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Riboregulation: a non-canonical tau function.

Almost since its discovery, tau protein has perplexed scientists and clinicians with its varied roles in physiology as well as its appearance as phosphorylated protein aggregates of various structures in many neurodegenerative diseases. Tau plays a role in microtubule stabilization, but from the earliest of studies, tau has also been observed to bind to RNA, with recent research suggesting tau has a higher affinity for some RNA species compared to microtubules. In the context of disease, tau dysfunction potentiates disruptions to RNA metabolism, including the perturbation of mRNA splicing, impairment of translation, de-repression of transposable elements, and alteration of RNA export and degradation. Tau aggregates directly sequester diverse RNA species and RNA binding proteins. Emerging evidence reinforces the characterization of tau as an RNA binding protein, highlighting questions about both the physiological and disease-related functions of this direct RNA binding. The disparate structure of tau in normal and various disease states makes teasing apart the various impacts on RNA and regulation a more difficult puzzle requiring future study. In this review, we summarize the evidence for tau's role in RNA biology, including as an RNA binding protein.

tau Proteins↗

Proteins that recognize unique features of U7 snRNA and may substitute for Gemin5 in the assembly of U7-specific Sm ring.

U7 snRNA is a 60 nucleotide component of U7 snRNP, a multisubunit endonuclease that cleaves precursors of metazoan replication-dependent histone mRNAs at the 3' end, hence generating mature histone mRNAs. The Sm site in U7 snRNA differs from the Sm site in spliceosomal snRNAs and promotes the assembly of a unique Sm ring containing Lsm10 and Lsm11 instead of the spliceosomal SmD1 and SmD2 proteins. While the spliceosomal-type Sm site is recognized by Gemin5, a subunit of the SMN complex, the identity of the protein that recognizes the unusual Sm site of U7 snRNA resulting in the incorporation of Lsm10 and Lsm11 has not been determined. Here, we looked for proteins in mammalian extracts that interact with U7 snRNA and identified polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1 (PTBP1) and insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 3 (IGF2BP3) as two major proteins with this characteristic. The binding of PTBP1 and IGF2BP3 to U7 snRNA depends on its unique Sm site and on the upstream CUCUUU motif that base-pairs with histone pre-mRNAs and defines substrate specificity of U7 snRNP. Among proteins that bind U7 snRNA, we also identified hnRNP A1. We show that hnRNP A1 interacts with the SMN protein of the SMN complex, a likely prerequisite for the protein that substitutes for Gemin5 in the assembly of U7-specific Sm ring. Our results also suggest a mechanism that explains why Gemin5 does not bind the Sm site of U7 snRNA.

RNA, Small Nuclear↗

Histidine 62 in ArfB is required for stop codon-independent peptidyl-tRNA hydrolysis on the stalled ribosome.

Translating ribosomes can stall on mRNA for various reasons, including nuclease cleavage, arrest peptide sequences or ribosome collisions. In Escherichia coli, several ribosome rescue factors act to release ribosomes stalled at the 3' end of mRNA. Among these factors, ArfB can rescue stalled ribosomes without the help of other factors. ArfB consists of an N-terminal domain containing the catalytic GGQ motif, which mediates peptidyl-tRNA hydrolysis, and a C-terminal extension that functions as a sensor for recognizing stalled ribosomes. However, how these two regions coordinate to resolve ribosome stalling remains unclear. Here, using a reconstituted translation system, we found the functional importance of histidine residues in the N-terminal domain of ArfB. In particular, histidine at position 62 in E. coli ArfB was required for stop codon-independent fMet-tRNA hydrolysis, whereas its substitution did not affect affinity for the ribosome. Furthermore, directed hydroxyl radical probing revealed that H62A mutation did not significantly alter the overall positioning of either the N-terminal domain or the C-terminal extension of ArfB on the ribosome. These findings suggest that H62 contributes to ArfB function during a step following initial ribosome binding, thereby facilitating peptidyl-tRNA hydrolysis.

Ribosomes↗

Mammalian antiviral proteins ZAP and KHNYN can independently restrict CpG-enriched avian viruses.

Zoonotic viruses are an omnipresent threat to global health. Influenza A virus (IAV) transmits between birds, livestock, and humans. Proviral host factors involved in the cross-species interface are well known. Less is known about antiviral mechanisms that suppress IAV zoonoses. We observed CpG dinucleotide depletion in human IAV relative to avian IAV. Notably, human ZAP selectively depletes CpG-enriched viral RNAs with its cofactor KHNYN. ZAP is conserved in tetrapods, but we uncovered that avian species lack KHNYN. We found that chicken ZAP may not affect IAV (PR8) or CpG-enriched IAV (PR8CG). Human ZAP or KHNYN independently restricted CpG-enriched IAV PR8CG by overexpression in chicken cells and by combined knockout in human cells. Additionally, mammalian ZAP-L and KHNYN also independently restricted an avian retrovirus (ROSV). Curiously, platypus KHNYN, the most divergent from eutherian mammals, was also capable of independent restriction of multiple diverse viruses. We suggest that some mammalian KHNYN can act as a bona fide restriction factor with cell-autonomous activity. Furthermore, we speculate that through repeated contact between avian viruses and mammalian hosts, protein changes may accompany CpG-biased mutations or reassortment to evade mammalian ZAP and KHNYN.

Animals↗

Multipotent genetic suppression of retrotransposon-induced mutations by Nxf1 through fine-tuning of alternative splicing.

Cellular gene expression machinery has coevolved with molecular parasites, such as viruses and transposons, which rely on host cells for their expression and reproduction. We previously reported that a wild-derived allele of mouse Nxf1 (Tap), a key component of the host mRNA nuclear export machinery, suppresses two endogenous retrovirus-induced mutations and shows suggestive evidence of positive selection. Here we show that Nxf1(CAST) suppresses a specific and frequent class of intracisternal A particle (IAP)-induced mutations, including Ap3d1(mh2J), a model for Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome, and Atcay(hes), an orthologous gene model for Cayman ataxia, among others. The molecular phenotype of suppression includes approximately two-fold increase in the level of correctly-spliced mRNA and a decrease in mutant-specific, alternatively-processed RNA accumulating from the inserted allele. Insertional mutations involving ETn and LINE elements are not suppressed, demonstrating a high degree of specificity to this suppression mechanism. These results implicate Nxf1 in some instances of pre-mRNA processing, demonstrate the useful range of Nxf1(CAST) alleles for manipulating existing mouse models of disease, and specifically imply a low functional threshold for therapeutic benefit in Cayman ataxia.

Alternative Splicing↗

Assessing nanobody interaction with SARS-CoV-2 Nsp9.

The interaction between SARS-CoV-2 non-structural protein Nsp9 and the nanobody 2NSP90 was investigated by NMR spectroscopy using the paramagnetic perturbation methodology PENELOP (Paramagnetic Equilibrium vs Nonequilibrium magnetization Enhancement or LOss Perturbation). The Nsp9 monomer is an essential component of the replication and transcription complex (RTC) that reproduces the viral gRNA for subsequent propagation. Therefore preventing Nsp9 recruitment in RTC would represent an efficient antiviral strategy that could be applied to different coronaviruses, given the Nsp9 relative invariance. The NMR results were consistent with a previous characterization suggesting a 4:4 Nsp9-to-nanobody stoichiometry with the occurrence of two epitope pairs on each of the Nsp9 units that establish the inter-dimer contacts of Nsp9 tetramer. The oligomerization state of Nsp9 was also analyzed by molecular dynamics simulations and both dimers and tetramers resulted plausible. A different distribution of the mapped epitopes on the tetramer surface with respect to the former 4:4 complex could also be possible, as well as different stoichiometries of the Nsp9-nanobody assemblies such as the 2:2 stoichiometry suggested by the recent crystal structure of the Nsp9 complex with 2NSP23 (PDB ID: 8dqu), a nanobody exhibiting essentially the same affinity as 2NSP90. The experimental NMR evidence, however, ruled out the occurrence in liquid state of the relevant Nsp9 conformational change observed in the same crystal structure.

Viral Nonstructural Proteins↗

EWS-RNA Binding Protein 1: Structural Insights into Ewing Sarcoma by Conformational Dynamics Investigations.

BACKGROUND: Prior research has demonstrated that proteins play a significant role in the prognosis and treatments of various sarcomas, including Ewing sarcoma through the interplay of downstream signaling cascades. However, there is limited understanding about the strcucture conformation of EWSR1 and its structural implication in the prognosis of Ewsing Sarcoma by interaction with RNA molecules. AIMS: The primary goal of ongoing research is to determine how EWSR1 contributes to Ewing sarcoma. OBJECTIVE: The current study explores the complexity of EWSR1 structure and its conformational interactions with RNA in relation to Ewing sarcoma. METHODS: Here, we employed a comparative modeling approach to predict EWSR1 domains separately and assembled them into one structural unit using a DEMO server. Additionally, the RNA motifs interacting with EWSR1 were predicted, and the 3D model was built using RNAComposer. Protein-RNA docking and MD simulation studies were carried out to check the intermolecular interactions and stability behavior of docked EWSR1-RNA complexes. RESULTS: The overall results explore the structural insights into EWSR1 and their interactions with RNA, which may play a momentous role in co- and post-transcriptional regulation to control gene expression. CONCLUSION: Taken togather, our findings suggest that EWSR1 may be a useful therapeutic target for the diagnosis and management of Ewing sarcoma.

Sarcoma, Ewing↗

Proximity labeling puts ZFP36L1 as central hub for posttranscriptional regulation networks in T cells.

Effective T cell responses against pathogens require a rapid yet tightly controlled remodeling of the proteome, and RNA binding proteins (RBPs) are key in this process. For instance, the RBP ZFP36L1 prevents excessive protein production and thereby limits immunopathology. ZFP36L1 is primarily known to mediate mRNA decay, but it can also regulate other processes. How its mode of action relates to its interaction partners is, however, not well-understood. Here, we mapped the ZFP36L1 interactome in primary human T cells. Using proximity labeling, we identified known and new interactors that regulate 3'UTR-mediated RNA degradation, deadenylation, stress granule/p-body formation, as well as 5'UTR-mediated translation repression and mRNA decapping. Snapshot analysis uncovered the ZFP36L1 interactome dynamics and RNA (in)dependency throughout T cell activation. Intriguingly, proximity labeling also uncovered regulators of ZFP36L1 protein expression. This included the helicase UPF1, which not only interacts with ZFP36L1 protein but that may also promote its protein expression. Altogether, this comprehensive interactome map underlines the versatility of interactions with ZFP36L1 and their possible role in cellular function.

Humans↗

A regulatory cis element and a specific binding factor involved in the mitogenic control of murine ribosomal protein L32 translation.

The mRNA encoding ribosomal protein L32 redistributes from untranslated subribosomal particles into polysomes after mitogenic activation of quiescent T-lymphocytes and fibroblasts. To identify the regions of the L32 mRNA which are important in regulating its cytoplasmic location we constructed a plasmid containing the murine L32 cDNA under the control of the Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) long terminal repeat promoter and introduced this construct into murine 3T3 fibroblasts. The mRNA transcribed from the RSV-L32 construct redistributed from subribosomal particles into polysomes in response to mitogenic activation in a manner similar to endogenous L32 mRNA. A conserved polypyrimidine region present at the 5' terminus of all ribosomal protein mRNAs is required for translational regulation of L32 mRNA since deletion of this sequence resulted in a mRNA that was not sequestered in subribosomal particles in quiescent cells. A radioactive RNA probe containing the first 34 nucleotides of the L32 5'-untranslated region, including the polypyrimidine region, specifically interacted with a protein of about 56 kDa. This protein did not bind detectably to RNA probes lacking the polypyrimidine sequence. Binding activity was similar in protein extracts made from resting and activated cells, suggesting that binding of the 56-kDa protein as measured in this assay is not regulated. This protein is a member of what may be an emerging family of polyribopyrimidine-binding proteins with diverse biochemical functions.

3T3 Cells↗

Cloning and expression of a cellular high density lipoprotein-binding protein that is up-regulated by cholesterol loading of cells.

Plasma membranes of cultured cells contain high affinity receptors for high density lipoprotein (HDL) that appear to mediate removal of excess intracellular cholesterol. Recent studies using ligand blot analysis have identified a 110-kDa membrane protein which has features predicted for an HDL receptor, in that it preferentially binds HDL apolipoproteins and undergoes up-regulation in response to cholesterol loading of cells. In this study, we isolated a cDNA clone from an expression library using an antibody raised against partially purified 110-kDa HDL-binding protein. This clone encodes a novel cell protein, designated HBP, comprised mostly of 14 imperfect tandem repeats of approximately 70 amino acids in length. Each repeat appears to contain two amphipathic helices. Expression of HBP in cultured cells was increased severalfold when cells were loaded with cholesterol, as evident by increases in both HBP mRNA and membrane-associated protein. Overexpression of HBP in mammalian cell transfectants was associated with higher HDL binding to isolated cell protein and with modest increases in HDL binding to the cell surface. Proteins identified by ligand blot analysis had lower apparent M(r) than the primary HBP gene product and varied in M(r) and in HDL binding activity between cell types, suggesting that HBP undergoes cell-specific processing. These results provide preliminary evidence that HBP is a component of a cellular pathway that facilitates removal of excess cholesterol from cells, perhaps through its interaction with HDL. However, the predicted structure of HBP does not conform to that of any known receptor, suggesting that it does not function as a classic plasma membrane receptor.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Distribution and phenotype of Epstein-Barr virus-harboring cells in Hodgkin's disease.

Distribution and phenotype of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-harboring cells were determined in Hodgkin's disease (HD) biopsies by in situ hybridization with [35S]-labeled RNA probes specific for the small EBV-encoded nuclear RNAs, EBER1 and EBER2, in some instances preceded by immunohistology for CD20, CD30, CD45RO, and CD68 antigens, the T-cell receptor beta-chain, and latent membrane antigen (LMP) of EBV. Twenty-three of 46 HD cases displayed EBER transcripts in all Hodgkin and Reed-Sternberg (H-RS) cells, and 18 of these cases showed LMP expression exclusively in neoplastic cells. EBER+ small reactive cells were present in 39 cases in low numbers, and in three cases in abundance. Thus, presence of H-RS cells with or without LMP expression was not accompanied by an unrestricted proliferation of reactive EBER+/LMP- lymphoid cells in the majority of HD patients. Simultaneous in situ hybridization with [35S]-labeled immunoglobulin light chain (IgLC) gene probes and nonisotopically labeled EBER probe showed a phenotype of mature B lymphocytes and a polyclonal composition for a large proportion of the EBER+ small cells. However, in contrast to noninfected cells, CD20 expression was not detectable in many of these cells, which may indicate downregulation of certain differentiation antigens in latently EBV-infected small lymphoid cells in vivo.

Antigens, CD↗

Cellular localization and characterization of proteins that bind high density lipoprotein.

High density lipoprotein (HDL) stimulates excretion of excess intracellular cholesterol from cells, presumably by interacting with a cell-surface receptor. A 110 kDa membrane protein that is a candidate for the HDL receptor has been identified by ligand blot analysis. In this study we determined the cellular localization of this and other HDL-binding proteins and characterized their properties. The plasma membranes (PM) of cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells were labeled with trace amounts of [3H]cholesterol, and cell homogenates were fractionated on sucrose and Percoll gradients. Ligand blot analysis of homogenates of cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells demonstrated that cells contain multiple proteins that bind HDL3, including a major membrane protein with an apparent M(r) of 110 kDa and two minor ones with M(r) of 105 and 130 kDa. The gradient distribution of the 105, 110, and 130 kDa HDL-binding proteins mirrored that of labeled cholesterol and 5'-nucleotidase, both PM markers. Treatment of intact cells with the water-soluble cross-linker bis(sulfosuccinimidyl)suberate abolished the HDL binding activity of the 110 and 130 kDa proteins but not that of the 105 kDa protein. These findings suggest that the 105, 110, and 130 kDa HDL-binding proteins are localized to the PM and that at least two of these proteins are exposed to the extracellular fluid. Solubilized 110 and 130 kDa proteins were retained on wheat-germ agglutinin and abrin lectin columns, showing that they are glycoproteins. The cellular localization and physical properties of the 110 and 130 kDa proteins suggest that they may play a role in binding of HDL to the cell surface.

Abrin↗

Assessment of retrovirus-expressed nucleoprotein as a vaccine against lethal influenza virus infections of chickens.

Hemagglutinin-based influenza vaccines stimulate protection in chickens that is limited to the serotype of the expressed hemagglutinin. To evaluate whether a more highly conserved influenza virus protein might stimulate a broader protective response, the influenza virus nucleoprotein (NP) was introduced into a retroviral vector (mRCAS/NP). NP is an internal influenza virus protein that has been shown to stimulate cytotoxic T-cell responses in influenza-virus-infected mice. Cells infected with mRCAS/NP expressed approximately 10% of the level of NP observed in influenza-virus-infected chicken embryo fibroblasts. Immunocompetent chicks were vaccinated intramuscularly with approximately 1 x 10(5) NP-expressing units of mRCAS/NP. Four weeks later, chicks were bled and challenged with a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (A/Chicken/Victoria/1/85). The NP-expressing vector stimulated an influenza-virus-specific response, as indicated by the presence of antibody to NP, but failed to protect against the lethal challenge.

Animals↗

The effects on lipid metabolism of 4-phenyl-5,5-dicarbethoxy-2-pyrrolidenone in Sprague Dawley rats.

4-Phenyl-5,5-dicarbethoxy-2-pyrrolidenone [XIV] treatment in Sprague Dawley rats caused significant reduction of serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels with reduction of VLDL and LDL cholesterol levels. The compound significantly reduced regulatory enzyme activities, e.g. ATP dependent citrate lyase, HMG CoA reductase, acyl CoA cholesterol acyl transferase, cholesterol-7-alpha-hydroxylase, sn-glycerol-3-phosphate acyl transferase and phosphatidylate phosphohydrolase. In tissue cultured cells, the compound suppressed LDL receptor activity and degradation, and elevated HDL receptor activity and HDL degradation. Rat bile cholesterol and phospholipids were elevated; however, overall bile acids were reduced. In situ loop studies suggest that the agent interfered with interhepatic reabsorption of cholesterol and cholic acids. At the therapeutic dose of compound XIV, no deleterious effects were demonstrated in mice.

Animals↗

The MRS1 gene of S. douglasii: co-evolution of mitochondrial introns and specific splicing proteins encoded by nuclear genes.

We have developed a rapid and simple methodology to locate yeast genes within cloned inserts, obtain partial sequence information, and construct chromosomal disruptions of these genes. This methodology has been used to study a nuclear gene from the yeast S. douglasii (a close relative of S. cerevisiae), which is essential for the excision of the mitochondrial intron aI1 of S. douglasii (the first intron in the gene encoding subunit I of cytochrome oxidase), an intron which is not present in the mitochondrial genome of S. cerevisiae. We have shown that this gene is the homologue of the S. cerevisiae MRS1 gene, which is essential for the excision of the mitochondrial introns bI3 and aI5 beta of S. cerevisiae, but is unable to assure the excision of the intron aI1 from the coxI gene of S. douglasii. The two genes are very similar, with only 13% nucleotide substitutions in the coding region, transitions being 2.5 times more frequent than transvertions. At the protein level there are 86% identical residues and 7% conservative substitutions. The divergence of the MRS1 genes of S. cerevisiae and S. douglasii, and the concomitant changes in the structure of their mitochondrial genomes is an interesting example of the co-evolution of nuclear and mitochondrial genomes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Effects of isoxazolidine or triazolidine on rat serum lipids in vivo and LDL and HDL binding and degradation in human and rodent cultured cells in vitro.

2-(3,4,5-Trimethoxybenzoyl)-4,4-diethyl-3,5-isoxazolidione (TDI) and 1-acetyl-4-phenyl-1,2,4-triazolidine-3,5-dione (APTD) are two chemically related derivatives which have demonstrated potent hypolipidemic activity in mice at 20 mg/kg/day I.P. for 16 days. The purpose of this study is to correlate in vivo effects of TDI and APTD on rat serum lipoprotein lipids and apoprotein levels as well as plasma clearance and tissue uptake with effects of the agents on tissue cultured cells' LDL and HDL receptor binding, internalization and degradation. This study also correlates in vivo effects of TDI and APTD with endogenous enzyme activities regulated by these high affinity receptors. In rats at 20 mg/kg/day orally serum cholesterol, triglyceride, and VLDL-cholesterol levels were effectively reduced while HDL cholesterol levels were significantly elevated with both agents. These compounds in human hepatocytes lowered LDL receptor binding and degradation, whereas HDL receptor binding and degradation were elevated in human hepatocytes, rat small intestinal epithelium cells, human BG fibroblasts, rat aorta cells and mouse macrophages. These drugs inhibited HMG CoA reductase and sn-glycerol-3-phosphate acyl transferase activities, findings consistent with the observed in vivo reductions in serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Both drugs reduced activity of acyl CoA:cholesterol acyl transferase and accelerated activity of neutral cholesterol hydrolase in liver and aorta cells. This modulation by the drugs should reduce disposition of cholesterol esters in these tissues especially aorta wall; this effect was indeed observed in vivo. In the presence of TDI and APTD, HDL uptake of intracellular cholesterol from fibroblasts was accelerated. This was consistent with results from in vivo rat studies showing that HDL clearance was faster after treatment while clearance of LDL slowed. Tissue uptake of HDL and LDL after drug treatment was reduced for the major organs; however the liver accumulation was elevated. The accelerated uptake in the liver was probably due to the observed higher levels of Apo-E and Apo-AI in HDL after drug treatment. Increased excretion of cholesterol from the liver to the bile after drug treatment indicated that the reserve cholesterol transport system by HDL was accelerated by the agents in vivo.

Animals↗

A human polyadenylation factor is a G protein beta-subunit homologue.

Cleavage stimulation factor (CstF) is one of the multiple factors required for polyadenylation of mammalian pre-mRNAs in vitro. We have shown previously that this factor is composed of three distinct subunits of 77, 64, and 50 kDa, and that the 64-kDa subunit can be UV-cross-linked to RNA in a polyadenylation signal (AAUAAA)-dependent manner. By molecular cloning, the 64-kDa subunit was shown to contain a ribonucleoprotein-type RNA binding domain and a novel repeat structure. To study the functions of the other subunits, we have now isolated cDNAs encoding the 50-kDa subunit of human CstF. This subunit shares extensive homology with mammalian G protein beta-subunits and has a characteristic repeat structure (transducin repeat), in which an approximately 44-amino acid-long sequence is repeated seven times. To our knowledge, the 50-kDa subunit is the first example of a functional beta-subunit-like protein in vertebrates. Possible roles of the transducin repeat, both in CstF function specifically and in other beta-subunit homologues more generally, are discussed.

Amino Acid Sequence↗