AU-Rich Element RNA Binding Proteins: At the Crossroads of Post-Transcriptional Regulation and Genome Integrity.

Genome integrity must be tightly preserved to ensure cellular survival and to deter the genesis of disease. Endogenous and exogenous stressors that impose threats to genomic stability through DNA damage are counteracted by a tightly regulated DNA damage response (DDR). RNA binding proteins (RBPs) are emerging as regulators and mediators of diverse biological processes. Specifically, RBPs that bind to adenine uridine (AU)-rich elements (AREs) in the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of mRNAs (AU-RBPs) have emerged as key players in regulating the DDR and preserving genome integrity. Here we review eight established AU-RBPs (AUF1, HuR, KHSRP, TIA-1, TIAR, ZFP36, ZFP36L1, ZFP36L2) and their ability to maintain genome integrity through various interactions. We have reviewed canonical roles of AU-RBPs in regulating the fate of mRNA transcripts encoding DDR genes at multiple post-transcriptional levels. We have also attempted to shed light on non-canonical roles of AU-RBPs exploring their post-translational modifications (PTMs) and sub-cellular localization in response to genotoxic stresses by various factors involved in DDR and genome maintenance. Dysfunctional AU-RBPs have been increasingly found to be associated with many human cancers. Further understanding of the roles of AU-RBPS in maintaining genomic integrity may uncover novel therapeutic strategies for cancer.

A deep learning workflow for quantification of micronuclei in DNA damage studies in cultured cancer cell lines: A proof of principle investigation.

The cytokinesis block micronucleus assay is widely used for measuring/scoring/counting micronuclei, a marker of genome instability in cultured and primary cells. Though a gold standard method, this is a laborious and time-consuming process with person-to-person variation observed in quantification of micronuclei. We report in this study the utilisation of a new deep learning workflow for detection of micronuclei in DAPI stained nuclear images. The proposed deep learning framework achieved an average precision of >90% in detection of micronuclei. This proof of principle investigation in a DNA damage studies laboratory supports the idea of deploying AI powered tools in a cost-effective manner for repetitive and laborious tasks with relevant computational expertise. These systems will also help improving the quality of data and wellbeing of researchers.

Naphthalimide-phenanthroimidazole incorporated new fluorescent sensor for "turn-on" Cu2+ detection in living cancer cells.

In recent years, fluorescent sensors have emerged as attractive imaging probes due to their distinct responses toward bio-relevant metal ions. However, the bioimaging application main barrier is the 'turn-off' response toward paramagnetic metal ions such as Cu2+ under physiological conditions. Herein, we report a new sensor (2-methyl(4-bromo-N-ethylpiperazinyl-1,8-naphthalimido)-4-(1H-phenanthro[9,10-d]imidazole-2-yl) phenol)NPP with multifunctional (Naphthalimide, Piperazine, Phenanthroimidazole) units for fluorescent and colourimetric detection of Cu2+ in an aqueous medium. Both absorption and fluorescence spectral titration strategies were used to monitor the Cu2+-sensing property of NPP. The NPP displays a weak emission at ca. 455 nm, which remarkably enhances (⁓3.2-fold) upon selective binding of Cu2+ over a range of metal ions, including other paramagnetic metal ions (Mn2+, Fe3+, Co2+). The stoichiometry, binding constant (Ka) and the LOD (limit of detection) of NPP toward Cu2+ ions were found to be 1:1, 5.0 (± 0.2) × 104 M-1 and 6.5 (± 0.4) × 10-7 M, respectively. We have also used NPP as a fluorescent probe to detect Cu2+ in live (human cervical HeLa) cancer cells. The emission intensity of NPP was almost recovered in HeLa cells by incubating 'in situ' the derived Cu2+ complex (NPP-Cu2+) in the presence of a benchmark chelating agent such as EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetate). The fluorescent emission of NPP was reverted significantly in each cycle upon sequencial addition of Cu2+ and EDTA to the NPP solution. Overall, NPP is a novel, simple, economic and portable sensor that can detect Cu2+ in biological and environmental scenarios.