Abundant mRNA m1A modification in dinoflagellates: a new layer of gene regulation
Dinoflagellates, a class of unicellular eukaryotic phytoplankton, exhibit minimal transcriptional regulation, representing a unique model for exploring gene expression. The biosynthesis, distribution, regulation, and function of mRNA N1-methyladenosine (m<sup>1</sup>A) remain controversial due to its limited presence in typical eukaryotic mRNA. This study provides a comprehensive map of m<sup>1</sup>A in dinoflagellate mRNA and shows that m<sup>1</sup>A, rather than N6-methyladenosine (m<sup>6</sup>A), is the most prevalent internal mRNA modification in various dinoflagellate species, with an asymmetric distribution along mature transcripts. In Amphidinium carterae, we identify 6549 m<sup>1</sup>A sites characterized by a non-tRNA T-loop-like sequence motif within the transcripts of 3196 genes, many of which are involved in regulating carbon and nitrogen metabolism. Enriched within 3'UTRs, dinoflagellate mRNA m<sup>1</sup>A levels negatively correlate with translation efficiency. Nitrogen depletion further decreases mRNA m<sup>1</sup>A levels. Our data suggest that distinctive patterns of m<sup>1</sup>A modification might influence the expression of metabolism-related genes through translational control.
Authors
- Jia Guo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8408-785X)
- Honghui Ma (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4167-1340)
- Yuci Wang
- Jiawei Xu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4336-7972)
- Nan Liang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5828-8156)
- Hao Chen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2534-9650)
- Xiaoyan Shi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1306-9122)
- Yangyi Zhang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-2606-7401)
- Chongping Li (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9958-6467)
- Ying Li (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0438-449X)
- Jie Yuan
Institutions
- Fudan University (CN)
- Southern University of Science and Technology (CN)
- Zhengzhou University (CN)
- ShenZhen People’s Hospital (CN)
- Zhongshan Hospital (CN)
- Shenzhen Bao'an District People's Hospital (CN)
- First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University (CN)
Publication Details
- Journal
- EMBO Reports
- Published
- 2024-09-02
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1038/s44319-024-00234-2
- Citations
- 10
- Primary Topic
- RNA modifications and cancer
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 2.34
Funders
- Natural Science Foundation of Shenzhen City
- National Natural Science Foundation of China
- Health and Family Planning Commission of Guangdong Province
- Zhengzhou University
- Southern University of Science and Technology
- First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University
- Guangdong Provincial Pearl River Talents Program
- National Key Research and Development Program of China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory Fund