Xylem cells are surrounded by primary and secondary cell walls. Formation of primary walls is regulated by the cell wall integrity surveillance system, but it is unclear if the deposition of secondary walls is similarly regulated. To study this question, we introduced to aspen three different enzymes cleaving cell wall-localized xylan and we suppressed xylan synthase components either ubiquitously or specifically during secondary wall formation using Populus trichocarpa GT43B promoter. When xylan was ubiquitously altered, 95% of lines showed reduced growth, whereas when it was altered during secondary wall deposition, 30% of lines grew better with the rest having no growth impairment, suggesting opposite effects of primary and secondary wall disturbances. To detect mechanism of growth stimulation by disturbed deposition of secondary wall, we analyzed changes in wood quality traits, chemistry, transcriptomics, metabolomics and hormonomics in transgenic lines. We found increased tension wood production, reduced S- and H-lignin, and changes in several metabolites in common in these lines. Remorin REM1.3 and NRL2 (NPH3 family) transcripts increased and changes in jasmonates, ABA and SA occurred in secondary wall-forming xylem suggesting their involvement in secondary wall integrity surveyance and signaling. The data indicate that a unique program mediates responses to secondary wall impairment that induces growth.

• Klíčová slova
• aspen, cell wall integrity sensing, glucuronoxylan, secondary cell wall, secondary cell wall integrity, transgenic Populus trees, wood development,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C) is a post-transcriptional RNA modification that plays a crucial role in the epitranscriptome, influencing gene expression and cellular function. This modification occurs at the cytosine base, where an acetyl group is installed to the nitrogen at the 4th position (N4). This co-transcription modification affects RNA stability, RNA structure, and translation efficiency. Recent studies have uncovered a potential link between RNA modifications and DNA repair mechanisms, suggesting that ac4C-modified or methylated RNAs may interact with factors involved in DNA repair pathways; thus, influencing the cellular response to DNA damage. Dysregulation of modified RNAs, including ac4C RNA, has been implicated in cancer development, where aberrant levels of these RNAs may contribute to oncogenic transformation by altering genome stability and the expression of key genes regulating cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, and apoptosis. Understanding the dynamics of modified RNAs offers promising insights into the role of epitranscriptome in DNA repair processes and cancer treatment.

• Klíčová slova
• DNA damage repair, N-acetylcytidine, NAT10, RNA modifications, epigenetics, epitranscriptomics,
• MeSH
• cytidin * analogy a deriváty   metabolismus   MeSH
• epigeneze genetická * MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• nádory * genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• oprava DNA * MeSH
• posttranskripční úpravy RNA * MeSH
• regulace genové exprese u nádorů MeSH
• RNA * metabolismus   genetika   MeSH
• transkriptom * MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH
• Názvy látek
• cytidin * MeSH
• N-acetylcytidine MeSH Prohlížeč
• RNA * MeSH

BACKGROUND: Cell cycle progression and leukemia development are tightly regulated processes in which even a small imbalance in the expression of cell cycle regulatory molecules and microRNAs (miRNAs) can lead to an increased risk of cancer/leukemia development. Here, we focus on the study of a ubiquitous, multifunctional, and oncogenic miRNA-hsa-miR-155-5p (miR-155, MIR155HG), which is overexpressed in malignancies including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Nonetheless, the precise mechanism of how miR-155 regulates the cell cycle in leukemic cells remains the subject of extensive research. METHODS: We edited the CLL cell line MEC-1 by CRISPR/Cas9 to introduce a short deletion within the MIR155HG gene. To describe changes at the transcriptome and miRNome level in miR-155-deficient cells, we performed mRNA-seq/miRNA-seq and validated changes by qRT-PCR. Flow cytometry was used to measure cell cycle kinetics. A WST-1 assay, hemocytometer, and Annexin V/PI staining assessed cell viability and proliferation. RESULTS: The limited but phenotypically robust miR-155 modification impaired cell proliferation, cell cycle, and cell ploidy. This was accompanied by overexpression of the negative cell cycle regulator p21/CDKN1A and Cyclin D1 (CCND1). We confirmed the overexpression of canonical miR-155 targets such as PU.1, FOS, SHIP-1, TP53INP1 and revealed new potential targets (FCRL5, ISG15, and MX1). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate that miR-155 deficiency impairs cell proliferation, cell cycle, transcriptome, and miRNome via deregulation of the MIR155HG/TP53INP1/CDKN1A/CCND1 axis. Our CLL model is valuable for further studies to manipulate miRNA levels to revert highly aggressive leukemic cells to nearly benign or non-leukemic types.

• Klíčová slova
• B-cells, CRISPR/Cas9, Cell cycle, Leukemia, miR-155,
• MeSH
• chronická lymfatická leukemie * genetika   patologie   MeSH
• cyklin D1 genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• inhibitor p21 cyklin-dependentní kinasy * genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• kontrolní body buněčného cyklu * genetika   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mikro RNA * genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• nádorové buněčné linie MeSH
• proliferace buněk genetika   MeSH
• proteiny teplotního šoku MeSH
• regulace genové exprese u leukemie MeSH
• transportní proteiny genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• CCND1 protein, human MeSH Prohlížeč
• CDKN1A protein, human MeSH Prohlížeč
• cyklin D1 MeSH
• inhibitor p21 cyklin-dependentní kinasy * MeSH
• mikro RNA * MeSH
• MIRN155 microRNA, human MeSH Prohlížeč
• proteiny teplotního šoku MeSH
• TP53INP1 protein, human MeSH Prohlížeč
• transportní proteiny MeSH

Background: Genetic causes of chronic diseases, once considered rare in adult-onset disease, now account for between 10 and 20% of cases of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Confirming a genetic diagnosis can influence disease management; however, the utility of genetic testing in older adults remains poorly understood, partly due to age-based restrictions on testing access. To better evaluate the diagnostic yield and clinical utility of genetic testing in this population, we analyzed data from adults aged ≥50 years with CKD who were assessed in a specialized kidney genetics clinic. Methods: We studied a cohort of 125 adults with CKD aged ≥50 years at the time of genetic testing. Genetic testing included gene panels targeting disease-related genes based on clinical phenotype, and/or exome sequencing for additional monogenic causes if the initial panel testing was inconclusive. Results: Pathogenic variants in disease-related genes were identified in 38% of patients. The highest diagnostic yield (48%) was in patients aged 50-54 years. The most common diagnosis post-testing was glomerulopathies (32%). Clinical utility, shown through the case series, included modifications to treatment and clinical management, as well as a reduction in the diagnostic odyssey. Conclusions: Our findings from a dedicated Kidney Genetics Clinic show that genetic testing in adults ≥50 years with CKD has significant diagnostic and clinical utility. These results support guideline recommendations that there should be no upper age limit for genetic testing. Future research in unselected CKD populations is needed to establish the broader applicability and feasibility of genetic testing in older adults.

• Klíčová slova
• chronic kidney disease, exome sequencing, genetic kidney disease, genetic testing, older adults,
• MeSH
• chronická renální insuficience * genetika   diagnóza   MeSH
• genetická predispozice k nemoci MeSH
• genetické testování * metody   MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• sekvenování exomu MeSH
• senioři nad 80 let MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• senioři nad 80 let MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

BACKGROUND: Epitranscriptomics, the study of RNA modifications such as N6-methyladenosine (m6A), provides a novel layer of gene expression regulation with implications for numerous biological processes, including cellular adaptation to hypoxia. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), a master regulator of the cellular response to low oxygen, plays a critical role in adaptive and pathological processes, including cancer, ischemic heart disease, and metabolic disorders. Recent discoveries accent the dynamic interplay between m6A modifications and HIF-1 signaling, revealing a complex bidirectional regulatory network. While the roles of other RNA modifications in HIF-1 regulation remain largely unexplored, emerging evidence suggests their potential significance. MAIN BODY: This review examines the reciprocal regulation between HIF-1 and epitranscriptomic machinery, including m6A writers, readers, and erasers. HIF-1 modulates the expression of key m6A components, while its own mRNA is regulated by m6A modifications, positioning HIF-1 as both a regulator and a target in this system. This interaction enhances our understanding of cellular hypoxic responses and opens avenues for clinical applications in treating conditions like cancer and ischemic heart disease. Promising progress has been made in developing selective inhibitors targeting the m6A-HIF-1 regulatory axis. However, challenges such as off-target effects and the complexity of RNA modification dynamics remain significant barriers to clinical translation. CONCLUSION: The intricate interplay between m6A and HIF-1 highlights the critical role of epitranscriptomics in hypoxia-driven processes. Further research into these regulatory networks could drive therapeutic innovation in cancer, ischemic heart disease, and other hypoxia-related conditions. Overcoming challenges in specificity and off-target effects will be essential for realizing the potential of these emerging therapies.

• Klíčová slova
• Cancer, Epitranscriptomics, HIF-1, Heart, Hypoxia-inducible factor-1, m6A,
• MeSH
• adenosin analogy a deriváty   metabolismus   MeSH
• epigeneze genetická * MeSH
• faktor 1 indukovatelný hypoxií * genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• posttranskripční úpravy RNA * MeSH
• regulace genové exprese * MeSH
• signální transdukce MeSH
• transkriptom * MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH
• Názvy látek
• adenosin MeSH
• faktor 1 indukovatelný hypoxií * MeSH
• N-methyladenosine MeSH Prohlížeč

The study investigates the impact of targeted chromosome engineering on telomere dynamics, chromatin structure, gene expression, and phenotypic stability in Arabidopsis thaliana. Using precise CRISPR/Cas-based engineering, reciprocal translocations of chromosome arms were introduced between non-homologous chromosomes. The subsequent homozygous generations of plants were assessed for phenotype, transcriptomic changes and chromatin modifications near translocation breakpoints, and telomere length maintenance. Phenotypically, translocated lines were indistinguishable from wild-type plants, as confirmed through morphological assessments and principal component analysis. Gene expression profiling detected minimal differential expression, with affected genes dispersed across the genome, indicating negligible transcriptional impact. Similarly, ChIPseq analysis showed no substantial alterations in the enrichment of key histone marks (H3K27me3, H3K4me1, H3K56ac) near junction sites or across the genome. Finally, bulk and arm-specific telomere lengths remained stable across multiple generations, except for minor variations in one translocation line. These findings highlight the remarkable genomic and phenotypic robustness of A. thaliana despite large-scale chromosomal rearrangements. The study offers insights into the cis-acting mechanisms underlying chromosome arm-specific telomere length setting and establishes the feasibility of chromosome engineering for studies of plant genome evolution and crop improvement strategies.

• Klíčová slova
• Arabidopsis thaliana, chromatin structure, chromosome engineering, chromosome translocation, gene expression, phenotype, telomeres,
• MeSH
• Arabidopsis * genetika   MeSH
• chromatin * genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• chromozomy rostlin * genetika   MeSH
• CRISPR-Cas systémy MeSH
• fenotyp MeSH
• genetické inženýrství MeSH
• regulace genové exprese u rostlin MeSH
• telomery * genetika   MeSH
• translokace genetická MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• chromatin * MeSH

Wood of broad-leaf tree species is a valued source of renewable biomass for biorefinery and a target for genetic improvement efforts to reduce its recalcitrance. Glucuronoxylan (GX) plays a key role in recalcitrance through its interactions with cellulose and lignin. To reduce recalcitrance, we modified wood GX by expressing GH10 and GH11 endoxylanases from Aspergillus nidulans in hybrid aspen (Populus tremula L. × tremuloides Michx.) and targeting the enzymes to cell wall. The xylanases reduced tree height, modified cambial activity by increasing phloem and reducing xylem production, and reduced secondary wall deposition. Xylan molecular weight was decreased, and the spacing between acetyl and MeGlcA side chains was reduced in transgenic lines. The transgenic trees produced hypolignified xylem having thin secondary walls and deformed vessels. Glucose yields of enzymatic saccharification without pretreatment almost doubled indicating decreased recalcitrance. The transcriptomics, hormonomics and metabolomics data provided evidence for activation of cytokinin and ethylene signalling pathways, decrease in ABA levels, transcriptional suppression of lignification and a subset of secondary wall biosynthetic program, including xylan glucuronidation and acetylation machinery. Several candidate genes for perception of impairment in xylan integrity were detected. These candidates could provide a new target for uncoupling negative growth effects from reduced recalcitrance. In conclusion, our study supports the hypothesis that xylan modification generates intrinsic signals and evokes novel pathways regulating tree growth and secondary wall biosynthesis.

• Klíčová slova
• Glucuronoxylan, fungal xylanases, lignocellulose, secondary cell wall, transgenic aspen, wood development,
• MeSH
• Aspergillus nidulans * genetika   fyziologie   MeSH
• buněčná stěna * chemie   metabolismus   MeSH
• dřevo * MeSH
• endo-1,4-beta-xylanasy metabolismus   MeSH
• Populus * mikrobiologie   fyziologie   MeSH
• rostlinné buňky MeSH
• sacharin MeSH
• stromy fyziologie   MeSH
• xylany * biosyntéza   genetika   MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• endo-1,4-beta-xylanasy MeSH
• sacharin MeSH
• xylany * MeSH

Epigenetic DNA modifications are pivotal in eukaryotic gene expression, but their regulatory significance in bacteria is less understood. In Synechocystis 6803, the DNA methyltransferase M.Ssp6803II modifies the first cytosine in the GGCC motif, forming N4-methylcytosine (GGm4CC). Deletion of the sll0729 gene encoding M.Ssp6803II (∆sll0729) caused a bluish phenotype due to reduced chlorophyll levels, which was reversed by suppressor mutations. Re-sequencing of 7 suppressor clones revealed a common GGCC to GGTC mutation in the slr1790 promoter's discriminator sequence, encoding protoporphyrinogen IX oxidase, HemJ, crucial for tetrapyrrole biosynthesis. Transcriptomic and qPCR analyses indicated aberrant slr1790 expression in ∆sll0729 mutants. This aberration led to the accumulation of coproporphyrin III and protoporphyrin IX, indicative of impaired HemJ activity. To confirm the importance of DNA methylation in hemJ expression, hemJ promoter variants with varying discriminator sequences were introduced into the wild type, followed by sll0729 deletion. The sll0729 deletion segregated in strains with the GGTC discriminator motif, resulting in wild-type-like pigmentation, whereas freshly prepared ∆sll0729 mutants with the native hemJ promoter exhibited the bluish phenotype. These findings demonstrate that hemJ is tightly regulated in Synechocystis and that N4-methylcytosine is essential for proper hemJ expression. Thus, cytosine N4-methylation is a relevant epigenetic marker in Synechocystis and likely other cyanobacteria.

• Klíčová slova
• DNA methyltransferase, HemJ, cyanobacteria, epigenetic modifications, tetrapyrrole biosynthesis,
• MeSH
• bakteriální proteiny metabolismus   genetika   MeSH
• epigeneze genetická * MeSH
• metylace DNA * MeSH
• mutace MeSH
• promotorové oblasti (genetika) * MeSH
• regulace genové exprese u bakterií MeSH
• Synechocystis * genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• tetrapyrroly * metabolismus   biosyntéza   MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• bakteriální proteiny MeSH
• tetrapyrroly * MeSH

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are myeloid malignancies with heterogeneous genotypes and phenotypes, characterized by ineffective haematopoiesis and a high risk of progression towards acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Prognosis for patients treated with hypomethylating agents (HMAs), as is azacytidine, the main drug used as frontline therapy for MDS is mostly based on cytogenetics and next generation sequencing (NGS) of the initial myeloid clone. Although the critical influence of the epigenetic landscape upon cancer cells survival and development as well on tumour environment establishment is currently recognized and approached within current clinical practice in MDS, the heterogenous response of the patients to epigenetic therapy is suggesting a more complex mechanism of action, as is the case of RNA methylation. In this sense, the newly emerging field of epitranscriptomics could provide a more comprehensive perspective upon the modulation of gene expression in malignancies, as is the proof-of-concept of MDS. We initially did RNA methylation sequencing on MDS patients (n = 6) treated with azacytidine and compared responders with non-responders. Afterwards, the genes identified were assessed in vitro and afterwards validated on a larger cohort of MDS patients treated with azacytidine (n = 58). Our data show that a more accurate prognosis could be based on analysing the methylome and thus we used methylation sequencing to differentially split high-grade MDS patients with identical demographical and cytogenetic features, between azacytidine responders and non-responders.

• Klíčová slova
• RNA methylation sequencing, myelodysplastic syndromes, prognosis,
• MeSH
• azacytidin * farmakologie   terapeutické užití   MeSH
• epigeneze genetická účinky léků   MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• methylace RNA MeSH
• metylace DNA * účinky léků   MeSH
• myelodysplastické syndromy * genetika   farmakoterapie   patologie   MeSH
• prognóza MeSH
• protinádorové antimetabolity terapeutické užití   farmakologie   MeSH
• sekvenční analýza RNA MeSH
• senioři nad 80 let MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• stanovení celkové genové exprese MeSH
• transkriptom genetika   účinky léků   MeSH
• vysoce účinné nukleotidové sekvenování MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• senioři nad 80 let MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• azacytidin * MeSH
• protinádorové antimetabolity MeSH

In eukaryotes, genes produce a variety of distinct RNA isoforms, each with potentially unique protein products, coding potential or regulatory signals such as poly(A) tail and nucleotide modifications. Assessing the kinetics of RNA isoform metabolism, such as transcription and decay rates, is essential for unraveling gene regulation. However, it is currently impeded by lack of methods that can differentiate between individual isoforms. Here, we introduce RNAkinet, a deep convolutional and recurrent neural network, to detect nascent RNA molecules following metabolic labeling with the nucleoside analog 5-ethynyl uridine and long-read, direct RNA sequencing with nanopores. RNAkinet processes electrical signals from nanopore sequencing directly and distinguishes nascent from pre-existing RNA molecules. Our results show that RNAkinet prediction performance generalizes in various cell types and organisms and can be used to quantify RNA isoform half-lives. RNAkinet is expected to enable the identification of the kinetic parameters of RNA isoforms and to facilitate studies of RNA metabolism and the regulatory elements that influence it.

• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH