Article
Genetics & Heredity
Midori Tabara, Hisashi Koiwa, Nobuhiro Suzuki, Toshiyuki Fukuhara
Summary: The study found that NcDCL2 is the sole siRNA producing Dicer in N. crassa, with enzymatic properties different from plant Dicers, as it can cleave both short and long dsRNAs.
FUNGAL GENETICS AND BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Andrew Loffer, Jasleen Singh, Akihito Fukudome, Vibhor Mishra, Feng Wang, Craig S. Pikaard
Summary: Researchers have found that selfish genetic elements in plants are silenced by RNA-directed DNA methylation. The process involves specific RNA molecules and enzymes, which collectively influence the production of siRNAs and ensure maximal siRNA coverage at methylated target loci.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
David Zapletal, Karel Kubicek, Petr Svoboda, Richard Stefl
Summary: RNase III Dicer plays important biological roles in eukaryotes by generating small RNAs for sequence-specific regulations. RNA interference (RNAi) and microRNA (miRNA) pathways are the major Dicer-dependent mechanisms, which produce distinct types of small RNAs. Structural analyses of animal and plant Dicers have revealed the contributions of different domains to substrate recognition and cleavage, highlighting the ancestral role of siRNA generation and the derived features of miRNA biogenesis. The functional divergence is mainly attributed to a RIG-I-like helicase domain, while the dsRNA-binding domain showcases the impressive functional versatility in Dicer-mediated small RNA biogenesis.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Midori Tabara, Riho Yamanashi, Kazunori Kuriyama, Hisashi Koiwa, Toshiyuki Fukuhara
Summary: The dicing activities of DCL3 and DCL4 are inhibited by accumulated metabolites in soybean leaves. Flavonoids, such as epicatechin and 7,4'-dihydroxyflavone, inhibit the dicing activity of DCL4 and attenuate RNAi in soybean leaves.
PLANT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Juan A. Sanchez, Maria C. Ingaramo, Maria P. Gerve, Maria G. Thomas, Graciela L. Boccaccio, Andres Dekanty
Summary: The adipose tissue plays a crucial role in metabolism, stress resistance, and longevity. The depletion of Dicer1 in the fat body leads to changes in lipid metabolism, enhanced resistance to stress, and increased lifespan. The JNK-FOXO axis controls nutrient responses in the fat body by suppressing Dicer1 expression, providing a novel understanding of physiological responses at the organismal level.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Balagopal Pai
Summary: Maintaining cellular homeostasis requires precise control of gene expression, with miRNAs playing a crucial role. While our understanding of miRNA biogenesis and function has advanced, different cell types in diverse organisms may have evolved distinct mechanisms for regulating miRNAs. In this issue, Oikawa and colleagues explore the molecular dynamics of miRNAs in adult skeletal muscles, raising intriguing questions for further investigation into alternative mechanisms of miRNA biogenesis.
Article
Plant Sciences
Liqun Ma, Xi Zhang, Zhiqi Deng, Peiyu Zhang, Tian Wang, Ran Li, Jinyan Li, Ke Cheng, Jubin Wang, Nan Ma, Guiqin Qu, Benzhong Zhu, Daqi Fu, Yunbo Luo, Feng Li, Hongliang Zhu
Summary: The tomato DCL2b protein plays a crucial role in regulating the defense against tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and maintaining normal leaf development.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Stella Uebbing, Marius Kreiss, Friederike Scholl, Ann-Kathrin Haefner, Duran Sueruen, Ulrike Garscha, Oliver Werz, Devaraj Basavarajappa, Bengt Samuelsson, Olof Radmark, Beatrix Suess, Dieter Steinhilber
Summary: The 5-lipoxygenase enzyme has been identified to modulate miRNA processing in monocytic cells by promoting transcription of specific miRNAs and inhibiting the processing of pre-let-7e, ultimately leading to changes in the miRNA profile. This interaction results in altered expression levels of miRNAs, impacting cell differentiation, proliferation, and the maintenance of leukemic stem cell functions.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Ji Min Park, Jei-Ming Peng, Yu-Shiuan Shen, Chia-Ying Lin, Tung-Wei Hsu, Yen-Hao Su, Hsin-An Chen, Charupong Saengboonmee, Jung-Su Chang, Ching-Feng Chiu, Yan-Shen Shan
Summary: This study revealed that high expression of Dicer is associated with advanced pancreatic cancer and resistance to gemcitabine. Metabolomic analysis showed that gemcitabine-resistant cells utilize glutamine as their main fuel and this is related to high Dicer expression. Further investigation demonstrated that phosphorylation of Dicer at site S1016 affects miRNA biogenesis and glutamine metabolism. These findings have important implications for understanding the development and treatment of pancreatic cancer.
MOLECULAR METABOLISM
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kotaro Nakanishi
Summary: The biosynthesis pathways of microRNAs have been well characterized, with small RNAs shorter than 19 nt also binding to AGO proteins and regulating mRNA expression post-transcriptionally.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria A. Gomez-Munoz, Diana Aguilar-Morante, Ana Colmenero-Repiso, Aida Amador-Alvarez, Monica Ojeda-Puertas, Juan Antonio Cordero Varela, Ismael Rodriguez-Prieto, Ricardo Pardal, Francisco M. Vega
Summary: Neuroblastoma is a pediatric tumor with high heterogeneity and poor outcome. Patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) have been found to be useful models for studying neuroblastoma biology. In this study, we analyzed consecutive PDX passages to identify potential changes and correlations with neuroblastoma aggressiveness. We observed changes in gene expression and identified new genes and miRNAs that could be used for patient stratification and understanding tumor aggressiveness.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biology
Nicole Farfan, Nicole Sanhueza, Macarena Briones, Luis O. Burzio, Veronica A. Burzio
Summary: The study demonstrates that ASncmtRNA-2 may act as a precursor for miR-4485-3p, with in vitro experiments supporting this hypothesis. The evidence strengthens the application of ASncmtRNA knockdown for cancer therapy, as miR-4485-3p is classified as a tumor suppressor miRNA.
BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Lei Zhang, Linlin Chen, Hongtao Zhang, Hongbin Si, Xianyong Liu, Xun Suo, Dandan Hu
Summary: This study characterized the RNA silencing machinery and miRNA expression profiles in different stages of Eimeria tenella. The miRNA expression was found to regulate gene expression, chromatin binding, and protein phosphorylation. This study provides insights into the regulation of gene expression during the parasite life cycle in apicomplexan parasites.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Manish Pandey, Arthur Luhur, Nicholas S. S. Sokol, Geetanjali Chawla
Summary: This study investigated the impact of position, order, stem-base, and terminal loop sequences on the differential processing of miRNAs in clustered microRNAs. The results highlighted the importance of structural attributes in regulating the expression of polycistronic miRNAs and provided specific guidelines for achieving differential expression within a cluster.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Talhat Chaudhry, Christopher R. Coxon, Kehinde Ross
Summary: This review highlights the advances made in small molecule and peptide inhibitors of miRNA processing, with an emphasis on peptide features that regulate miRNA expression.
DRUG DISCOVERY TODAY
(2022)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Amani Ghousein, Nicola Mosca, Flora Cartier, Justine Charpentier, Jean-William Dupuy, Anne-Aurelie Raymond, Paulette Bioulac-Sage, Christophe F. Grosset
LIVER INTERNATIONAL
(2020)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Armando Di Palo, Chiara Siniscalchi, Mariacarolina Salerno, Aniello Russo, Claus Hojbjerg Gravholt, Nicoletta Potenza
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2020)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Armando Di Palo, Chiara Siniscalchi, Nicola Mosca, Aniello Russo, Nicoletta Potenza
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY REPORTS
(2020)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Armando Di Palo, Chiara Siniscalchi, Nicola Mosca, Aniello Russo, Nicoletta Potenza
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2020)
Correction
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Armando Di Palo, Chiara Siniscalchi, Mariacarolina Salerno, Aniello Russo, Claus Hojbjerg Gravholt, Nicoletta Potenza
Summary: This article discusses how microRNAs can be used to study the human X chromosome.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Armando Di Palo, Chiara Siniscalchi, Rita Polito, Ersilia Nigro, Aniello Russo, Aurora Daniele, Nicoletta Potenza
Summary: The study highlights the oncosuppressive role of T-cadherin and the oncogenic activity of miR-377 in colorectal cancer. The regulatory circuit identified in this study provides new insights into molecular mechanisms driving colorectal carcinogenesis, potentially leading to the identification of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
CELL BIOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Chiara Siniscalchi, Armando Di Palo, Aniello Russo, Nicoletta Potenza
Summary: This study identified specific cellular miRNAs that interact with SARS-CoV-2 sequences, demonstrating experimental evidence of their binding and potential therapeutic implications. The interaction between miRNAs and viral sequences was validated through luciferase reporter assays, offering insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying virus infection and potential therapeutic interventions. The study also highlighted the conservation of viral target sequences in recent variants, suggesting the importance of targeting these miRNAs for developing innovative diagnostic tools and interventions.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Nicola Mosca, Sara Petrillo, Sara Bortolani, Mauro Monforte, Enzo Ricci, Fiorella Piemonte, Giorgio Tasca
Summary: Oxidative stress is a prominent factor in the pathophysiology of various muscle disorders, but specific mechanisms and targeted antioxidant therapies still require further research and clinical trials.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chiara Siniscalchi, Armando Di Palo, Aniello Russo, Nicoletta Potenza
Summary: Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) make up the majority of the transcriptome and participate in regulatory networks through competitive interactions, known as competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks. X-inactive specific transcript (XIST) is an important long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) involved in X chromosome inactivation and is associated with miRNAs. Further research may reveal novel functions and gender-related mechanisms of XIST and other lncRNAs produced by the X-inactivation center.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Nicola Mosca, Fatma Zohra Khoubai, Sandrine Fedou, Juan Carrillo-Reixach, Stefano Caruso, Alvaro Del Rio-Alvarez, Emeric Dubois, Christophe Avignon, Nathalie Dugot-Senant, Catherine Guettier, Charlotte Mussini, Jessica Zucman-Rossi, Carolina Armengol, Pierre Thiebaud, Philippe Veschambre, Christophe Francois Grosset
Summary: This study demonstrates that LHX2 is downregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatoblastoma, and its downregulation is associated with Wnt pathway activation. Furthermore, overexpression of LHX2 inhibits the proliferation, migration, and survival of liver cancer cells by inactivating MAPK/ERK and Wnt signals. The findings suggest that LHX2 acts as a tumor suppressor in adult and pediatric liver cancers.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nicola Mosca, Aniello Russo, Nicoletta Potenza
Summary: Transcriptome complexity is a fascinating field, especially with the discovery of numerous non-coding RNA biotypes through high-throughput sequencing. This review focuses on antisense long non-coding RNAs and their role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Dysregulation of antisense lncRNAs significantly contributes to hepatocarcinogenesis, affecting tumor onset, progression, and treatment response. Understanding the mechanisms and functions of these RNA molecules is important for potential therapeutic targets and diagnostic tools.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Armando Di Palo, Chiara Siniscalchi, Giuseppina Crescente, Ilenia De Leo, Antonio Fiorentino, Severina Pacifico, Aniello Russo, Nicoletta Potenza
Summary: This study examined the impact of three metabolites isolated from hemp seeds on the expression levels of microRNAs in human neural cells. The results showed significant changes in 31 microRNAs, some of which are implicated in neural functions and are known to be involved in Alzheimer's disease. These findings provide new insights into the mechanism of action of hemp seed metabolites and their potential effects on the central nervous system.
CURRENT ISSUES IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francesco Manfrevola, Nicoletta Potenza, Teresa Chioccarelli, Armando Di Palo, Chiara Siniscalchi, Veronica Porreca, Arcangelo Scialla, Vincenza Grazia Mele, Giuseppe Petito, Aniello Russo, Antonia Lanni, Rosalba Senese, Giulia Ricci, Riccardo Pierantoni, Rosanna Chianese, Gilda Cobellis
Summary: The study highlights the role of cannabinoid receptor CB1 in regulating sperm circular RNA cargo, which influences sperm morphology and cellular maturation. Specifically, circLIMA1 is identified as a potential regulator of cytoskeletal actin and plays a role in sperm nuclear actin remodeling during epididymal maturation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)