The formation of root system architecture(RSA)plays a crucial role in plant growth.OsDRO1 is known to have a function in controlling RSA in rice,however,the role of potato StDRO2,a homolog of rice OsDRO1,in root growt...The formation of root system architecture(RSA)plays a crucial role in plant growth.OsDRO1 is known to have a function in controlling RSA in rice,however,the role of potato StDRO2,a homolog of rice OsDRO1,in root growth remains unclear.In this study,we obtained potato dro2 mutant lines by Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats-CRISPR-Associated 9(CRISPR/Cas9)-mediated genome editing system.The mutant lines were generated from a splicing defect of the StDRO2 intron 1,which causes a nonsense mutation in StDRO2.Furthermore,the secondary structure of StDRO2 mRNA analyzed with RNAfold Web Server was altered in the dro2 mutant.Mutation of StDRO2 conveys potato adaptation through changing the RSA via alteration of auxin transport under drought stress.The potato dro2 lines showed higher plant height,longer root length,smaller root growth angle and increased tuber weight than the wild-type.The alteration of RSA was associated with a disturbance of IAA distribution in the dro2 mutant,and the levels of StPIN7 and StPIN10 detected by using real-time PCR were up-regulated in the roots of potato dro2 lines grown under drought stress.Moreover,the microRNAs(miRNAs)PmiREN024536 and PmiREN024486 targeted the StDRO2 gene,and auxin positively and negatively regulated the expression of StDRO2 and the miRNAs PmiREN024536 and PmiREN024486,respectively,in the potato roots.Our data shows that a regulatory network involving auxin,StDRO2,PmiREN024536 and PmiREN024486 can control RSA to convey potato fitness under drought stress.展开更多
Pentatricopeptide repeat(PPR)proteins are a large group of eukaryote-specific RNA-binding proteins that play pivotal roles in plant organelle gene expression.Here,we report the function of PPR21 in mitochondrial intro...Pentatricopeptide repeat(PPR)proteins are a large group of eukaryote-specific RNA-binding proteins that play pivotal roles in plant organelle gene expression.Here,we report the function of PPR21 in mitochondrial intron splicing and its role in maize kernel development.PPR21 is a typical P-type PPR protein targeted to mitochondria.The ppr21 mutants are arrested in embryogenesis and endosperm development,leading to embryo lethality.Null mutations of PPR21 reduce the splicing efficiency of nad2 intron 1,2,and 4 and impair the assembly and activity of mitochondrial complex I.Previous studies show that the P-type PPR protein EMP12 is required for the splicing of identical introns.However,our protein interaction analyses reveal that PPR21 does not interact with EMP12.Instead,both PPR21 and EMP12 interact with the small MutS-related(SMR)domain-containing PPR protein 1(PPR-SMR1)and the short P-type PPR protein 2(SPR2).PPR-SMR1 interacts with SPR2,and both proteins are required for the splicing of many introns in mitochondria,including nad2 intron 1,2,and 4.These results suggest that a PPR21-(PPR-SMR1/SPR2)-EMP12 complex is involved in the splicing of nad2 introns in maize mitochondria.展开更多
In this study,we examine the problem of sliced inverse regression(SIR),a widely used method for sufficient dimension reduction(SDR).It was designed to find reduced-dimensional versions of multivariate predictors by re...In this study,we examine the problem of sliced inverse regression(SIR),a widely used method for sufficient dimension reduction(SDR).It was designed to find reduced-dimensional versions of multivariate predictors by replacing them with a minimally adequate collection of their linear combinations without loss of information.Recently,regularization methods have been proposed in SIR to incorporate a sparse structure of predictors for better interpretability.However,existing methods consider convex relaxation to bypass the sparsity constraint,which may not lead to the best subset,and particularly tends to include irrelevant variables when predictors are correlated.In this study,we approach sparse SIR as a nonconvex optimization problem and directly tackle the sparsity constraint by establishing the optimal conditions and iteratively solving them by means of the splicing technique.Without employing convex relaxation on the sparsity constraint and the orthogonal constraint,our algorithm exhibits superior empirical merits,as evidenced by extensive numerical studies.Computationally,our algorithm is much faster than the relaxed approach for the natural sparse SIR estimator.Statistically,our algorithm surpasses existing methods in terms of accuracy for central subspace estimation and best subset selection and sustains high performance even with correlated predictors.展开更多
Caspases,which play key roles in cell apoptosis,undergo alternative splicing to form different splicing variants that can regulate the apoptotic process.Lepidopteran insect caspases undergo alternative splicing,althou...Caspases,which play key roles in cell apoptosis,undergo alternative splicing to form different splicing variants that can regulate the apoptotic process.Lepidopteran insect caspases undergo alternative splicing,although the functions of their splicing variants are still unclear.The Spodoptera exigua caspase-5(SeCaspase-5)gene was cloned and found to produce four different splicing variants with different gene sequences and protein functional domains,which were named SeCaspase-5a,SeCaspase-5b,SeCaspase-5c and SeCaspase-5d.Overexpression of these variants in S.exigua cells(Se-3)showed that SeCaspase-5a had a proapoptotic function,whereas SeCaspase-5b,SeCaspase-5c and SeCaspase-5d did not.Semi-qPCR analysis revealed that the expression of the SeCaspase-5 variants significantly differed during Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus(AcMNPV)infection.Furthermore,the SeCaspase-5 variants were constructed into the AcMNPV bacmid and transfected into Se-3 cells,which revealed that SeCaspase-5a promoted cell apoptosis and reduced virus production,whereas SeCaspase-5b,SeCaspase-5c and SeCaspase-5d did not promote cell apoptosis but instead increased virus production.Moreover,an analysis of the interactions between the SeCaspase-5 variants revealed that SeCaspase-5a directly interacted with SeCaspase-5b,SeCaspase-5c and SeCaspase-5d.Coexpression of these variants in Se-3 cells also revealed that SeCaspase-5b,SeCaspase-5c and SeCaspase-5d inhibited the proapoptotic function of SeCaspase-5a,resulting in a reduction in the percentage of apoptotic cells by about 20%.These results indicate that SeCaspase-5 undergoes alternative splicing and is involved in regulating the apoptosis induced by baculovirus infection.These findings increase our understanding of the functions of lepidopteran insect caspases and provide new insights into the mechanism of host-cell apoptosis induced by baculoviruses.展开更多
Starch biosynthesis is a complex process that relies on the coordinated action of multiple enzymes.Resistant starch is not digested in the small intestine,thus preventing a rapid rise in the glycemic index.Starch synt...Starch biosynthesis is a complex process that relies on the coordinated action of multiple enzymes.Resistant starch is not digested in the small intestine,thus preventing a rapid rise in the glycemic index.Starch synthase 2a(SS2a)is a key enzyme in amylopectin biosynthesis that has significant effects on starch structure and properties.In this study,we identified an ss2a null mutant(M3-1413)with a single base mutation from an ethyl methane sulfonate(EMS)-mutagenized population of barley.The mutation was located at the 3'end of the first intron of the RNA splicing receptor(AG)site,and resulted in abnormal RNA splicing and two abnormal transcripts of ss2a,which caused the inactivation of the SS2a gene.The starch structure and properties were significantly altered in the mutant,with M3-1413 containing lower total starch and higher amylose and resistant starch levels.This study sheds light on the effect of barley ss2a null mutations on starch properties and will help to guide new applications of barley starch in the development of nutritious food products.展开更多
Heat stress is a major threat to maize(Zea mays L.)production worldwide.Heat shock transcription factors(HSFs)play vital roles in plant responses to heat stress.However,the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying ...Heat stress is a major threat to maize(Zea mays L.)production worldwide.Heat shock transcription factors(HSFs)play vital roles in plant responses to heat stress.However,the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying HSF-meditated thermotolerance in maize remain largely unexplored.In this study,we demonstrate that the alternative splicing of ZmHsf23 modulates heat stress tolerance in maize.Hsf23 produced two functional transcripts,Hsf23L and Hsf23S,which differ by the presence of a cryptic mini-exon in Hsf23L that is spliced out in Hsf23S.Both transcripts were strongly induced by heat stress.Mutants lacking Hsf23L alone(hsf23l)or both Hsf23L and Hsf23S(hsf23l23s)exhibited increased susceptibility to heat stress,whereas overexpression of Hsf23S enhanced heat stress tolerance in maize.Subsequently,we found that Hsf23S positively regulates heat stress tolerance by directly activating the transcription of three sHSP genes(Hsp16.9,Hsp17.2,and Hsp18a)and TIL1 gene.In addition,Hsf23L physically interacted with Hsf23S and enhanced the transcriptional activation of Hsf23S on the sHSPs and TIL1 promoters.Notably,genetic analysis suggested that co-overexpression of Hsf23L and Hsf23S further improves heat tolerance of the transgenic plants.Taken together,these results reveal two splicing variants of ZmHsf23 cooperatively regulate maize heat tolerance,thus highlighting potential value of ZmHsf23 in breeding heat-tolerant maize varieties.展开更多
ObjectivesThe PTPRQ gene is essential for preserving the structure and function of stereocilia in inner ear.However,research on splicing mutations within this gene is limited.This study aims to investigate novel splic...ObjectivesThe PTPRQ gene is essential for preserving the structure and function of stereocilia in inner ear.However,research on splicing mutations within this gene is limited.This study aims to investigate novel splicing mutations in PTPRQ,clarify their molecular mechanisms,and provide new insights into the genetic factors associated with hearing loss,ultimately enhancing diagnostic accuracy.MethodClinical data and peripheral blood samples were obtained from members of a family with congenital hearing loss.Variants were identified through high-throughput sequencing and confirmed by Sanger sequencing to ensure genealogical co-segregation.The splicing effects of PTPRQ variants were evaluated using bioinformatics tools and minigene assays.ResultsWe used whole exome sequencing to identify novel double compound heterozygous splice-altering variants(c.5426+1 G>A and c.6603-3 T>G)in the PTPRQ gene with DFNB84A.We molecularly characterized these variants,and they were found to co-segregate with the disease within the family.Minigene assays and Sanger sequencing confirmed that the c.6603-3 T>G variant caused exon 43 skipping,resulting in a frameshift mutation(p.Ser2201ArgfsTer112).Further bioinformatic analysis supported these findings.ConclusionsThis study identifies a novel compound heterozygous splicing variant in the PTPRQ gene in a Chinese family with DFNB84A,expanding the known spectrum of PTPRQ mutations.These findings enhance the understanding of PTPRQ-related hearing loss and may aid in early diagnosis,prevention,and therapeutic strategies.展开更多
Background:Alterations in splicing factors contribute to aberrant alternative splicing(AS),which subsequently promotes tumor progression.The splicing factor polypyrimidine tract binding protein 1(PTBP1)has been shown ...Background:Alterations in splicing factors contribute to aberrant alternative splicing(AS),which subsequently promotes tumor progression.The splicing factor polypyrimidine tract binding protein 1(PTBP1)has been shown to facilitate cancer progression by modulating oncogenic variants.However,its specific role and underlying mechanisms in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)remain to be elucidated.Methods:PTBP1 expression was evaluated in HCC tissues and cell lines.Subsequently,cells were transfected with vectors designed for PTBP1 overexpression or downregulation.The biological function of PTBP1 was assessed in vitro and in vivo using MTS assays,colony formation assays,transwell assays,xenograft formation,tail vein injection,and orthotopic models.Transcriptome analysis was conducted to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms.Results:Our findings demonstrated that PTBP1 exhibited elevated expression in HCC cell lines and tissues.Furthermore,its expression positively correlated with overall and disease-free survival rates,as well as tumor grade and stage.PTBP1 knockdown reduced HCC cell proliferation,migration,and invasion in vitro and suppressed hepatocarcinoma xenograft growth and infiltration in vivo.RNA sequencing(RNA-Seq)analysis identified the AS events associated with PTBP1.PTBP1 functionally enhanced cell proliferation,invasion,and migration by modulating the AS of the microtubule-associated protein tau(MAPT)gene and promoting oncogene expression.Notably,the dysregulation of MAPT splicing coincided with increased PTBP1 expression in HCC.Conclusions:PTBP1-guided AS of the MAPT gene enhances tumorigenicity in HCC through activation of the MAPK/ERK pathways.展开更多
Myocardial infarction(MI)is characterized by focal necrosis resulting from prolonged myocardial ischemia due to coronary artery obstruction.Vascular reconstruction following MI is crucial for improving cardiac functio...Myocardial infarction(MI)is characterized by focal necrosis resulting from prolonged myocardial ischemia due to coronary artery obstruction.Vascular reconstruction following MI is crucial for improving cardiac function and preventing recurrent infarction.This study investigates the interaction between macrophages and endothelial cells in angiogenesis mediated by nicotinamide mononucleotide(NMN)-induced secretion of macrophage-derived exosomes.We focus on the role of U2 small nuclear RNA auxiliary factor 1(U2af1)gene,a member of the splicing factor serine and arginine(SR)gene family,in the regulation of angiogenesis.Through cardiac ultrasound,Masson staining,2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride(TTC)staining,Microfil vascular perfusion,and platelet and endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1(CD31)immunofluorescence staining,extracellular vesicles from NMN-stimulated macrophages were shown to exert a protective effect in MI,with proteomic analysis identifying U2AF1 as a candidate protein involved in MI protection.Plasma U2AF1 levels were measured in 70 MI patients,revealing significantly lower levels in individuals with poor coronary collateral vessel(CCV;Rentrop scores 0–1)than in those with good CCV(Rentrop scores 2–3).In both myocardial and hindlimb ischemia mouse models,overexpression of endothelial cell-specific adenoviral overexpression U2AF1 promoted angiogenesis in the heart and hindlimbs and improved cardiac function after MI.Mechanistic studies demonstrated that U2AF1 regulates the alternative splicing(AS)of Yes1-associated transcriptional regulator(Yap1)gene,influencing post-MI angiogenesis and cardiac function recovery.Collectively,our clinical findings suggest that U2AF1 may serve as a therapeutic target for coronary collateral angiogenesis following MI.Given the low immunogenicity and high biosafety of exosomes,this study provides a foundational basis and translational potential for exosome-based therapies in MI treatment.展开更多
Both transcription and post-transcriptional processes, such as alternative splicing, play crucial roles in controlling developmental programs in metazoans. Recently emerged RNA-seq method has brought our understanding...Both transcription and post-transcriptional processes, such as alternative splicing, play crucial roles in controlling developmental programs in metazoans. Recently emerged RNA-seq method has brought our understanding of eukaryotic transcriptomes to a new level, because it can resolve both gene expression level and alternative splicing events simultaneously. To gain a better understanding of cellular differentiation in gonads, we analyzed mRNA profiles from Drosophila testes and ovaries using RNA-seq. We identified a set of genes that have sex-specific isoforms in wild-type （WT） gonads, including several transcription factors. We found that differentiation of sperms from undifferentiated germ cells induced a dramatic downregulation of RNA splicing factors. Our data confirmed that RNA splicing events are significantly more frequent in the undifferentiated cell-enriched bag of marbles （barn） mutant testis, but downregulated upon differentiation in WT testis. Consistent with this, we showed that genes required for meiosis and terminal differentiation in WT testis were mainly regulated at the transcriptional level, but not by alternative splicing. Unexpectedly, we observed an increase in expression of all families of chromatin remodeling factors and histone modifying enzymes in the undifferentiated cell-enriched bam testis. More interestingly, chromatin regulators and histone modifying enzymes with opposite enzymatic activities are coenriched in undifferentiated cells in testis, suggesting that these cells may possess dynamic chromatin architecture. Finally, our data revealed many new features of the Drosophila gonadal transcriptomes, and will lead to a more comprehensive understanding of how differential gene expression and splicing regulate gametogenesis in Drosophila. Our data provided a foundation for the systematic study of gene expression and alternative splicing in many interesting areas of germ cell biology in Droso- phila, such as the molecular basis for sexual dimorphism and the regulation of the proliferation vs terminal differentiation programs in germline stem cell lineages. The GEO accession number for the raw and analyzed RNA-seq data is GSE16960.展开更多
Polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1(PTBP1)plays an essential role in splicing and is expressed in almost all cell types in humans,unlike the other proteins of the PTBP family.PTBP1 mediates several cellular process...Polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1(PTBP1)plays an essential role in splicing and is expressed in almost all cell types in humans,unlike the other proteins of the PTBP family.PTBP1 mediates several cellular processes in certain types of cells,including the growth and differentiation of neuronal cells and activation of immune cells.Its function is regulated by various molecules,including micro RNAs(mi RNAs),long non-coding RNAs(lnc RNAs),and RNA-binding proteins.PTBP1 plays roles in various diseases,particularly in some cancers,including colorectal cancer,renal cell cancer,breast cancer,and glioma.In cancers,it acts mainly as a regulator of glycolysis,apoptosis,proliferation,tumorigenesis,invasion,and migration.The role of PTBP1 in cancer has become a popular research topic in recent years,and this research has contributed greatly to the formulation of a useful therapeutic strategy for cancer.In this review,we summarize recent findings related to PTBP1 and discuss how it regulates the development of cancer cells.展开更多
Divergence of gene expression and alter native splicing is a crucial driving force in the evolution of species;to date, however the molecular mechanism remains unclear. Hybrids of closely related species provide a sui...Divergence of gene expression and alter native splicing is a crucial driving force in the evolution of species;to date, however the molecular mechanism remains unclear. Hybrids of closely related species provide a suitable model to analyze allele-specific expressi on (ASE) and allele-specific alter native splicing (ASS). Analysis of ASE and ASS can uncover the differences in cis-regulatory elements between closely related species, while eliminating interferenee of trans-regulatory elements. Here, we provide a detailed characterization of ASE and ASS from 19 and 10 transcriptome datasets across five tissues from reciprocal-cross hybrids of horsex don key (mule/hi nny) and cattlexyak (dzo), respectively. Results showed that 4.8%-8.7% and 10.8%-16.7% of genes exhibited ASE and ASS, respectively. Notably, IncRNAs and pseudogenes were more likely to show ASE than protein-coding genes. In addition, genes showing ASE and ASS in mule/hinny were found to be involved in the regulation of muscle strength, whereas those of dzo were involved in high-altitude adaptati on. In con clusi on, our study dem on strated that explorati on of genes showing ASE and ASS in hybrids of closely related species is feasible for species evolution research.展开更多
Ser/Arg-rich （SR） genes encode proteins that play pivotal roles in both constitutive and alternative splicing of pre-mRNA. However, not much effort has been made to investigate the alternative splicing of their own ...Ser/Arg-rich （SR） genes encode proteins that play pivotal roles in both constitutive and alternative splicing of pre-mRNA. However, not much effort has been made to investigate the alternative splicing of their own pre-mRNA. In this study, we conducted comprehensive analyses of pre-mRNA splicing for 22 SR genes in three rice （Oryza sativa L.） ecotypes indica, japonica andjavanica. Using different ecotypes we characterized the variations in expression and splicing patterns of rice SR genes in different tissues and at different developmental stages. In addition, we compared the divergence in expression and splicing patterns of SR genes from seedlings of different rice ecotypes in response to hormones application and environmental stresses. Our results revealed the complexity of alternative splicing of SR genes in rice. The splicing varies in different tissues, in different ecotypes, in response to stresses and hormones. Thus, our study suggested that SR genes were subjected to sophisticated alternative splicing although their encoding proteins were involved in the splicing process.展开更多
Alternative splicing is a cellular mechanism in eukaryotes that results in considerable diversity ofgene products. It plays an important role in several diseases and cellular signal regulation. Heat stress is a major ...Alternative splicing is a cellular mechanism in eukaryotes that results in considerable diversity ofgene products. It plays an important role in several diseases and cellular signal regulation. Heat stress is a major factor that induces immunosuppression in pigs. Little is known about the correlation between alternative splicing and heat stress in pigs. Therefore, this study aimed to clone, sequence and quantify the alternative splicing variant of toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4） in Bama miniature pigs （Sus scrofa domestica） following exposure to heat stress. The results showed that the second exon of TLR4 was spliced and 167 bp shorter in the alternative splicing variant, and the protein was putatively identified as a type of truncated membrane protein consisting of extramembrane, transmembrane and intramembrane regions lacking a signal peptide. Further, it was not a non- classical secretory protein. Five potential reference genes were screened for their potential as reliable standards to quantify the expression of TLR4 alternative spliced variants by real-time quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction （qRT-PCR）. The stability of these reference genes was ranked using the geNorm and NormFinder programs, and ribosomal protein L4 （RPL4） and TATA box-binding protein （TBP） were found to be the two genes showing the most stable expression in the in vitro cultured peripheral blood mononuclear ceils （PBMCs） during heat shock. The mRNA level of the TLR4 gene （both classical and spliced） in stressed pigs increased significantly （P〈0.05）. Further, the expression levels of the alternative spliced variant of TLR4 （TLR4-ASV） showed a 2-3 folds increase in heat-stressed PBMCs as compared to control pigs. The results of the present study suggested that heat shock might modulate the host immune response by regulating the expressions of TLR4 and its alternative splicing variant.展开更多
OCT4 is one of the key transcription factors in maintaining the pluripotency and self-renewal of embryonic stem （ES） cells.Human OCT4 can generate two isoforms OCT4A and OCT4B by alternative splicing.OCT4B1 is a rec...OCT4 is one of the key transcription factors in maintaining the pluripotency and self-renewal of embryonic stem （ES） cells.Human OCT4 can generate two isoforms OCT4A and OCT4B by alternative splicing.OCT4B1 is a recently discovered novel OCT4 spliced variant,which has been considered as a putative marker of stemness.Compared with the OCT4B mRNA,OCT4B1 mRNA is generated by retaining intron 2 as a cryptic exon which contains a TGA stop codon in it.As a result,the protein product of OCT4B1 mRNA could be truncated.Interestingly,we present here that OCT4B1 can indirectly produce the same protein products as OCT4B.We have demonstrated that OCT4B1 mRNA can be spliced into OCT4B mRNA,and encode three protein isoforms.The splicing of OCT4B1 mRNA into OCT4B mRNA can be remarkably inhibited by the mutation of the classical splicing site.Our result suggests that OCT4B mRNA may originate from OCT4B1 mRNA by alternative splicing.展开更多
The neuronal microtubule-associated protein tau is abnormally hyperphosphorylated and aggregated into neurofibrillary tangles in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer＇s disease and related neurodegenerative disord...The neuronal microtubule-associated protein tau is abnormally hyperphosphorylated and aggregated into neurofibrillary tangles in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer＇s disease and related neurodegenerative disorders. The adult human brain expresses six isoforms of tau generated by alternative splicing of exons 2, 3, and 10 of its pre-mRNA. Exon 10 encodes the second microtubule-binding repeat of tau. Its alternative splicing produces tau isoforms with either three or four microtubule-binding repeats, termed 3R-tau and 4R- tau. In the normal adult human brain, the level of 3R-tau is approximately equal to that of 4R-tau. Several silent and intronic mutations of the tau gene associated with FTDP-17T （frontotemporal dementia with Parkinsonism linked to chromosome 17 and specifically characterized by tau pathology） only disrupt exon 10 splicing, but do not influence the primary sequence of the tau protein. Thus, abnormal exon 10 splicing is sufficient to cause neurodegeneration and dementia. Here, we review the regulation of tau exon 10 splicing by cis-elements and trans-factors and summarize all the mutations associated with FTDP-17T and related tauopathies. The findings suggest that correction of exon 10 splicing may be a potential target for tau exon 10 splicing-related tauopathies.展开更多
AIM:To investigate alternative splicing in vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGFA),amyloid beta precursor protein(APP),and Numb homolog(NUMB) in colorectal cancer(CRC).METHODS:Real-time quantitative reverse transc...AIM:To investigate alternative splicing in vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGFA),amyloid beta precursor protein(APP),and Numb homolog(NUMB) in colorectal cancer(CRC).METHODS:Real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction(q RT-PCR) and PCRrestriction fragment length polymorphism analyses were performed to detect the expression of VEGFA,APP,and NUMB mR NA in 20 CRC tissues and matched adjacent normal tissues,as well as their alternative splicing variants.RESULTS:q RT-PCR analysis revealed that the expression of APP,NUMB,and VEGFA 165 b m RNA were significantly downregulated,while VEGFA m RNA was upregulated,in CRC tissues(all P < 0.05).PCRrestriction fragment length polymorphism analysis revealed that the expression of VEGFA 165a/b in CRC tissues was significantly higher than in adjacent normal tissues(P < 0.05).Compared with adjacent normal tissues,the expression of NUMB-PRRS in CRC tissues was significantly decreased(P < 0.05),and the expression of NUMB-PRRL was increased(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION:Alternative splicing of VEGFA,APP,and NUMB may regulate the development of CRC,and represent new targets for its diagnosis,prognosis,and treatment.展开更多
Endosperm as the storage organ of starch and protein in cereal crops largely determines grain yield and quality.Despite the fact that several pentatricopeptide repeat(PPR)proteins required for endosperm development ha...Endosperm as the storage organ of starch and protein in cereal crops largely determines grain yield and quality.Despite the fact that several pentatricopeptide repeat(PPR)proteins required for endosperm development have been identified in rice,the molecular mechanisms of many P-type PPR proteins in endosperm development remains unclear.Here,we isolated a rice floury endosperm mutant ppr5 that developed small starch grains and an abnormal aleurone layer,accompanied by decreased starch,protein,and amylose contents.Map-based cloning combined with a complementation test demonstrated that PPR5 encodes a P-type PPR protein that is localized to the mitochondria.The mutation in PPR5 caused reduced splicing efficiency of mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase 4(nad4)gene intron 3 and reduced complex I assembly and activity.Loss of PPR5 function greatly upregulated expression of alternative oxidases(AOXs),reduced ATP production,and affected mitochondrial morphology.We demonstrate that PPR5,as a P-type PPR protein,is required for mitochondrial function and endosperm development by controlling the cis-splicing of mitochondrial nad4 intron 3.展开更多
Myotonic dystrophy type 1(DM1) is a spliceopathy related to the mis-splicing of several genes caused by sequestration of nuclear transcriptional RNA-binding factors from non-coding CUG repeats of DMPK pre-mRNAs. Dysre...Myotonic dystrophy type 1(DM1) is a spliceopathy related to the mis-splicing of several genes caused by sequestration of nuclear transcriptional RNA-binding factors from non-coding CUG repeats of DMPK pre-mRNAs. Dysregulation of ryanodine receptor 1(RYR1), sarcoplasmatic/endoplasmatic Ca^2+-ATPase(SERCA) and α1 S subunit of voltage-gated Ca^2+ channels(Cav1.1) is related to Ca^2+ homeostasis and excitation-contraction coupling impairment. Though no pharmacological treatment for DM1 exists, aberrant splicing correction represents one major therapeutic target for this disease. Resveratrol(RES, 3,5,4′-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) is a promising pharmacological tools for DM1 treatment for its ability to directly bind the DNA and RNA influencing gene expression and alternative splicing. Herein, we analyzed the therapeutic effects of RES in DM1 myotubes in a pilot study including cultured myotubes from two DM1 patients and two healthy controls. Our results indicated that RES treatment corrected the aberrant splicing of RYR1, and this event appeared associated with restoring of depolarization-induced Ca^2+ release from RYR1 dependent on the electro-mechanical coupling between RYR1 and Cav1.1. Interestingly, immunoblotting studies showed that RES treatment was associated with a reduction in the levels of CUGBP Elav-like family member 1, while RYR1, Cav1.1 and SERCA1 protein levels were unchanged. Finally, RES treatment did not induce any major changes either in the amount of ribonuclear foci or sequestration of muscleblind-like splicing regulator 1. Overall, the results of this pilot study would support RES as an attractive compound for future clinical trials in DM1. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethical Committee of IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy(rs9879/14) on May 20, 2014.展开更多
Alternative splicing （AS） is a crucial step in gene expression. It is subject to intricate regulation, and its deregulation in cancer can lead to a wide array of neoplastic phenotypes. A large body of evidence impli...Alternative splicing （AS） is a crucial step in gene expression. It is subject to intricate regulation, and its deregulation in cancer can lead to a wide array of neoplastic phenotypes. A large body of evidence implicates splice isoforms in most if not all hallmarks of cancer, including growth, apoptosis, invasion and metastasis, angiogenesis, and metabolism. AS has important clinical implications since it can be manipulated therapeutically to treat cancer and represents a mechanism of resistance to therapy. In prostate cancer （PCa） AS also plays a prominent role and this review will summarize the current knowledge of alternatively spliced genes with important functional consequences. We will highlight accumulating evidence on AS of the components of the two critical pathways in PCa： androgen receptor （AR） and phosphoinositide 3-kinase （PI3K）. These observations together with data on dysregulation of splice factors in PCa suggest that AR and PI3K pathways may be interconnected with previously unappreciated splicing regulatory networks. In addition, we will discuss several lines of evidence implicating splicing regulation in the development of the castration resistance.展开更多
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.32260085,31860064,31660501,31970609,32260718 and 31901870)the Key Projects of the Applied Basic Research Plan of Yunnan Province(Grant No.202301AS070082)+3 种基金the Start-up fund from Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden,the‘Top Talents Program in Science and Technology’from Yunnan Province,the Major Science and Technology Project in Yunnan Province(Grant Nos.202102AE090042 and 202202AE090036)the Young and Middle-Aged Academic and Technical Leaders Reserve Talent Program in Yunnan Province(Grant No.202205AC160076)China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(Grant No.2019M653849XB)the High-level Talents Introduction Plan of Yunnan Province-Young Talents Special Project。
文摘The formation of root system architecture(RSA)plays a crucial role in plant growth.OsDRO1 is known to have a function in controlling RSA in rice,however,the role of potato StDRO2,a homolog of rice OsDRO1,in root growth remains unclear.In this study,we obtained potato dro2 mutant lines by Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats-CRISPR-Associated 9(CRISPR/Cas9)-mediated genome editing system.The mutant lines were generated from a splicing defect of the StDRO2 intron 1,which causes a nonsense mutation in StDRO2.Furthermore,the secondary structure of StDRO2 mRNA analyzed with RNAfold Web Server was altered in the dro2 mutant.Mutation of StDRO2 conveys potato adaptation through changing the RSA via alteration of auxin transport under drought stress.The potato dro2 lines showed higher plant height,longer root length,smaller root growth angle and increased tuber weight than the wild-type.The alteration of RSA was associated with a disturbance of IAA distribution in the dro2 mutant,and the levels of StPIN7 and StPIN10 detected by using real-time PCR were up-regulated in the roots of potato dro2 lines grown under drought stress.Moreover,the microRNAs(miRNAs)PmiREN024536 and PmiREN024486 targeted the StDRO2 gene,and auxin positively and negatively regulated the expression of StDRO2 and the miRNAs PmiREN024536 and PmiREN024486,respectively,in the potato roots.Our data shows that a regulatory network involving auxin,StDRO2,PmiREN024536 and PmiREN024486 can control RSA to convey potato fitness under drought stress.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32072126 and 32230075)the Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation(ZR2019MC005).
文摘Pentatricopeptide repeat(PPR)proteins are a large group of eukaryote-specific RNA-binding proteins that play pivotal roles in plant organelle gene expression.Here,we report the function of PPR21 in mitochondrial intron splicing and its role in maize kernel development.PPR21 is a typical P-type PPR protein targeted to mitochondria.The ppr21 mutants are arrested in embryogenesis and endosperm development,leading to embryo lethality.Null mutations of PPR21 reduce the splicing efficiency of nad2 intron 1,2,and 4 and impair the assembly and activity of mitochondrial complex I.Previous studies show that the P-type PPR protein EMP12 is required for the splicing of identical introns.However,our protein interaction analyses reveal that PPR21 does not interact with EMP12.Instead,both PPR21 and EMP12 interact with the small MutS-related(SMR)domain-containing PPR protein 1(PPR-SMR1)and the short P-type PPR protein 2(SPR2).PPR-SMR1 interacts with SPR2,and both proteins are required for the splicing of many introns in mitochondria,including nad2 intron 1,2,and 4.These results suggest that a PPR21-(PPR-SMR1/SPR2)-EMP12 complex is involved in the splicing of nad2 introns in maize mitochondria.
文摘In this study,we examine the problem of sliced inverse regression(SIR),a widely used method for sufficient dimension reduction(SDR).It was designed to find reduced-dimensional versions of multivariate predictors by replacing them with a minimally adequate collection of their linear combinations without loss of information.Recently,regularization methods have been proposed in SIR to incorporate a sparse structure of predictors for better interpretability.However,existing methods consider convex relaxation to bypass the sparsity constraint,which may not lead to the best subset,and particularly tends to include irrelevant variables when predictors are correlated.In this study,we approach sparse SIR as a nonconvex optimization problem and directly tackle the sparsity constraint by establishing the optimal conditions and iteratively solving them by means of the splicing technique.Without employing convex relaxation on the sparsity constraint and the orthogonal constraint,our algorithm exhibits superior empirical merits,as evidenced by extensive numerical studies.Computationally,our algorithm is much faster than the relaxed approach for the natural sparse SIR estimator.Statistically,our algorithm surpasses existing methods in terms of accuracy for central subspace estimation and best subset selection and sustains high performance even with correlated predictors.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32202393)the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province,China(ZR2021QC190)+1 种基金the Science and Technology Benefiting the People Demonstration Project of Qingdao,China(24-1-8-xdny-10-nsh)the Qingdao Agricultural University High-level Talent Fund,China(663/1120101)。
文摘Caspases,which play key roles in cell apoptosis,undergo alternative splicing to form different splicing variants that can regulate the apoptotic process.Lepidopteran insect caspases undergo alternative splicing,although the functions of their splicing variants are still unclear.The Spodoptera exigua caspase-5(SeCaspase-5)gene was cloned and found to produce four different splicing variants with different gene sequences and protein functional domains,which were named SeCaspase-5a,SeCaspase-5b,SeCaspase-5c and SeCaspase-5d.Overexpression of these variants in S.exigua cells(Se-3)showed that SeCaspase-5a had a proapoptotic function,whereas SeCaspase-5b,SeCaspase-5c and SeCaspase-5d did not.Semi-qPCR analysis revealed that the expression of the SeCaspase-5 variants significantly differed during Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus(AcMNPV)infection.Furthermore,the SeCaspase-5 variants were constructed into the AcMNPV bacmid and transfected into Se-3 cells,which revealed that SeCaspase-5a promoted cell apoptosis and reduced virus production,whereas SeCaspase-5b,SeCaspase-5c and SeCaspase-5d did not promote cell apoptosis but instead increased virus production.Moreover,an analysis of the interactions between the SeCaspase-5 variants revealed that SeCaspase-5a directly interacted with SeCaspase-5b,SeCaspase-5c and SeCaspase-5d.Coexpression of these variants in Se-3 cells also revealed that SeCaspase-5b,SeCaspase-5c and SeCaspase-5d inhibited the proapoptotic function of SeCaspase-5a,resulting in a reduction in the percentage of apoptotic cells by about 20%.These results indicate that SeCaspase-5 undergoes alternative splicing and is involved in regulating the apoptosis induced by baculovirus infection.These findings increase our understanding of the functions of lepidopteran insect caspases and provide new insights into the mechanism of host-cell apoptosis induced by baculoviruses.
基金supported by the Major Program of National Agricultural Science and Technology of China(NK20220607)the Sichuan Science and Technology Program,China(2023YFH0041)。
文摘Starch biosynthesis is a complex process that relies on the coordinated action of multiple enzymes.Resistant starch is not digested in the small intestine,thus preventing a rapid rise in the glycemic index.Starch synthase 2a(SS2a)is a key enzyme in amylopectin biosynthesis that has significant effects on starch structure and properties.In this study,we identified an ss2a null mutant(M3-1413)with a single base mutation from an ethyl methane sulfonate(EMS)-mutagenized population of barley.The mutation was located at the 3'end of the first intron of the RNA splicing receptor(AG)site,and resulted in abnormal RNA splicing and two abnormal transcripts of ss2a,which caused the inactivation of the SS2a gene.The starch structure and properties were significantly altered in the mutant,with M3-1413 containing lower total starch and higher amylose and resistant starch levels.This study sheds light on the effect of barley ss2a null mutations on starch properties and will help to guide new applications of barley starch in the development of nutritious food products.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2021YFF1000301)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31771805)。
文摘Heat stress is a major threat to maize(Zea mays L.)production worldwide.Heat shock transcription factors(HSFs)play vital roles in plant responses to heat stress.However,the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying HSF-meditated thermotolerance in maize remain largely unexplored.In this study,we demonstrate that the alternative splicing of ZmHsf23 modulates heat stress tolerance in maize.Hsf23 produced two functional transcripts,Hsf23L and Hsf23S,which differ by the presence of a cryptic mini-exon in Hsf23L that is spliced out in Hsf23S.Both transcripts were strongly induced by heat stress.Mutants lacking Hsf23L alone(hsf23l)or both Hsf23L and Hsf23S(hsf23l23s)exhibited increased susceptibility to heat stress,whereas overexpression of Hsf23S enhanced heat stress tolerance in maize.Subsequently,we found that Hsf23S positively regulates heat stress tolerance by directly activating the transcription of three sHSP genes(Hsp16.9,Hsp17.2,and Hsp18a)and TIL1 gene.In addition,Hsf23L physically interacted with Hsf23S and enhanced the transcriptional activation of Hsf23S on the sHSPs and TIL1 promoters.Notably,genetic analysis suggested that co-overexpression of Hsf23L and Hsf23S further improves heat tolerance of the transgenic plants.Taken together,these results reveal two splicing variants of ZmHsf23 cooperatively regulate maize heat tolerance,thus highlighting potential value of ZmHsf23 in breeding heat-tolerant maize varieties.
基金supported in part by the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province(no.ZR2022QH373,ZR2022QH292 and ZR2023MH2474).
文摘ObjectivesThe PTPRQ gene is essential for preserving the structure and function of stereocilia in inner ear.However,research on splicing mutations within this gene is limited.This study aims to investigate novel splicing mutations in PTPRQ,clarify their molecular mechanisms,and provide new insights into the genetic factors associated with hearing loss,ultimately enhancing diagnostic accuracy.MethodClinical data and peripheral blood samples were obtained from members of a family with congenital hearing loss.Variants were identified through high-throughput sequencing and confirmed by Sanger sequencing to ensure genealogical co-segregation.The splicing effects of PTPRQ variants were evaluated using bioinformatics tools and minigene assays.ResultsWe used whole exome sequencing to identify novel double compound heterozygous splice-altering variants(c.5426+1 G>A and c.6603-3 T>G)in the PTPRQ gene with DFNB84A.We molecularly characterized these variants,and they were found to co-segregate with the disease within the family.Minigene assays and Sanger sequencing confirmed that the c.6603-3 T>G variant caused exon 43 skipping,resulting in a frameshift mutation(p.Ser2201ArgfsTer112).Further bioinformatic analysis supported these findings.ConclusionsThis study identifies a novel compound heterozygous splicing variant in the PTPRQ gene in a Chinese family with DFNB84A,expanding the known spectrum of PTPRQ mutations.These findings enhance the understanding of PTPRQ-related hearing loss and may aid in early diagnosis,prevention,and therapeutic strategies.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.81972771,82173062)the Key Areas Project of Education Department of Guangdong Province(No.2021ZDZX2017)+3 种基金the Tertiary Education Scientific Research Project of Guangzhou Municipal Education Bureau(No.202235387)the Guangzhou Science and Technology Project of Guangzhou Municipal Science and Technology Bureau(No.2023A03J0428)the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province,China(No.2024A1515013082)the Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research 21 Foundation(No.2021A1515010403).
文摘Background:Alterations in splicing factors contribute to aberrant alternative splicing(AS),which subsequently promotes tumor progression.The splicing factor polypyrimidine tract binding protein 1(PTBP1)has been shown to facilitate cancer progression by modulating oncogenic variants.However,its specific role and underlying mechanisms in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)remain to be elucidated.Methods:PTBP1 expression was evaluated in HCC tissues and cell lines.Subsequently,cells were transfected with vectors designed for PTBP1 overexpression or downregulation.The biological function of PTBP1 was assessed in vitro and in vivo using MTS assays,colony formation assays,transwell assays,xenograft formation,tail vein injection,and orthotopic models.Transcriptome analysis was conducted to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms.Results:Our findings demonstrated that PTBP1 exhibited elevated expression in HCC cell lines and tissues.Furthermore,its expression positively correlated with overall and disease-free survival rates,as well as tumor grade and stage.PTBP1 knockdown reduced HCC cell proliferation,migration,and invasion in vitro and suppressed hepatocarcinoma xenograft growth and infiltration in vivo.RNA sequencing(RNA-Seq)analysis identified the AS events associated with PTBP1.PTBP1 functionally enhanced cell proliferation,invasion,and migration by modulating the AS of the microtubule-associated protein tau(MAPT)gene and promoting oncogene expression.Notably,the dysregulation of MAPT splicing coincided with increased PTBP1 expression in HCC.Conclusions:PTBP1-guided AS of the MAPT gene enhances tumorigenicity in HCC through activation of the MAPK/ERK pathways.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Founda-tion of China(82370417,82330011,and U21A20339)the Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars of Heilongjiang Province(JQ2024H001)the Heilongjiang Provincial Postdoctoral Science Foundation(LBH-Z23212).
文摘Myocardial infarction(MI)is characterized by focal necrosis resulting from prolonged myocardial ischemia due to coronary artery obstruction.Vascular reconstruction following MI is crucial for improving cardiac function and preventing recurrent infarction.This study investigates the interaction between macrophages and endothelial cells in angiogenesis mediated by nicotinamide mononucleotide(NMN)-induced secretion of macrophage-derived exosomes.We focus on the role of U2 small nuclear RNA auxiliary factor 1(U2af1)gene,a member of the splicing factor serine and arginine(SR)gene family,in the regulation of angiogenesis.Through cardiac ultrasound,Masson staining,2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride(TTC)staining,Microfil vascular perfusion,and platelet and endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1(CD31)immunofluorescence staining,extracellular vesicles from NMN-stimulated macrophages were shown to exert a protective effect in MI,with proteomic analysis identifying U2AF1 as a candidate protein involved in MI protection.Plasma U2AF1 levels were measured in 70 MI patients,revealing significantly lower levels in individuals with poor coronary collateral vessel(CCV;Rentrop scores 0–1)than in those with good CCV(Rentrop scores 2–3).In both myocardial and hindlimb ischemia mouse models,overexpression of endothelial cell-specific adenoviral overexpression U2AF1 promoted angiogenesis in the heart and hindlimbs and improved cardiac function after MI.Mechanistic studies demonstrated that U2AF1 regulates the alternative splicing(AS)of Yes1-associated transcriptional regulator(Yap1)gene,influencing post-MI angiogenesis and cardiac function recovery.Collectively,our clinical findings suggest that U2AF1 may serve as a therapeutic target for coronary collateral angiogenesis following MI.Given the low immunogenicity and high biosafety of exosomes,this study provides a foundational basis and translational potential for exosome-based therapies in MI treatment.
文摘Both transcription and post-transcriptional processes, such as alternative splicing, play crucial roles in controlling developmental programs in metazoans. Recently emerged RNA-seq method has brought our understanding of eukaryotic transcriptomes to a new level, because it can resolve both gene expression level and alternative splicing events simultaneously. To gain a better understanding of cellular differentiation in gonads, we analyzed mRNA profiles from Drosophila testes and ovaries using RNA-seq. We identified a set of genes that have sex-specific isoforms in wild-type （WT） gonads, including several transcription factors. We found that differentiation of sperms from undifferentiated germ cells induced a dramatic downregulation of RNA splicing factors. Our data confirmed that RNA splicing events are significantly more frequent in the undifferentiated cell-enriched bag of marbles （barn） mutant testis, but downregulated upon differentiation in WT testis. Consistent with this, we showed that genes required for meiosis and terminal differentiation in WT testis were mainly regulated at the transcriptional level, but not by alternative splicing. Unexpectedly, we observed an increase in expression of all families of chromatin remodeling factors and histone modifying enzymes in the undifferentiated cell-enriched bam testis. More interestingly, chromatin regulators and histone modifying enzymes with opposite enzymatic activities are coenriched in undifferentiated cells in testis, suggesting that these cells may possess dynamic chromatin architecture. Finally, our data revealed many new features of the Drosophila gonadal transcriptomes, and will lead to a more comprehensive understanding of how differential gene expression and splicing regulate gametogenesis in Drosophila. Our data provided a foundation for the systematic study of gene expression and alternative splicing in many interesting areas of germ cell biology in Droso- phila, such as the molecular basis for sexual dimorphism and the regulation of the proliferation vs terminal differentiation programs in germline stem cell lineages. The GEO accession number for the raw and analyzed RNA-seq data is GSE16960.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.81773179,81272972,and 81472355)the Program for New Century Excellent Talents in University(No.NCET-10-0790)+2 种基金the Hunan Provincial Science and Technology Department(Nos.2016JC 2049 and 2014FJ6006)the Hunan Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China(No.2016JJ2172)the Undergraduate Training Programs for Innovation and Entrepreneurship(Nos.201810533368,GS201910533474,and GS201910533236),China.
文摘Polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1(PTBP1)plays an essential role in splicing and is expressed in almost all cell types in humans,unlike the other proteins of the PTBP family.PTBP1 mediates several cellular processes in certain types of cells,including the growth and differentiation of neuronal cells and activation of immune cells.Its function is regulated by various molecules,including micro RNAs(mi RNAs),long non-coding RNAs(lnc RNAs),and RNA-binding proteins.PTBP1 plays roles in various diseases,particularly in some cancers,including colorectal cancer,renal cell cancer,breast cancer,and glioma.In cancers,it acts mainly as a regulator of glycolysis,apoptosis,proliferation,tumorigenesis,invasion,and migration.The role of PTBP1 in cancer has become a popular research topic in recent years,and this research has contributed greatly to the formulation of a useful therapeutic strategy for cancer.In this review,we summarize recent findings related to PTBP1 and discuss how it regulates the development of cancer cells.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31572381)National Thousand Youth Talents Plan of the International Science and Technology Cooperation Project of China(2013DFA31420)Science and Technology Innovation Capability Promotion Program of the Science and Technology Department of Qinghai Province(2015-ZJ-712)
文摘Divergence of gene expression and alter native splicing is a crucial driving force in the evolution of species;to date, however the molecular mechanism remains unclear. Hybrids of closely related species provide a suitable model to analyze allele-specific expressi on (ASE) and allele-specific alter native splicing (ASS). Analysis of ASE and ASS can uncover the differences in cis-regulatory elements between closely related species, while eliminating interferenee of trans-regulatory elements. Here, we provide a detailed characterization of ASE and ASS from 19 and 10 transcriptome datasets across five tissues from reciprocal-cross hybrids of horsex don key (mule/hi nny) and cattlexyak (dzo), respectively. Results showed that 4.8%-8.7% and 10.8%-16.7% of genes exhibited ASE and ASS, respectively. Notably, IncRNAs and pseudogenes were more likely to show ASE than protein-coding genes. In addition, genes showing ASE and ASS in mule/hinny were found to be involved in the regulation of muscle strength, whereas those of dzo were involved in high-altitude adaptati on. In con clusi on, our study dem on strated that explorati on of genes showing ASE and ASS in hybrids of closely related species is feasible for species evolution research.
基金supported by the National Basic Research Program of China (2011CB100401)the National Science Fund of China for Distinguished Young Scientists(30825030)+1 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China (30970260,30770466 and 30971752)the Key Project from Chongqing Local Government,China(2010AA1019)
文摘Ser/Arg-rich （SR） genes encode proteins that play pivotal roles in both constitutive and alternative splicing of pre-mRNA. However, not much effort has been made to investigate the alternative splicing of their own pre-mRNA. In this study, we conducted comprehensive analyses of pre-mRNA splicing for 22 SR genes in three rice （Oryza sativa L.） ecotypes indica, japonica andjavanica. Using different ecotypes we characterized the variations in expression and splicing patterns of rice SR genes in different tissues and at different developmental stages. In addition, we compared the divergence in expression and splicing patterns of SR genes from seedlings of different rice ecotypes in response to hormones application and environmental stresses. Our results revealed the complexity of alternative splicing of SR genes in rice. The splicing varies in different tissues, in different ecotypes, in response to stresses and hormones. Thus, our study suggested that SR genes were subjected to sophisticated alternative splicing although their encoding proteins were involved in the splicing process.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31101862)the China Postdoctor Science Foundation and Guangdong Ocean University Doctor Seed Grant, China (0712107)
文摘Alternative splicing is a cellular mechanism in eukaryotes that results in considerable diversity ofgene products. It plays an important role in several diseases and cellular signal regulation. Heat stress is a major factor that induces immunosuppression in pigs. Little is known about the correlation between alternative splicing and heat stress in pigs. Therefore, this study aimed to clone, sequence and quantify the alternative splicing variant of toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4） in Bama miniature pigs （Sus scrofa domestica） following exposure to heat stress. The results showed that the second exon of TLR4 was spliced and 167 bp shorter in the alternative splicing variant, and the protein was putatively identified as a type of truncated membrane protein consisting of extramembrane, transmembrane and intramembrane regions lacking a signal peptide. Further, it was not a non- classical secretory protein. Five potential reference genes were screened for their potential as reliable standards to quantify the expression of TLR4 alternative spliced variants by real-time quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction （qRT-PCR）. The stability of these reference genes was ranked using the geNorm and NormFinder programs, and ribosomal protein L4 （RPL4） and TATA box-binding protein （TBP） were found to be the two genes showing the most stable expression in the in vitro cultured peripheral blood mononuclear ceils （PBMCs） during heat shock. The mRNA level of the TLR4 gene （both classical and spliced） in stressed pigs increased significantly （P〈0.05）. Further, the expression levels of the alternative spliced variant of TLR4 （TLR4-ASV） showed a 2-3 folds increase in heat-stressed PBMCs as compared to control pigs. The results of the present study suggested that heat shock might modulate the host immune response by regulating the expressions of TLR4 and its alternative splicing variant.
基金supported by the National Basic Research Program of China (973 Program) (No 2006CB943601)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) (No 90919042)
文摘OCT4 is one of the key transcription factors in maintaining the pluripotency and self-renewal of embryonic stem （ES） cells.Human OCT4 can generate two isoforms OCT4A and OCT4B by alternative splicing.OCT4B1 is a recently discovered novel OCT4 spliced variant,which has been considered as a putative marker of stemness.Compared with the OCT4B mRNA,OCT4B1 mRNA is generated by retaining intron 2 as a cryptic exon which contains a TGA stop codon in it.As a result,the protein product of OCT4B1 mRNA could be truncated.Interestingly,we present here that OCT4B1 can indirectly produce the same protein products as OCT4B.We have demonstrated that OCT4B1 mRNA can be spliced into OCT4B mRNA,and encode three protein isoforms.The splicing of OCT4B1 mRNA into OCT4B mRNA can be remarkably inhibited by the mutation of the classical splicing site.Our result suggests that OCT4B mRNA may originate from OCT4B1 mRNA by alternative splicing.
基金supported by Nantong UniversityNew York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities+3 种基金by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(81030059 and 81170317)the Basic Research Program of Education Department of Jiangsu Province,China(10KJA310040)the U.S.Alzheimer’s Association(Grant IIRG-10-173154)the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions(PAPD)of China
文摘The neuronal microtubule-associated protein tau is abnormally hyperphosphorylated and aggregated into neurofibrillary tangles in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer＇s disease and related neurodegenerative disorders. The adult human brain expresses six isoforms of tau generated by alternative splicing of exons 2, 3, and 10 of its pre-mRNA. Exon 10 encodes the second microtubule-binding repeat of tau. Its alternative splicing produces tau isoforms with either three or four microtubule-binding repeats, termed 3R-tau and 4R- tau. In the normal adult human brain, the level of 3R-tau is approximately equal to that of 4R-tau. Several silent and intronic mutations of the tau gene associated with FTDP-17T （frontotemporal dementia with Parkinsonism linked to chromosome 17 and specifically characterized by tau pathology） only disrupt exon 10 splicing, but do not influence the primary sequence of the tau protein. Thus, abnormal exon 10 splicing is sufficient to cause neurodegeneration and dementia. Here, we review the regulation of tau exon 10 splicing by cis-elements and trans-factors and summarize all the mutations associated with FTDP-17T and related tauopathies. The findings suggest that correction of exon 10 splicing may be a potential target for tau exon 10 splicing-related tauopathies.
文摘AIM:To investigate alternative splicing in vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGFA),amyloid beta precursor protein(APP),and Numb homolog(NUMB) in colorectal cancer(CRC).METHODS:Real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction(q RT-PCR) and PCRrestriction fragment length polymorphism analyses were performed to detect the expression of VEGFA,APP,and NUMB mR NA in 20 CRC tissues and matched adjacent normal tissues,as well as their alternative splicing variants.RESULTS:q RT-PCR analysis revealed that the expression of APP,NUMB,and VEGFA 165 b m RNA were significantly downregulated,while VEGFA m RNA was upregulated,in CRC tissues(all P < 0.05).PCRrestriction fragment length polymorphism analysis revealed that the expression of VEGFA 165a/b in CRC tissues was significantly higher than in adjacent normal tissues(P < 0.05).Compared with adjacent normal tissues,the expression of NUMB-PRRS in CRC tissues was significantly decreased(P < 0.05),and the expression of NUMB-PRRL was increased(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION:Alternative splicing of VEGFA,APP,and NUMB may regulate the development of CRC,and represent new targets for its diagnosis,prognosis,and treatment.
基金This work was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31901427)the National Transgenic Science and Technology Program(2019ZX08010-003)+1 种基金the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program of CAAS(CAAS-ZDXT2018001)the Young Talent of CAAS to Yulong Ren.
文摘Endosperm as the storage organ of starch and protein in cereal crops largely determines grain yield and quality.Despite the fact that several pentatricopeptide repeat(PPR)proteins required for endosperm development have been identified in rice,the molecular mechanisms of many P-type PPR proteins in endosperm development remains unclear.Here,we isolated a rice floury endosperm mutant ppr5 that developed small starch grains and an abnormal aleurone layer,accompanied by decreased starch,protein,and amylose contents.Map-based cloning combined with a complementation test demonstrated that PPR5 encodes a P-type PPR protein that is localized to the mitochondria.The mutation in PPR5 caused reduced splicing efficiency of mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase 4(nad4)gene intron 3 and reduced complex I assembly and activity.Loss of PPR5 function greatly upregulated expression of alternative oxidases(AOXs),reduced ATP production,and affected mitochondrial morphology.We demonstrate that PPR5,as a P-type PPR protein,is required for mitochondrial function and endosperm development by controlling the cis-splicing of mitochondrial nad4 intron 3.
基金supported by grants from UniversitàCattolica and Italian Ministry of Scientific Research(grant number D1-2016 to GS)
文摘Myotonic dystrophy type 1(DM1) is a spliceopathy related to the mis-splicing of several genes caused by sequestration of nuclear transcriptional RNA-binding factors from non-coding CUG repeats of DMPK pre-mRNAs. Dysregulation of ryanodine receptor 1(RYR1), sarcoplasmatic/endoplasmatic Ca^2+-ATPase(SERCA) and α1 S subunit of voltage-gated Ca^2+ channels(Cav1.1) is related to Ca^2+ homeostasis and excitation-contraction coupling impairment. Though no pharmacological treatment for DM1 exists, aberrant splicing correction represents one major therapeutic target for this disease. Resveratrol(RES, 3,5,4′-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) is a promising pharmacological tools for DM1 treatment for its ability to directly bind the DNA and RNA influencing gene expression and alternative splicing. Herein, we analyzed the therapeutic effects of RES in DM1 myotubes in a pilot study including cultured myotubes from two DM1 patients and two healthy controls. Our results indicated that RES treatment corrected the aberrant splicing of RYR1, and this event appeared associated with restoring of depolarization-induced Ca^2+ release from RYR1 dependent on the electro-mechanical coupling between RYR1 and Cav1.1. Interestingly, immunoblotting studies showed that RES treatment was associated with a reduction in the levels of CUGBP Elav-like family member 1, while RYR1, Cav1.1 and SERCA1 protein levels were unchanged. Finally, RES treatment did not induce any major changes either in the amount of ribonuclear foci or sequestration of muscleblind-like splicing regulator 1. Overall, the results of this pilot study would support RES as an attractive compound for future clinical trials in DM1. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethical Committee of IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy(rs9879/14) on May 20, 2014.
文摘Alternative splicing （AS） is a crucial step in gene expression. It is subject to intricate regulation, and its deregulation in cancer can lead to a wide array of neoplastic phenotypes. A large body of evidence implicates splice isoforms in most if not all hallmarks of cancer, including growth, apoptosis, invasion and metastasis, angiogenesis, and metabolism. AS has important clinical implications since it can be manipulated therapeutically to treat cancer and represents a mechanism of resistance to therapy. In prostate cancer （PCa） AS also plays a prominent role and this review will summarize the current knowledge of alternatively spliced genes with important functional consequences. We will highlight accumulating evidence on AS of the components of the two critical pathways in PCa： androgen receptor （AR） and phosphoinositide 3-kinase （PI3K）. These observations together with data on dysregulation of splice factors in PCa suggest that AR and PI3K pathways may be interconnected with previously unappreciated splicing regulatory networks. In addition, we will discuss several lines of evidence implicating splicing regulation in the development of the castration resistance.
