Analysis of Dscam diversity in regulating axon guidance in Drosophila mushroom bodies

Dscam is an immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily member that regulates axon guidance and targeting in Drosophila. Alternative splicing potentially generates 38,016 isoforms differing in their extracellular Ig and transmembrane domains. We demonstrate that Dscam mediates the sorting of axons in the developing mushroom body (MB). This correlates with the precise spatiotemporal pattern of Dscam protein expression. We demonstrate that MB neurons express different arrays of Dscam isoforms and that single MB neurons express multiple isoforms. Two different Dscam isoforms differing in their extracellular domains introduced as transgenes into single mutant cells partially rescued the mutant phenotype. Expression of one isoform of Dscam in a cohort of MB neurons induced dominant phenotypes, while expression of a single isoform in a single cell did not. We propose that different extracellular domains of Dscam share a common function and that differences in isoforms expressed on the surface of neighboring axons influence interactions between them.     

Single-cell Iso-Sequencing enables rapid genome annotation for scRNAseq analysis

Single-cell RNA sequencing is a powerful technique that continues to expand across various biological applications. However, incomplete 3′-UTR annotations can impede single-cell analysis resulting in genes that are partially or completely uncounted. Performing single-cell RNA sequencing with incomplete 3′-UTR annotations can hinder the identification of cell identities and gene expression patterns and lead to erroneous biological inferences. We demonstrate that performing single-cell isoform sequencing in tandem with single-cell RNA sequencing can rapidly improve 3′-UTR annotations. Using threespine stickleback fish (Gasterosteus aculeatus), we show that gene models resulting from a minimal embryonic single-cell isoform sequencing dataset retained 26.1% greater single-cell RNA sequencing reads than gene models from Ensembl alone. Furthermore, pooling our single-cell sequencing isoforms with a previously published adult bulk Iso-Seq dataset from stickleback, and merging the annotation with the Ensembl gene models, resulted in a marginal improvement (+0.8%) over the single-cell isoform sequencing only dataset. In addition, isoforms identified by single-cell isoform sequencing included thousands of new splicing variants. The improved gene models obtained using single-cell isoform sequencing led to successful identification of cell types and increased the reads identified of many genes in our single-cell RNA sequencing stickleback dataset. Our work illuminates single-cell isoform sequencing as a cost-effective and efficient mechanism to rapidly annotate genomes for single-cell RNA sequencing.     

Widespread Shortening of 3’ Untranslated Regions and Increased Exon Inclusion Are Evolutionarily Conserved Features of Innate Immune Responses to Infection

The contribution of pre-mRNA processing mechanisms to the regulation of immune responses remains poorly studied despite emerging examples of their role as regulators of immune defenses. We sought to investigate the role of mRNA processing in the cellular responses of human macrophages to live bacterial infections. Here, we used mRNA sequencing to quantify gene expression and isoform abundances in primary macrophages from 60 individuals, before and after infection with Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella typhimurium. In response to both bacteria we identified thousands of genes that significantly change isoform usage in response to infection, characterized by an overall increase in isoform diversity after infection. In response to both bacteria, we found global shifts towards (i) the inclusion of cassette exons and (ii) shorter 3’ UTRs, with near-universal shifts towards usage of more upstream polyadenylation sites. Using complementary data collected in non-human primates, we show that these features are evolutionarily conserved among primates. Following infection, we identify candidate RNA processing factors whose expression is associated with individual-specific variation in isoform abundance. Finally, by profiling microRNA levels, we show that 3’ UTRs with reduced abundance after infection are significantly enriched for target sites for particular miRNAs. These results suggest that the pervasive usage of shorter 3’ UTRs is a mechanism for particular genes to evade repression by immune-activated miRNAs. Collectively, our results suggest that dynamic changes in RNA processing may play key roles in the regulation of innate immune responses.     

Got diversity? Wiring the fly brain with Dscam

The Drosophila gene Dscam, encoding Down syndrome cell-adhesion molecule, is required for the development of neural circuits. Alternative splicing of Dscam mRNA potentially generates 38016 isoforms of a cell-surface recognition protein of the immunoglobulin superfamily. These isoforms include 19008 different ectodomains joined to one of two alternative transmembrane segments. Each ectodomain comprises a unique combination of three variable immunoglobulin domains. Biochemical studies support a model in which each isoform preferentially binds to the same isoform on opposing cell surfaces. This homophilic binding requires matching at all three variable immunoglobulin domains. These findings raise the intriguing possibility that specificity of binding by the Dscam isoforms mediates cell-surface recognition events required for wiring the fly brain.     

Primary structure and developmental acidic to basic transition of 13 alternatively spliced mouse fast skeletal muscle troponin T isoforms

Large samples of original cDNAs encoding neonatal and adult mouse fast skeletal muscle troponin T (fTnT) have been isolated and characterized. The results demonstrate expression relationships of 8 alternatively spliced exons of the fTnT gene and reveal the primary structure of as many as 13 fTnT isoforms that diverge into acidic and basic classes due to differential mRNA splicing in the N-terminal variable region. In the C-terminal variable region encoded by the mutually exclusive exons 16 and 17, the splicing pathway and structure of exon 16 appears to be adult fTnT-specific, suggesting an adaptation to the functional demands of mature fast skeletal muscle. The cloned cDNAs were expressed in E. coli as standards to identify a high M_r to low M_r, acidic to basic fTnT isoform transition in postnatal developing skeletal muscles. Different from the developmental cardiac TnT switch generated by alternative splicing of a single exon, the fTnT isoform transition is an additive effect of alternative splicing of multiple N-terminal-coding exons, especially exons 4, 8 and fetal that are expressed at higher frequencies in the neonatal than in the adult muscle. The developmental fTnT isoform primary structure transition in both N- and C-terminal variable regions suggest a physiological importance of the apparently complex TnT isoform expression.     

Competing RNA secondary structures are required for mutually exclusive splicing of the Dscam exon 6 cluster

Alternative splicing of eukaryotic pre-mRNAs is an important mechanism for generating proteome diversity and regulating gene expression. The Drosophila melanogaster Down Syndrome Cell Adhesion Molecule (Dscam) gene is an extreme example of mutually exclusive splicing. Dscam contains 95 alternatively spliced exons that potentially encode 38,016 distinct mRNA and protein isoforms. We previously identified two sets of conserved sequence elements, the docking site and selector sequences in the Dscam exon 6 cluster, which contains 48 mutually exclusive exons. These elements were proposed to engage in competing RNA secondary structures required for mutually exclusive splicing, though this model has not yet been experimentally tested. Here we describe a new system that allowed us to demonstrate that the docking site and selector sequences are indeed required for exon 6 mutually exclusive splicing and that the strength of these RNA structures determines the frequency of exon 6 inclusion. We also show that the function of the docking site has been conserved for ~500 million years of evolution. This work demonstrates that conserved intronic sequences play a functional role in mutually exclusive splicing of the Dscam exon 6 cluster.     

Base editing‐mediated perturbation of endogenous PKM1/2 splicing facilitates isoform‐specific functional analysis in vitro and in vivo

Objectives PKM1 and PKM2, which are generated from the alternative splicing of PKM gene, play important roles in tumourigenesis and embryonic development as rate‐limiting enzymes in glycolytic pathway. However, because of the lack of appropriate techniques, the specific functions of the 2 PKM splicing isoforms have not been clarified endogenously yet.Materials and methodsIn this study, we used CRISPR‐based base editors to perturbate the endogenous alternative splicing of PKM by introducing mutations into the splicing junction sites in HCT116 cells and zebrafish embryos. Sanger sequencing, agarose gel electrophoresis and targeted deep sequencing assays were utilized for identifying mutation efficiencies and detecting PKM1/2 splicing isoforms. Cell proliferation assays and RNA‐seq analysis were performed to describe the effects of perturbation of PKM1/2 splicing in tumour cell growth and zebrafish embryo development.ResultsThe splicing sites of PKM, a 5’ donor site of GT and a 3’ acceptor site of AG, were efficiently mutated by cytosine base editor (CBE; BE4max) and adenine base editor (ABE; ABEmax‐NG) with guide RNAs (gRNAs) targeting the splicing sites flanking exons 9 and 10 in HCT116 cells and/or zebrafish embryos. The mutations of the 5’ donor sites of GT flanking exons 9 or 10 into GC resulted in specific loss of PKM1 or PKM2 expression as well as the increase in PKM2 or PKM1 respectively. Specific loss of PKM1 promoted cell proliferation of HCT116 cells and upregulated the expression of cell cycle regulators related to DNA replication and cell cycle phase transition. In contrast, specific loss of PKM2 suppressed cell growth of HCT116 cells and resulted in growth retardation of zebrafish. Meanwhile, we found that mutation of PKM1/2 splicing sites also perturbated the expression of non‐canonical PKM isoforms and produced some novel splicing isoforms.ConclusionsThis work proved that CRISPR‐based base editing strategy can be used to disrupt the endogenous alternative splicing of genes of interest to study the function of specific splicing isoforms in vitro and in vivo. It also reminded us to notice some novel or undesirable splicing isoforms by targeting the splicing junction sites using base editors. In sum, we establish a platform to perturbate endogenous RNA splicing for functional investigation or genetic correction of abnormal splicing events in human diseases.     

Functional Characterization of MC1R-TUBB3 Intergenic Splice Variants of the Human Melanocortin 1 Receptor

The melanocortin 1 receptor gene (MC1R) expressed in melanocytes is a major determinant of skin pigmentation. It encodes a Gs protein-coupled receptor activated by α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (αMSH). Human MC1R has an inefficient poly(A) site allowing intergenic splicing with its downstream neighbour Tubulin-β-III (TUBB3). Intergenic splicing produces two MC1R isoforms, designated Iso1 and Iso2, bearing the complete seven transmembrane helices from MC1R fused to TUBB3-derived C-terminal extensions, in-frame for Iso1 and out-of-frame for Iso2. It has been reported that exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) might promote an isoform switch from canonical MC1R (MC1R-001) to the MC1R-TUBB3 chimeras, which might lead to novel phenotypes required for tanning. We expressed the Flag epitope-tagged intergenic isoforms in heterologous HEK293T cells and human melanoma cells, for functional characterization. Iso1 was expressed with the expected size. Iso2 yielded a doublet of Mr significantly lower than predicted, and impaired intracellular stability. Although Iso1- and Iso2 bound radiolabelled agonist with the same affinity as MC1R-001, their plasma membrane expression was strongly reduced. Decreased surface expression mostly resulted from aberrant forward trafficking, rather than high rates of endocytosis. Functional coupling of both isoforms to cAMP was lower than wild-type, but ERK activation upon binding of αMSH was unimpaired, suggesting imbalanced signaling from the splice variants. Heterodimerization of differentially labelled MC1R-001 with the splicing isoforms analyzed by co-immunoprecipitation was efficient and caused decreased surface expression of binding sites. Thus, UVR-induced MC1R isoforms might contribute to fine-tune the tanning response by modulating MC1R-001 availability and functional parameters.     

The organization and evolution of the dipteran and hymenopteran Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule (Dscam) genes

The Drosophila melanogaster Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule (Dscam) gene encodes an axon guidance receptor and can generate 38,016 different isoforms via the alternative splicing of 95 variable exons. Dscam contains 10 immunoglobulin (Ig), six Fibronectin type III, a transmembrane (TM), and cytoplasmic domains. The different Dscam isoforms vary in the amino acid sequence of three of the Ig domains and the TM domain. Here, we have compared the organization of the Dscam gene from three members of the Drosophila subgenus (D. melanogaster, D. pseudoobscura, and D. virilis), the mosquito Anopheles gambiae, and the honeybee Apis mellifera. Each of these organisms contains numerous alternative exons and can potentially synthesize tens of thousands of isoforms. Interestingly, most of the alternative exons in one species are more similar to one another than to the corresponding alternative exons in the other species. These observations provide strong evidence that many of the alternative exons have arisen by reiterative exon duplication and deletion events. In addition, these findings suggest that the expression of a large Dscam repertoire is more important for the development and function of the insect nervous system than the actual sequence of each isoform.     

The induction of preterm labor in rhesus macaques is determined by the strength of immune response to intrauterine infection

Intrauterine infection/inflammation (IUI) is a major contributor to preterm labor (PTL). However, IUI does not invariably cause PTL. We hypothesized that quantitative and qualitative differences in immune response exist in subjects with or without PTL. To define the triggers for PTL, we developed rhesus macaque models of IUI driven by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or live Escherichia coli. PTL did not occur in LPS challenged rhesus macaques, while E. coli–infected animals frequently delivered preterm. Although LPS and live E. coli both caused immune cell infiltration, E. coli–infected animals showed higher levels of inflammatory mediators, particularly interleukin 6 (IL-6) and prostaglandins, in the chorioamnion-decidua and amniotic fluid (AF). Neutrophil infiltration in the chorio-decidua was a common feature to both LPS and E. coli. However, neutrophilic infiltration and IL6 and PTGS2 expression in the amnion was specifically induced by live E. coli. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis of fetal membranes revealed that specific pathways involved in augmentation of inflammation including type I interferon (IFN) response, chemotaxis, sumoylation, and iron homeostasis were up-regulated in the E. coli group compared to the LPS group. Our data suggest that the intensity of the host immune response to IUI may determine susceptibility to PTL.     

Differential Subcellular Distributions and Trafficking Functions of hnRNP A2/B1 Spliceoforms

Trafficking of mRNA molecules from the nucleus to distal processes in neural cells is mediated by heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) A2/B1 trans‐acting factors. Although hnRNP A2/B1 is alternatively spliced to generate four isoforms, most functional studies have not distinguished between these isoforms. Here, we show, using isoform‐specific antibodies and isoform‐specific green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐fusion expression constructs, that A2b is the predominant cytoplasmic isoform in neural cells, suggesting that it may play a key role in mRNA trafficking. The differential subcellular distribution patterns of the individual isoforms are determined by the presence or absence of alternative exons that also affect their dynamic behavior in different cellular compartments, as measured by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. Expression of A2b is also differentially regulated with age, species and cellular development. Furthermore, coinjection of isoform‐specific antibodies and labeled RNA into live oligodendrocytes shows that the assembly of RNA granules is impaired by blockade of A2b function. These findings suggest that neural cells modulate mRNA trafficking by regulating alternative splicing of hnRNP A2/B1 and controlling expression levels of A2b, which may be the predominant mediator of cytoplasmic‐trafficking functions. These findings highlight the importance of considering isoform‐specific functions for alternatively spliced proteins.     

Complex environmental drivers of immunity and resistance in malaria mosquitoes

Considerable research effort has been directed at understanding the genetic and molecular basis of mosquito innate immune mechanisms. Whether environmental factors interact with these mechanisms to shape overall resistance remains largely unexplored. Here, we examine how changes in mean ambient temperature, diurnal temperature fluctuation and time of day of infection affected the immunity and resistance of Anopheles stephensi to infection with Escherichia coli. We used quantitative PCR to estimate the gene expression of three immune genes in response to challenge with heat-killed E. coli. We also infected mosquitoes with live E. coli and ran bacterial growth assays to quantify host resistance. Both mosquito immune parameters and resistance were directly affected by mean temperature, diurnal temperature fluctuation and time of day of infection. Furthermore, there was a suite of complex two- and three-way interactions yielding idiosyncratic phenotypic variation under different environmental conditions. The results demonstrate mosquito immunity and resistance to be strongly influenced by a complex interplay of environmental variables, challenging the interpretation of the very many mosquito immune studies conducted under standard laboratory conditions.     

A vast repertoire of Dscam binding specificities arises from modular interactions of variable Ig domains

Dscam encodes a family of cell surface proteins required for establishing neural circuits in Drosophila. Alternative splicing of Drosophila Dscam can generate 19,008 distinct extracellular domains containing different combinations of three variable immunoglobulin domains. To test the binding properties of many Dscam isoforms, we developed a high-throughput ELISA-based binding assay. We provide evidence that 95% (>18,000) of Dscam isoforms exhibit striking isoform-specific homophilic binding. We demonstrate that each of the three variable domains binds to the same variable domain in an opposing isoform and identify the structural elements that mediate this self-binding of each domain. These studies demonstrate that self-binding domains can assemble in different combinations to generate an enormous family of homophilic binding proteins. We propose that this vast repertoire of Dscam recognition molecules is sufficient to provide each neuron with a unique identity and homotypic binding specificity, thereby allowing neuronal processes to distinguish between self and nonself.