HIF1α-AS1 is a DNA:DNA:RNA triplex-forming lncRNA interacting with the HUSH complex

Abstract

DNA:DNA:RNA triplexes that are formed through Hoogsteen base-pairing have been observed in vitro, but the extent to which these interactions occur in cells and how they impact cellular functions remains elusive. Using a combination of bioinformatic techniques, RNA/DNA pulldown and biophysical studies, we set out to identify functionally important DNA:DNA:RNA triplex-forming long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) in human endothelial cells. The lncRNA HIF1-AS1 was retrieved as a top hit. Endogenous HIF1-AS1 reduced the expression of numerous genes, including EPH Receptor A2 and Adrenomedullin through DNA:DNA:RNA triplex formation by acting as an adapter for the repressive human silencing hub complex (HUSH). Moreover, the oxygen-sensitive HIF1-AS1 was down-regulated in pulmonary hypertension and loss-of-function approaches not only resulted in gene de-repression but also enhanced angiogenic capacity. As exemplified here with HIF1-AS1, DNA:DNA:RNA triplex formation is a functionally important mechanism of trans-acting gene expression control.