2. Distribution, Structure, and Subcellular Localization of DDX20的分布、结构和亚细胞定位
作为具有A
TP依赖性RNA解绕酶的s a novel human member of the DEAD-box
家族的新型人类成员,DDX20在哺乳动物细胞的分子水平上可检测到,针对DDX20的单克隆抗体已升高至 family with ATP-dependent RNA-unwinding enzymes, DDX20 was detectable at the molecular level in mammalian cells with monoclonal antibodies against DDX20 elevated to 103 kDa
[6]。随后的研究表明,编码DDX46蛋白的隐杆菌基因 in size [6]. Subsequent studies revealed that the Cryptobacterium hidradenum gene Mel-
46 encoding the DDX20
在其整个发育过程中表达,并在发育过程中发挥促进作用[7]。细胞水平的监测结果显示,在肝细胞癌组织中可检测到 protein is expressed throughout its development and plays a facilitating role during development [7]. The monitoring results at the cellular level revealed that decreased DDX20
表达降低,从而影响疾病进程[8,9]。此外,在组织和器官水平上, expression could be detected in cancerous tissues of hepatocytes, thus affecting the disease process [8][9]. In addition, at the tissue and organ level, DDX20
在睾丸中表达,甚至在产生类固醇和非类固醇的组织中表达[10]。此外, was expressed in the testis and even in steroid- and nonsteroid-producing tissues [10]. Furthermore, DDX20
在某些癌组织中显著过表达,例如肝细胞癌和结直肠癌、前列腺癌和胃癌,通常表明预后良好[11,12,13,14]。 is significantly overexpressed in certain cancerous tissues, such as hepatocellular carcinoma and colorectal, prostate, and gastric cancers, and usually indicates a good prognosis [11][12][13][14]. DDX20
首先由单性生殖多细胞生物 was first encoded by the genome of the parthenogenetic multicellular organism Dictyostelium discoideum
的基因组编码,并保留在出生后动物中[15]。一些药物,如他汀类药物,也可以通过甲羟戊酸途径和R and is retained in postnatal animals [15]. Some drugs, such
as statins, can also
A下游抑制DDX20的表达[16]。 inhibit DDX20 expression through the mevalonate pathway and downstream of RhoA [16].
The DEAD-box RNA
消解酶家族具有独特的Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp(-decapping enzyme family features a unique Asp–Glu–Ala–Asp (D-E-A-D
)序列基序[17]。所有) sequence motif [17]. All DEAD-box
开盖酶(包括 decapping enzymes, including DDX20
)在N端都有一个保守的核心结构域,主要包括两个重组酶A(RecA)样结构域[18]。如图, possess a conserved core structural domain at the N-terminal end, primarily comprising two recombinase A (RecA)-like structural domains [18]. As shown in Figure 1所示,该核心结构域包括1个保守基序,即, this core structural domain includes nine conserved motifs, namely Q
、I、Ia、Ib、II、III、IV、V和VI,它们参与ATP结合和水解、RNA底物结合、通过ATP结合水解调节开盖酶活性以及调节ATP酶活性[19]。, I, Ia, Ib, II, III, IV, V, and VI, which are involved in ATP binding and hydrolysis, RNA substrate binding, regulating decapping enzyme activity via ATP-binding hydrolysis, and regulating ATPase activity [1]. The D-E-A-D
sequence motif is primarily found in 序列基序主要存在于高度保守的基序 II 中,这也是the highly conserved motif II, which is also the source of the “DEAD-box”
名称的来源。非保守的N端和 name. Nonconserved N- and C-terminal auxiliary domains flank the core domain, ranging in size from a few to several hundred amino acids. These are mainly associated with specific functions of the decapping enzyme [19]. For instance, the C
端辅助结构域位于核心结构域的两侧,大小从几个到几百个氨基酸不等。这些主要与开胃酶的特定功能有关[20]。例如,-terminal region of DDX20
的C端区域是维持其解偶联解旋酶活性所必需的[<>]。 is necessary for it to maintain its uncoupling helicase activity [20].
图Figure 1.死盒解旋酶 Structure of DEAD-box helicase DDX20的结构。上部是N末端部分,如顶部所示,形成. The upper part is the N-terminal section, depicted at the top, forms the helicase core region of Gemin3的解旋酶核心区域,由两个RecA样解旋酶结构域(结构域1和结构域2)组成。结构域 1 包含六个保守基序,而结构域 2 包含三个保守基序。紫色区域表示基序Q,其调节ATP酶活性;蓝色区域代表基序I和II,负责ATP结合和水解。红色区域描绘了与RNA底物结合相关的基序Ia,Ib,IV和V,而绿色部分表示基序III和VI,控制ATP结合和RNA结合位点之间的通信。该图的其余部分代表DDX20的C末端,它参与调节RNA解旋酶活性,确定底物特异性并介导与其他蛋白质的相互作用。, comprised of two RecA-like helicase domains (domain 1 and domain 2). Structural Domain 1 encompasses six conserved motifs, while structural domain 2 includes three conserved motifs. The purple region denotes motif Q, which regulates ATPase activity; the blue region represents Motifs I and II, responsible for ATP binding and hydrolysis. The red region portrays Motifs Ia, Ib, IV, and V, associated with RNA substrate binding, while the green section illustrates Motifs III and VI, controlling communication between ATP-binding and RNA binding sites. The remaining portion of the figure represents the C-terminus of DDX20, which is involved in modulating RNA helicase activity, determining substrate specificity, and mediating interactions with other proteins.
DDX20
参与有关其亚细胞定位的复杂生物学过程。作为 participates in a complex biological process regarding its subcellular localization. As a member of the SMN
复合体的成员,DDX20在snRNP的组装中发挥作用[21]。 complex, DDX20 plays a role in the assembly of snRNP [21]. The assembly process of snRNP
的组装过程涉及从细胞质到细胞核的定位过渡,并且 involves a transition in localization from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, and DDX20
相应地在此过程中经历了位置的变化[22]。在进行, correspondingly, undergoes a change in position during this process [22]. Before engaging in the snRNP
组装过程之前, assembly process, DDX20
最初与细胞质中的其他蛋白质共组装以形成完整的SMN复合物。SMN复合物广泛存在于细胞质中,不包括肌肉细胞。随后,DDX20将SmB、SmD2和SmD3共组装到细胞质中的snRNA特异性位点[23]。 initially coassembles with other proteins in the cytoplasm to form the complete SMN complex. The SMN complex is widely present in the cytoplasm, excluding muscle cells. Subsequently, DDX20 coassembles SmB, SmD2, and SmD3 to snRNA-specific sites in the cytoplasm [23].
在Upon assembly and capping at the 5
'端组装和封顶后,snRNP在SMN复合物和导入因子导入β的帮助下进入细胞核,DDX20与snRNP相关[24,25]。在细胞核中,′ end, snRNP enters the nucleus aided by the SMN complex and the import factor importin β, with DDX20 associated with snRNP following suit [24][25]. In the nucleus, the SMN
复合物与 complex cotargets a s
nRNP共同靶向称为Cajal小体(CBs)的亚核细胞器,但此后不久与snRNP分离[26,27]。ubnuclear organelle known as Cajal bodies (CBs) with snRNP but separates from snRNP shortly thereafter [26][27].
The localization of DDX20
在细胞质和细胞核中的定位受到几个影响因素的影响。首先,SMN复合物经历广泛的磷酸化修饰,SMN复合物中几种蛋白质(包括DDX20)的去磷酸化修饰阻碍了SMN复合物进入细胞核的运动及其在CB中的积累[28]。其次,在正常条件下, in the cytoplasm and nucleus is subject to several influencing factors. First, the SMN complex undergoes extensive phosphorylation modifications, and dephosphorylation modifications of several proteins within the SMN complex, including DDX20, obstructs the movement of the SMN complex into the nucleus and its accumulation in the CBs [28]. Second, the transition of the SMN
复合物从细胞质到细胞核的转变需要完整的 complex from the cytoplasm to the nucleus under normal conditions necessitates intact sumo
-SUMO的偶联受损类似于磷酸化修饰,可以减少SMN复合物的核定位,导致其异常的细胞质积累[29]。有趣的是,ylation modification. The impaired coupling of SUMO, similar to phosphorylation modification, can curtail the nuclear localization of the SMN complex, leading to its abnormal cytoplasmic accumulation [29]. Interestingly, SMN
蛋白可以作为乙酰转移酶 proteins can serve as specific targets for the acetyltransferase CBP
的特异性靶标,并且已经鉴定出乙酰化位点K119。然而,与前两次修饰不同,乙酰化促进SMN向细胞核移动并增强其细胞质定位[30]。最后,, and an acetylation site, K119, has been identified. However, unlike the previous two modifications, acetylation promotes the movement of SMN to the nucleus and augments its cytoplasmic localization [30]. Lastly, Gemin4, a member of the SMN
复合体成员G complex, contains three putative nucle
min4包含三个假定的核定位信号(NLS)基序,这些基序推动SMN复合物中其他Gemin蛋白从细胞质进入细胞核,以剂量依赖性方式破坏ar localization signal (NLS) motifs that propel the movement of other Gemin proteins in the SMN complex from the cytoplasm into the nucleus, disrupting the subnuclear localization of the Cajal-body
标记的蛋白质线圈的亚核定位[31]。因此,在细胞质中高度定位的–tagged protein coilin in a dose-dependent manner [31]. Therefore, DDX20
在起作用时与, which is heavily localized in the cytoplasm, enters the nucleus with the SMN
复合物一起进入细胞核,这一过程可能受到一系列因素的影响。 complex as it functions, a process that can be swayed by an array of factors.
3. Splicing Features of DDX20的拼接特点
现有研究表明,运动神经元蛋白Existing research indicates that the motor neuron protein SMN
与, along with Gemin2
-8蛋白(包括–8 proteins, including DDX20/Gemin3
和Unrip)一起形成稳定的SMN复合物,其中 and Unrip, form a stable SMN complex, with DDX20/Gemin3
在该复合物的组装中起着至关重要的作用[32,33,34]。 playing a vital role in the assembly of this complex [32][33][34]. The assembly process of the SMN
复合物的组装过程是模块化的,涉及几种 complex is modular, involving the physical association of several SMN
复合物蛋白质的物理结合。 complex proteins. SMN/Gemin8/Gemin7
位于复合物的核心,募集其他蛋白质形成完整的组装体[34]。, situated at the core of the complex, recruit other proteins to form the complete assembly [34].
作为分子伴侣,As a molecular companion, the SMN
复合物促进剪接体小核糖核蛋白(snRNP)的组装和功能[35]。 complex facilitates the assembly and function of spliceosomal small ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) [35]. snRNP
由富含 comprises U
的小核RNA(snRNA)和7个小(Sm)或Sm样(LSm)蛋白组成,组装成细胞质中完整的茎环结构[34,36]。这种装配过程涉及多个-rich small nucleus RNA (snRNA) and 7 small (Sm) or Sm-like (LSm) proteins assembled into a complete stem ring structure in the cytoplasm [34][36]. This assembly process, which involves multiple SMN
复杂组件,需要蜂窝位置偏移。 complex components, necessitates a cellular positional shift.
最初,Initially, snRNA
(不包括U6)在细胞核中被RNA聚合酶II转录为前体RNA,在3'端包含一个额外的茎环结构,在7'端包含一个单甲基化的s (excluding U6) are transcribed in the nucleus by RNA polymerase II as precursor RNAs, containing an additional stem-loop structure at the 3′ end and a monomethylated m7GpppG
(m5G)帽结构[37]。该前体 (m7G) cap structure at the 5′ end [37]. This precursor snRNA
随后通过其5′帽结构与包含多种蛋白质的 subsequently binds to an snRNA
输出复合物结合,导致其输出到细胞质中[38]。 export complex comprising multiple proteins through its 5′ cap structure, leading to its export into the cytoplasm [38].
在细胞质中,In the cytoplasm, Sm
和Sm样蛋白首先与氯化物电导调节蛋白(pICln)和蛋白精氨酸甲基转移酶5(PRMT5)复合物结合。然后将这些蛋白质预先排列到空间位置,并在加入SMN复合物后分离,SMN复合物将Sm和Sm样蛋白组装成snRNA上的蛋白质结合位点,形成具有七元环结构的完整snRNP[39,40]。 and Sm-like proteins first bind to the chloride conductance regulatory protein (pICln) and protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) complexes. These proteins are then prearranged into spatial positions and separated upon the addition of the SMN complex, which assembles the Sm and Sm-like proteins into protein binding sites on snRNAs, forming the complete snRNP with a seven-membered loop structure [39][40].
最后,具有Sm核心的Finally, the snRNA
在其5′末端经历甲基化,由三甲基鸟苷合酶1(TGS1)催化,形成m3G帽结构。该过程由SMN复合物和导入蛋白β介导,促进细胞核中剪接功能的表现[15,41]。这种组装过程很复杂,涉及不同的组件扮演独特的角色。本节的重点是简要概述 with the Sm core undergoes methylation at its 5′ end, catalyzed by trimethylguanosine synthase 1 (TGS1), to form an m3G cap structure. This process is mediated by the SMN complex and importin β, facilitating the performance of splicing functions in the nucleus [15][41]. This assembly process is complex and involves different components playing unique roles. The focus of this section is a brief overview of the role of DDX20
/
Gemin3
在此过程中的作用。 in this process.
首先,First and foremost, the SMN
复合物在snRNP组装中起着至关重要的不可替代的作用,而DDX20 / complex serves a critical, nonreplaceable role in snRNP assembly, and DDX20/Gemin3
对于复合物的稳定是必不可少的。在SMN复合物中,DDX20 / is indispensable for the stabilization of the complex. Within the SMN complex, DDX20/Gemin3
与SMN蛋白以及 engages with SMN proteins, along with Gemin2,
4和5结合。这种相互作用招募 4, and 5. This interaction recruits Gemin3
作为SMN复合体的核心成分,促进其稳定性[42,43,44]。 as a core component of the SMN complex, promoting its stability [42][43][44]. A sumoylation modification of the core components of the SMN
复合物的核心组分(包括 complex, including Gemin3
)的sumo-, is necessary for this interaction. A desumoylation modification of Gemin3
的脱硫修饰可能会减少与几种核心蛋白的结合,并可能影响细胞定位SMN复合物[29]。如图 could decrease binding to several core proteins and potentially impact the cellular localization SMN complex [29]. As shown in Figure 2所示,, Gemin3
与其他几种蛋白质形成SMN复合物,并且各种蛋白质之间存在相互作用。 forms an SMN complex with several other proteins and there is interaction between the various proteins.
图Figure 2. SMN综合体中的结构和相互作用。图中的所有箭头都表示蛋白质之间存在相互作用。完整的SMN复合物包括九种蛋白质,包括tructure and interactions within the SMN Complex. All arrows in the figure indicate the presence of interactions between proteins. The complete SMN complex comprises nine proteins, including Gemin3作为核心成分。SMN复合物的稳定性取决于其各种组分之间的相互作用。如灰色箭头所示, as a core component. The stability of the SMN complex is dictated by interactions among its various components. As depicted by the gray arrows, Gemin3与 engages with Gemin2,4和5以及复合物中的SMN蛋白结合,形成SMN复合物的核心并增强其稳定性。通过各种方法演示的其他组件之间的相互作用在这里不详细阐述。 4, and 5, as well as SMN proteins within the complex, forming the SMN complex’s core and enhancing its stability. Interactions among other components, demonstrated via various methods, are not elaborated here.
The constituent proteins of the SMN
复合物的组成蛋白相互作用;因此,一种蛋白质的变化会影响其他蛋白质的稳定性和丰度。例如,SMN蛋白的减少导致宝石消失和几种宝石蛋白水平降低,最终影响snRNP组装[45],从而表明 complex mutually interact; thus, changes in one protein affect the stability and abundance of other proteins. For instance, a reduction in SMN protein results in the disappearance of Gems and a decrease in several Gemin levels, ultimately affecting snRNP assembly [45] and thereby indicating the potential role of DDX20/Gemin3
在维持 in maintaining the stability of the SMN
复合物稳定性方面的潜在作用。 complex.
其次,Second, the SMN
复合物受到磷酸化的广泛调控。 complex is extensively regulated by phosphorylation. DDX20/Gemin3
含有13个磷酸化位点,是复合物中磷酸化程度最高的蛋白质之一。, containing 13 phosphorylation sites, is among the most highly phosphorylated proteins in the complex. The phosphorylation of DDX20/Gemin3
和其他复合蛋白的磷酸化影响细胞质和细胞核之间SMN复合物的交换以及snRNP的组装[28]。 and other complex proteins influences the exchange of the SMN complex between the cytoplasm and nucleus as well as the assembly of snRNP [28]. The effects of DDX20
/
Gemin3
在SMN复合物中的作用延伸到生物系统。它在果蝇中胚层和肌肉层中的缺失可导致运动障碍、严重的发育缺陷,甚至幼虫死亡,并且可能与SMN蛋白突变引起的SMA有关[46]。 in the SMN complex extend to biological systems. Its deletion in the Drosophila mesoderm and muscle layer can lead to impaired locomotion, severe developmental defects, and even larval death and is potentially associated with SMA caused by SMN protein mutations [46].
现有研究报告称,Existing studies have reported that Gemin3
显着影响snRNP组装。值得注意的是,通过RNAi敲低 significantly impacts snRNP assembly. Notably, the disruption of snRNP assembly following Gemin3
后snRNP组装的破坏提供了最直接的证据[47,48]。 knockdown via RNAi provides the most direct evidence [47][48]. The vSMN
复合物可以与 complex can bind to Sm
蛋白结合,并通过与snRNA结合促进其组装成完整的snRNP。 proteins and facilitate their assembly into complete snRNPs by binding to snRNAs. The fact that Gemin3
可以与Sm蛋白中的SmB、SmD2和SmD3相互作用,这一事实表明其在snRNP生物发生中的作用[23]。 can interact with SmB, SmD2, and SmD3 in Sm proteins suggests its role in snRNP biogenesis [23].
AlmsFurt
ead等人提供了关于her evidence regarding the role of Gemin3
在snRNP组装中的作用的进一步证据,他们发现脊髓灰质炎病毒编码的蛋白酶3Apro的Gemin2特异性切割导致 in snRNP assembly is provided by Almstead et al., who found that Gemin3′s specific cleavage by the poliovirus-encoded protease 2Apro results in reduced Gemin3
蛋白水平降低,这导致Sm蛋白从细胞核到细胞质的特异性重排和snRNP组装的减少[47] protein levels, which led to specific rearrangement of Sm proteins from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and a reduction in snRNP assembly [47].
此外, In addition, Gemin3
在遗传和物理上与snRNP组装中的两个因子相互作用,即pI-Cln和Tgs1。 删除pICln和Tgs1将导致与 genetically and physically interacts with two factors in snRNP assembly, namely pI-Cln and Tgs1. Deleting pICln and Tgs1 would result in the same viability and motility phenotype as a Gemin3
缺乏症相同的活力和运动表型[49]。编码蛋白质 deficiency [49]. The phenotypic defect would be exacerbated by the disruption of two amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) genes encoding the proteins TDP-43
和 and FUS
的两个肌萎缩侧索硬化症(ALS)基因的破坏会加剧表型缺陷。这些结果为DDX20在snRNP组装和运动神经元疾病中的作用提供了额外的证据[50]。图. Such results offer additional evidence regarding the role of DDX20 in snRNP assembly and motor neuron diseases [50]. Figure 3显示了 illustrates the assembly of the SMN
复合物的组装以及易位过程。 complex as well as the process of translocation.
图Figure 3.剪接体 Assembly process of the spliceosomal snRNP的组装过程。snRNA最初在细胞核中转录,经历剪接和加帽等过程,然后借助各种因素(图中未描绘)转运到细胞质中。在SMN复合物组分(. The snRNA is initially transcribed in the nucleus, undergoing processes such as splicing and capping before being transported into the cytoplasm with the aid of various factors (not depicted in the figure). Assisted by the SMN complex components (with Gemin3与SmB,SmD2和SmD3相互作用)的帮助下,Sm蛋白形成七聚体环并与snRNA上的Sm位点结合。随后,细胞质snRNA被修饰以形成m3G帽结构,然后作为snRNP重新运输到细胞核,在那里它定位在Cajal小体中。在此过程中, interacting with SmB, SmD2, and SmD3), the Sm proteins form a heptameric ring and bind to the Sm site on the snRNA. Subsequently, the cytoplasmic snRNA is modified to develop an m3G cap structure before being re-transported to the nucleus as an snRNP, where it localizes in Cajal bodies. During this process, Gemin3和其他组分经历磷酸化和苏莫酰化修饰,以确保该过程的正常进展。 and other components undergo phosphorylation and sumoylation modifications to ensure the proper progression of the process.
4. DDX20通过抑制转录因子抑制转录 Represses Transcription by Inhibiting Transcription Factors
近年来,In recent years, the role of DDX20
在转录中的作用被报道得越来越多,并且已经报道了大量关于其作为转录调节剂作用的证据。DDX20主要通过与核受体类固醇生成因子-1(SF-1)相互作用来抑制转录[51]。 in transcription has been increasingly reported and considerable evidence regarding its role as a transcription regulator has been reported. DDX20 primarily suppresses transcription by interacting with the nuclear receptor steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1) [51]. SF-1
是转录因子核受体超家族的成员,是下丘脑-垂体-性腺轴和肾上腺皮质内分泌因子的关键调节因子[52]。, a member of the transcription factor nuclear receptor superfamily, is a crucial regulator of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis and the endocrine factor of the adrenal cortex [52]. DDX20
在产生类固醇的组织中高表达,类固醇组织也高表达 is highly expressed in steroid-producing tissues, which also highly express SF-1
[10]。 [10]. DDX20
通过其非保守的 directly interacts with the C
端结构域直接与SF-1的C端抑制结构域相互作用,抑制SF-1的转录活性[20]。进一步的研究已经详细阐述了-terminal inhibitory domains of SF-1 via its nonconserved C-terminal domains to inhibit the transcriptional activity of SF-1 [20]. Further studies have elaborated on the specific mechanisms by which DDX20
与 interacts with SF-1
相互作用并抑制其转录活性的具体机制。转录因子SF-1的转录活性受其他转录因子、共调控因子和翻译后修饰的影响[53]。 and inhibits its transcriptional activity. The transcriptional activity of SF-1, a transcription factor, is affected by other transcription factors, coregulatory factors, and post-translational modifications [53]. Sumoyl
ation, a ubiquitin-like modi
zation是SF-1翻译后发生的泛素样修饰,可抑制SF-1激活靶基因表达的能力[54]。fication that occurs following SF-1 translation, inhibits the ability of SF-1 to activate target gene expression [54]. DDX20
在与 enhances the sumoylation of SF-1
蛋白直接相互作用以抑制其转录活性后,增强由活化的STATs蛋白抑制剂(一种 mediated by protein inhibitor of activated STATs proteins (a type of E3-SUMO
连接酶)介导的SF-1的苏莫化[55]。这种相互作用也有助于 ligase) after direct interaction with the SF-1 protein to inhibit its transcriptional activity [55]. This interaction also facilitates the relocalization of SF-1
重新定位到离散的核小体或病变。探索这种抑制机制表明,组蛋白去乙酰化酶参与转录因子 to discrete nucleosomes or lesions. Exploring this inhibitory mechanism revealed that Histone deacetylase is involved in sumoylation modification of transcription factor SF-1
的sumo-ization修饰,并且与核心加压因子的相互作用较少;然而,它可能在苏莫酰化过程中作为E3连接酶起作用[56]。 and interacts less with the corepressor; however, it may function as an E3 ligase during sumoylation [56].
SF-1
在节肢动物中具有同源基因,称为 has a homologous gene in arthropods, known as FTZ-F1
( (fushi tarazu
因子-1)[57]。一项研究证实, factor-1) [57]. A study confirmed that DDX20
通过酵母双杂交测定法与副苜蓿中的 interacts with FTZ-F1
相互作用,并报道DDX20可以通过类似于RNAi抑制SF-1的机制抑制 in paralfalfa via a yeast two-hybrid assay and reported that DDX20 can suppress FTZ-F1 expression via a mechanism similar to that of SF-1 inhibition by RNAi [58]. FTZ-F1
表达[58]。 is closely related to vitellogenin (VTG) and is involved in the development of vitelline in the ovary and can influence the secretion of several endocrine hormones [59]. The inhibition of FTZ-F1
与卵黄原素(VTG)密切相关,参与卵巢中卵黄素的发育,可影响几种内分泌激素的分泌[59]。通过 via DDX
1抑制FTZ-F20
最终会影响卵巢发育。 eventually affects ovarian development.
叉头转录因子(The Forkhead transcription factor (FOXL
)2是与) 2, a transcription factor closely related to FTZ-F1
和DDX20密切相关的转录因子,在调节卵巢发育方面也起着重要作用。在卵巢中,FOXL2参与调节胆固醇和类固醇代谢、细胞凋亡、活性氧解毒和细胞增殖[60]。最初,发现 and DDX20, also plays a significant role in regulating ovarian development. In the ovary, FOXL2 is involved in regulating cholesterol and steroid metabolism, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species detoxification, and cell proliferation [60]. Initially, it was discovered that DDX20
与 interacted with FOXL2
相互作用,它们在细胞中的共表达增强了FOXL2介导的卵巢细胞死亡[61]。随后的研究证实, and their coexpression in cells enhanced FOXL2-mediated ovarian cell death [61]. Subsequent studies confirmed that FOXL2
与 interacts with DDX20
和 and FTZ-F1
相互作用,不仅通过DDX20调节滤泡细胞凋亡来下调VTG合成,而且还可能通过 and not only downregulates VTG synthesis by regulating follicular cell apoptosis through DDX20 but also potentially regulates the steroidogenic pathway through FTZ-F1
调节类固醇生成途径。.
除In addition to F-1
外,已发现DDX20与另外两种转录因子相互作用,与SF-1相比,通过不同的机制抑制其活性。首先,DDX20可以通过其C端结构域与有丝分裂的Ets转录抑制剂(PE-1 / METS)结合。Ets是一种转录因子,可作为核靶点激活Ras-MAPK信号通路,而Ets家族的另一个成员, DDX20 has been discovered to interact with two other transcription factors to inhibit their activity by different mechanisms compared with that used with SF-1. First, DDX20 can engage with the mitotic Ets transcription inhibitor (PE-1/METS) via its C-terminal domain. Ets is a transcription factor that serves as a nuclear target to activate the Ras–MAPK signaling pathway, while PE-1/METS
则作为Ets抑制剂抑制Ras依赖性Ets靶基因增殖,从而导致巨噬细胞生长停滞[62]。, another member of the Ets family, acts as an Ets inhibitor to repress the Ras-dependent proliferation of Ets target genes, thus causing macrophage growth arrest [62].
DDX20
通过其C端结构域与 interacts with the N-terminal domain of PE-1/METS
的N端结构域相互作用,具有抑制作用。在此过程中,DDX20还募集组蛋白去乙酰化酶 via its C-terminal domain, which has an inhibitory effect. In this process, DDX20 also recruits factors such as histone deacetylase HDAC-2
和HDAC5等因子[63]。然而,有趣的是,这种由 and HDAC5 [63]. However, interestingly, this transcriptional inhibition mediated by DDX20
介导的转录抑制仅针对单个启动子,例如 targets only individual promoters, such as c-myc
和cdc2,而不影响Ets三元复合物促进的转录[64]。 and cdc2, without affecting Ets ternary complex-facilitated transcription [64].
Thus, DDX20 does not undergo sumoacylation as DDX5 and its transcription regulation activity do not solely rely on a single intrinsic function but involve multiple mechanisms, many of which depend on its unique noncore C-terminal domain. This multifaceted approach to transcriptional regulation reinforces the complexity of the function of DDX20 in this essential cellular process.
5. Biogenesis of DDX20 and miRNA
DDX20/Gemin3 also contributes to the maturation of miRNA. The biogenesis of miRNA begins with the transcription of miRNA genes into primary miRNA (pri-miRNA) by RNA polymerase II. The pri-miRNA is subsequently processed into a precursor miRNA (pre-miRNA) of ~70 nucleotides by a complex containing the RNase III endonuclease Drosha and a protein containing a double-stranded RNA-binding structural domain (dsRBD) named Pasha (DGCR8)
[77,78][65][66].
Subsequently, the stem–loop-structured pre-miRNAs are transported into the cytoplasm, which is dependent on the GTP-dependent transport protein Exportin-5 (Exp5)
[79][67]. In the cytoplasm, the RNase III endonuclease Dicer processes pre-miRNA into an siRNA–miRNA duplex of ~22 nucleotides. The mature miRNA strand is subsequently retained in the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) along with other proteins
[80][68].
Although most Gemin3 and Gemin4 are components of the SMN complex, the complexes of Gemin3 and Gemin4 isolated from HeLa and neuronal cells are not part of the SMN complex. Instead, these complexes coprecipitate with polyribosomes
[71,81,82][69][70][71]. Numerous studies have established the connection of Gemin3/DP103 and Gemin4 with the Argonaute (Ago) protein family member Argonaute
[60,83,84][60][72][73].
Figure 4 shows the mIRNAde1 maturation process and the role Gemin3 plays in it.
Figure 4. Gemin3 facilitates miRNA biogenesis. The process begins with the transcription of the miRNA gene, producing Pri-miRNA. The RNase III nucleic acid endonuclease then cleaves Pri-miRNA, generating pre-miRNA, which is subsequently transported to the cytoplasm. In the cytoplasm, mature miRNAs join forces with the Gemin3/Gemin4 complex, members of the Argonaute protein family, and other proteins, forming the RISC complex. Gemin3 plays a crucial role in supporting the biological functions of miRNAs.
MiRNAs can inhibit the translation of partially complementary target messenger RNAs by directing the sequence-specific degradation of both fully and partially complementary target mRNAs
[85,86][74][75]. However, regarding the specific role of Gemin3 in miRNA biogenesis, researchers suggest that Gemin3 is a member of RISC, given the presence of the Gemin3 protein in the peripheral axons of the mouse sciatic nerve and its capacity to form a multiprotein RISC in response to specific treatment
[72][76].
RISC was not previously identified as having decapping components for siRNAs and miRNAs within the complex. Consequently, researchers posit that Gemin3 serves as a decapping enzyme within the RISC complex and plays a role in RNA decapping or recombination during miRNA maturation as well as in target RNA recognition
[72][76].
6. Functions of DDX20 in the Innate Immune Signaling Pathway
6.1. Effect of DDX20 on the NF-κB Signaling Pathway
The NF-κB family comprises six distinct components. When activated, they produce various proinflammatory factors that regulate inflammation and significantly contribute to innate immunity
[87,88][77][78]. The NF-κB signaling pathway controls the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and anti-infective factors, including TNF-α, interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6, IL-8, adhesion molecules, and cc chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5)
[89][79]. In addition, NF-κB signaling pathway governs cellular processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis
[90,91][80][81].
While the NF-κB signaling pathway has an antiapoptotic role, its dysregulation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of most human malignancies
[92][82]. Therefore, manipulating the NF-κB signaling pathway can provide a path for developing novel methods to combat diseases such as cancer
[93][83]. For instance, alterations in DDX20 expression in cancer tissues can affect NF-κB activity, leading to cancer development
[94][84].
DDX20 can have two distinct effects on the NF-κB signaling pathway. Numerous studies have reported that DDX20 does not directly affect NF-κB activity but rather acts through a naturally occurring small non-coding RNA (miRNA) intermediate. The present study demonstrated that DDX20 can modulate the signaling of the NF-κB pathway through miRNA-22, miRNA-140-3p, and miR-222
[8,95][8][85]. Additionally, miR-361-5p was found to regulate DDX20, thereby influencing NF-κB pathway signaling
[13]. First, DDX20 can inhibit NF-κB activity. DDX20 and miRNAs together form a ribonucleoprotein complex, and miRNA library screening has revealed that several miRNAs can inhibit NF-κB activation. This inhibition prevents the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway
[8]. It has been well established that miRNAs can inhibit NF-κB activity by regulating the expression of two NF-κB coactivators, namely nuclear receptor coactivator protein 1 (NCOA1) and nuclear receptor-interacting protein 1 (NRIP1)
[96][86]. Conversely, DDX20 can also enhance NF-κB activity, notably by impairing miRNA function by decreasing its own expression, leading to impaired NF-κB inhibitory miRNA function
[8,97][8][87].
Another way DDX20 can inhibit the NF-κB signaling pathway is through miRNA-140 dysfunction, which increases expression of its downstream target gene Dnmt1 and the methylation of CpG islands in the promoter region of metallothionein (MTs) and decreases MT expression, leading to enhanced NF-κB activity
[9]. Second, DDX20 can boost the NF-κB signaling pathway by enhancing the phosphorylation of TAK 1, where it acts as a cofactor of TAK1, thus enhancing the activity of the NF-κB signaling pathway
[98][88]. More details regarding this aspect will be discussed in the subsequent sections.
6.2. DDX20 Affects p53 Signaling Pathway Conduction
The TP53 gene encodes the key p53 transcription factor and evolutionarily conserved tumor suppressor involved in maintaining genomic stability
[99][89]. To accomplish this, it activates DNA repair responses and initiates apoptosis in damaged host cells
[100][90]. Its activation controls core programs such as cell cycle arrest and apoptosis
[101][91]. In addition, p53 is closely related to immune responses as well as various inflammatory diseases
[102][92].
In fact, the effect of DDX20 on the p53 signaling pathway can be realized by directly affecting the pivotal p53 protein. Changes in DDX20 expression can consequently impact the organism’s state through the p53 signaling pathway. Reportedly, DDX20 interacts with p53 protein through its C-terminal structural domain
[1]. The normal expression of DDX20 stabilizes motor neurons and uses genomic stability and regulates Mdm2 splicing to restrain the p53 signaling pathway, thereby preserving normal neural development
[4].
In this context, several cytokines, such as oligodendrocyte transcription factor 2 (Olig2) and Epstein–Barr (EB) nuclear antigen 3C (EBNA3C), can directly interact with DDX20 to stabilize its expression. This interaction inhibits transcription and apoptosis caused by the p53 signaling pathway and its downstream genes within the organism
[4,67][4][93].
7. DDX20 Plays Different Roles in Cancers through the NF-κB Signaling Pathway
DDX20 not only plays a role in the invasion of multiple pathogens but also plays an active role in the case of multiple tumorigenesis.
In breast cancer, DDX20 is involved in cell signaling pathway activity, which is a key factor in tumorigenesis. The NF-κB signaling pathway is more closely linked to tumor development, and, reportedly, it can improve cancer cell survival, promote cancer cell angiogenesis and migration, and has other characteristics alongside being associated with the poor prognosis of cancer diseases
[106][94]. It is because of the role of the NF-κB signaling pathway in tumor growth that it can be used to inhibit carcinogenesis
[107][95]. DDX20 is an important cofactor for the phosphorylation of transforming growth factor-β-activated kinase-1 (TAK1) by NF-κB-activated IκB kinase 2 (IKK2), enhancing the activity of the NF-κB signaling pathway by stimulating TAK1 phosphorylation
[108][96]. TAK1 is a member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family that plays a key regulatory role as an upstream component of the NF-κB signaling pathway
[109][97]. Enhanced NF-κB signaling pathway activation increases in the expression of two downstream products, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and multidrug resistance gene 1 (MDR1), and, as the chief role of MMP9 is to degrade the extracellular matrix, this change further increases tumor metastasis and drug resistance
[19,110][19][98]. Conversely, enhanced NF-κB activity and increased downstream MMP9 expression would also lead to increased DDX20 expression. Thus, the establishment of the DDX20–NF-κB–MMP9 axis could better reveal the mechanism by which DDX20 can promote cancer development
[69][99]. In addition, DDX20 may exhibit an miRNA-processing role in breast cancer. A group of studies reported that DDX20 exhibited a negative correlation with an miRNA, namely miR-222, suggesting that DDX20 affects the NF-κB activity through miR-222 to promote breast cancer development
[95][85]. Based on this property of DDX20 in breast cancer, researchers believe that DDX20 can serve as an active alternative to certain anticancer drugs. DDX20 enhances the sumolylation modification of YAP, thereby increasing YP-TEAD dependence and statin sensitivity in patients with triple-negative breast cancer
[16]. Statins, such as simvastatin (SMV), are cholesterol-reducing lipophilic statins that inhibit DDX20 expression by inhibiting 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR), which is positively associated with DDX20
[103][100].
Figure 5A demonstrates that DDX20 affects tumorigenesis and development through the NF-κB signaling pathway. Further studies have reported that simvastatin downregulates DDX20 not only through the classical mevaleric acid pathway and the downstream component of RHoA but also through the miRNA-mediated nonclassical pathway
[111,112][101][102]. Simvastatin ultimately inhibits breast cancer by decreasing DDX20 expression. In addition to its role through the NF-κB signaling pathway and miR-222, DDX20 acts through the cellular redox pathway and Wingless/Integrated(Wnt) signaling pathway. In cancer stem cells (CSCS), DDX20 drives a positive feedback loop wherein DDX20 promotes its transcriptional regulation via transcription factor 4 (TCF 4) to stimulates the aggressiveness of breast cancer via Wnt/beta-catenin signaling
[113][103]. Another example of the carcinogenic effect of DDX20 is in prostate cancer. High DDX20 expression in the tumor tissue of patients with prostate cancer also enhances tumor growth and metastasis via the DDX20–NF-κB–MMP9 axis
[11]. These results suggest a role of DDX20 in tumor metastasis.
Figure 5. (A): DDX20 promotes the phosphorylation of TAK1 in the NF-κB signaling pathway, leading to the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. This activation increases the expression of MMP9, which in turn promotes the expression of DDX20, forming a complete DDX20-NF-κB-MMP9 axis. Additionally, simvastatin inhibits 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, resulting in reduced DDX20 expression. (B): DDX20 plays a role in maintaining the normal functional performance of miRNA-140-3p and miRNA-22. Specifically, miRNA-140-3p downregulates the expression of Dnmt1, preventing Dnmt1-induced methylation of CpG islands in the promoter region of metallothionein MTs. This downregulation leads to increased expression of MTs and inhibition of the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. Additionally, miR-22 inhibits NF-κB activation by targeting the expression of NRIP1 and NCOA1. Furthermore, miRNA-140-3p also downregulates the expression of Dnmt1, preventing Dnmt1-induced methylation of CpG islands in the promoter region of metallothionein MTs, resulting in upregulation of MTs expression and inhibition of the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway.
In contrast to its role in prostate and breast cancers, DDX20 acts as a tumor suppressor in liver cancer and suppresses tumorigenesis. As reported, tumor genomics of RNAi performed in a mouse model of hepatocellular carcinoma has identified DDX20 as a tumor suppressor
[104]. MiRNAs can regulate the expression of target genes, and, while they reportedly function as suppressors or oncogenes in several tumors, their expression tends to be low in tumor tissue
[105,114,115][105][106][107]. As mentioned above, miRNA-140-3p and miRNA-22, as miRNA, can inhibit NF-κ B activity, and DDX20 deletion in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) impaired this inhibitory effect of miRNA-140-3p and miRNA-22
[116][108]. Decreases in miRNA-140-3p and miRNA-22 expression affected the inhibitory effect of NCOA1 and NRIP1 on NF-κB activity. In addition, maintaining NF-κB activity led to inflammation, further exacerbating hepatocellular carcinoma
[96][86]. In addition, miR-140-3p dysfunction promotes tumorigenesis by increasing the expression of its downstream target gene Dnmt1 and the methylation of CpG islands in the promoter region of metallothionein (MTs) and decreasing MT expression, consequently enhancing NF-κB signaling pathway activity
[9]. Therefore, it is inferred that DDX20 can function as a tumor suppressor. Certain proteins, such as death-associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK), can inhibit the proteasomal degradation of DDX20, maintaining high DDX20 levels
[98][88]. Elevated DDX20 levels inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma cell migration and invasion by regulating the NF-κB signaling pathway.
Figure 5B demonstrates that DDX20 affects tumorigenesis and development through the NF-κB signaling pathway as a tumor suppressor.
Thus, DDX20 acts either as an oncogenic factor promoting tumor development or as a tumor suppressor inhibiting tumor progression. In conclusion, DDX20 plays a role in the regulation of hepatocellular carcinoma development through various miRNAs, including miRNA-140-3P and miRNA-22, as well as in breast cancer development through miRNA-222. DDX20 primarily functions by influencing the NF-κB signaling pathway. Beyond its roles in breast cancer, prostate cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma, DDX20 has been implicated in several other tumors
[117][109].
8. Functions in Viral Infection
Early research identified the capacity of DDX20 to interact with two vitally encoded nuclear antigens of the EB virus (EBV), EBNA2 and EBNA3C, and modulate the transcription of viral and cellular genes
[68][110]. EBV is a lymphocryptovirus (LCV) herpesvirus that predominantly infects B lymphocytes and is noted for its ability to maintain long-term latent infections in the body while expressing a limited number of “latent” genes
[119,120][111][112].
According to the report, EBNA2 can serve as a transcriptional activator of transformative viral and cellular genes by regulating two EBNA2-regulated viral promoters (TP1 and LMP/TP2 promoter) following its binding to the homologous promoter element RBPJkappa
[121,122][113][114]. This promoter activation by EBNA2 is facilitated by cellular enhancer binding proteins and EBV nucleoproteins
[123,124][115][116].
Later studies revealed that DDX20 can bind EBNA2 and survival motor neuron (SMN) proteins via its C-terminal structural domain, reporting that EBNA2 targets the spliceosome complex to release the SMN protein after binding DDX20, which ultimately acts as a coactivator in RNA polymerase II transcriptional complexes on the LMP1 promoter
[125][117]. An additional finding suggests that, although RBPJkappa is necessary for EBNA2 transactivation, it is insufficient and it needs to be achieved through the EBNA2 and SMN proteins, underscoring the crucial role of DDX20
[125][117].
Conversely, EB nuclear antigen 3C (EBNA3C) is an important latent antigen that induces B lymphocyte immortalization in EBV through its contribution to viral pathogenicity. This is achieved via the putative bZIP structural domain at the N terminus of the protein and its interaction with cellular transcription factors RBPJkappa and HDAC1 to regulate transcriptional activation
[126,127][118][119]. Additionally, EBNA3C facilitates the transcriptional reprogramming of various host cell genes, which is associated with the lengthy latency of EBV
[128][120].
Similarly, DDX20 interacts with EBNA3C via its C-terminal structural domain. DDX20 can be stabilized by EBNA3C to form a complex with p53, which subsequently blocks p53-mediated transcriptional activity and apoptosis
[67][93]. Moreover, based on related studies, EBNA2 and EBNA3C can reportedly disrupt the interaction between DDX20 and the transcription factor METS, thereby activating cellular proto-oncogenes
[129][121]. This connection between DDX20 and EBV led to the initial discovery of a link between DDX20 and cancer.
In addition to EBV, DDX20 has significant connections with other viruses. DDX20 expression has previously been identified to vary in tumor tissues. In terms of changes in its expression upon viral infection, researchers reported that DDX20 is differentially expressed at distinct stages of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection and found that DDX20 interacts with the HIV-1 coprotein Vpr as early as 2012
[76][122].
Further analysis of global miRNA and mRNA expression through microarray and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in well-characterized HIV-1 latently and actively infected cells revealed that DDX20 was significantly upregulated in the former
[130][123]. Conversely, a downregulation of DDX20 expression was detected during HIV-1 replication. DDX20 was directly degraded by the vRNA translation product of HIV-1, the Vpr protein, via the DCAF1/DDB1/CUL4 E3 ubiquitin ligase-mediated degradation pathway
[131][124]. Owing to these alterations in DDX20 expression, it is thought to play a part in HIV-1 replication. However, the precise mechanism underlying the potential inhibitory effect of DDX20 remains unclear, thus necessitating further research.
DDX20 can enhance Interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) phosphorylation levels by promoting the interaction between TBK1 and IRF3, which further promotes IFN-β expression, ultimately inhibiting the replication of VSV and HSV-1 through INF-stimulated genes (ISG)
[2]. This opens up avenues for investigating the role of DDX20 in innate immunity research. Thus, although the role of DDX20 in suppressing viral infection and innate immunity has not been extensively studied, it has great research potential.