The mammalian genome is not merely a static combination of the four genetic codes A, T, C, and G. Reversible chemical modifications on DNA and histones contribute significantly to cell diversity through dynamic regulation of global gene expression. Prior to our work, no example of reversible chemical modifications on RNA that could affect gene expression had been shown. In the last funding period, we discovered the first two RNA demethylases: FTO, a protein associated with human fat mass obesity, and ALKBH5, a protein that affects spermatogenesis in a mouse model. These two proteins belong to the AlkB family iron- and 2-ketoglutarate (2- KG)-dependent dioxygenases and catalyze oxidative demethylation of the most prevalent internal modifications of mammalian messenger RNA (mRNA) and other nuclear RNA, N6- methyladenosine (m6A). These studies provided the first demonstration of reversible RNA modification that may impact biological regulation analogous to the well-known reversible DNA and histone chemical modifications. We have also discovered proteins that can selectively recognize m6A-modified mRNA. We have confirmed that binding of m6A-containing mRNA by a family of the reader proteins affects the translation status and lifetime of the target mRNA. In the current application, we plan to thoroughly characterize the structures of FTO with bound nucleic acid substrates. With the structural information available, we plan to apply photo-crosslinking as well as m6A-seq to mammalian cells in order to capture and identify RNA substrates of FTO. With substrates identified and potential partner proteins revealed, we hope to investigate and elucidate the mechanisms of the demethylation-based regulatory process. In addition to mRNA m6A demethylation, we have recently discovered that certain transfer RNA (tRNA) modification is also reversible. A primary function of tRNA modifications is commonly thought to control the quality and quantity of protein synthesis. We found that the human ALKBH1 is a tRNA demethylase acting on N1-methyladenosine (m1A) residues, which are known to control the stability and folding of many tRNA species. This discovery provides another example of reversible methylation in a different RNA species, indicating that RNA demodification is a general regulatory mechanism in biology. Furthermore, it raises many new questions on how reversible tRNA methylation impacts tRNA biogenesis and regulates translation. We plan to thoroughly establish the functional roles and elucidate the underlying mechanisms of this new mode of tRNA methylation/demethylation in biological regulation.

Public Health Relevance

We have discovered the first two mammalian RNA demethylases, FTO and ALKBH5. The proposed research will investigate the mechanisms of gene expression regulation through RNA demethylation mediated by these two enzymes and a newly discovered tRNA demethylase.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
2R01GM071440-10A1
Application #
8882625
Study Section
Macromolecular Structure and Function B Study Section (MSFB)
Program Officer
Gerratana, Barbara
Project Start
2004-08-01
Project End
2019-02-28
Budget Start
2015-03-15
Budget End
2016-02-29
Support Year
10
Fiscal Year
2015
Total Cost
$310,417
Indirect Cost
$109,417
Name
University of Chicago
Department
Chemistry
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
005421136
City
Chicago
State
IL
Country
United States
Zip Code
60637
Frye, Michaela; Harada, Bryan T; Behm, Mikaela et al. (2018) RNA modifications modulate gene expression during development. Science 361:1346-1349
Wei, Jiangbo; Liu, Fange; Lu, Zhike et al. (2018) Differential m6A, m6Am, and m1A Demethylation Mediated by FTO in the Cell Nucleus and Cytoplasm. Mol Cell 71:973-985.e5
Yan, Fei; Al-Kali, Aref; Zhang, Zijie et al. (2018) A dynamic N6-methyladenosine methylome regulates intrinsic and acquired resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Cell Res 28:1062-1076
Su, Rui; Dong, Lei; Li, Chenying et al. (2018) R-2HG Exhibits Anti-tumor Activity by Targeting FTO/m6A/MYC/CEBPA Signaling. Cell 172:90-105.e23
Shi, Hailing; He, Chuan (2018) Phasing Gene Expression: mRNA N6-Methyladenosine Regulates Temporal Progression of Mammalian Cortical Neurogenesis. Biochemistry 57:1055-1056
Hsu, Phillip J; Shi, Hailing; He, Chuan (2017) Epitranscriptomic influences on development and disease. Genome Biol 18:197
Li, Zejuan; Weng, Hengyou; Su, Rui et al. (2017) FTO Plays an Oncogenic Role in Acute Myeloid Leukemia as a N6-Methyladenosine RNA Demethylase. Cancer Cell 31:127-141
Weekley, Claire M; He, Chuan (2017) Developing drugs targeting transition metal homeostasis. Curr Opin Chem Biol 37:26-32
Zhang, Sicong; Zhao, Boxuan Simen; Zhou, Aidong et al. (2017) m6A Demethylase ALKBH5 Maintains Tumorigenicity of Glioblastoma Stem-like Cells by Sustaining FOXM1 Expression and Cell Proliferation Program. Cancer Cell 31:591-606.e6
Nachtergaele, Sigrid; He, Chuan (2017) The emerging biology of RNA post-transcriptional modifications. RNA Biol 14:156-163

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