Project description:DICER is a key regulator of gene expression in animals through its production of miRNAs and siRNAs by processing shRNA. To advance our understanding of this process, we employed high-throughput assays using various shRNA variants and both wild-type and mutant DICER (DICERΔdsRBD). Our analysis revealed that DICER predominantly cleaves shRNAs at two positions, specifically at 21 (DC21) and 22 (DC22) nucleotides from the 5'-end. Our investigation identified two independent motifs, mAHG and YSR, that determine whether DICER cleaves at DC21 or DC22, depending on their location in shRNA/pre-miRNAs. These motifs can work together or independently to determine the cleavage sites of DICER. Furthermore, our findings indicate that dsRBD enhances cleavage at DC21, and mAHG strengthens the interaction between dsRBD and RNA, leading to an even greater enhancement of DC21 cleavage. Conversely, YSR functions independently of dsRBD. Our study proposes a two-motif model that sheds light on the intricate regulatory mechanisms involved in gene expression by elucidating how DICER recognizes its substrate, providing valuable insights into this critical biological process.
Project description:In humans, DICER is a key regulator of gene expression in animals through its production of miRNAs and siRNAs by processing miRNA precursors (pre-miRNAs), short-hairpin RNAs (shRNAs), and long double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs). To advance our understanding of this process, we employed high-throughput assays using various shRNA variants and both wild-type and mutant DICER (DICERΔdsRBD). Our analysis revealed that DICER predominantly cleaves shRNAs at two positions, specifically at 21 (DC21) and 22 (DC22) nucleotides from the 5'-end. Our investigation identified two independent motifs, mWCU and YCR, that determine whether DICER cleaves at DC21 or DC22, depending on their locations in shRNA/pre-miRNAs. These motifs can work together or independently to determine the cleavage sites of DICER. Furthermore, our findings indicate that dsRBD enhances cleavage at DC21, and mWCU strengthens the interaction between dsRBD and RNA, leading to an even greater enhancement of DC21 cleavage. Conversely, YCR functions independently of dsRBD. Our study proposes a two-motif model that sheds light on the intricate regulatory mechanisms involved in gene expression by elucidating how DICER recognizes its substrate, providing valuable insights into this critical biological process.
Project description:In humans, DICER is a key regulator of gene expression in animals through its production of miRNAs and siRNAs by processing miRNA precursors (pre-miRNAs), short-hairpin RNAs (shRNAs), and long double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs). To advance our understanding of this process, we employed high-throughput assays using various shRNA variants and both wild-type and mutant DICER (DICERΔdsRBD). Our analysis revealed that DICER predominantly cleaves shRNAs at two positions, specifically at 21 (DC21) and 22 (DC22) nucleotides from the 5'-end. Our investigation identified two independent motifs, mWCU and YCR, that determine whether DICER cleaves at DC21 or DC22, depending on their locations in shRNA/pre-miRNAs. These motifs can work together or independently to determine the cleavage sites of DICER. Furthermore, our findings indicate that dsRBD enhances cleavage at DC21, and mWCU strengthens the interaction between dsRBD and RNA, leading to an even greater enhancement of DC21 cleavage. Conversely, YCR functions independently of dsRBD. Our study proposes a two-motif model that sheds light on the intricate regulatory mechanisms involved in gene expression by elucidating how DICER recognizes its substrate, providing valuable insights into this critical biological process.
Project description:In humans, DICER is a key regulator of gene expression through its production of miRNAs and siRNAs by processing miRNA precursors (pre-miRNAs), short-hairpin RNAs (shRNAs), and long double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs). To advance our understanding of this process, we employed high-throughput dicing assays using various shRNA variants and both wild-type and mutant DICER. Our analysis revealed that DICER predominantly cleaves shRNAs at two positions, specifically at 21 (DC21) and 22 (DC22) nucleotides from their 5'-end. Our investigation identified two different motifs, mWCU and YCR, that determine whether DICER cleaves at DC21 or DC22, depending on their locations in shRNAs/pre-miRNAs. These motifs can work together or independently to determine the cleavage sites of DICER. Furthermore, our findings indicate that dsRNA-binding domain (dsRBD) of DICER enhances its cleavage, and mWCU strengthens the interaction between dsRBD and RNA, leading to an even greater enhancement of the cleavage. Conversely, YCR functions independently of dsRBD. Our study proposes a two-motif model that sheds light on the intricate regulatory mechanisms involved in gene expression by elucidating how DICER recognizes its substrates, providing valuable insights into this critical biological process.
Project description:A hallmark of RNA silencing is a class of ~22 nt RNAs which are processed from dsRNA precursor by Dicer. Accurate processing by Dicer is critical for the functionality of microRNAs (miRNAs). According to the current model, Dicer measures the length by anchoring the 3' overhang of the dsRNA terminus. Here we find that human Dicer binds to the 5' end of RNA and utilizes the 5' end as an additional reference point for cleavage site selection (5' counting rule). We further identify a novel motif (5'-pocket) in Dicer, which recognizes the 5' end of RNA. By analyzing miRNA population from 5'-pocket mutant Dicer expressing Dicer-null mES, we provide that the 5' pocket is significant for Dicer processing in vivo. Examination of small RNA profiles from Dicer-null mouse embryonic stem cells transfected with either wild-type or 5' pocket mutant Dice expression plasmids.
Project description:A hallmark of RNA silencing is a class of ~22 nt RNAs which are processed from dsRNA precursor by Dicer. Accurate processing by Dicer is critical for the functionality of microRNAs (miRNAs). According to the current model, Dicer measures the length by anchoring the 3' overhang of the dsRNA terminus. Here we find that human Dicer binds to the 5' end of RNA and utilizes the 5' end as an additional reference point for cleavage site selection (5' counting rule). We further identify a novel motif (5'-pocket) in Dicer, which recognizes the 5' end of RNA. By analyzing miRNA population from 5'-pocket mutant Dicer expressing Dicer-null mES, we provide that the 5' pocket is significant for Dicer processing in vivo.