1
|
Rodríguez‐Molina JB, Turtola M. Birth of a poly(A) tail: mechanisms and control of mRNA polyadenylation. FEBS Open Bio 2023; 13:1140-1153. [PMID: 36416579 PMCID: PMC10315857 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
During their synthesis in the cell nucleus, most eukaryotic mRNAs undergo a two-step 3'-end processing reaction in which the pre-mRNA is cleaved and released from the transcribing RNA polymerase II and a polyadenosine (poly(A)) tail is added to the newly formed 3'-end. These biochemical reactions might appear simple at first sight (endonucleolytic RNA cleavage and synthesis of a homopolymeric tail), but their catalysis requires a multi-faceted enzymatic machinery, the cleavage and polyadenylation complex (CPAC), which is composed of more than 20 individual protein subunits. The activity of CPAC is further orchestrated by Poly(A) Binding Proteins (PABPs), which decorate the poly(A) tail during its synthesis and guide the mRNA through subsequent gene expression steps. Here, we review the structure, molecular mechanism, and regulation of eukaryotic mRNA 3'-end processing machineries with a focus on the polyadenylation step. We concentrate on the CPAC and PABPs from mammals and the budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, because these systems are the best-characterized at present. Comparison of their functions provides valuable insights into the principles of mRNA 3'-end processing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Matti Turtola
- Department of Life TechnologiesUniversity of TurkuFinland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Li Y, Huang J, Zhu J, Bao L, Wang H, Jiang Y, Tian K, Wang R, Zheng H, Duan W, Lai W, Yi X, Zhu Y, Guo T, Ji X. Targeted protein degradation reveals RNA Pol II heterogeneity and functional diversity. Mol Cell 2022; 82:3943-3959.e11. [PMID: 36113479 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2022.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
RNA polymerase II (RNA Pol II) subunits are thought to be involved in various transcription-associated processes, but it is unclear whether they play different regulatory roles in modulating gene expression. Here, we performed nascent and mature transcript sequencing after the acute degradation of 12 mammalian RNA Pol II subunits and profiled their genomic binding sites and protein interactomes to dissect their molecular functions. We found that RNA Pol II subunits contribute differently to RNA Pol II cellular localization and transcription processes and preferentially regulate RNA processing (such as RNA splicing and 3' end maturation). Genes sensitive to the depletion of different RNA Pol II subunits tend to be involved in diverse biological functions and show different RNA half-lives. Sequences, associated protein factors, and RNA structures are correlated with RNA Pol II subunit-mediated differential gene expression. These findings collectively suggest that the heterogeneity of RNA Pol II and different genes appear to depend on some of the subunits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanjun Li
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jie Huang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Junyi Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Lijun Bao
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yongpeng Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Kai Tian
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Haonan Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - WenJia Duan
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Weifeng Lai
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xiao Yi
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China; Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yi Zhu
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China; Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Tiannan Guo
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China; Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xiong Ji
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Exploring the multifunctionality of SR proteins. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 50:187-198. [PMID: 34940860 PMCID: PMC9022966 DOI: 10.1042/bst20210325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Members of the arginine–serine-rich protein family (SR proteins) are multifunctional RNA-binding proteins that have emerged as key determinants for mRNP formation, identity and fate. They bind to pre-mRNAs early during transcription in the nucleus and accompany bound transcripts until they are translated or degraded in the cytoplasm. SR proteins are mostly known for their essential roles in constitutive splicing and as regulators of alternative splicing. However, many additional activities of individual SR proteins, beyond splicing, have been reported in recent years. We will summarize the different functions of SR proteins and discuss how multifunctionality can be achieved. We will also highlight the difficulties of studying highly versatile SR proteins and propose approaches to disentangle their activities, which is transferrable to other multifunctional RBPs.
Collapse
|
4
|
Schwich OD, Blümel N, Keller M, Wegener M, Setty ST, Brunstein ME, Poser I, Mozos IRDL, Suess B, Münch C, McNicoll F, Zarnack K, Müller-McNicoll M. SRSF3 and SRSF7 modulate 3'UTR length through suppression or activation of proximal polyadenylation sites and regulation of CFIm levels. Genome Biol 2021; 22:82. [PMID: 33706811 PMCID: PMC7948361 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-021-02298-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Alternative polyadenylation (APA) refers to the regulated selection of polyadenylation sites (PASs) in transcripts, which determines the length of their 3′ untranslated regions (3′UTRs). We have recently shown that SRSF3 and SRSF7, two closely related SR proteins, connect APA with mRNA export. The mechanism underlying APA regulation by SRSF3 and SRSF7 remained unknown. Results Here we combine iCLIP and 3′-end sequencing and find that SRSF3 and SRSF7 bind upstream of proximal PASs (pPASs), but they exert opposite effects on 3′UTR length. SRSF7 enhances pPAS usage in a concentration-dependent but splicing-independent manner by recruiting the cleavage factor FIP1, generating short 3′UTRs. Protein domains unique to SRSF7, which are absent from SRSF3, contribute to FIP1 recruitment. In contrast, SRSF3 promotes distal PAS (dPAS) usage and hence long 3′UTRs directly by counteracting SRSF7, but also indirectly by maintaining high levels of cleavage factor Im (CFIm) via alternative splicing. Upon SRSF3 depletion, CFIm levels decrease and 3′UTRs are shortened. The indirect SRSF3 targets are particularly sensitive to low CFIm levels, because here CFIm serves a dual function; it enhances dPAS and inhibits pPAS usage by binding immediately downstream and assembling unproductive cleavage complexes, which together promotes long 3′UTRs. Conclusions We demonstrate that SRSF3 and SRSF7 are direct modulators of pPAS usage and show how small differences in the domain architecture of SR proteins can confer opposite effects on pPAS regulation. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13059-021-02298-y.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Daniel Schwich
- Institute for Molecular Bio Science, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany.,Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Nicole Blümel
- Institute for Molecular Bio Science, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Mario Keller
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany.,Faculty of Biological Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Marius Wegener
- Institute for Molecular Bio Science, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany.,Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Samarth Thonta Setty
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Melinda Elaine Brunstein
- Institute of Biochemistry II, Medical School, Goethe University Frankfurt, Sandhofstr. 2-4, 60528, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Ina Poser
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstr. 108, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Beatrix Suess
- Department of Biology, Technical University Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstr. 10, 64287, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Christian Münch
- Institute of Biochemistry II, Medical School, Goethe University Frankfurt, Sandhofstr. 2-4, 60528, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - François McNicoll
- Institute for Molecular Bio Science, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Kathi Zarnack
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany. .,Faculty of Biological Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Michaela Müller-McNicoll
- Institute for Molecular Bio Science, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Müller-McNicoll M, Rossbach O, Hui J, Medenbach J. Auto-regulatory feedback by RNA-binding proteins. J Mol Cell Biol 2020; 11:930-939. [PMID: 31152582 PMCID: PMC6884704 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjz043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are key regulators in post-transcriptional control of gene expression. Mutations that alter their activity or abundance have been implicated in numerous diseases such as neurodegenerative disorders and various types of cancer. This highlights the importance of RBP proteostasis and the necessity to tightly control the expression levels and activities of RBPs. In many cases, RBPs engage in an auto-regulatory feedback by directly binding to and influencing the fate of their own mRNAs, exerting control over their own expression. For this feedback control, RBPs employ a variety of mechanisms operating at all levels of post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Here we review RBP-mediated autogenous feedback regulation that either serves to maintain protein abundance within a physiological range (by negative feedback) or generates binary, genetic on/off switches important for e.g. cell fate decisions (by positive feedback).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Müller-McNicoll
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 13, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Oliver Rossbach
- Institute of Biochemistry, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 17, D-35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Jingyi Hui
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Jan Medenbach
- Institute of Biochemistry I, University of Regensburg, Universitaetsstrasse 31, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
View from an mRNP: The Roles of SR Proteins in Assembly, Maturation and Turnover. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1203:83-112. [PMID: 31811631 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-31434-7_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Serine- and arginine-rich proteins (SR proteins) are a family of multitasking RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) that are key determinants of messenger ribonucleoprotein (mRNP) formation, identity and fate. Apart from their essential functions in pre-mRNA splicing, SR proteins display additional pre- and post-splicing activities and connect nuclear and cytoplasmic gene expression machineries. Through changes in their post-translational modifications (PTMs) and their subcellular localization, they provide functional specificity and adjustability to mRNPs. Transcriptome-wide UV crosslinking and immunoprecipitation (CLIP-Seq) studies revealed that individual SR proteins are present in distinct mRNPs and act in specific pairs to regulate different gene expression programmes. Adopting an mRNP-centric viewpoint, we discuss the roles of SR proteins in the assembly, maturation, quality control and turnover of mRNPs and describe the mechanisms by which they integrate external signals, coordinate their multiple tasks and couple subsequent mRNA processing steps.
Collapse
|
7
|
Sequences encoding C2H2 zinc fingers inhibit polyadenylation and mRNA export in human cells. Sci Rep 2018; 8:16995. [PMID: 30451889 PMCID: PMC6242934 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-35138-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The large C2H2-Zinc Finger (C2H2-ZNF) gene family has rapidly expanded in primates through gene duplication. There is consequently considerable sequence homology between family members at both the nucleotide and amino acid level, allowing for coordinated regulation and shared functions. Here we show that multiple C2H2-ZNF mRNAs experience differential polyadenylation resulting in populations with short and long poly(A) tails. Furthermore, a significant proportion of C2H2-ZNF mRNAs are retained in the nucleus. Intriguingly, both short poly(A) tails and nuclear retention can be specified by the repeated elements that encode zinc finger motifs. These Zinc finger Coding Regions (ZCRs) appear to restrict polyadenylation of nascent RNAs and at the same time impede their export. However, the polyadenylation process is not necessary for nuclear retention of ZNF mRNAs. We propose that inefficient polyadenylation and export may allow C2H2-ZNF mRNAs to moonlight as non-coding RNAs or to be stored for later use.
Collapse
|
8
|
Kaida D. The reciprocal regulation between splicing and 3'-end processing. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2016; 7:499-511. [PMID: 27019070 PMCID: PMC5071671 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Revised: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Most eukaryotic precursor mRNAs are subjected to RNA processing events, including 5′‐end capping, splicing and 3′‐end processing. These processing events were historically studied independently; however, since the early 1990s tremendous efforts by many research groups have revealed that these processing factors interact with each other to control each other's functions. U1 snRNP and its components negatively regulate polyadenylation of precursor mRNAs. Importantly, this function is necessary for protecting the integrity of the transcriptome and for regulating gene length and the direction of transcription. In addition, physical and functional interactions occur between splicing factors and 3′‐end processing factors across the last exon. These interactions activate or inhibit splicing and 3′‐end processing depending on the context. Therefore, splicing and 3′‐end processing are reciprocally regulated in many ways through the complex protein–protein interaction network. Although interesting questions remain, future studies will illuminate the molecular mechanisms underlying the reciprocal regulation. WIREs RNA 2016, 7:499–511. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1348 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Kaida
- Frontier Research Core for Life Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Guiro J, O'Reilly D. Insights into the U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein complex superfamily. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2014; 6:79-92. [DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2014] [Revised: 06/17/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J Guiro
- Institute of Biosciences; University of Sao Paulo; Sao Paulo Brazil
| | - D O'Reilly
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology; Oxford United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Hollerer I, Grund K, Hentze MW, Kulozik AE. mRNA 3'end processing: A tale of the tail reaches the clinic. EMBO Mol Med 2014; 6:16-26. [PMID: 24408965 PMCID: PMC3936486 DOI: 10.1002/emmm.201303300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advances reveal mRNA 3′end processing as a highly regulated process that fine-tunes posttranscriptional gene expression. This process can affect the site and/or the efficiency of 3′end processing, controlling the quality and the quantity of substrate mRNAs. The regulation of 3′end processing plays a central role in fundamental physiology such as blood coagulation and innate immunity. In addition, errors in mRNA 3′end processing have been associated with a broad spectrum of human diseases, including cancer. We summarize and discuss the paradigmatic shift in the understanding of 3′end processing as a mechanism of posttranscriptional gene regulation that has reached clinical medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ina Hollerer
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Rehfeld A, Plass M, Krogh A, Friis-Hansen L. Alterations in polyadenylation and its implications for endocrine disease. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2013; 4:53. [PMID: 23658553 PMCID: PMC3647115 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2013.00053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2013] [Accepted: 04/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Polyadenylation is the process in which the pre-mRNA is cleaved at the poly(A) site and a poly(A) tail is added - a process necessary for normal mRNA formation. Genes with multiple poly(A) sites can undergo alternative polyadenylation (APA), producing distinct mRNA isoforms with different 3' untranslated regions (3' UTRs) and in some cases different coding regions. Two thirds of all human genes undergo APA. The efficiency of the polyadenylation process regulates gene expression and APA plays an important part in post-transcriptional regulation, as the 3' UTR contains various cis-elements associated with post-transcriptional regulation, such as target sites for micro-RNAs and RNA-binding proteins. Implications of alterations in polyadenylation for endocrine disease: Alterations in polyadenylation have been found to be causative of neonatal diabetes and IPEX (immune dysfunction, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, X-linked) and to be associated with type I and II diabetes, pre-eclampsia, fragile X-associated premature ovarian insufficiency, ectopic Cushing syndrome, and many cancer diseases, including several types of endocrine tumor diseases. PERSPECTIVES Recent developments in high-throughput sequencing have made it possible to characterize polyadenylation genome-wide. Antisense elements inhibiting or enhancing specific poly(A) site usage can induce desired alterations in polyadenylation, and thus hold the promise of new therapeutic approaches. SUMMARY This review gives a detailed description of alterations in polyadenylation in endocrine disease, an overview of the current literature on polyadenylation and summarizes the clinical implications of the current state of research in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anders Rehfeld
- Genomic Medicine, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University HospitalCopenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mireya Plass
- Department of Biology, The Bioinformatics Centre, University of CopenhagenCopenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Krogh
- Department of Biology, The Bioinformatics Centre, University of CopenhagenCopenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lennart Friis-Hansen
- Genomic Medicine, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University HospitalCopenhagen, Denmark
- *Correspondence: Lennart Friis-Hansen, Genomic Medicine, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, 4113, Blegdamsvej 9, DK2100 Copenhagen, Denmark. e-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
Splicing is a key process for mRNA maturation, particularly in higher eukaryotes where most protein-coding transcripts contain multiple introns. It is achieved by the concerted action of five snRNAs (small nuclear RNAs) and hundreds of accessory proteins that form the spliceosome. Although snRNAs are present in equal amounts in the spliceosome, there is an overall excess of U1 in human cells. This finding led to the opinion that U1 might be involved in processes other than splicing. Research has shown that this is indeed the case and some examples found from studies in human cell systems are described briefly in the present review.
Collapse
|
13
|
Abstract
The intron–exon architecture of many eukaryotic genes raises the intriguing question of whether this unique organization serves any function, or is it simply a result of the spread of functionless introns in eukaryotic genomes. In this review, we show that introns in contemporary species fulfill a broad spectrum of functions, and are involved in virtually every step of mRNA processing. We propose that this great diversity of intronic functions supports the notion that introns were indeed selfish elements in early eukaryotes, but then independently gained numerous functions in different eukaryotic lineages. We suggest a novel criterion of evolutionary conservation, dubbed intron positional conservation, which can identify functional introns.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michal Chorev
- Department of Genetics, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Jerusalem, Israel
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Ezeokonkwo C, Ghazy MA, Zhelkovsky A, Yeh PC, Moore C. Novel interactions at the essential N-terminus of poly(A) polymerase that could regulate poly(A) addition in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. FEBS Lett 2012; 586:1173-8. [PMID: 22575652 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2012.03.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2012] [Accepted: 03/14/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Addition of poly(A) to the 3' ends of cleaved pre-mRNA is essential for mRNA maturation and is catalyzed by Pap1 in yeast. We have previously shown that a non-viable Pap1 mutant lacking the first 18 amino acids is fully active for polyadenylation of oligoA, but defective for pre-mRNA polyadenylation, suggesting that interactions at the N-terminus are important for enzyme function in the processing complex. We have now identified proteins that interact specifically with this region. Cft1 and Pta1 are subunits of the cleavage/polyadenylation factor, in which Pap1 resides, and Nab6 and Sub1 are nucleic-acid binding proteins with known links to 3' end processing. Our results suggest a novel mechanism for controlling Pap1 activity, and possible models invoking these newly-discovered interactions are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chukwudi Ezeokonkwo
- Tufts School of Medicine and the Sackler Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
|
16
|
Eckmann CR, Rammelt C, Wahle E. Control of poly(A) tail length. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2010; 2:348-61. [PMID: 21957022 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.56] [Citation(s) in RCA: 191] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Poly(A) tails have long been known as stable 3' modifications of eukaryotic mRNAs, added during nuclear pre-mRNA processing. It is now appreciated that this modification is much more diverse: A whole new family of poly(A) polymerases has been discovered, and poly(A) tails occur as transient destabilizing additions to a wide range of different RNA substrates. We review the field from the perspective of poly(A) tail length. Length control is important because (1) poly(A) tail shortening from a defined starting point acts as a timer of mRNA stability, (2) changes in poly(A) tail length are used for the purpose of translational regulation, and (3) length may be the key feature distinguishing between the stabilizing poly(A) tails of mRNAs and the destabilizing oligo(A) tails of different unstable RNAs. The mechanism of length control during nuclear processing of pre-mRNAs is relatively well understood and is based on the changes in the processivity of poly(A) polymerase induced by two RNA-binding proteins. Developmentally regulated poly(A) tail extension also generates defined tails; however, although many of the proteins responsible are known, the reaction is not understood mechanistically. Finally, destabilizing oligoadenylation does not appear to have inherent length control. Rather, average tail length results from the balance between polyadenylation and deadenylation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian R Eckmann
- Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Combined use of MS2 and PP7 coat fusions shows that TIA-1 dominates hnRNP A1 for K-SAM exon splicing control. J Biomed Biotechnol 2010; 2009:104853. [PMID: 20130820 PMCID: PMC2814235 DOI: 10.1155/2009/104853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2009] [Accepted: 10/30/2009] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Splicing of the FGFR2 K-SAM exon is repressed by hnRNP A1 bound to the exon and activated by TIA-1 bound to the downstream intron. Both proteins are expressed similarly by cells whether they splice the exon or not, so it is important to know which one is dominant. To answer this question, we used bacteriophage PP7 and bacteriophage MS2 coat fusions to tether hnRNP A1 and TIA-1 to distinct sites on the same pre-mRNA molecule. hnRNP A1 fused to one coat protein was tethered to a K-SAM exon containing the corresponding coat protein's binding site. TIA-1 fused to the other coat protein was tethered to the downstream intron containing that coat protein's binding site. This led to efficient K-SAM exon splicing. Our results show that TIA-1 is dominant for K-SAM exon splicing control and validate the combined use of PP7 and MS2 coat proteins for studying posttranscriptional events.
Collapse
|
18
|
Millevoi S, Vagner S. Molecular mechanisms of eukaryotic pre-mRNA 3' end processing regulation. Nucleic Acids Res 2009; 38:2757-74. [PMID: 20044349 PMCID: PMC2874999 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkp1176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 296] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) 3′ end formation is a nuclear process through which all eukaryotic primary transcripts are endonucleolytically cleaved and most of them acquire a poly(A) tail. This process, which consists in the recognition of defined poly(A) signals of the pre-mRNAs by a large cleavage/polyadenylation machinery, plays a critical role in gene expression. Indeed, the poly(A) tail of a mature mRNA is essential for its functions, including stability, translocation to the cytoplasm and translation. In addition, this process serves as a bridge in the network connecting the different transcription, capping, splicing and export machineries. It also participates in the quantitative and qualitative regulation of gene expression in a variety of biological processes through the selection of single or alternative poly(A) signals in transcription units. A large number of protein factors associates with this machinery to regulate the efficiency and specificity of this process and to mediate its interaction with other nuclear events. Here, we review the eukaryotic 3′ end processing machineries as well as the comprehensive set of regulatory factors and discuss the different molecular mechanisms of 3′ end processing regulation by proposing several overlapping models of regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Millevoi
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U563, Toulouse, F-31000, France.
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Prigge JR, Iverson SV, Siders AM, Schmidt EE. Interactome for auxiliary splicing factor U2AF(65) suggests diverse roles. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2009; 1789:487-92. [PMID: 19540372 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2009.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2009] [Revised: 06/10/2009] [Accepted: 06/15/2009] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
U2 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein auxiliary factor (U2AF) is an essential component of the splicing machinery that is composed of two protein subunits, the 35 kDa U2AF(35) (U2AF1) and the 65 kDa U2AF(65) (U2AF2). U2AF interacts with various splicing factors within this machinery. Here we expand the list of mammalian splicing factors that are known to interact with U2AF(65) as well as the list of nuclear proteins not known to participate in splicing that interact with U2AF(65). Using a yeast two-hybrid system, we found fourteen U2AF(65)-interacting proteins. The validity of the screen was confirmed by identification of five known U2AF(65)-interacting proteins, including its heterodimeric partner, U2AF(35). In addition to binding these known partners, we found previously unrecognized U2AF(65) interactions with four splicing-related proteins (DDX39, SFRS3, SFRS18, SNRPA), two zinc finger proteins (ZFP809 and ZC3H11A), a U2AF(65) homolog (RBM39), and two other regulatory proteins (DAXX and SERBP1). We report which regions of U2AF(65) each of these proteins interacts with and we discuss their potential roles in regulation of pre-mRNA splicing, 3'-end mRNA processing, and U2AF(65) sub-nuclear localization. These findings suggest expanded roles for U2AF(65) in both splicing and non-splicing functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin R Prigge
- Department of Veterinary Molecular Biology, Montana State University, Molecular Biosciences, 960 Technology Blvd., Bozeman, MT 59718, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Gene silencing by synthetic U1 adaptors. Nat Biotechnol 2009; 27:257-63. [PMID: 19219028 DOI: 10.1038/nbt.1525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2008] [Accepted: 01/12/2009] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
We describe a gene silencing method that employs a mechanism of action distinct from those of antisense and RNA interference. U1 Adaptors are bifunctional oligonucleotides with a 'target domain' complementary to a site in the target gene's terminal exon and a 'U1 domain' that binds to the U1 small nuclear RNA component of the U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (U1 snRNP) splicing factor. Tethering of U1 snRNP to the target pre-mRNA inhibits poly(A)-tail addition, causing degradation of that RNA species in the nucleus. U1 Adaptors can inhibit both endogenous and reporter genes in a sequence-specific manner. Comparison of U1 Adaptors with small interfering RNA (siRNA) using a genome-wide microarray analysis indicates that U1 Adaptors have limited off-target effects and no detectable adverse effects on splicing. Further, targeting the same gene either with multiple U1 Adaptors or with a U1 Adaptor and siRNA strongly enhances gene silencing.
Collapse
|
21
|
Vethantham V, Rao N, Manley JL. Sumoylation regulates multiple aspects of mammalian poly(A) polymerase function. Genes Dev 2008; 22:499-511. [PMID: 18281463 DOI: 10.1101/gad.1628208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The addition of the poly(A) tail to the ends of eukaryotic mRNAs is catalyzed by poly(A) polymerase (PAP). PAP activity is known to be highly regulated, for example, by alternative splicing and phosphorylation. In this study we show that the small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) plays multiple roles in regulating PAP function. Our discovery of SUMO-conjugated PAP began with the observation of a striking pattern of abundant higher-molecular-weight forms of PAP in certain mouse tissues and cell lines. PAP constitutes an unusual SUMO substrate in that, despite the absence of any consensus sumoylation sites, PAP interacts very strongly with the SUMO E2 enzyme ubc9 and can be extensively sumoylated both in vitro and in vivo. Six sites of sumoylation in PAP were identified, with two overlapping one of two nuclear localization signals (NLS). Strikingly, mutation of the two lysines at the NLS to arginines, or coexpression of a SUMO protease with wild-type PAP, caused PAP to be localized to the cytoplasm, demonstrating that sumoylation is required to facilitate PAP nuclear localization. Sumoylation also contributes to PAP stability, as down-regulation of sumoylation led to decreases in PAP levels. Finally, the activity of purified PAP was shown to be inhibited by in vitro sumoylation. Our study thus shows that SUMO regulates PAP in numerous distinct ways and is integral to normal PAP function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vasupradha Vethantham
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Abad X, Vera M, Jung SP, Oswald E, Romero I, Amin V, Fortes P, Gunderson SI. Requirements for gene silencing mediated by U1 snRNA binding to a target sequence. Nucleic Acids Res 2008; 36:2338-52. [PMID: 18299285 PMCID: PMC2367729 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkn068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
U1 interference (U1i) is a novel method to block gene expression. U1i requires expression of a 5'-end-mutated U1 snRNA designed to base pair to the 3'-terminal exon of the target gene's pre-mRNA that leads to inhibition of polyadenylation. Here, we show U1i is robust (> or =95%) and a 10-nt target length is sufficient for good silencing. Surprisingly, longer U1 snRNAs, which could increase annealing to the target, fail to improve silencing. Extensive mutagenesis of the 10-bp U1 snRNA:target duplex shows that any single mismatch different from GU at positions 3-8, destroys silencing. However, mismatches within the other positions give partial silencing, suggesting that off-target inhibition could occur. The specificity of U1i may be enhanced, however, by the fact that silencing is impaired by RNA secondary structure or by splicing factors binding nearby, the latter mediated by Arginine-Serine (RS) domains. U1i inhibition can be reconstituted in vivo by tethering of RS domains of U1-70K and U2AF65. These results help to: (i) define good target sites for U1i; (ii) identify and understand natural cellular examples of U1i; (iii) clarify the contribution of hydrogen bonding to U1i and to U1 snRNP binding to 5' splice sites and (iv) understand the mechanism of U1i.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xabi Abad
- Division of Hepatology and Gene Therapy, CIMA/UNAV. Pio XII, 55, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Millevoi S, Loulergue C, Dettwiler S, Karaa SZ, Keller W, Antoniou M, Vagner S. An interaction between U2AF 65 and CF I(m) links the splicing and 3' end processing machineries. EMBO J 2006; 25:4854-64. [PMID: 17024186 PMCID: PMC1618107 DOI: 10.1038/sj.emboj.7601331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2006] [Accepted: 07/31/2006] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The protein factor U2 snRNP Auxiliary Factor (U2AF) 65 is an essential component required for splicing and involved in the coupling of splicing and 3' end processing of vertebrate pre-mRNAs. Here we have addressed the mechanisms by which U2AF 65 stimulates pre-mRNA 3' end processing. We identify an arginine/serine-rich region of U2AF 65 that mediates an interaction with an RS-like alternating charge domain of the 59 kDa subunit of the human cleavage factor I (CF I(m)), an essential 3' processing factor that functions at an early step in the recognition of the 3' end processing signal. Tethered functional analysis shows that the U2AF 65/CF I(m) 59 interaction stimulates in vitro 3' end cleavage and polyadenylation. These results therefore uncover a direct role of the U2AF 65/CF I(m) 59 interaction in the functional coordination of splicing and 3' end processing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Millevoi
- INSERM U563, Toulouse, France
- Institut Claudius Regaud, Toulouse, France
- Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Clarisse Loulergue
- INSERM U563, Toulouse, France
- Institut Claudius Regaud, Toulouse, France
- Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
- Nuclear Biology Group, Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, King's College London School of Medicine, Guy's Campus, Guy's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Sabine Dettwiler
- Department of Cell Biology, Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Zeïneb Karaa
- INSERM U563, Toulouse, France
- Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Walter Keller
- Department of Cell Biology, Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michael Antoniou
- Nuclear Biology Group, Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, King's College London School of Medicine, Guy's Campus, Guy's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Stéphan Vagner
- INSERM U563, Toulouse, France
- Institut Claudius Regaud, Toulouse, France
- Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
- INSERM U563, Institut Claudius Régaud, 20–24 Rue du Pont St Pierre, Toulouse 31052, France. Tel.: +33 5 67 69 63 11; Fax: +33 5 61 42 46 31; E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Zheng ZM, Baker CC. Papillomavirus genome structure, expression, and post-transcriptional regulation. FRONT BIOSCI-LANDMRK 2006; 11:2286-302. [PMID: 16720315 PMCID: PMC1472295 DOI: 10.2741/1971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 295] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Papillomaviruses are a group of small non-enveloped DNA tumor viruses whose infection usually causes benign epithelial lesions (warts). Certain types of HPVs, such as HPV-16, HPV-18, and HPV-31, have been recognized as causative agents of cervical cancer and anal cancer and their infections, which arise via sexual transmission, are associated with more than 95% of cervical cancer. Papillomaviruses infect keratinocytes in the basal layer of stratified squamous epithelia and replicate in the nucleus of infected keratinocytes in a differentiation-dependent manner. Viral gene expression in infected cells depends on cell differentiation and is tightly regulated at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. A noteworthy feature of all papillomavirus transcripts is that they are transcribed as a bicistronic or polycistronic form containing two or more ORFs and are polyadenylated at either an early or late poly(A) site. In the past ten years, remarkable progress has been made in understanding how this complex viral gene expression is regulated at the level of transcription (such as via DNA methylation) and particularly post-transcription (including RNA splicing, polyadenylation, and translation). Current knowledge of papillomavirus mRNA structure and RNA processing has provided some clues on how to control viral oncogene expression. However, we still have little knowledge about which mRNAs are used to translate each viral protein. Continuing research on post-transcriptional regulation of papillomavirus infection will remain as a future focus to provide more insights into papillomavirus-host interactions, the virus life-cycle, and viral oncogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Ming Zheng
- HIV and AIDS Malignancy Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Venkataraman K, Brown KM, Gilmartin GM. Analysis of a noncanonical poly(A) site reveals a tripartite mechanism for vertebrate poly(A) site recognition. Genes Dev 2005; 19:1315-27. [PMID: 15937220 PMCID: PMC1142555 DOI: 10.1101/gad.1298605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
At least half of all human pre-mRNAs are subject to alternative 3' processing that may modulate both the coding capacity of the message and the array of post-transcriptional regulatory elements embedded within the 3' UTR. Vertebrate poly(A) site selection appears to rely primarily on the binding of CPSF to an A(A/U)UAAA hexamer upstream of the cleavage site and CstF to a downstream GU-rich element. At least one-quarter of all human poly(A) sites, however, lack the A(A/U)UAAA motif. We report that sequence-specific RNA binding of the human 3' processing factor CFI(m) can function as a primary determinant of poly(A) site recognition in the absence of the A(A/U)UAAA motif. CFI(m) is sufficient to direct sequence-specific, A(A/U)UAAA-independent poly(A) addition in vitro through the recruitment of the CPSF subunit hFip1 and poly(A) polymerase to the RNA substrate. ChIP analysis indicates that CFI(m) is recruited to the transcription unit, along with CPSF and CstF, during the initial stages of transcription, supporting a direct role for CFI(m) in poly(A) site recognition. The recognition of three distinct sequence elements by CFI(m), CPSF, and CstF suggests that vertebrate poly(A) site definition is mechanistically more similar to that of yeast and plants than anticipated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krishnan Venkataraman
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Vermont, Burlington, 05405, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
McPhillips MG, Veerapraditsin T, Cumming SA, Karali D, Milligan SG, Boner W, Morgan IM, Graham SV. SF2/ASF binds the human papillomavirus type 16 late RNA control element and is regulated during differentiation of virus-infected epithelial cells. J Virol 2004; 78:10598-605. [PMID: 15367627 PMCID: PMC516382 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.78.19.10598-10605.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pre-mRNA splicing occurs in the spliceosome, which is composed of small ribonucleoprotein particles (snRNPs) and many non-snRNP components. SR proteins, so called because of their C-terminal arginine- and serine-rich domains (RS domains), are essential members of this class. Recruitment of snRNPs to 5' and 3' splice sites is mediated and promoted by SR proteins. SR proteins also bridge splicing factors across exons to help to define these units and have a central role in alternative and enhancer-dependent splicing. Here, we show that the SR protein SF2/ASF is part of a complex that forms upon the 79-nucleotide negative regulatory element (NRE) that is thought to be pivotal in posttranscriptional regulation of late gene expression in human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16). However, the NRE does not contain any active splice sites, is located in the viral late 3' untranslated region, and regulates RNA-processing events other than splicing. The level of expression and extent of phosphorylation of SF2/ASF are upregulated with epithelial differentiation, as is subcellular distribution, specifically in HPV-16-infected epithelial cells, and expression levels are controlled, at least in part, by the virus transcription regulator E2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria G McPhillips
- Institute of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Division of Virology, University of Glasgow, Church Street, Glasgow G11 5JR, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Gu H, Schoenberg DR. U2AF modulates poly(A) length control by the poly(A)-limiting element. Nucleic Acids Res 2003; 31:6264-71. [PMID: 14576315 PMCID: PMC275465 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkg823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The poly(A)-limiting element (PLE) restricts the length of the poly(A) tail to <20 nt when present in the terminal exon of a pre-mRNA. We previously identified a 65 kDa protein that could be cross-linked to a functional PLE, but not to an inactive mutant element. This binding was competed by poly(U) and poly(C), but not poly(A) or poly(G). Selectivity for the pyrimidine-rich portion of the PLE was demonstrated by RNase footprinting of the binding activity in total nuclear extract. A 65 kDa protein that selectively cross-linked to the functional PLE was purified by conventional chromatography and identified as the large subunit of U2 snRNP auxiliary factor (U2AF). Overexpression of U2AF65 in cells transfected with a PLE-containing reporter construct resulted in the appearance of a population of mRNAs with heterogeneous poly(A) tails. However, this effect was lost following deletion of the C-terminal RNA recognition motifs (RRMs). A C-->G mutation following the AG dinucleotide in the PLE resulted in mRNA with poly(A) ranging from 25-50 nt. This reverted to a discrete, <20 nt poly(A) tail in cells expressing U2AF65. Our results suggest that U2AF modulates the function of the PLE, perhaps by facilitating the binding of another protein to the element.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haidong Gu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry and the Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Awasthi S, Alwine JC. Association of polyadenylation cleavage factor I with U1 snRNP. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2003; 9:1400-1409. [PMID: 14561889 PMCID: PMC1287061 DOI: 10.1261/rna.5104603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2003] [Accepted: 08/13/2003] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Splicing and polyadenylation factors interact for the control of polyadenylation and the coupling of splicing and polyadenylation. We document an interaction between the U1 snRNP and mammalian polyadenylation cleavage factor I (CF Im), one of several polyadenylation factors needed for the cleavage of the pre-mRNA at the polyadenylation site. Sucrose density gradient centrifugation demonstrated that CF Im separated into two fractions, a light fraction which contained the known CF Im subunits (72, 68, 59, and 25 kD), and a heavy fraction, rich in snRNPs, which contained predominately the 68- and 25-kD CF Im subunits. Using specific antibodies we found that the heavy fraction contains U1 snRNP/CF Im coprecipitable complexes. These complexes were insensitive to RNase treatment, suggesting that the coprecipitation is not due to RNA tethering. In vitro binding experiments show that both the 68- and 25-kD subunits bind to and comigrate with U1 snRNP. In addition, the 25-kD CF Im subunit binds specifically to the 70K protein of U1 snRNP (U1 70K). This binding may account for the CF Im/U1 snRNP interaction. During these studies we found that mAb 2.73 (mAb 2.73), an established U1 70K antibody, efficiently precipitates the bulk of the CF Im from cellular extracts. Because mAb 2.73 has been used in a number of previous studies related to the U1 snRNP and the U1 70K protein, the precipitation of CF Im must be considered in evaluating past and future data based on the use of mAb 2.73.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sita Awasthi
- Department of Cancer Biology, Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6142, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Polony TS, Bowers SJ, Neiman PE, Beemon KL. Silent point mutation in an avian retrovirus RNA processing element promotes c-myb-associated short-latency lymphomas. J Virol 2003; 77:9378-87. [PMID: 12915553 PMCID: PMC187396 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.77.17.9378-9387.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The avian leukosis virus DeltaLR-9 causes a high frequency of B-cell lymphomas within weeks after injection into 10-day-old chicken embryos. These lymphomas result from proviral integrations into the oncogene c-myb. In contrast, LR-9, which lacks the 42-nucleotide gag gene deletion of DeltaLR-9, does not cause a high frequency of c-myb-associated short-latency lymphomas. Although viral replication rates and spliced env mRNA levels were found to be similar for both viruses, DeltaLR-9 exhibited an increase in readthrough transcription compared to LR-9. The DeltaLR-9 deletion is located in the region of the gag gene corresponding to the matrix (MA) protein as well as in the negative regulator of splicing (NRS) element. To test whether disruption of the NRS or of the MA protein was responsible for inducing short-latency lymphomas, we generated viruses with NRS point mutations that maintained the wild-type Gag amino acid sequence. One of the mutant viruses induced an even higher incidence than DeltaLR-9 of short-latency lymphomas with viral integrations into c-myb. Thus, we propose that disruption of the NRS sequence promotes readthrough transcription and splicing to the downstream myb gene, causing overexpression of a slightly truncated Myb protein, which induces short-latency tumors.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Avian Leukosis/etiology
- Avian Leukosis/genetics
- Avian Leukosis/virology
- Avian Leukosis Virus/genetics
- Avian Leukosis Virus/pathogenicity
- Avian Leukosis Virus/physiology
- Base Sequence
- Chick Embryo
- DNA, Viral/genetics
- Genes, env
- Genes, myb
- Lymphoma, B-Cell/etiology
- Lymphoma, B-Cell/genetics
- Lymphoma, B-Cell/virology
- Oncogene Proteins v-myb/genetics
- Oncogene Proteins v-myb/physiology
- Point Mutation
- RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional/genetics
- RNA Splicing/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- RNA, Viral/genetics
- RNA, Viral/metabolism
- Sequence Deletion
- Viral Matrix Proteins/genetics
- Viral Matrix Proteins/physiology
- Virus Integration/genetics
- Virus Replication/genetics
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana S Polony
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Guan F, Palacios D, Hussein RI, Gunderson SI. Determinants within an 18-amino-acid U1A autoregulatory domain that uncouple cooperative RNA binding, inhibition of polyadenylation, and homodimerization. Mol Cell Biol 2003; 23:3163-72. [PMID: 12697817 PMCID: PMC153202 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.23.9.3163-3172.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The human U1 snRNP-specific U1A protein autoregulates its own production by binding to and inhibiting the polyadenylation of its own pre-mRNA. Previous work demonstrated that a short sequence of U1A protein is essential for autoregulation and contains three distinct activities, which are (i) cooperative binding of two U1A proteins to a 50-nucleotide region of U1A pre-mRNA called polyadenylation-inhibitory element RNA, (ii) formation of a novel homodimerization surface, and (iii) inhibition of polyadenylation by inhibition of poly(A) polymerase (PAP). In this study, we purified and analyzed 11 substitution mutant proteins, each having one or two residues in this region mutated. In 5 of the 11 mutant proteins, we found that particular amino acids associate with one activity but not another, indicating that they can be uncoupled. Surprisingly, in three mutant proteins, these activities were improved upon, suggesting that U1A autoregulation is selected for suboptimal inhibitory efficiency. The effects of these mutations on autoregulatory activity in vivo were also determined. Only U1A and U170K are known to regulate nuclear polyadenylation by PAP inhibition; thus, these results will aid in determining how widespread this type of regulation is. Our molecular dissection of the consequences of conformational changes within an RNP complex presents a powerful example to those studying more complicated pre-mRNA-regulatory systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fei Guan
- Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Zarudnaya MI, Potyahaylo AL, Kolomiets IM, Hovorun DM. Auxiliary elements of mammalian pre-mRNAs polyadenylation signals. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2002. [DOI: 10.7124/bc.00062e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - D. M. Hovorun
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, NAS of Ukraine
| |
Collapse
|