-specific Alus contribute to transcriptional novelties in conserved gene regulatory networks. Alu RNAs are present at elevated levels in stress conditions and consequently leads to transcript isoform specific functional role modulating the physiological outcome. One of the possible mechanisms could be Alu nucleated mRNA-miRNA interplay. Result: Using combination of bioinformatics and experiments, we report a transcript isoform of an orphan gene, CYP20A1 ( CYP20A1_Alu-LT ) through exaptation of 23 Alus in its 9kb 3’UTR. CYP20A1_Alu-LT , confirmed by 3’RACE, is an outlier in length and expressed in multiple cell lines. We demonstrate its presence in single nucleus RNA-seq of ~16000 human cortical neurons (including rosehip neurons). Its expression is restricted to the higher primates. Most strikingly, miRanda predicts ~4700 miRNA recognition elements (MREs; with threshold< -25kcal/mol) for ~1000 miRNAs, which have majorly originated within the 3’UTR-Alus post exaptation. We hypothesized that differential expression of this transcript could modulate mRNA-miRNA networks and tested it in primary human neurons where CYP20A1_Alu-LT is downregulated during heat shock response and upregulated upon HIV1-Tat treatment. CYP20A1_Alu-LT could possibly function as a miRNA sponge as it exhibits features of a sponge RNA such as cytosolic localization and ≥10 MREs for 140 miRNAs. Small RNA-seq revealed expression of nine miRNAs that can potentially be sponged by CYP20A1_Alu-LT in neurons. Additionally, CYP20A1_Alu-LT expression was positively correlated (low in heat shock and high in Tat) with 380 differentially expressed genes that contain cognate MREs for these nine miRNAs. This set is enriched in genes involved in neuronal development and hemostasis pathways. Conclusion: We demonstrate a potential role for CYP20A1_Alu-LT as miRNA sponge through preferential presence of MREs within Alus in a transcript isoform specific manner. This highlights a novel component of Alu-miRNA mediated transcriptional modulation leading to physiological homeostasis.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aniket Bhattacharya ◽  
Vineet Jha ◽  
Khushboo Singhal ◽  
Mahar Fatima ◽  
Dayanidhi Singh ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundPrimate-specific Alus contribute to transcriptional novelties in conserved gene regulatory networks. Alu RNAs are present at elevated levels in stress conditions and consequently leads to transcript isoform specific functional role modulating the physiological outcome. One of the possible mechanisms could be Alu nucleated mRNA-miRNA interplay.ResultUsing combination of bioinformatics and experiments, we report a transcript isoform of an orphan gene, CYP20A1 (CYP20A1_Alu-LT) through exaptation of 23 Alus in its 9kb 3’UTR. CYP20A1_Alu-LT, confirmed by 3’RACE, is an outlier in length and expressed in multiple cell lines. We demonstrate its presence in single nucleus RNA-seq of ∼16000 human cortical neurons (including rosehip neurons). Its expression is restricted to the higher primates. Most strikingly, miRanda predicts ∼4700 miRNA recognition elements (MREs; with threshold< −25kcal/mol) for ∼1000 miRNAs, which have majorly originated within the 3’UTR-Alus post exaptation. We hypothesized that differential expression of this transcript could modulate mRNA-miRNA networks and tested it in primary human neurons where CYP20A1_Alu-LT is downregulated during heat shock response and upregulated upon HIV1-Tat treatment. CYP20A1_Alu-LT could possibly function as a miRNA sponge as it exhibits features of a sponge RNA such as cytosolic localization and ≥10 MREs for 140 miRNAs. Small RNA-seq revealed expression of nine miRNAs that can potentially be sponged by CYP20A1_Alu-LT in neurons. Additionally, CYP20A1_Alu-LT expression was positively correlated (low in heat shock and high in Tat) with 380 differentially expressed genes that contain cognate MREs for these nine miRNAs. This set is enriched in genes involved in neuronal development and hemostasis pathways.ConclusionWe demonstrate a potential role for CYP20A1_Alu-LT as miRNA sponge through preferential presence of MREs within Alus in a transcript isoform specific manner. This highlights a novel component of Alu-miRNA mediated transcriptional modulation leading to physiological homeostasis.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryohei Iwata ◽  
Pierre Casimir ◽  
Emir Erkol ◽  
Leila Boubakar ◽  
Melanie Planque ◽  
...  

The evolution of species involves changes in the timeline of key developmental programs. Among these, neuronal development is considerably prolonged in the human cerebral cortex compared with other mammals, leading to brain neoteny. Here we explore whether mitochondria influence the species-specific properties of cortical neuron maturation. By comparing human and mouse cortical neuronal maturation at high temporal and cell resolution, we found a slower pattern of mitochondria development in human cortical neurons compared with the mouse, together with lower mitochondria metabolic activity, particularly oxidative phosphorylation. Stimulation of mitochondria metabolism in human neurons resulted in accelerated maturation, leading to excitable and complex cells weeks ahead of time. Our data identify mitochondria as important regulators of the pace of neuronal development underlying human-specific features of brain evolution.


2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dong Won Kim ◽  
Kai Liu ◽  
Zoe Qianyi Wang ◽  
Yi Stephanie Zhang ◽  
Abhijith Bathini ◽  
...  

AbstractGABAergic neurons of the hypothalamus regulate many innate behaviors, but little is known about the mechanisms that control their development. We previously identified hypothalamic neurons that express the LIM homeodomain transcription factor Lhx6, a master regulator of cortical interneuron development, as sleep-promoting. In contrast to telencephalic interneurons, hypothalamic Lhx6 neurons do not undergo long-distance tangential migration and do not express cortical interneuronal markers such as Pvalb. Here, we show that Lhx6 is necessary for the survival of hypothalamic neurons. Dlx1/2, Nkx2-2, and Nkx2-1 are each required for specification of spatially distinct subsets of hypothalamic Lhx6 neurons, and that Nkx2-2+/Lhx6+ neurons of the zona incerta are responsive to sleep pressure. We further identify multiple neuropeptides that are enriched in spatially segregated subsets of hypothalamic Lhx6 neurons, and that are distinct from those seen in cortical neurons. These findings identify common and divergent molecular mechanisms by which Lhx6 controls the development of GABAergic neurons in the hypothalamus.


2008 ◽  
Vol 40 (7) ◽  
pp. 854-861 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jun Zhu ◽  
Bin Zhang ◽  
Erin N Smith ◽  
Becky Drees ◽  
Rachel B Brem ◽  
...  

2010 ◽  
Vol 19 (18) ◽  
pp. 3642-3651 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria M. Alves ◽  
Grzegorz Burzynski ◽  
Jean-Marie Delalande ◽  
Jan Osinga ◽  
Annemieke van der Goot ◽  
...  

Abstract Goldberg–Shprintzen syndrome (GOSHS) is a rare clinical disorder characterized by central and enteric nervous system defects. This syndrome is caused by inactivating mutations in the Kinesin Binding Protein (KBP) gene, which encodes a protein of which the precise function is largely unclear. We show that KBP expression is up-regulated during neuronal development in mouse cortical neurons. Moreover, KBP-depleted PC12 cells were defective in nerve growth factor-induced differentiation and neurite outgrowth, suggesting that KBP is required for cell differentiation and neurite development. To identify KBP interacting proteins, we performed a yeast two-hybrid screen and found that KBP binds almost exclusively to microtubule associated or related proteins, specifically SCG10 and several kinesins. We confirmed these results by validating KBP interaction with one of these proteins: SCG10, a microtubule destabilizing protein. Zebrafish studies further demonstrated an epistatic interaction between KBP and SCG10 in vivo . To investigate the possibility of direct interaction between KBP and microtubules, we undertook co-localization and in vitro binding assays, but found no evidence of direct binding. Thus, our data indicate that KBP is involved in neuronal differentiation and that the central and enteric nervous system defects seen in GOSHS are likely caused by microtubule-related defects.


2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Monica Frega ◽  
Katrin Linda ◽  
Jason M. Keller ◽  
Güvem Gümüş-Akay ◽  
Britt Mossink ◽  
...  

Abstract Kleefstra syndrome (KS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations in the histone methyltransferase EHMT1. To study the impact of decreased EHMT1 function in human cells, we generated excitatory cortical neurons from induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells derived from KS patients. Neuronal networks of patient-derived cells exhibit network bursting with a reduced rate, longer duration, and increased temporal irregularity compared to control networks. We show that these changes are mediated by upregulation of NMDA receptor (NMDAR) subunit 1 correlating with reduced deposition of the repressive H3K9me2 mark, the catalytic product of EHMT1, at the GRIN1 promoter. In mice EHMT1 deficiency leads to similar neuronal network impairments with increased NMDAR function. Finally, we rescue the KS patient-derived neuronal network phenotypes by pharmacological inhibition of NMDARs. Summarized, we demonstrate a direct link between EHMT1 deficiency and NMDAR hyperfunction in human neurons, providing a potential basis for more targeted therapeutic approaches for KS.


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