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Abstract
RNA splicing is one of the fundamental processes in gene expression in eukaryotes. Splicing of pre-mRNA is catalysed by a large ribonucleoprotein complex called the spliceosome, which consists of five small nuclear RNAs and numerous protein factors. The spliceosome is a highly dynamic structure, assembled by sequential binding and release of the small nuclear RNAs and protein factors. DExD/H-box RNA helicases are required to mediate structural changes in the spliceosome at various steps in the assembly pathway and have also been implicated in the fidelity control of the splicing reaction. Other proteins also play key roles in mediating the progression of the spliceosome pathway. In this review, we discuss the functional roles of the protein factors involved in the spliceosome pathway primarily from studies in the yeast system.
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2
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The interaction of Prp2 with a defined region of the intron is required for the first splicing reaction. Mol Cell Biol 2012; 32:5056-66. [PMID: 23071087 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.01109-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the 3' splice site is not required for the first catalytic reaction of splicing. We have previously reported that at least 24 nucleotides downstream of the branch point is required for the first reaction to take place, but the precatalytic spliceosome forms efficiently on the truncated pre-mRNA with only 5 nucleotides retained downstream of the branch point. The factors that mediate this length-dependent control of the first catalytic step are not known. We show here that Prp2 can be recruited to the spliceosome without interacting with pre-mRNA when the 3' tail is short. Prp2 interacts with the intron when the 3' tail is extended, which results in destabilization of Prp2 and, consequently, progression of the first reaction. An RNA segment at 23 to 33 nucleotides downstream of the branch point is necessary and sufficient for the ATP-dependent action of Prp2. We also show that Prp2 directly interacts with the carboxyl-terminal fragment of Brr2 by pulldown assays. We propose that Prp2 is recruited to the spliceosome via interaction with Brr2 and is spatially positioned to interact with this specific region of the pre-mRNA, which stimulates the ATPase activity of Prp2 to promote the progression of the first catalytic step.
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3
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Gahura O, Hammann C, Valentová A, Půta F, Folk P. Secondary structure is required for 3' splice site recognition in yeast. Nucleic Acids Res 2011; 39:9759-67. [PMID: 21893588 PMCID: PMC3239191 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkr662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Higher order RNA structures can mask splicing signals, loop out exons, or constitute riboswitches all of which contributes to the complexity of splicing regulation. We identified a G to A substitution between branch point (BP) and 3′ splice site (3′ss) of Saccharomyces cerevisiae COF1 intron, which dramatically impaired its splicing. RNA structure prediction and in-line probing showed that this mutation disrupted a stem in the BP-3′ss region. Analyses of various COF1 intron modifications revealed that the secondary structure brought about the reduction of BP to 3′ss distance and masked potential 3′ss. We demonstrated the same structural requisite for the splicing of UBC13 intron. Moreover, RNAfold predicted stable structures for almost all distant BP introns in S. cerevisiae and for selected examples in several other Saccharomycotina species. The employment of intramolecular structure to localize 3′ss for the second splicing step suggests the existence of pre-mRNA structure-based mechanism of 3′ss recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ondřej Gahura
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
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5
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Dong S, Li C, Zenklusen D, Singer RH, Jacobson A, He F. YRA1 autoregulation requires nuclear export and cytoplasmic Edc3p-mediated degradation of its pre-mRNA. Mol Cell 2007; 25:559-73. [PMID: 17317628 PMCID: PMC1858660 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2007.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2006] [Revised: 11/13/2006] [Accepted: 01/10/2007] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Autoregulatory loops often provide precise control of the level of expression of specific genes that encode key regulatory proteins. Here we have defined a pathway by which Yra1p, a yeast mRNA export factor, controls its own expression. We show that YRA1 exon 1 sequences in cis and Yra1p in trans inhibit YRA1 pre-mRNA splicing and commit the pre-mRNA to nuclear export. Mex67p and Crm1p jointly promote YRA1 pre-mRNA export, and once in the cytoplasm, the pre-mRNA is degraded by a 5' to 3' decay mechanism that is dependent on the decapping activator Edc3p and on specific sequences in the YRA1 intron. These results illustrate how common steps in the nuclear processing, export, and degradation of a transcript can be uniquely combined to control the expression of a specific gene and suggest that Edc3p-mediated decay may have additional regulatory functions in eukaryotic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyun Dong
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
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6
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Matlin AJ, Moore MJ. Spliceosome assembly and composition. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2007; 623:14-35. [PMID: 18380338 DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-77374-2_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Cells control alternative splicing by modulating assembly of the pre-mRNA splicing machinery at competing splice sites. Therefore, a working knowledge of spliceosome assembly is essential for understanding how alternative splice site choices are achieved. In this chapter, we review spliceosome assembly with particular emphasis on the known steps and factors subject to regulation during alternative splice site selection in mammalian cells. We also review recent advances regarding similarities and differences between the in vivo and in vitro assembly pathways, as well as proofreading mechanisms contributing to the fidelity of splice site selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianne J Matlin
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Biochemistry, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02454, USA
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7
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Zhao J, Cao Y, Zhao C, Postlethwait J, Meng A. An SP1-like transcription factor Spr2 acts downstream of Fgf signaling to mediate mesoderm induction. EMBO J 2004; 22:6078-88. [PMID: 14609954 PMCID: PMC275448 DOI: 10.1093/emboj/cdg593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fgf signaling, mediated in part by the transcription factor Brachyury/Xbra/Ntl, plays important roles in mesoderm formation during the early development of vertebrate embryos. We have identified a zebrafish gene, spr2, which encodes a member of the Sp1-like transcription factor family. spr2 is expressed in both hypoblast and epiblast cells during late blastulation/early gastrulation, and in some mesodermal and neural tissues at later stages. Injection with spr2 mRNA enhances ntl expression and alleviates the inhibitory effect on ntl of XFD, a Xenopus dominant-negative FGF receptor. In contrast, morpholino- mediated knockdown of Spr2 activity inhibits ntl expression and reduces the inductive effect of Fgfs on ntl. We also demonstrate that Fgf signaling relays mesoderm induction activity of Nodal signaling and Spr2 is involved in this signal relay process. Furthermore, the correct spatial expression of spr2 requires Nodal, Fgf and Wnt signals. We suggest that expression of spr2 is an immediate-early response to mesoderm induction by Fgfs, which in turn regulates the expression of effector genes involved in the development of mesodermal tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jue Zhao
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Protein Sciences Laboratory of the MOE, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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8
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Abu Dayyeh BKA, Quan TK, Castro M, Ruby SW. Probing interactions between the U2 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein and the DEAD-box protein, Prp5. J Biol Chem 2002; 277:20221-33. [PMID: 11927574 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m109553200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Pre-mRNA binding to the yeast U2 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) during prespliceosome formation requires ATP hydrolysis, the highly conserved UACUAAC box of the branch point region of the pre-mRNA, and several factors. Here we analyzed the binding of a radiolabeled 2'-O-methyl oligonucleotide complementary to U2 small nuclear RNA to study interactions between the UACUAAC box, U2 snRNP, and Prp5p, a DEAD box protein necessary for prespliceosome formation. Binding of the 2'-O-methyl oligonucleotide to the U2 snRNP in yeast cell extract was assayed by gel electrophoresis. Binding was rapid, enhanced by ATP, and dependent on the integrity and conformation of the U2 snRNP. It was also stimulated by Prp5p that was found to associate physically with U2 snRNP. In vitro heat inactivation of the temperature-sensitive prp5-1 mutant extract decreased oligonucleotide binding to U2 and the ATP enhancement of binding by 3-fold. Furthermore, the temperature-sensitive prp5-1 mutation maps to the ATP-binding motif I within the helicase-like domain. Thus the catalytic activity of Prp5p likely promotes a conformational change in the U2 snRNP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barham K Abu Abu Dayyeh
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Cancer Research and Treatment Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, USA
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9
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Zhang D, Rosbash M. Identification of eight proteins that cross-link to pre-mRNA in the yeast commitment complex. Genes Dev 1999; 13:581-92. [PMID: 10072386 PMCID: PMC316503 DOI: 10.1101/gad.13.5.581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In the yeast commitment complex and the mammalian E complex, there is an important base-pairing interaction between the 5' end of U1 snRNA and the conserved 5' splice site region of pre-mRNA. But no protein contacts between splicing proteins and the pre-mRNA substrate have been defined in or near this region of early splicing complexes. To address this issue, we used 4-thiouridine-substituted 5' splice site-containing RNAs as substrates and identified eight cross-linked proteins, all of which were identified previously as commitment complex components. The proteins were localized to three domains: the exon, the six nucleotides of the 5' ss region, and the downstream intron. The results indicate that the 5' splice site region and environs are dense with protein contacts in the commitment complex and suggest that some of them make important contributions to formation or stability of the U1 snRNP-pre-mRNA complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Zhang
- Department of Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454, USA
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Xie J, Beickman K, Otte E, Rymond BC. Progression through the spliceosome cycle requires Prp38p function for U4/U6 snRNA dissociation. EMBO J 1998; 17:2938-46. [PMID: 9582287 PMCID: PMC1170634 DOI: 10.1093/emboj/17.10.2938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The elaborate and energy-intensive spliceosome assembly pathway belies the seemingly simple chemistry of pre-mRNA splicing. Prp38p was previously identified as a protein required in vivo and in vitro for the first pre-mRNA cleavage reaction catalyzed by the spliceosome. Here we show that Prp38p is a unique component of the U4/U6.U5 tri-small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) particle and is necessary for an essential step late in spliceosome maturation. Without Prp38p activity spliceosomes form, but arrest in a catalytically impaired state. Functional spliceosomes shed U4 snRNA before 5' splice-site cleavage. In contrast, Prp38p-defective spliceosomes retain U4 snRNA bound to its U6 snRNA base-pairing partner. Prp38p is the first tri-snRNP-specific protein shown to be dispensable for assembly, but required for conformational changes which lead to catalytic activation of the spliceosome.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Xie
- T.H. Morgan School of Biological Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506-0225, USA
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11
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Schwer B, Gross CH. Prp22, a DExH-box RNA helicase, plays two distinct roles in yeast pre-mRNA splicing. EMBO J 1998; 17:2086-94. [PMID: 9524130 PMCID: PMC1170553 DOI: 10.1093/emboj/17.7.2086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In order to assess the role of Prp22 in yeast pre-mRNA splicing, we have purified the 130 kDa Prp22 protein and developed an in vitro depletion/reconstitution assay. We show that Prp22 is required for the second step of actin pre-mRNA splicing. Prp22 can act on pre-assembled spliceosomes that are arrested after step 1 in an ATP-independent fashion. The requirement for Prp22 during step 2 depends on the distance between the branchpoint and the 3' splice site, suggesting a previously unrecognized role for Prp22 in splice site selection. We characterize the biochemical activities of Prp22, a member of the DExH-box family of proteins, and we show that purified recombinant Prp22 protein is an RNA-dependent ATPase and an ATP-dependent RNA helicase. Prp22 uses the energy of ATP hydrolysis to effect the release of mRNA from the spliceosome. Thus, Prp22 has two distinct functions in yeast pre-mRNA splicing: an ATP-independent role during the second catalytic step and an ATP-requiring function in disassembly of the spliceosome.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Schwer
- Department of Microbiology, Cornell University Medical College, New York, NY 10021, USA.
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Luukkonen BG, Séraphin B. The role of branchpoint-3' splice site spacing and interaction between intron terminal nucleotides in 3' splice site selection in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. EMBO J 1997; 16:779-92. [PMID: 9049307 PMCID: PMC1169679 DOI: 10.1093/emboj/16.4.779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
A conserved 3' splice site YAG is essential for the second step of pre-mRNA splicing but no trans-acting factor recognizing this sequence has been found. A direct, non-Watson-Crick interaction between the intron terminal nucleotides was suggested to affect YAG selection. The mechanism of YAG recognition was proposed to involve 5' to 3' scanning originating from the branchpoint or the polypyrimidine tract. We have constructed a yeast intron harbouring two closely spaced 3' splice sites. Preferential selection of a wild-type site over mutant ones indicated that the two sites are competing. For two identical sequences, the proximal site is selected. As previously observed, an A at the first intron nucleotide spliced most efficiently with a 3' splice site UAC. In this context, UAA or UAU were also more efficient 3' splice sites than UAG and competed more efficiently than the wild-type sequence with a 3' splice site UAC. We observed that a U at the first intron nucleotide is used for splicing in combination with 3' splice sites UAG, UAA or UAU. Our data indicate that the 3' splice site is not primarily selected through an interaction with the first intron nucleotide. Selection of the 3' splice site depends critically on its distance from the branchpoint but does not occur by a simple leaky scanning mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- B G Luukkonen
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
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13
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Gniadkowski M, Hemmings-Mieszczak M, Klahre U, Liu HX, Filipowicz W. Characterization of intronic uridine-rich sequence elements acting as possible targets for nuclear proteins during pre-mRNA splicing in Nicotiana plumbaginifolia. Nucleic Acids Res 1996; 24:619-27. [PMID: 8604302 PMCID: PMC145670 DOI: 10.1093/nar/24.4.619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Introns of nuclear pre-mRNAs in dicotyledonous plants, unlike introns in vertebrates or yeast, are distinctly rich in A+U nucleotides and this feature is essential for their processing. In order to define more precisely sequence elements important for intron recognition in plants, we investigated the effects of short insertions, either U-rich or A-rich, on splicing of synthetic introns in transfected protoplast of Nicotiana plumbaginifolia. It was found that insertions of U-rich (sequence UUUUUAU) but not A-rich (AUAAAAA) segments can activate splicing of a GC-rich synthetic infron, and that U-rich segments, or multimers thereof, can function irrespective of the site of insertion within the intron. Insertions of multiple U-rich segments, either at the same or different locations, generally had an additive, stimulatory effect on splicing. Mutational analysis showed that replacement of one or two U residues in the UUUUUAU sequence with A or C residues had only a small effect on splicing, but replacement with G residues was strongly inhibitory. Proteins that interact with fragments of natural and synthetic pre-mRNAs in vitro were identified in nuclear extracts of N.plumbaginifolia by UV cross- linking. The profile of cross-linked plant proteins was considerably less complex than that obtained with a HeLa cell nuclear extract. Two major cross-linkable plant proteins had apparent molecular mass of 50 and 54 kDa and showed affinity for oligouridilates present in synGC introns or for poly(U).
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Affiliation(s)
- M Gniadkowski
- Friedrich Miescher Institute, Ch-4002 Basel, Switzerland
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14
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Abstract
The choice of a 3' splice site in Saccharomyces cerevisiae introns involves recognition of a uridine-rich tract upstream of the AG dinucleotide splice junction. By isolating mutants that eliminate the normal preference for uridine-containing 3' splice sites in a cis-competition, we identified a mutation that is an allele of PRP8, prp8-101. This was unexpected because previous analysis has demonstrated that the U5 snRNP protein encoded by PRP8 is required for spliceosome assembly prior to the first catalytic step of splicing. In contrast, the uridine recognition defect caused by the prp8-101 mutation selectively inhibits the second catalytic step of splicing. This defect is seen not only in 3' splice site cis-competitions but also in the splicing of an unusual intron in the TUB3 gene and in the ACT1 intron when utilization of its 3' splice site is rate limiting for splicing. Consistent with a direct role in 3' splice site selection, Prp8 can be cross-linked to the 3' splice site during the splicing reaction. These data demonstrate a novel function for Prp8 in 3' splice site recognition and utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- J G Umen
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California at San Francisco 94143, USA
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15
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Cheng SC. Formation of the yeast splicing complex A1 and association of the splicing factor PRP19 with the pre-mRNA are independent of the 3' region of the intron. Nucleic Acids Res 1994; 22:1548-54. [PMID: 8202353 PMCID: PMC308028 DOI: 10.1093/nar/22.9.1548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Assembly of the spliceosome is a step-wise process and involves sequential binding of snRNAs to the pre-mRNA to form pre-splicing complex A2-1. Subsequent dissociation of U4 from the spliceosome is accompanied by formation of complex A1 (Genes Dev. 1, 1014-1027, 1987). We show that the 3' region of the intron sequence is not required for efficient assembly of the yeast spliceosome. Truncated precursor mRNA retaining only four or five nucleotides 3' to the TACTAAC box formed pre-splicing complex A1, kinetically the last pre-mRNA containing splicing complex identified. The subsequent cleavage--ligation reaction requires at least 23 nucleotides on the 3' side of the TACTAAC box in a sequence-independent manner. Immunoprecipitation with anti-PRP19 antibody showed that association of PRP19 with the spliceosome was also independent of the 3' region of the intron.
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Affiliation(s)
- S C Cheng
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Nankang, Taiwan, ROC
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16
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Scanning and competition between AGs are involved in 3' splice site selection in mammalian introns. Mol Cell Biol 1993. [PMID: 8336728 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.13.8.4939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammalian intron splicing, the mechanism by which the 3' splice site AG is accurately and efficiently identified has remained unresolved. We have previously proposed that the 3' splice site in mammalian introns is located by a scanning mechanism for the first AG downstream of the branch point-polypyrimidine tract. We now present experiments that lend further support to this model while identifying conditions under which competition can occur between adjacent AGs. The data show that the 3' splice site is identified as the first AG downstream from the branch point by a mechanism that has all the characteristics expected of a 5'-to-3' scanning process that starts from the branch point rather than the pyrimidine tract. Failure to recognize the proximal AG may arise, however, from extreme proximity to the branch point or sequestration within a hairpin. Once an AG has been encountered, the spliceosome can still see a limited stretch of downstream RNA within which an AG more competitive than the proximal one may be selected. Proximity to the branch point is a major determinant of competition, although steric effects render an AG less competitive in close proximity (approximately 12 nucleotides). In addition, the nucleotide preceding the AG has a striking influence upon competition between closely spaced AGs. The order of competitiveness, CAG congruent to UAG > AAG > GAG, is similar to the nucleotide preference at this position in wild-type 3' splice sites. Thus, 3' splice site selection displays properties of both a scanning process and competition between AGs based on immediate sequence context. This refined scanning model, incorporating elements of competition, is the simplest interpretation that is consistent with all of the available data.
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17
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Smith CW, Chu TT, Nadal-Ginard B. Scanning and competition between AGs are involved in 3' splice site selection in mammalian introns. Mol Cell Biol 1993; 13:4939-52. [PMID: 8336728 PMCID: PMC360135 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.13.8.4939-4952.1993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In mammalian intron splicing, the mechanism by which the 3' splice site AG is accurately and efficiently identified has remained unresolved. We have previously proposed that the 3' splice site in mammalian introns is located by a scanning mechanism for the first AG downstream of the branch point-polypyrimidine tract. We now present experiments that lend further support to this model while identifying conditions under which competition can occur between adjacent AGs. The data show that the 3' splice site is identified as the first AG downstream from the branch point by a mechanism that has all the characteristics expected of a 5'-to-3' scanning process that starts from the branch point rather than the pyrimidine tract. Failure to recognize the proximal AG may arise, however, from extreme proximity to the branch point or sequestration within a hairpin. Once an AG has been encountered, the spliceosome can still see a limited stretch of downstream RNA within which an AG more competitive than the proximal one may be selected. Proximity to the branch point is a major determinant of competition, although steric effects render an AG less competitive in close proximity (approximately 12 nucleotides). In addition, the nucleotide preceding the AG has a striking influence upon competition between closely spaced AGs. The order of competitiveness, CAG congruent to UAG > AAG > GAG, is similar to the nucleotide preference at this position in wild-type 3' splice sites. Thus, 3' splice site selection displays properties of both a scanning process and competition between AGs based on immediate sequence context. This refined scanning model, incorporating elements of competition, is the simplest interpretation that is consistent with all of the available data.
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Affiliation(s)
- C W Smith
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Cardiology, Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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18
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Séraphin B, Kandels-Lewis S. 3' splice site recognition in S. cerevisiae does not require base pairing with U1 snRNA. Cell 1993; 73:803-12. [PMID: 8500172 DOI: 10.1016/0092-8674(93)90258-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The conserved nucleotides 9 and 10 of U1 small nuclear RNA (snRNA) have been proposed to base pair with either 5' exon or 3' splice site sequences. In S. pombe, U1 snRNA pairing with the conserved 3' splice site is required for the first step of splicing and viability. In contrast, we show that S. cerevisiae U1 mutants at positions 9 and 10 are fully functional. Splicing of several genes is normal in these strains, ruling out an essential base pairing between U1 snRNA and 3' splice sites. U1 snRNA positions 9 and 10 are shown to be involved in 5' splice site selection through their interaction with exon sequences. Our results demonstrate that some snRNA-pre-mRNA interactions are not evolutionarily conserved and that 3' splice site recognition occurs by different mechanisms in various organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Séraphin
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Federal Republic of Germany
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Abstract
Recently, we have reported the identification of several genes that exhibit genetic interactions with the U5 snRNA. Two of these genes, SLU4 and SLU7 (SLU: synergistic lethal with U5 snRNA), encode products required for the second catalytic step of splicing. To analyze the specific roles of SLU4 and SLU7, we have determined how mutants influence the relative usage of competing 3' splice sites. We find that mutations in SLU7 eliminate the normal 20-fold preference for 3' splice sites located > 22 nucleotides downstream of the branchpoint. In contrast, mutations in SLU4 inhibit usage of all 3' splice sites, regardless of their location. This suggests that SLU7 is involved in the process of 3' splice site choice, whereas SLU4 fulfills a generic requirement for the second step. We show that SLU7 is an essential gene that contains a small motif with striking similarity to the cysteine-rich zinc knuckle of retroviral nucleocapsid proteins, which has been implicated in RNA binding. Mutational analysis of SLU7 indicates that this motif influences the efficiency, but not the sequence specificity, of 3' splice site selection. The identification of a component of the constitutive splicing machinery that can promote 3' splice site choice has potentially important implications for alternative splicing.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Frank
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco 94143
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20
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Liao XC, Colot HV, Wang Y, Rosbash M. Requirements for U2 snRNP addition to yeast pre-mRNA. Nucleic Acids Res 1992; 20:4237-45. [PMID: 1387205 PMCID: PMC334131 DOI: 10.1093/nar/20.16.4237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The in vitro spliceosome assembly pathway is conserved between yeast and mammals as U1 and U2 snRNPs associate with the pre-mRNA prior to U5 and U4/U6 snRNPs. In yeast, U1 snRNP-pre-mRNA complexes are the first splicing complexes visualized on native gels, and association with U1 snRNP apparently commits pre-mRNA to the spliceosome assembly pathway. The current study addresses U2 snRNP addition to commitment complexes. We show that commitment complex formation is relatively slow and does not require ATP, whereas U2 snRNP adds to the U1 snRNP complexes in a reaction that is relatively fast and requires ATP or hydrolyzable ATP analogs. In vitro spliceosome assembly was assayed in extracts derived from strains containing several U1 sRNA mutations. The results were consistent with a critical role for U1 snRNP in early complex formation. A mutation that disrupts the base-pairing between the 5' end of U1 snRNA and the 5' splice site allows some U2 snRNP addition to bypass the ATP requirement, suggesting that ATP may be used to destabilize certain U1 snRNP:pre-mRNA interactions to allow subsequent U2 snRNP addition.
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Affiliation(s)
- X C Liao
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Biology, Brandies University, Waltham, MA 02254
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21
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Reich CI, VanHoy RW, Porter GL, Wise JA. Mutations at the 3' splice site can be suppressed by compensatory base changes in U1 snRNA in fission yeast. Cell 1992; 69:1159-69. [PMID: 1617727 DOI: 10.1016/0092-8674(92)90637-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
U1 snRNA is an essential splicing factor known to base pair with 5' splice sites of premessenger RNAs. We demonstrate that pairing between the universally conserved CU just downstream from the 5' junction interaction region and the 3' splice site AG contributes to efficient splicing of Schizosaccharomyces pombe introns that typify the AG-dependent class described in mammals. Strains carrying mutations in the 3' AG of an artificial intron accumulate linear precursor, indicative of a first step block. Lariat formation is partially restored in these mutants by compensatory changes in nucleotides C7 and U8 of U1 snRNA. Consistent with a general role in fission yeast splicing, mutations at C7 are lethal, while U8 mutants are growth impaired and accumulate linear, unspliced precursor to U6 snRNA. U1 RNA-mediated recognition of the 3' splice site may have origins in analogous intramolecular interactions in an ancestral self-splicing RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- C I Reich
- University of Illinois, Department of Biochemistry, Urbana 61801
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22
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Abstract
The PRP8 protein of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is required for nuclear pre-mRNA splicing. Previously, immunological procedures demonstrated that PRP8 is a protein component of the U5 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particle (U5 snRNP), and that PRP8 protein maintains a stable association with the spliceosome during both step 1 and step 2 of the splicing reaction. We have combined immunological analysis with a UV-crosslinking assay to investigate interaction(s) of PRP8 protein with pre-mRNA. We show that PRP8 protein interacts directly with splicing substrate RNA during in vitro splicing reactions. This contact event is splicing-specific in that it is ATP-dependent, and does not occur with mutant RNAs that contain 5' splice site or branchpoint mutations. The use of truncated RNA substrates demonstrated that the assembly of PRP8 protein into splicing complexes is not, by itself, sufficient for the direct interaction with the RNA; PRP8 protein only becomes UV-crosslinked to RNA substrates capable of participating in step 1 of the splicing reaction. We propose that PRP8 protein may play an important structural and/or regulatory role in the spliceosome.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Whittaker
- Institute of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Edinburgh, UK
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23
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Goguel V, Liao XL, Rymond BC, Rosbash M. U1 snRNP can influence 3'-splice site selection as well as 5'-splice site selection. Genes Dev 1991; 5:1430-8. [PMID: 1831174 DOI: 10.1101/gad.5.8.1430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
To address the mechanisms that underlie splice site selection and splice site partner assignment, we analyzed the splicing of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) transcripts containing splice site region duplications. When the 5'-splice site region was duplicated, both sites were utilized to the same extent, indicating little or no influence of proximity on 5'-splice site choice. However, the effect of a 5'-mutant site was greatly enhanced by the presence of an adjacent wild-type site, and this effect was reversed by the restoration of base-pairing with U1 snRNA. 3'-Splice site choice was apparently influenced by proximity, as the site closest to the 5'-splice site was greatly preferred. Studies with strains carrying some U1 snRNA mutations showed an increase in the use of the distal 3'-splice site, indicating a role for U1 snRNP in 3'-splice site selection. The data are compared with those from mammalian splice site choice experiments and suggest mechanisms that influence differential splice site choice as well as exon skipping.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Goguel
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02254
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24
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Abstract
The removal of introns from eukaryotic messenger RNA precursors shares mechanistic characteristics with the self-splicing of certain introns, prompting speculation that the catalytic reactions of nuclear pre-messenger RNA splicing are fundamentally RNA-based. The participation of five small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs) in splicing is now well documented. Genetic analysis in yeast has revealed the requirement, in addition, for several dozen proteins. Some of these are tightly bound to snRNAs to form small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs); such proteins may promote interactions between snRNAs or between an snRNA and the intron. Other, non-snRNP proteins appear to associate transiently with the spliceosome. Some of these factors, which include RNA-dependent adenosine triphosphatases, may promote the accurate recognition of introns.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Guthrie
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco 94143
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25
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Abstract
U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) is important for pre-mRNA splicing both in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and mammalian systems. The RNA component of U1 snRNP, U1 snRNA, interacts by base pairing with pre-mRNA 5' splice sites. This article examines recent evidence suggesting that U1 snRNP is important for an early step in spliceosome assembly rather than a late step that contributes to the specificity of 5' splice-site cleavage.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Rosbash
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02254
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26
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Abstract
There has been a long-standing belief that the mechanisms of mammalian and yeast splicing differ fundamentally in their requirement for a pyrimidine-rich motif preceding the 3' splice site. Using an in vivo assay, we have tested the influence of uridine content on competition between alternative 3' splice sites in yeast. We find that a uridine-rich tract preceding a PyAG greatly enhances its ability to compete as a splice acceptor. Moreover, a proximal PyAG is often overlooked if a more distal PyAG occurs in a superior sequence context; this observation cannot be accounted for by simple scanning models. Finally, we show that a distal (greater than 30 nucleotide) 3' splice site that is not preceded by uridines is a poor substrate for the second step of splicing; this argues that recognition of a uridine-rich motif is required for effective identification and utilization of distant splice sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Patterson
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco 94143
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27
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The yeast PRP6 gene encodes a U4/U6 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particle (snRNP) protein, and the PRP9 gene encodes a protein required for U2 snRNP binding. Mol Cell Biol 1991. [PMID: 2147224 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.10.12.6417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PRP6 and PRP9 are two yeast genes involved in pre-mRNA splicing. Incubation at 37 degrees C of strains that carry temperature-sensitive mutations at these loci inhibits splicing, and in vivo experiments suggested that they might be involved in commitment complex formation (P. Legrain and M. Rosbash, Cell 57:573-583, 1989). To examine the specific role that the PRP6 and PRP9 products may play in splicing or pre-mRNA transport to the cytoplasm, we have characterized in vitro splicing and spliceosome assembly in extracts derived from prp6 and prp9 mutant strains. We have also characterized RNAs that are specifically immunoprecipitated with the PRP6 and PRP9 proteins. Both approaches indicate that PRP6 encodes a U4/U6 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particle (snRNP) protein and that the PRP9 protein is required for a stable U2 snRNP-substrate interaction. The results are discussed with reference to the previously observed in vivo phenotypes of these mutants.
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28
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Abovich N, Legrain P, Rosbash M. The yeast PRP6 gene encodes a U4/U6 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particle (snRNP) protein, and the PRP9 gene encodes a protein required for U2 snRNP binding. Mol Cell Biol 1990; 10:6417-25. [PMID: 2147224 PMCID: PMC362918 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.10.12.6417-6425.1990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PRP6 and PRP9 are two yeast genes involved in pre-mRNA splicing. Incubation at 37 degrees C of strains that carry temperature-sensitive mutations at these loci inhibits splicing, and in vivo experiments suggested that they might be involved in commitment complex formation (P. Legrain and M. Rosbash, Cell 57:573-583, 1989). To examine the specific role that the PRP6 and PRP9 products may play in splicing or pre-mRNA transport to the cytoplasm, we have characterized in vitro splicing and spliceosome assembly in extracts derived from prp6 and prp9 mutant strains. We have also characterized RNAs that are specifically immunoprecipitated with the PRP6 and PRP9 proteins. Both approaches indicate that PRP6 encodes a U4/U6 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particle (snRNP) protein and that the PRP9 protein is required for a stable U2 snRNP-substrate interaction. The results are discussed with reference to the previously observed in vivo phenotypes of these mutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Abovich
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02254
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29
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King DS, Beggs JD. Interactions of PRP2 protein with pre-mRNA splicing complexes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Nucleic Acids Res 1990; 18:6559-64. [PMID: 2251118 PMCID: PMC332610 DOI: 10.1093/nar/18.22.6559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
PRP2 protein of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is required for the pre-mRNA splicing reaction but not for the early stages of spliceosome assembly. Using anti-PRP2 antibodies we demonstrate that PRP2 protein is associated with spliceosomes prior to, and throughout step 1 of the splicing reaction. Heat-inactivated prp2 protein, by contrast, does not seem to associate with spliceosomes. By elution of electrophoretically distinct spliceosomal complexes from non-denaturing gels we identify the specific complex with which PRP2 initially interacts in the pathway of spliceosome assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- D S King
- Institute of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Edinburgh, UK
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30
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Abstract
It has previously been shown that a mutation of yeast 5' splice junctions at position 5 (GUAUGU) causes aberrant pre-mRNA cleavages near the correct 5' splice site. We show here that the addition of exon mutations to an aberrant cleavage site region transforms it into a functional 5' splice site both in vivo and in vitro. The aberrant mRNAs are translated in vivo. The results suggest that the highly conserved G at the 5' end of introns is necessary for the second step of splicing. Further analyses indicate that the location of the U1 snRNA-pre-mRNA pairing is not affected by the exon mutations and that the precise 5' splice site is selected independent of this pairing.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Séraphin
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02254
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31
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Csank C, Taylor FM, Martindale DW. Nuclear pre-mRNA introns: analysis and comparison of intron sequences from Tetrahymena thermophila and other eukaryotes. Nucleic Acids Res 1990; 18:5133-41. [PMID: 2402440 PMCID: PMC332134 DOI: 10.1093/nar/18.17.5133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
We have sequenced 14 introns from the ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila and include these in an analysis of the 27 intron sequences available from seven T. thermophila protein-encoding genes. Consensus 5' and 3' splice junctions were determined and found to resemble the junctions of other nuclear pre-mRNA introns. Unique features are noted and discussed. Overall the introns have a mean A + T content of 85% (21% higher than neighbouring exons) with smaller introns tending towards a higher A + T content. Approximately half of the introns are less than 100 bp. Introns from other organisms (approximately 30 of each) were also examined. The introns of Dictyostelium discoideum, Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster, like those of T. thermophila, have a much higher mean A + T content than their neighbouring exons (greater than 20%). Introns from plants, Neurospora crassa and Schizosaccharomyces pombe also have a significantly higher A + T content (10%-20%). Since a high A + T content is required for intron splicing in plants (58), the elevated A + T content in the introns of these other organisms may also be functionally significant. The introns of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and mammals (humans) appear to lack this trait and thus in some aspects may be atypical. The polypyrimidine tract, so distinctive of vertebrate introns, is not a trait of the introns in the non-vertebrate organisms examined in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Csank
- Department of Microbiology, Macdonald College, McGill University, Ste Anne de Bellevue, Canada
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32
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Saccharomyces cerevisiae U1 small nuclear RNA secondary structure contains both universal and yeast-specific domains. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1990; 87:851-5. [PMID: 2405391 PMCID: PMC53364 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.87.2.851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The five small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs) involved in mammalian pre-mRNA splicing (U1, U2, U4, U5, and U6) are well conserved in length, sequence, and especially secondary structure. These five snRNAs from Saccharomyces cerevisiae show notable size and sequence differences from their metazoan counterparts. This is most striking for the large S. cerevisiae U1 and U2 snRNAs, for which no secondary structure models currently exist. Because of the importance of U1 snRNA in the early steps of "spliceosome" assembly, we wanted to compare the highly conserved secondary structure of metazoan U1 snRNA (approximately 165 nucleotides) with that of S. cerevisiae U1 snRNA (568 nucleotides). To this end, we have cloned and sequenced the U1 gene from two other yeast species possessing large U1 RNAs. Using computer-derived structure predictions, phylogenetic comparisons, and structure probing, we have arrived at a secondary structure model for S. cerevisiae U1 snRNA. The results show that most elements of higher eukaryotic U1 snRNA secondary structure are conserved in S. cerevisiae. The hundreds of "extra" nucleotides of yeast U1 RNA, also highly structured, suggest that large insertions and/or deletions have occurred during the evolution of the U1 gene.
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33
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Rymond BC, Pikielny C, Seraphin B, Legrain P, Rosbash M. Measurement and analysis of yeast pre-mRNA sequence contribution to splicing efficiency. Methods Enzymol 1990; 181:122-47. [PMID: 2116568 DOI: 10.1016/0076-6879(90)81116-c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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34
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Woolford
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
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35
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Seraphin B, Rosbash M. Identification of functional U1 snRNA-pre-mRNA complexes committed to spliceosome assembly and splicing. Cell 1989; 59:349-58. [PMID: 2529976 DOI: 10.1016/0092-8674(89)90296-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 332] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Although both U1 and U2 snRNPs have been implicated in the splicing process, their respective roles in the earliest stages of intron recognition and spliceosome assembly are uncertain. To address this issue, we developed a new strategy to prepare snRNP-depleted splicing extracts using Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells conditionally expressing U1 or U2 snRNP. Complementation analyses and chase experiments show that a stable complex, committed to the splicing pathway, forms in the absence of U2 snRNP. U1 snRNP and a substrate containing both a 5' splice site and a branchpoint sequence are required for optimal formation of this commitment complex. We developed new gel electrophoresis conditions to identify these committed complexes and to show that they contain U1 snRNA. Chase experiments demonstrated that these complexes are functional intermediates in spliceosome assembly and splicing. Our results have implications for the process of splice site selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Seraphin
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02254
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36
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Abstract
The RNA branch formed during pre-mRNA splicing occurs at a wide variety of sequences (branch sites) in different mammalian pre-mRNAs. U2 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) binds to the pre-mRNA branch site following the interaction of a protein, U2AF, with the 3' splice site/polypyrimidine tract. Here we show that despite the variability of mammalian branch sites, U2 snRNP has a sequence-specific RNA-binding activity. Thus, RNA branch formation is regulated by two sequence-specific interactions: U2AF with the 3' splice site/polypyrimidine tract, and U2 snRNP with the branch site. The affinity of the branch site for U2 snRNP affects the efficiency of spliceosome assembly and splicing.
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Affiliation(s)
- K K Nelson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
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37
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Abstract
SV40 early pre-mRNA is alternatively spliced to produce large T and small t mRNAs by use of different 5'-splice sites and a shared 3'-splice site. The large T splicing pathway uses multiple lariat branch sites, whereas small t splicing, constrained by its small intron size, can use only one. We exploited this situation to test the hypothesis that RNA-RNA base pairing between U2 snRNA and the branch site sequence is important in mammalian pre-mRNA splicing by constructing and analyzing several mutations in the small t pre-mRNA branch site (UUCUAAU). All of the mutations resulted in substantial decreases in small t splicing relative to large T. To test whether these effects resulted from decreased base pairing with U2 snRNA, compensatory mutations were introduced at the appropriate positions (nucleotides 34-36) in a cloned human U2 gene. All branch site mutations tested (four separate single base substitutions and two triple mutations) were suppressed (i.e., small t splicing was increased) by the appropriate U2 mutations. These results establish that recognition of the poorly conserved mammalian pre-mRNA branch site sequence by U2 snRNP can involve base-pairing.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Wu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027
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38
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Abstract
The Saccharomyces cerevisiae COX5b gene contains a small intron that is unique in two respects. First, it interrupts the ATG codon that initiates translation of the COX5b product. Second, it contains a sequence at the 5' splice junction (5'-GCATGT-3') that differs from the highly conserved yeast hexanucleotide (5'-GTAPyGT-3') and from the 5'-GT found at the corresponding position in nearly all introns of eucaryotic protein-coding genes. We have analyzed both the transcripts derived from the COX5b gene and the splicing of its intron. We show here that an unspliced mRNA precursor constituted a minor fraction of the total COX5b message, even when the gene was overexpressed. We also show that both major transcripts derived from COX5b had been spliced. Our results suggest that at least in the case of COX5b, a 5'-GC can function as efficiently as the highly conserved 5'-GT in the splicing reaction.
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39
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Goodall GJ, Filipowicz W. The AU-rich sequences present in the introns of plant nuclear pre-mRNAs are required for splicing. Cell 1989; 58:473-83. [PMID: 2758463 DOI: 10.1016/0092-8674(89)90428-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 250] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Plant cells do not in general process the introns of transcripts expressed from introduced vertebrate genes. By studying the processing of model introns in transfected plant protoplasts, we have investigated the special requirements for intron recognition by plant cells. Our results indicate that the requirements for intron recognition in plants are different from those of both metazoa and yeast. A synthetic intron of arbitrary sequence but incorporating splice site consensus sequences and a high proportion of U and A nucleotides, a characteristic feature of plant introns, was efficiently spliced in protoplasts. We have studied the effects of various sequence alterations and conclude that AU-rich sequences are necessary for intron recognition. In addition, we find that the criteria for branch site selection are relaxed, as they are in vertebrates, but a polypyrimidine tract is not necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- G J Goodall
- Friedrich Miescher-Institut, Basel, Switzerland
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40
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Abstract
The Saccharomyces cerevisiae COX5b gene contains a small intron that is unique in two respects. First, it interrupts the ATG codon that initiates translation of the COX5b product. Second, it contains a sequence at the 5' splice junction (5'-GCATGT-3') that differs from the highly conserved yeast hexanucleotide (5'-GTAPyGT-3') and from the 5'-GT found at the corresponding position in nearly all introns of eucaryotic protein-coding genes. We have analyzed both the transcripts derived from the COX5b gene and the splicing of its intron. We show here that an unspliced mRNA precursor constituted a minor fraction of the total COX5b message, even when the gene was overexpressed. We also show that both major transcripts derived from COX5b had been spliced. Our results suggest that at least in the case of COX5b, a 5'-GC can function as efficiently as the highly conserved 5'-GT in the splicing reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R Hodge
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine 92717
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41
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Abstract
We designed a strategy to identify splicing factors that act by preventing pre-mRNA transport into the cytoplasm. A yeast synthetic intron was inserted into a lacZ gene so that only the pre-mRNA could be translated to produce beta-galactosidase activity. Deletion of either of the 5' splice junction sequence GUAUGU and the branchpoint sequence UACUAAC resulted in a dramatic increase in pre-mRNA translation, indicating its cytoplasmic localization. In rna6 and rna9 mutant strains assayed at the nonpermissive temperature, splicing inhibition occurred simultaneously with a large increase in pre-mRNA translation. Similarly, a point mutation in U1 snRNA decreased splicing efficiency and increased pre-mRNA translation. From these results, we conclude that early acting factors, probably including U1 snRNA, and the RNA6 and RNA9 gene products, interact in vivo with the 5' splice junction and the branchpoint sequence to commit the pre-mRNA to the splicing pathway, thereby preventing its transport to the cytoplasm.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Legrain
- Department of Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02254
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42
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Pikielny CW, Bindereif A, Green MR. In vitro reconstitution of snRNPs: a reconstituted U4/U6 snRNP participates in splicing complex formation. Genes Dev 1989; 3:479-87. [PMID: 2524422 DOI: 10.1101/gad.3.4.479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
We have reconstituted in vitro the four snRNPs known to be involved in pre-mRNA splicing: U1, U2, U5, and U4/6. Reconstitution involves adding either authentic or in vitro-synthesized snRNAs to extracts enriched in snRNP structural polypeptides. The reconstituted snRNPs have the same buoyant density and are immunoprecipitated by the same antibodies as authentic snRNPs. Thus, the polypeptide composition of reconstituted snRNPs is similar, if not identical, to that of authentic snRNPs. We show further that a reconstituted U4/U6 particle is fully functional in forming splicing complexes with pre-mRNA. As is the case for the authentic U4/U6 snRNP, the reconstituted U4 snRNP, but not the U6 snRNA, dissociates from the complex prior to formation of the mature spliceosome. The ability to reconstitute snRNPs and assay their activity in spliceosome formation should provide a powerful approach to study these particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- C W Pikielny
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
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43
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Abstract
Pre-mRNA splicing in vitro is preceded by complex formation (spliceosome assembly). U2 small nuclear RNA (snRNA) is found in the earliest form of the spliceosome detected by native gel electrophoresis, both in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and in metazoan extracts. To examine the requirements for the formation of this early complex (band III) in yeast extracts, we cleaved the U2 snRNA by oligonucleotide-directed RNase H digestion. U2 snRNA depletion by this means inhibits both splicing and band III formation. Using this depleted extract, we were able to design a chase experiment which shows that a pre-mRNA substrate is committed to the spliceosome assembly pathway in the absence of functional U2 snRNP. Interactions occurring during the commitment step are highly resistant to the addition of an excess of unlabeled substrate and require little or no ATP. Sequence requirements for this commitment step have been analyzed by competition experiments with deletion mutants: both the 5' splice site consensus sequence and the branch point TACTAAC box sequence are necessary. These experiments strongly suggest that the initial assembly process requires a trans-acting factor(s) (RNA and/or proteins) that recognizes and stably binds to the two consensus sequences of the pre-mRNA prior to U2 snRNP binding.
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44
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45
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Halfter H, Gallwitz D. Impairment of yeast pre-mRNA splicing by potential secondary structure-forming sequences near the conserved branchpoint sequence. Nucleic Acids Res 1988; 16:10413-23. [PMID: 2905037 PMCID: PMC338914 DOI: 10.1093/nar/16.22.10413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The absolutely conserved TACTAAC box within introns of RNA polymerase II-transcribed genes of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae serves an indispensable role in lariat formation. We show in this report that rather short palindromic sequences inserted into the yeast actin gene intron immediately 3' to the TACTAAC box block the second but not the first splicing step. In contrast, a palindromic sequence inserted some 23 bp 3' of the TACTAAC box did not affect correct and efficient splicing. The data suggest that hairpin structures that might form adjacent to the branchsite sequence interfere with some necessary alteration of the spliceosome required for 3' intron cleavage and exon ligation.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Halfter
- Max-Planck-Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Department of Molecular Genetics, Göttingen, FRG
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46
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Abstract
We show that base substitutions in the mammalian branchpoint sequence (BPS) YNCUGAC dramatically reduce the efficiency of pre-mRNA splicing in vitro and alter 3' splice-site selection in vivo. Contrary to current dogma that an adenine residue at the appropriate distance from the 3' splice site is the primary determinant of lariat formation, we find that many mutations in the BPS virtually abolish splicing even though the position of this adenine is unchanged. Comparison of the analogous single-base changes in the mammalian and yeast BPSs revealed similar relative effects on splicing efficiency. However, in contrast to yeast, mammalian branchpoint mutations that decrease splicing efficiency severely do not prevent spliceosome assembly. Thus, mutations in the mammalian BPS appear to uncouple spliceosome assembly from cleavage at the 5' splice site and lariat formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Reed
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
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47
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Abstract
Pre-mRNA splicing in vitro is preceded by complex formation (spliceosome assembly). U2 small nuclear RNA (snRNA) is found in the earliest form of the spliceosome detected by native gel electrophoresis, both in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and in metazoan extracts. To examine the requirements for the formation of this early complex (band III) in yeast extracts, we cleaved the U2 snRNA by oligonucleotide-directed RNase H digestion. U2 snRNA depletion by this means inhibits both splicing and band III formation. Using this depleted extract, we were able to design a chase experiment which shows that a pre-mRNA substrate is committed to the spliceosome assembly pathway in the absence of functional U2 snRNP. Interactions occurring during the commitment step are highly resistant to the addition of an excess of unlabeled substrate and require little or no ATP. Sequence requirements for this commitment step have been analyzed by competition experiments with deletion mutants: both the 5' splice site consensus sequence and the branch point TACTAAC box sequence are necessary. These experiments strongly suggest that the initial assembly process requires a trans-acting factor(s) (RNA and/or proteins) that recognizes and stably binds to the two consensus sequences of the pre-mRNA prior to U2 snRNP binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Legrain
- Department of Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02254
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48
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Rymond BC, Rosbash M. A chemical modification/interference study of yeast pre-mRNA spliceosome assembly and splicing. Genes Dev 1988; 2:428-39. [PMID: 3286372 DOI: 10.1101/gad.2.4.428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
A chemical modification/interference assay was used to determine the yeast pre-mRNA sequence requirements for in vitro spliceosome assembly and splicing. Modifications of any of the nucleotides within the 5' splice site and branch point (TACTAAC box) consensus sequences as well as less conserved intron and exon positions were found to inhibit assembly and/or splicing. The interference pattern of the 5' splice site and TACTAAC box lesions increased as spliceosome assembly proceeded (complex III----complex I----complex II) and as splicing proceeded, suggesting that these sequence elements play multiple roles in the assembly of yeast spliceosomes and in the removal of intervening sequences. Furthermore, modification (or mutation) of a TACTAAC-like sequence upstream of the branch point was found to inhibit the rate of spliceosome assembly, implying a possible role for degenerate branch point sequences in modulating the efficiency of spliceosome assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- B C Rymond
- Biology Department, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02254
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49
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Gattoni R, Schmitt P, Stevenin J. In vitro splicing of adenovirus E1A transcripts: characterization of novel reactions and of multiple branch points abnormally far from the 3' splice site. Nucleic Acids Res 1988; 16:2389-409. [PMID: 2966339 PMCID: PMC336379 DOI: 10.1093/nar/16.6.2389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
During the analysis of the in vitro alternative splicing of the natural E1A transcript of adenovirus, other minor reactions were detected (Schmitt et al., 1987, Cell 50, 31-39). We report here their characterization. The first reaction concerns the excision of a 216 nucleotide intron delineated by the 9S 5' splice site and a 3' splice site 216 nucleotides downstream. It can occur on the premRNA transcript and the 13S and 12S mRNA species. Strikingly, the reaction uses one of 3 branch points located 51, 55 or 59 residues upstream of the 3' splice site, a distance which is unusually long since all the branch points mapped up to now are located between 18-37 nucleotides of the 3' splice site. The dramatic accumulation of the corresponding lariat intermediates, likely related to this long spacing indicates that the second splicing step is relatively unefficient. The second kind of reaction analysed is a cryptic splicing which uses a 3' splice site generated by the junction of the 13S mRNA exons, and leads to the formation of psi 12S and psi 9S mRNAs. In vitro, this reaction occurs only from a 13S mRNA transcript, and not from the 13S mRNA newly formed in the splicing assay, consistent with what has been observed in vivo. Thus, both the well known alternative and the minor reactions occurring in vivo from E1A premRNA and mRNAs are detected in vitro, implying that most of the alternative splicing machinery is reconstituted in the in vitro system.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Gattoni
- Unité 184 de Biologie Moléculaire et de Génie Génétique de l'INSERM, Moléculaire des Eucaryotes du CNRS, Faculté de Médecine, Strasbourg, France
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50
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Ruskin B, Zamore PD, Green MR. A factor, U2AF, is required for U2 snRNP binding and splicing complex assembly. Cell 1988; 52:207-19. [PMID: 2963698 DOI: 10.1016/0092-8674(88)90509-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 412] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Pre-mRNA splicing complex assembly is mediated by two specific pre-mRNA-snRNP interactions: U1 snRNP binds to the 5' splice site and U2 snRNP binds to the branch point. Here we show that unlike a purified U1 snRNP, which can bind to a 5' splice site, a partially purified U2 snRNP cannot interact with its target pre-mRNA sequence. We identify a previously uncharacterized activity, U2AF, that is required for the U2 snRNP-branch point interaction and splicing complex formation. Using RNA substrate exclusion and competition assays, we demonstrate that U2AF binds to the 3' splice site region prior to the U2 snRNP-branch point interaction. This provides an explanation for the necessity of the 3' splice site region in U2 snRNP binding and, hence, the first step of splicing.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Ruskin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
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