HNRNPL Increases WSB1 mRNA Stability to Promote Proliferation and Lipid Droplets in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma.

This study aims to explore the possible effect and mechanism of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein L (HNRNPL) on the lipid droplet and proliferation ability of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). The mRNA and protein expressions of HNRNPL and WSB1 on ccRCC tissues and cells were detected using qRT-PCR and western blot. The lipid droplet of cells was assessed after Oil Red O staining and BODIPY 493/503 staining. Cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 assay. The interaction between HNRNPL and WSB1 was verified using RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and RNA-pull down assay. WSB1 mRNA stability was measured by Actinomycin D. Elevated expressions of HNRNPL and WSB1 were found in both ccRCC tissues and cells. HNRNPL knockdown can lead to suppressed lipid droplet and cell proliferation ability of ccRCC cells, while expression pattern was found in cells with HNRNPL overexpression. RIP and RNA-pull down assay clarified the binding of HNRNPL with WSB1. HNRNPL can facilitate the stability and expression of WSB1 mRNA. Rescue assay identified the promotive effect of HNRNPL on lipid droplets and cell proliferation of ccRCC cells can be abolished in response to WSB1 knockdown. Collected evidence summarized that HNRNPL can increase the stability of WSB1 mRNA to promote lipid droplet and proliferation ability in ccRCC cells.

Exosomes secreted by Fusobacterium nucleatum-infected colon cancer cells transmit resistance to oxaliplatin and 5-FU by delivering hsa_circ_0004085.

BACKGROUND: A large number of Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) are present in colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues of patients who relapse after chemotherapy, and Fn has been reported to promote oxaliplatin and 5-FU chemoresistance in CRC. Pathogens such as bacteria and parasites stimulate exosome production in tumor cells, and the regulatory mechanism of exosomal circRNA in the transmission of oxaliplatin and 5-FU chemotherapy resistance in Fn-infected CRC remains unclear. METHODS: Hsa_circ_0004085 was screened by second-generation sequencing of CRC tissues. The correlation between hsa_circ_0004085 and patient clinical response to oxaliplatin/5-FU was analyzed. Exosome tracing experiments and live imaging systems were used to test the effect of Fn infection in CRC on the distribution of hsa_circ_0004085. Colony formation, ER tracking analysis and immunofluorescence were carried out to verify the regulatory effect of exosomes produced by Fn-infected CRC cells on chemotherapeutic resistance and ER stress. RNA pulldown, LC-MS/MS analysis and RIP were used to explore the regulatory mechanism of downstream target genes by hsa_circ_0004085. RESULTS: First, we screened out hsa_circ_0004085 with abnormally high expression in CRC clinical samples infected with Fn and found that patients with high expression of hsa_circ_0004085 in plasma had a poor clinical response to oxaliplatin/5-FU. Subsequently, the circular structure of hsa_circ_0004085 was identified. Fn infection promoted hsa_circ_0004085 formation by hnRNP L and packaged hsa_circ_0004085 into exosomes by hnRNP A1. Exosomes produced by Fn-infected CRC cells transferred hsa_circ_0004085 between cells and delivered oxaliplatin/5-FU resistance to recipient cells by relieving ER stress. Hsa_circ_0004085 enhanced the stability of GRP78 mRNA by binding to RRBP1 and promoted the nuclear translocation of ATF6p50 to relieve ER stress. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma levels of hsa_circ_0004085 are increased in colon cancer patients with intracellular Fn and are associated with a poor response to oxaliplatin/5-FU. Fn infection promoted hsa_circ_0004085 formation by hnRNP L and packaged hsa_circ_0004085 into exosomes by hnRNP A1. Exosomes secreted by Fn-infected CRC cells deliver hsa_circ_0004085 between cells. Hsa_circ_0004085 relieves ER stress in recipient cells by regulating GRP78 and ATF6p50, thereby delivering resistance to oxaliplatin and 5-FU.

Lnc-PPP2R1B Mediates the Alternative Splicing of PPP2R1B by Interacting and Stabilizing HNRNPLL and Promotes Osteogenesis of MSCs.

Osteogeinc differentiation from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into osteoblasts is a key step for bone tissue engineering in regenerative medicine. The insight into regulatory mechanism of osteogenesis of MSCs facilitates achieving better recovery effect. Long non-coding RNAs are regarded as a family of important moderators in osteogenesis. In this study, we found a novel lncRNA, lnc-PPP2R1B was up-regulated during osteogenesis of MSCs by Illumina HiSeq transcritome sequencing. We demonstrated lnc-PPP2R1B overexpression promoted osteogenesis and knockdown of lnc-PPP2R1B inhibited osteogenesis of MSCs. Mechanically, it physically interacted with and up-regulated heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein L Like (HNRNPLL), which is a master regulator of activation-induced alternative splicing in T cells. We found lnc-PPP2R1B knockdown or HNRNPLL knockdown decreased transcript-201 of Protein Phosphatase 2A, Regulatory Subunit A, Beta Isoform (PPP2R1B) while increased transcript-203 of PPP2R1B, and did not affect transcript-202/204/206. PPP2R1B is a constant regulatory subunit of protein phosphatase 2 (PP2A), which activates Wnt/ß-catenin pathway by removing phosphorylation and stabilization of ß-catenin and translocation into nucleus. The transcript-201 retained exon 2 and 3, compared to transcript-203. And it was reported the exon 2 and 3 of PPP2R1B were one part of B subunit binding domain on A subunit in PP2A trimer, and therefore retaining exon 2 and 3 promised formation and enzyme function of PP2A. Finally, lnc-PPP2R1B promoted ectopic osteogenesis in vivo. Conclusively, lnc-PPP2R1B mediated alternative splicing of PPP2R1B through retaining exon 2 and 3 by interacting with HNRNPLL and then promoted osteogenesis, which may facilitate an in-depth understanding of function and mechanism of lncRNAs in osteogenesis. Lnc-PPP2R1B interacted with HNRNPLL, and regulated alternative splicing of PPP2R1B through retaining exon 2 and 3, which preserved enzyme function of PP2A and enhanced dephosphorylation and nuclear translocation of ß-catenin, thereby promoting Runx2 and OSX expression and then osteogenesis. And it provided experimental data and potential target for promoting bone formation and bone regeneration.

hnRNPL expression dynamics in the embryo and placenta.

Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein L (hnRNPL) is a conserved RNA binding protein (RBP) that plays an important role in the alternative splicing of gene transcripts, and thus in the generation of specific protein isoforms. Global deficiency in hnRNPL in mice results in preimplantation embryonic lethality at embryonic day (E) 3.5. To begin to understand the contribution of hnRNPL-regulated pathways in the normal development of the embryo and placenta, we determined hnRNPL expression profile and subcellular localization throughout development. Proteome and Western blot analyses were employed to determine hnRNPL abundance between E3.5 and E17.5. Histological analyses supported that the embryo and implantation site display distinct hnRNPL localization patterns. In the fully developed mouse placenta, nuclear hnRNPL was observed broadly in trophoblasts, whereas within the implantation site a discrete subset of cells showed hnRNPL outside the nucleus. In the first-trimester human placenta, hnRNPL was detected in the undifferentiated cytotrophoblasts, suggesting a role for this factor in trophoblast progenitors. Parallel in vitro studies utilizing Htr8 and Jeg3 cell lines confirmed expression of hnRNPL in cellular models of human trophoblasts. These studies [support] coordinated regulation of hnRNPL during the normal developmental program in the mammalian embryo and placenta.

Circular RNA CircPDS5B impairs angiogenesis following ischemic stroke through its interaction with hnRNPL to inactivate VEGF-A.

BACKGROUND: Ischemic stroke (IS) is the primary cause of mortality and disability worldwide. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been proposed as crucial regulators in IS. This study focused on the role of circPDS5B in IS and its underlying mechanism. METHOD: Transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) mice and glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R)-exposed human brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) were used as IS models. Expression levels of circPDS5B, heterogenous nuclear ribonucleoprotein L (hnRNPL), runt-related transcription factor-1 (Runx1), and Zinc finger protein 24 (ZNF24) were quantified by qRT-PCR. MTT, wound healing, transwell and tube formation assays were employed to evaluate the cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis, respectively. Moreover, RNA pull-down, and RIP assay were performed to investigate the interaction among circPDS5B, hnRNPL and vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A). RESULTS: circPDS5B was significantly up-regulated in IS patients and tMCAO mice. Deficiency of circPDS5B relieved brain infarction and neuronal injury of tMCAO mice. OGD/R-induced apoptosis, inhibition in viability, migration, and angiogenesis in BMECs were dramatically abrogated by circPDS5B knockdown. Mechanistically, circPDS5B stabilized Runx1 and ZNF24 via recruiting hnRNPL, thereby suppressing the transcription and expression of VEGFA. hnRNPL silencing strengthened circPDS5B knockdown-mediated beneficial effect on IS. CONCLUSION: Altogether, our study showed that high expression of circPDS5B exacerbated IS through recruitment of hnRNPL to stabilize Runx1/ZNF24 and subsequently inactivate VEGFA. Our findings suggest circPDS5B may be a novel therapeutic target for IS.

Regulation of CD8+ T cells infiltration and immunotherapy by circMGA/HNRNPL complex in bladder cancer.

The limited success of immunotherapies targeting immune checkpoint inhibitors is largely ascribed to the lack of infiltrating CD8+ T lymphocytes. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a novel type of prevalent noncoding RNA that have been implicated in tumorigenesis and progression, while their roles in modulating CD8+ T cells infiltration and immunotherapy in bladder cancer have not yet been investigated. Herein, we uncover circMGA as a tumor-suppressing circRNA triggering CD8+ T cells chemoattraction and boosting the immunotherapy efficacy. Mechanistically, circMGA functions to stabilize CCL5 mRNA by interacting with HNRNPL. In turn, HNRNPL increases the stability of circMGA, forming a feedback loop that enhances the function of circMGA/HNRNPL complex. Intriguingly, therapeutic synergy between circMGA and anti-PD-1 could significantly suppress xenograft bladder cancer growth. Taken together, the results demonstrate that circMGA/HNRNPL complex may be targetable for cancer immunotherapy and the study advances our understanding of the physiological roles of circRNAs in antitumor immunity.

TDP-43 and other hnRNPs regulate cryptic exon inclusion of a key ALS/FTD risk gene, UNC13A.

A major function of TAR DNA-binding protein-43 (TDP-43) is to repress the inclusion of cryptic exons during RNA splicing. One of these cryptic exons is in UNC13A, a genetic risk factor for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The accumulation of cryptic UNC13A in disease is heightened by the presence of a risk haplotype located within the cryptic exon itself. Here, we revealed that TDP-43 extreme N-terminus is important to repress UNC13A cryptic exon inclusion. Further, we found hnRNP L, hnRNP A1, and hnRNP A2B1 bind UNC13A RNA and repress cryptic exon inclusion, independently of TDP-43. Finally, higher levels of hnRNP L protein associate with lower burden of UNC13A cryptic RNA in ALS/FTD brains. Our findings suggest that while TDP-43 is the main repressor of UNC13A cryptic exon inclusion, other hnRNPs contribute to its regulation and may potentially function as disease modifiers.

HNRNPL induced circFAM13B increased bladder cancer immunotherapy sensitivity via inhibiting glycolysis through IGF2BP1/PKM2 pathway.

BACKGROUND: The response rate to immunotherapy in patients with bladder cancer (BCa) remains relatively low. Considering the stable existence and important functions in tumour metabolism, the role of circRNAs in regulating immune escape and immunotherapy sensitivity is receiving increasing attention. METHODS: Circular RNA (circRNA) sequencing was performed on five pairs of BCa samples, and circFAM13B (hsa_circ_0001535) was screened out because of its remarkably low expression in BCa. Further mRNA sequencing was conducted, and the association of circFAM13B with glycolysis process and CD8+ T cell activation was confirmed. The functions of circFAM13B were verified by proliferation assays, glycolysis assays, BCa cells-CD8+ T cell co-culture assays and tumorigenesis experiment among human immune reconstitution NOG mice. Bioinformatic analysis, RNA-protein pull down, mass spectrometry, RNA immunoprecipitation, luciferase reporter assay and fluorescence in situ hybridization were performed to validate the HNRNPL/circFAM13B/IGF2BP1/PKM2 cascade. RESULTS: Low expression of circFAM13B was observed in BCa, and it was positively associated with lower tumour stage and better prognosis among patients with BCa. The function of CD8+ T cells was promoted by circFAM13B, and it could attenuate the glycolysis of BCa cells and reverse the acidic tumour microenvironment (TME). The production of granzyme B and IFN-γ was improved, and the immunotherapy (PD-1 antibodies) sensitivity was facilitated by the inhibition of acidic TME. Mechanistically, circFAM13B was competitively bound to the KH3-4 domains of IGF2BP1 and subsequently reduced the binding of IGF2BP1 and PKM2 3'UTR. Thus, the stability of the PKM2 mRNA decreased, and glycolysis-induced acidic TME was inhibited. The generation of circFAM13B was explored by confirming whether heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein L (HNRNPL) could promote circFAM13B formation via pre-mRNA back-splicing. CONCLUSIONS: HNRNPL-induced circFAM13B could repress immune evasion and enhance immunotherapy sensitivity by inhibiting glycolysis and acidic TME in BCa through the novel circFAM13B/IGF2BP1/PKM2 cascade. Therefore, circFAM13B can be used as a biomarker for guiding the immunotherapy among patients with BCa.

Enhanced myogenesis through lncFAM-mediated recruitment of HNRNPL to the MYBPC2 promoter.

The mammalian transcriptome comprises a vast family of long noncoding (lnc)RNAs implicated in physiologic processes such as myogenesis, through which muscle forms during embryonic development and regenerates in the adult. However, the specific molecular mechanisms by which lncRNAs regulate human myogenesis are poorly understood. Here, we identified a novel muscle-specific lncRNA, lncFAM71E1-2:2 (lncFAM), which increased robustly during early human myogenesis. Overexpression of lncFAM promoted differentiation of human myoblasts into myotubes, while silencing lncFAM suppressed this process. As lncFAM resides in the nucleus, chromatin isolation by RNA purification followed by mass spectrometry (ChIRP-MS) analysis was employed to identify the molecular mechanisms whereby it might promote myogenesis. Analysis of lncFAM-interacting proteins revealed that lncFAM recruited the RNA-binding protein HNRNPL to the promoter of MYBPC2, in turn increasing MYBPC2 mRNA transcription and enhancing production of the myogenic protein MYBPC2. These results highlight a mechanism whereby a novel ribonucleoprotein complex, lncFAM-HNRNPL, elevates MYBPC2 expression transcriptionally to promote myogenesis.

MOBT Alleviates Pulmonary Fibrosis through an lncITPF-hnRNP-l-Complex-Mediated Signaling Pathway.

Pulmonary fibrosis is characterized by the destruction of alveolar architecture and the irreversible scarring of lung parenchyma, with few therapeutic options and effective therapeutic drugs. Here, we demonstrate the anti-pulmonary fibrosis of 3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-oxo-4H-1-benzopyran-7-yl(αS)-α,3,4-trihydroxybenzenepropanoate (MOBT) in mice and a cell model induced by bleomycin and transforming growth factor-ß1. The anti-pulmonary fibrosis of MOBT was evaluated using a MicroCT imaging system for small animals, lung function analysis and H&E and Masson staining. The results of RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-PCR, RNA immunoprecipitation, ChIP-seq, RNA-seq, and half-life experiments demonstrated the anti-pulmonary fibrotic mechanism. Mechanistic dissection showed that MOBT inhibited lncITPF transcription by preventing p-Smad2/3 translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, resulting in a reduction in the amount of the lncITPF-hnRNP L complex. The decreased lncITPF-hnRNP L complex reduced MEF2c expression by blocking its alternative splicing, which in turn inhibited the expression of MEF2c target genes, such as TAGLN2 and FMN1. Briefly, MOBT alleviated pulmonary fibrosis through the lncITPF-hnRNP-l-complex-targeted MEF2c signaling pathway. We hope that this study will provide not only a new drug candidate but also a novel therapeutic drug target, which will bring new treatment strategies for pulmonary fibrosis.

The m6A-induced lncRNA CASC8 promotes proliferation and chemoresistance via upregulation of hnRNPL in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are dysregulated in many cancers. Here, we identified the molecular mechanisms of lncRNA Cancer Susceptibility Candidate 8 (CASC8) in promoting the malignancy of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). CASC8 was highly overexpressed in ESCC tissues and upregulation of CASC8 predicted poor prognosis in ESCC patients. Moreover, CASC8 decreased the cisplatin sensitivity of ESCC cells and promoted ESCC tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, CASC8 interacted with heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein L (hnRNPL) and inhibited its polyubiquitination and proteasomal degradation, thus stabilizing hnRNPL protein levels and activating the Bcl2/caspase3 pathway. Additionally, AlkB Homolog 5, RNA demethylase (ALKBH5)-mediated m6A demethylation stabilized the CASC8 transcript, resulting in CASC8 upregulation. Taken together, these findings identified an oncogenic function of CASC8 in the progression of ESCC, which suggest that CASC8 might become a potential prognostic biomarker in ESCC.

Modulation of pre-mRNA structure by hnRNP proteins regulates alternative splicing of MALT1.

Alternative splicing plays key roles for cell type-specific regulation of protein function. It is controlled by cis-regulatory RNA elements that are recognized by RNA binding proteins (RBPs). The MALT1 paracaspase is a key factor of signaling pathways that mediate innate and adaptive immune responses. Alternative splicing of MALT1 is critical for controlling optimal T cell activation. We demonstrate that MALT1 splicing depends on RNA structural elements that sequester the splice sites of the alternatively spliced exon7. The RBPs hnRNP U and hnRNP L bind competitively to stem-loop RNA structures that involve the 5' and 3' splice sites flanking exon7. While hnRNP U stabilizes RNA stem-loop conformations that maintain exon7 skipping, hnRNP L disrupts these RNA elements to facilitate recruitment of the essential splicing factor U2AF2, thereby promoting exon7 inclusion. Our data represent a paradigm for the control of splice site selection by differential RBP binding and modulation of pre-mRNA structure.

Long non-coding RNA lincRNA-erythroid prosurvival (EPS) alleviates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury by maintaining high-temperature requirement protein A1 (Htra1) stability through recruiting heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein L (HNRNPL).

This study aimed at investigating the role and mechanism of lincRNA-EPS (erythroid prosurvival) in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (CIR) injury. The results showed that the overexpression of lincRNA-EPS was able to reduce the levels of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1ß stimulated in the OGD-treated Neuro-2a (N-2a) cells. The levels of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde were enhanced while the superoxide dismutase levels were reduced by oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) treatment, in which the lincRNA-EPS overexpression could reverse this effect in the cells. LincRNA-EPS interacted with high-temperature requirement protein A1 (Htra1) and heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein L (HNRNPL), and their depletion inhibited the Htra1 mRNA stability in N-2a cells. HNRNPL knockdown blocked lincRNA-EPS overexpression-induced Htra1 expression in the cells. The depletion of Htra1 could rescue lincRNA-EPS overexpression-mediated N-2a cell injury, inflammation, and oxidative stress induced by OGD. Functionally, lincRNA-EPS alleviates CIR injury of the middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion mice in vivo. In conclusion, lincRNA-EPS attenuates CIR injury by maintaining Htra1 stability through recruiting HNRNPL.

Cortex metabolome and proteome analysis reveals chronic arsenic exposure via drinking water induces developmental neurotoxicity through hnRNP L mediated mitochondrial dysfunction in male rats.

Lots of people are at the risk of arsenic-contaminated drinking water. Arsenic exposure was confirmed to be closely linked to neurocognitive deficits, particularly during childhood. The multi-omics approaches are known be well suitable for toxicological research. Thus, this study aimed to explore the molecular mechanisms of arsenic-induced learning and memory function impairments through the integrative proteome and metabolome analysis of cortex in rats. The weaned rats were exposed to arsenic-contaminated drinking water for six months to mimic the developmental exposure. 220 differential proteins and 19 differential metabolites were identified in the cortex, and nine potential biomarkers were found to be related to impaired Morris water maze (MWM) indicators. Chronic arsenic exposure affected the cognitive function by inducing the overproduction of amyloid-ß (Aß) peptides and the redox imbalance in the mitochondria. Glycolysis and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle enhancement driven by the increased heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein L (hnRNP L) is a low-dose protective mechanism against arsenic-induced ATP deficiency and oxidative stress. Moreover, apoptosis is another important pathway of arsenic-induced neurotoxicity. This study provides new evidence about the alterations of proteins and metabolites in the cortex of the exposed rats under arsenic toxicity. These findings suggest hnRNP L could be a potential target for the treatment of arsenic-induced neurotoxicity.

Long non-coding RNA lincRNA-erythroid prosurvival attenuates inflammation by enhancing myosin heavy chain 6 stability through recruitment of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein L in myocardial infarction.

Myocardial infarction (MI), a prevalent cardiac disorder with high mortality, leads to severe heart injury associated with inflammation and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Long non-coding RNAs have been widely found to participate in the progression of MI. Here, we aimed to explore the impact of lincRNA-erythroid prosurvival (EPS) on MI-induced inflammation and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Significantly, lincRNA-EPS was lowly expressed in MI mice and in oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD)-treated HL-1 cells. Echocardiography analysis revealed that lincRNA-EPS overexpression increased left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular fraction shortening, and decreased left ventricular internal diameter at end systole and left ventricular internal diameter at end diastole in a mouse model. In our study, the expression levels of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1ß, and interleukin-18 were upregulated in the MI mice and OGD-treated HL-1 cells, while lincRNA-EPS overexpression reversed these phenotypes. Meanwhile, lincRNA-EPS reduced MI-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis in vivo and in vitro. Mechanically, lincRNA-EPS interacted with myosin heavy chain 6 (MYH6) and heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein L (HNRNPL), and the depletion of lincRNA-EPS and HNRNPL inhibited MYH6 mRNA stability in HL-1 cells. HNRNPL knockdown blocked lincRNA-EPS overexpression-induced MYH6 expression in the system. The depletion of MYH6 and HNRNPL could rescue lincRNA-EPS overexpression-reduced inflammation and apoptosis in HL-1 cells. Thus, we conclude that lincRNA-EPS attenuates inflammation and apoptosis in MI-induced myocardial injury by maintaining MYH6 stability through the recruitment of HNRNPL.

Cis-acting lnc-Cxcl2 restrains neutrophil-mediated lung inflammation by inhibiting epithelial cell CXCL2 expression in virus infection.

Chemokine production by epithelial cells is important for neutrophil recruitment during viral infection, the appropriate regulation of which is critical for restraining inflammation and attenuating subsequent tissue damage. Epithelial cell expression of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), RNA-binding proteins, and their functional interactions during viral infection and inflammation remain to be fully understood. Here, we identified an inducible lncRNA in the Cxcl2 gene locus, lnc-Cxcl2, which could selectively inhibit Cxcl2 expression in mouse lung epithelial cells but not in macrophages. lnc-Cxcl2-deficient mice exhibited increased Cxcl2 expression, enhanced neutrophils recruitment, and more severe inflammation in the lung after influenza virus infection. Mechanistically, nucleus-localized lnc-Cxcl2 bound to Cxcl2 promoter, recruited a ribonucleoprotein La, which inhibited the chromatin accessibility of chemokine promoters, and consequently inhibited Cxcl2 transcription in cis However, unlike mouse lnc-Cxcl2, human lnc-CXCL2-4-1 inhibited multiple immune cytokine expressions including chemokines in human lung epithelial cells. Together, our results demonstrate a self-protecting mechanism within epithelial cells to restrain chemokine and neutrophil-mediated inflammation, providing clues for better understanding chemokine regulation and epithelial cell function in lung viral infection.

Regulation of integrin and extracellular matrix genes by HNRNPL is necessary for epidermal renewal.

Stratified epithelia such as the epidermis require coordinated regulation of stem and progenitor cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation to maintain homeostasis. Integrin-mediated anchorage of the basal layer stem cells of the epidermis to the underlying dermis through extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins is crucial for this process. It is currently unknown how the expression of these integrins and ECM genes are regulated. Here, we show that the RNA-binding protein (RBP) heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein L (HNRNPL) binds to these genes on chromatin to promote their expression. HNRNPL recruits RNA polymerase II (Pol II) to integrin/ECM genes and is required for stabilizing Pol II transcription through those genes. In the absence of HNRNPL, the basal layer of the epidermis where the stem cells reside prematurely differentiates and detaches from the underlying dermis due to diminished integrin/ECM expression. Our results demonstrate a critical role for RBPs on chromatin to maintain stem and progenitor cell fate by dictating the expression of specific classes of genes.

FBXO16-mediated hnRNPL ubiquitination and degradation plays a tumor suppressor role in ovarian cancer.

Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein L (hnRNPL) is a type of RNA binding protein that highly expressed in a variety of tumors and plays a vital role in tumor progression. However, its post-translational regulation through ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis and the cellular mechanism responsible for its proteasomal degradation remains unclear. F-box proteins (FBPs) function as the substrate recognition subunits of SCF ubiquitin ligase complexes and directly bind to substrates. The aberrant expression or mutation of FBPs will lead to the accumulation of its substrate proteins that often involved in tumorigenesis. Here we discover FBXO16, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, to be a tumor suppressor in ovarian cancer, and patients with the relatively high expression level of FBXO16 have a better prognosis. Silencing or depleting FBXO16 significantly enhanced ovarian cancer cell proliferation, clonogenic survival, and cell invasion by activating multiple oncogenic pathways. This function requires the F-box domain of FBXO16, through which FBXO16 assembles a canonical SCF ubiquitin ligase complex that constitutively targets hnRNPL for degradation. Depletion of hnRNPL is sufficient to inactive multiple oncogenic signaling regulated by FBXO16 and prevent the malignant behavior of ovarian cancer cells caused by FBXO16 deficiency. FBXO16 interacted with the RRM3 domain of hnRNPL via its C-terminal region to trigger the proteasomal degradation of hnRNPL. Failure to degrade hnRNPL promoted ovarian cancer cell proliferation in vitro and tumor growth vivo, phenocopying the deficiency of FBXO16 in ovarian cancer.

The methyltransferase SETD2 couples transcription and splicing by engaging mRNA processing factors through its SHI domain.

Heterogeneous ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs) are RNA binding molecules that are involved in key processes such as RNA splicing and transcription. One such hnRNP protein, hnRNP L, regulates alternative splicing (AS) by binding to pre-mRNA transcripts. However, it is unclear what factors contribute to hnRNP L-regulated AS events. Using proteomic approaches, we identified several key factors that co-purify with hnRNP L. We demonstrate that one such factor, the histone methyltransferase SETD2, specifically interacts with hnRNP L in vitro and in vivo. This interaction occurs through a previously uncharacterized domain in SETD2, the SETD2-hnRNP Interaction (SHI) domain, the deletion of which, leads to a reduced H3K36me3 deposition. Functionally, SETD2 regulates a subset of hnRNP L-targeted AS events. Our findings demonstrate that SETD2, by interacting with Pol II as well as hnRNP L, can mediate the crosstalk between the transcription and the splicing machinery.