Warkocki, Z. | Search bioRxiv

bioRxiv2025

Multi-omic screening identifies RBMXL3 as a primate-specific RNA-binding protein and candidate regulator of RNA metabolism in human spermatogenesis

BackgroundRBMXL3 is a primate-specific gene localized on the X chromosome, which expression is detectable mainly in the male gonad. So far, very little is known about the RBMXL3 protein function and its molecular interactions. However, recent reports mention the RBMXL3 gene in the context of human spermatogenesis, cancer, and a breathing disorder that affects newborns. In this study, we investigate the RBMXL3s molecular network on a genome-wide scale using the human seminoma cell line (TCam-2) as a male germline in vitro model. MethodsBy using transcriptomic (RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and enhanced crosslinking and immunoprecipitation (eCLIP)) and proteomic (Co-immunoprecipitation coupled with Mass Spectrometry, (Co-IP-MS)) approaches we show RBMXL3 importance in RNA metabolism. Additionally, Western Blot, qRT-PCR, immunostaining, and confocal imaging were used in order to investigate the function of RBMXL3. Finally, we used a plasmid-based L1 retrotransposition assay to demonstrate the suppressive effect of RBMXL3 on human Long Interspersed Nuclear Element-1 (LINE-1, L1) retrotransposition. ResultsOur RNA-seq data show that RBMXL3 expression drives gene expression changes and influence alternative splicing in human cells. Moreover, by performing eCLIP we provide a proof that RBMXL3 binds to a wide range of RNA transcripts. Additionally, we confirmed the nuclear localization of RBMXL3 in TCam-2 cells and its presence in spermatogonia and spermatocytes within the human testis. Finally, we report for the first time that RBMXL3 restricts human LINE-1 retrotransposition. ConclusionsOur findings for the first time identify primate-specific RBMXL3 protein as a new upstream regulator of RNA metabolism, characterized by broad RNA-binding activity in human TCam-2 cells. Finally, we show that RBMXL3 expression heavily reduces LINE-1 retrotransposition in human cells, underlying RBMXL3 importance in maintaining genome integrity. Our data suggest that RBMXL3 may contribute to the regulation of transcriptome dynamics in male germ cells, while its broader functional implications remain to be determined. Graphical abstract O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=56 SRC="FIGDIR/small/677621v3_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (21K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@8bf116org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@180fe82org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1c52960org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@11f7519_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG Created with BioRender.com

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2017

Versatile approach for functional analysis of human proteins and efficient stable cell line generation using FLP-mediated recombination system

Deciphering a function of a given protein requires investigating various biological aspects. Usually, the protein of interest is expressed with a fusion tag that aids or allows subsequent analyses. Additionally, downregulation or inactivation of the studied gene enables functional studies. Development of the CRISPR/Cas9 methodology opened many possibilities but in many cases it is restricted to non-essential genes. It may also be time-consuming if a homozygote is needed. Recombinase-dependent gene integration methods, like the Flp-In system, are very good alternative. The system is widely used in different research areas, which calls for the existence of compatible vectors and efficient protocols that ensure straightforward DNA cloning and creation of stable cell lines. We have created and validated a robust series of 52 vectors for streamlined generation of stable mammalian cell lines using the FLP recombinase-based methodology. Using the sequence-independent DNA cloning method all constructs for a given coding-sequence can be made with just three universal PCR primers. The collection allows tetracycline-inducible expression of proteins with various tags suitable for protein localization, FRET, bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC), protein dynamics studies (FRAP), co-immunoprecipitation, the RNA tethering assay and cell sorting. Some of the vectors contain a bidirectional promoter for concomitant expression of miRNA and mRNA, so that a gene can be silenced and its product replaced by a mutated miRNA-insensitive version. We demonstrate the efficacy of our vectors by creating stable cell lines with various tagged proteins (numatrin, fibrillarin, coilin, centrin, THOC5, PCNA). We have analysed transgene expression over time to provide a guideline for future experiments and compared the utility of commonly used inducers of tetracycline-responsive promoters. We determined the protein interaction network of the exoribonuclease XRN2 and examined the role of the protein in transcription termination by RNAseq analysis of cells devoid of its ribonucleolytic activity. In total we created more than 500 DNA constructs which proves high efficiency of our strategy.

molecular biology↗