The protein composition of HeLa ribosomal subunits and nucleolar precursor particles

Proteomic analysis of ribosomes: translational control of mRNA populations by glycogen synthase GYS1

Ribosomes exist as a heterogenous pool of macromolecular complexes composed of ribosomal RNA molecules, ribosomal proteins, and numerous associated "nonribosomal" proteins. To identify nonribosomal proteins that may modulate ribosome activity, we examined the composition of translationally active and inactive ribosomes using a proteomic multidimensional protein identification technology. Notably, the phosphorylated isoform of glycogen synthase, glycogen synthase 1 (GYS1), was preferentially associated with elongating ribosomes. Depletion of GYS1 affected the translation of a subset of cellular mRNAs, some of which encode proteins that modulate protein biosynthesis. These findings argue that GYS1 abundance, by virtue of its ribosomal association, provides a feedback loop between the energy state of the cells and the translation machinery.

Localization of ribosomal protein S1 in the granular component of the interphase nucleolus and its distribution during mitosis

Using antibodies to various nucleolar and ribosomal proteins, we define, by immunolocalization in situ, the distribution of nucleolar proteins in the different morphological nucleolar subcompartments. In the present study we describe the nucleolar localization of a specific ribosomal protein (S1) by immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy using a monoclonal antibody (RS1-105). In immunoblotting experiments, this antibody reacts specifically with the largest and most acidic protein of the small ribosomal subunit (S1) and shows wide interspecies cross-reactivity from amphibia to man. Beside its localization in cytoplasmic ribosomes, this protein is found to be specifically localized in the granular component of the nucleolus and in distinct granular aggregates scattered over the nucleoplasm. This indicates that ribosomal protein S1, in contrast to reports on other ribosomal proteins, is not bound to nascent pre-rRNA transcripts but attaches to preribosomes at later stages of rRNA processing and maturation. This protein is not detected in the residual nucleolar structures of cells inactive in rRNA synthesis such as amphibian and avian erythrocytes. During mitosis, the nucleolar material containing ribosomal protein S1 undergoes a remarkable transition and shows a distribution distinct from that of several other nucleolar proteins. In prophase, the nucleolus disintegrates and protein S1 appears in numerous small granules scattered throughout the prophase nucleus. During metaphase and anaphase, a considerable amount of this protein is found in association with the surfaces of all chromosomes and finely dispersed in the cell plasm. In telophase, protein S1-containing material reaccumulates in granular particles in the nucleoplasm of the newly formed nuclei and, finally, in the re-forming nucleoli. These observations indicate that the nucleolus-derived particles containing ribosomal protein S1 are different from cytoplasmic ribosomes and, in the living cell, are selectively recollected after mitosis into the newly formed nuclei and translocated into a specific nucleolar subcompartment, i.e., the granular component. The nucleolar location of ribosomal protein S1 and its rearrangement during mitosis is discussed in relation to the distribution of other nucleolar proteins.

The sequential addition of ribosomal proteins during the formation of the small ribosomal subunit in Friend erythroleukemia cells

Nucleolar '80-S' and '40-S' preribosomes (containing 45-S and 21-S pre-rRNA, respectively), as well as cytoplasmic ribosomes, were isolated from Friend erythroleukemia cells. The presence of structural ribosomal proteins in the isolated particles was studied by using antisera against individual rat liver small ribosomal subunit proteins. The analysis is based on the established crossreactivity between rat and mouse ribosomes [F. Noll and H. Bielka (1970) Mol. Gen. Genet. 106, 106-113]. The identification of the proteins was achieved by two independent immunological techniques: the passive haemagglutination test and the enzyme immunoassay of electrophoretically fractionated proteins, blotted on nitrocellulose. All 17 proteins tested are present in cytoplasmic ribosomes. A large number of proteins (S3a, S6, S7, S8, S11, S14, S18, S20, S23/24 and S25) are present in the '80-S' preribosome. Only two proteins (S3 and S21) are added during the formation of the '40-S' preribosome in the nucleolus. Four proteins (S2, S19, S26 and S29) are added at later, possibly extranucleolar, stages of ribosome formation. The results obtained provide evidence for the sequential addition of proteins during the formation of the small ribosomal subunit in Friend erythroleukemia cells.

Maturation and nucleo-cytoplasmic transport of rat-liver ribosomal RNA upon D-galactosamine inhibition of transcription

D-Galactosamine (250 mg/kg body weight) causes 90--95% inhibition of [14C]orotate or inorganic [32P]phosphate incorporation in vivo into rat liver nuclear RNA within 30 min. The transcription of both nucleolar and nucleoplasmic genes is inhibited to the same extent. Under these conditions, prelabbeled 45-S pre-rRNA is processed quantitatively to nuclear 28-S and 18-S rRNA. The nucleocytoplasmic transport of both 28-S and 18-S rRNA remains unaltered for about 60 min after blockage of transcription. At this stage the nucleo-cytoplasmic transport of 18-S rRNA is almost completed. It is concluded that formation and nucleo-cytoplasmic transport of ribosomes is independent of concurrent transcription of rRNA or nucleoplasmic genes. At later stages, the nucleocytoplasmic transport of 28-S rRNA is delayed and its partial degaradation in the nucleus may take place. This effect is correlated with a decreased (up to 40% of controls) labelling of nuclear proteins. However, the labelling of total cellular or microsomal proteins remains unchanged up to 3 h after D-galactosamine administration. It is suggested that the last nuclear steps of ribosome formation are dependent on the continuous supply of rapidly-labelled nuclear proteins.