ADARB1 catalyzes circadian A-to-I editing and regulates RNA rhythm

Nat Genet. 2017 Jan;49(1):146-151. doi: 10.1038/ng.3731. Epub 2016 Nov 28.

Abstract

It has been proposed that the CLOCK-ARNTL (BMAL1) complex drives circadian transcription of thousands of genes, including Per and Cry family genes that encode suppressors of CLOCK-ARNTL-dependent transcription. However, recent studies demonstrated that 70-80% of circadian-oscillating mRNAs have no obvious rhythms in their de novo transcription, indicating the potential importance of post-transcriptional regulation. Our CLOCK-ChIP-seq analysis identified rhythmic expression of adenosine deaminase, RNA-specific, B1 (Adarb1, also known as Adar2), an adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) RNA-editing enzyme. RNA-seq showed circadian rhythms of ADARB1-mediated A-to-I editing in a variety of transcripts. In Adarb1-knockout mice, rhythms of large populations of mRNA were attenuated, indicating a profound impact of ADARB1-mediated A-to-I editing on RNA rhythms. Furthermore, Adarb1-knockout mice exhibited short-period rhythms in locomotor activity and gene expression. These phenotypes were associated with abnormal accumulation of CRY2. The present study identifies A-to-I RNA editing as a key mechanism of post-transcriptional regulation in the circadian clockwork.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine / genetics*
  • Adenosine Deaminase / genetics
  • Adenosine Deaminase / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Nuclear Translocator / physiology
  • Circadian Rhythm / physiology*
  • Cryptochromes / genetics
  • Cryptochromes / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Humans
  • Inosine / genetics*
  • Liver / metabolism
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • RNA / genetics*
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Transcription, Genetic / genetics*

Substances

  • Arnt protein, mouse
  • Cry2 protein, mouse
  • Cryptochromes
  • RNA-Binding Proteins
  • Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Nuclear Translocator
  • Inosine
  • RNA
  • ADARB1 protein, human
  • Adenosine Deaminase
  • Adenosine