Mutational analysis of the functional motifs of the <scp>DEAD</scp>‐box <scp>RNA</scp> helicase <scp>Me31B</scp>/<scp>DDX6</scp> in <i>Drosophila</i> germline development

Kara, Evan; McCambridge, Aidan; Proffer, Megan; Dilts, Carol; Pumnea, Brooke; Eshak, John; Smith, Korey A.; Fielder, Isaac; Doyle, Dominique A; Ortega, Bianca M; Mukatash, Yousif; Malik, Nauman; Mohammed, Ammaar R.; Govani, Deep; Niepielko, Matthew G.; Gao, Ming

doi:10.1002/1873-3468.14668

Cited by 5 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 78 publications

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“…Thus, we reason that differences in homotypic clustering can be attributed to variations at the transcriptional level. Alternatively, mRNA localization in the oocyte relies on mechanisms that protect mRNA from maternal degradation ( Lasko 2012 ; Kara, et al 2023 ). Therefore, differences in maternal degradation may also contribute to the disparities in transcript levels among species.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Germ Granule Evolution Provides Mechanistic Insight into Drosophila Germline Development

Doyle,

Burian,

Aharoni

et al. 2023

Molecular Biology and Evolution

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The co-packaging of mRNAs into biomolecular condensates called germ granules is a conserved strategy to post-transcriptionally regulate germline mRNAs. In D. melanogaster, mRNAs accumulate in germ granules by forming homotypic clusters, aggregates containing multiple transcripts from the same gene. Nucleated by Oskar (Osk), homotypic clusters are generated through a stochastic seeding and self-recruitment process that requires the 3′ UTR of germ granule mRNAs. Interestingly, the 3′ UTR belonging to germ granule mRNAs, such as nanos (nos), have considerable sequence variations among Drosophila species and we hypothesized that this diversity influences homotypic clustering. To test our hypothesis, we investigated the homotypic clustering of nos and polar granule component (pgc) in four Drosophila species and concluded that clustering is a conserved process used to enrich germ granule mRNAs. However, we discovered germ granule phenotypes that included significant changes in the abundance of transcripts present in species’ homotypic clusters, which also reflected diversity in the number of coalesced primordial germ cells within their embryonic gonads. By integrating biological data with computational modeling, we found that multiple mechanisms underlie naturally occurring germ granule diversity, including changes in nos, pgc, osk levels, and/or homotypic clustering efficacy. Furthermore, we demonstrated how the nos 3′ UTR from different species influences nos clustering, causing granules to have ∼70% less nos and increasing the presence of defective primordial germ cells. Our results highlight the impact that evolution has on germ granules, which should provide broader insight into processes that modify compositions and activities of other classes of biomolecular condensate.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Germ Granule Evolution Provides Mechanistic Insight into Drosophila Germline Development

Doyle,

Burian,

Aharoni

et al. 2023

Molecular Biology and Evolution

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Three RNA helicase DDX genes are essential for the development and oocyte maturation in Laodelphax striatellus

Ma,

Zhang,

Chen

et al. 2024

Pest Management Science

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BackgroundDEAD‐box protein (DDX) is a member of the DDX RNA helicase family that exerts multiple functions in RNA metabolism, cell cycle, tumorigenesis, signal pathway, and fertility, particularly in mammals. Nevertheless, the biological functions of DDXs in insects have not been fully resolved and attracted increasing attention these years. Laodelphax striatellus (Hemiptera) is a notorious rice pest through feeding on rice sap and transmitting plant viruses. In this study, we aim to elucidate the functional characterization of DDXs in L. striatellus, and to exploit potential target genes for the development of pest control strategies.ResultsIn this study, we characterized the expression patterns of LsDDX6, LsDDX47, and LsDDX51 in planthoppers and analyzed their conserved motifs. These genes were found to be expressed in all tissues and developmental stages examined, with significantly higher transcript levels observed in the ovary. Knockdown of LsDDX6, LsDDX47, and LsDDX51 resulted in an obvious lethal phenotype in nymphs and abnormal ovarian development in adults. Furthermore, a total of 27 DDXs were identified in L. striatellus, and most DDXs were highly expressed in ovary and structure analysis result revealed that all of the DDXs possessed nine motifs that were unique to the DDX family.ConclusionThe three DDX RNA helicases (LsDDX6, LsDDX47, and LsDDX51) are essential for both survivorship and reproduction in L. striatellus. Considering a total number of 27 DDXs identified in L. striatellus, they might serve as promising candidates for application in RNAi‐based control of this destructive pest. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

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Me31B: a key repressor in germline regulation and beyond

Gao

2024

Bioscience Reports

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Me31B, an evolutionarily conserved ATP-dependent RNA helicase, plays an important role in the development of the germline across diverse animal species. Its cellular functionality has been posited as a translational repressor, participating in various RNA metabolism pathways to intricately regulate the spatiotemporal expression of RNAs. Despite its evident significance, the precise role and mechanistic underpinnings of Me31B remain insufficiently understood. This article endeavors to comprehensively review historic and recent research on Me31B, distill the major findings, discern generalizable patterns in Me31B's functions across different research contexts, and provide insights into its fundamental role and mechanism of action. The primary focus of this article centers on elucidating the role of Drosophila Me31B within the germline, while concurrently delving into pertinent research on its orthologs within other species and cellular systems.

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Mutational analysis of the functional motifs of the DEAD‐box RNA helicase Me31B/DDX6 in Drosophila germline development

Cited by 5 publications

References 78 publications

Germ Granule Evolution Provides Mechanistic Insight into Drosophila Germline Development

Germ Granule Evolution Provides Mechanistic Insight into Drosophila Germline Development

Three RNA helicase DDX genes are essential for the development and oocyte maturation in Laodelphax striatellus

Me31B: a key repressor in germline regulation and beyond

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