An hpr1 point mutation that impairs transcription and mRNP biogenesis without increasing recombination

The Spt7 subunit of the SAGA complex is required for the regulation of lifespan in both dividing and nondividing yeast cells

Spt7 belongs to the suppressor of Ty (SPT) module of the Spt-Ada-Gcn5-acetyltransferase (SAGA) complex and is known as the yeast ortholog of human STAF65γ. Spt7 lacks intrinsic enzymatic activity but is responsible for the integrity and proper assembly of the SAGA complex. Here, we determined the role of the SAGA Spt7 subunit in cellular aging. We found that Spt7 was indispensable for a normal lifespan in both dividing and nondividing yeast cells. In the quiescent state of cells, Spt7 was required for the control of overall mRNA levels. In mitotically active cells, deletion of the SPT module had little effect on the recombination rate within heterochromatic ribosomal DNA (rDNA) loci, but loss of Spt7 profoundly elevated the plasmid-based DNA recombination frequency. Consistently, loss of Spt7 increased spontaneous Rad52 foci by approximately two-fold upon entry into S phase. These results provide evidence that Spt7 contributes to the regulation of the normal replicative lifespan (RLS) and chronological lifespan (CLS), possibly by controlling the DNA recombination rate and overall mRNA expression. We propose that the regulation of SAGA complex integrity by Spt7 might be involved in the conserved regulatory pathway for lifespan regulation in eukaryotes.

R-loops at centromeric chromatin contribute to defects in kinetochore integrity and chromosomal instability in budding yeast

R-loops, the byproduct of DNA–RNA hybridization and the displaced single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), have been identified in bacteria, yeasts, and other eukaryotic organisms. The persistent presence of R-loops contributes to defects in DNA replication and repair, gene expression, and genomic integrity. R-loops have not been detected at centromeric (CEN) chromatin in wild-type budding yeast. Here we used an hpr1∆ strain that accumulates R-loops to investigate the consequences of R-loops at CEN chromatin and chromosome segregation. We show that Hpr1 interacts with the CEN-histone H3 variant, Cse4, and prevents the accumulation of R-loops at CEN chromatin for chromosomal stability. DNA–RNA immunoprecipitation (DRIP) analysis showed an accumulation of R-loops at CEN chromatin that was reduced by overexpression of RNH1 in hpr1∆ strains. Increased levels of ssDNA, reduced levels of Cse4 and its assembly factor Scm3, and mislocalization of histone H3 at CEN chromatin were observed in hpr1∆ strains. We determined that accumulation of R-loops at CEN chromatin contributes to defects in kinetochore biorientation and chromosomal instability (CIN) and these phenotypes are suppressed by RNH1 overexpression in hpr1∆ strains. In summary, our studies provide mechanistic insights into how accumulation of R-loops at CEN contributes to defects in kinetochore integrity and CIN.

The THO Complex as a Paradigm for the Prevention of Cotranscriptional R-Loops

Different proteins associate with the nascent RNA and the RNA polymerase (RNAP) to catalyze the transcription cycle and RNA export. If these processes are not properly controlled, the nascent RNA can thread back and hybridize to the DNA template forming R-loops capable of stalling replication, leading to DNA breaks. Given the transcriptional promiscuity of the genome, which leads to large amounts of RNAs from mRNAs to different types of ncRNAs, these can become a major threat to genome integrity if they form R-loops. Consequently, cells have evolved nuclear factors to prevent this phenomenon that includes THO, a conserved eukaryotic complex acting in transcription elongation and RNA processing and export that upon inactivation causes genome instability linked to R-loop accumulation. We revise and discuss here the biological relevance of THO and a number of RNA helicases, including the THO partner UAP56/DDX39B, as a paradigm of the cellular mechanisms of cotranscriptional R-loop prevention.

The polyadenosine RNA-binding protein ZC3H14 interacts with the THO complex and coordinately regulates the processing of neuronal transcripts

The polyadenosine RNA-binding protein ZC3H14 is important in RNA processing. Although ZC3H14 is ubiquitously expressed, mutation of the ZC3H14 gene causes a non-syndromic form of intellectual disability. Here, we examine the function of ZC3H14 in the brain by identifying ZC3H14-interacting proteins using unbiased mass spectrometry. Through this analysis, we identified physical interactions between ZC3H14 and multiple RNA processing factors. Notably, proteins that comprise the THO complex were amongst the most enriched proteins. We demonstrate that ZC3H14 physically interacts with THO components and that these proteins are required for proper RNA processing, as loss of ZC3H14 or THO components leads to extended bulk poly(A) tail length. Furthermore, we identified the transcripts Atp5g1 and Psd95 as shared RNA targets of ZC3H14 and the THO complex. Our data suggest that ZC3H14 and the THO complex are important for proper processing of Atp5g1 and Psd95 RNA, as depletion of ZC3H14 or THO components leads to decreased steady-state levels of each mature transcript accompanied by accumulation of Atp5g1 and Psd95 pre-mRNA in the cytoplasm. Taken together, this work provides the first unbiased identification of nuclear ZC3H14-interacting proteins from the brain and links the functions of ZC3H14 and the THO complex in the processing of RNA.

Regulation of DNA Replication through Natural Impediments in the Eukaryotic Genome

All living organisms need to duplicate their genetic information while protecting it from unwanted mutations, which can lead to genetic disorders and cancer development. Inaccuracies during DNA replication are the major cause of genomic instability, as replication forks are prone to stalling and collapse, resulting in DNA damage. The presence of exogenous DNA damaging agents as well as endogenous difficult-to-replicate DNA regions containing DNA–protein complexes, repetitive DNA, secondary DNA structures, or transcribing RNA polymerases, increases the risk of genomic instability and thus threatens cell survival. Therefore, understanding the cellular mechanisms required to preserve the genetic information during S phase is of paramount importance. In this review, we will discuss our current understanding of how cells cope with these natural impediments in order to prevent DNA damage and genomic instability during DNA replication.

Structural and biochemical analyses of the DEAD-box ATPase Sub2 in association with THO or Yra1

mRNA is cotranscrptionally processed and packaged into messenger ribonucleoprotein particles (mRNPs) in the nucleus. Prior to export through the nuclear pore, mRNPs undergo several obligatory remodeling reactions. In yeast, one of these reactions involves loading of the mRNA-binding protein Yra1 by the DEAD-box ATPase Sub2 as assisted by the hetero-pentameric THO complex. To obtain molecular insights into reaction mechanisms, we determined crystal structures of two relevant complexes: a THO hetero-pentamer bound to Sub2 at 6.0 Å resolution; and Sub2 associated with an ATP analogue, RNA, and a C-terminal fragment of Yra1 (Yra1-C) at 2.6 Å resolution. We found that the 25 nm long THO clamps Sub2 in a half-open configuration; in contrast, when bound to the ATP analogue, RNA and Yra1-C, Sub2 assumes a closed conformation. Both THO and Yra1-C stimulated Sub2’s intrinsic ATPase activity. We propose that THO surveys common landmarks in each nuclear mRNP to localize Sub2 for targeted loading of Yra1.

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.20070.001

Excess of Yra1 RNA-Binding Factor Causes Transcription-Dependent Genome Instability, Replication Impairment and Telomere Shortening

Yra1 is an essential nuclear factor of the evolutionarily conserved family of hnRNP-like export factors that when overexpressed impairs mRNA export and cell growth. To investigate further the relevance of proper Yra1 stoichiometry in the cell, we overexpressed Yra1 by transforming yeast cells with YRA1 intron-less constructs and analyzed its effect on gene expression and genome integrity. We found that YRA1 overexpression induces DNA damage and leads to a transcription-associated hyperrecombination phenotype that is mediated by RNA:DNA hybrids. In addition, it confers a genome-wide replication retardation as seen by reduced BrdU incorporation and accumulation of the Rrm3 helicase. In addition, YRA1 overexpression causes a cell senescence-like phenotype and telomere shortening. ChIP-chip analysis shows that overexpressed Yra1 is loaded to transcribed chromatin along the genome and to Y’ telomeric regions, where Rrm3 is also accumulated, suggesting an impairment of telomere replication. Our work not only demonstrates that a proper stoichiometry of the Yra1 mRNA binding and export factor is required to maintain genome integrity and telomere homeostasis, but suggests that the cellular imbalance between transcribed RNA and specific RNA-binding factors may become a major cause of genome instability mediated by co-transcriptional replication impairment.

Yra1 is an essential nuclear RNA-binding protein that plays a role in mRNA export in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The cellular levels of Yra1 are tightly auto-regulated by splicing of an unusual intron in its pre-mRNA, removal of which causes Yra1 overexpression that results in a dominant-negative growth defect and mRNA export defect. We wondered whether or not YRA1 overexpression has an effect on genome integrity that could explain the loss of cell viability. Our analyses reveal that YRA1 overexpression causes DNA damage, confers a hyperrecombination phenotype that depends on transcription and that is mediated by RNA:DNA hybrids. YRA1 overexpression also leads to a cell senescence-like phenotype and telomere shortening. We show by ChIP-chip analysis that Yra1 binds to active chromatin and Y’ telomeric regions when it is overexpressed, in agreement with a possible role of this mRNP factor in the maintenance of telomere integrity. Our data indicate that YRA1 overexpression correlates with replication impairment as inferred by the reduction of BrdU incorporation and the increase of Rrm3 recruitment, a helicase involved in replication fork progression, at transcribed genes and Y’ regions. We conclude that the stoichiometry of specific RNA-binding factors such as Yra1 at telomeres is critical for genome integrity and for preventing transcription-replication conflicts.

Nuclear pore components affect distinct stages of intron-containing gene expression

Several nuclear pore-associated factors, including the SUMO-protease Ulp1, have been proposed to prevent the export of intron-containing messenger ribonucleoparticles (mRNPs) in yeast. However, the molecular mechanisms of this nuclear pore-dependent mRNA quality control, including the sumoylated targets of Ulp1, have remained unidentified. Here, we demonstrate that the apparent 'pre-mRNA leakage' phenotype arising upon ULP1 inactivation is shared by sumoylation mutants of the THO complex, an early mRNP biogenesis factor. Importantly, we establish that alteration of THO complex activity differentially impairs the expression of intronless and intron-containing reporter genes, rather than triggering bona fide 'pre-mRNA leakage'. Indeed, we show that the presence of introns within THO target genes attenuates the effect of THO inactivation on their transcription. Epistasis analyses further clarify that different nuclear pore components influence intron-containing gene expression at distinct stages. Ulp1, whose maintenance at nuclear pores depends on the Nup84 complex, impacts on THO-dependent gene expression, whereas the nuclear basket-associated Mlp1/Pml39 proteins prevent pre-mRNA export at a later stage, contributing to mRNA quality control. Our study thus highlights the multiplicity of mechanisms by which nuclear pores contribute to gene expression, and further provides the first evidence that intronic sequences can alleviate early mRNP biogenesis defects.

A genome-wide function of THSC/TREX-2 at active genes prevents transcription-replication collisions

The THSC/TREX-2 complex of Saccharomyces cerevisiae mediates the anchoring of transcribed genes to the nuclear pore, linking transcription elongation with mRNA export and genome stability, as shown for specific reporters. However, it is still unknown whether the function of TREX-2 is global and the reason for its relevant role in genome integrity. Here, by studying two TREX-2 representative subunits, Thp1 and Sac3, we show that TREX-2 has a genome-wide role in gene expression. Both proteins show similar distributions along the genome, with a gradient disposition at active genes that increases towards the 3′ end. Thp1 and Sac3 have a relevant impact on the expression of long, G+C-rich and highly transcribed genes. Interestingly, replication impairment detected by the genome-wide accumulation of the replicative Rrm3 helicase is increased preferentially at highly expressed genes in the thp1Δ and sac3Δ mutants analyzed. Therefore, our work provides evidence of a function of TREX-2 at the genome-wide level and suggests a role for TREX-2 in preventing transcription–replication conflicts, as a source of genome instability derived from a defective messenger ribonucleoprotein particle (mRNP) biogenesis.

Transcription and recombination: when RNA meets DNA

A particularly relevant phenomenon in cell physiology and proliferation is the fact that spontaneous mitotic recombination is strongly enhanced by transcription. The most accepted view is that transcription increases the occurrence of double-strand breaks and/or single-stranded DNA gaps that are repaired by recombination. Most breaks would arise as a consequence of the impact that transcription has on replication fork progression, provoking its stalling and/or breakage. Here, we discuss the mechanisms responsible for the cross talk between transcription and recombination, with emphasis on (1) the transcription-replication conflicts as the main source of recombinogenic DNA breaks, and (2) the formation of cotranscriptional R-loops as a major cause of such breaks. The new emerging questions and perspectives are discussed on the basis of the interference between transcription and replication, as well as the way RNA influences genome dynamics.

The Thoc1 encoded ribonucleoprotein is a substrate for the NEDD4-1 E3 ubiquitin protein ligase

Ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes form around nascent RNA during transcription to facilitate proper transcriptional elongation, RNA processing, and nuclear export. RNPs are highly heterogeneous, and different types of RNPs tend to package functionally related transcripts. These observations have inspired the hypothesis that RNP mediated mechanisms help specify coordinated gene expression. This hypothesis is supported by the observation that mutations in RNP components can cause defects in specific developmental pathways. How RNP biogenesis itself is regulated, however, is not well understood. The evolutionarily conserved THO RNP complex functions early during transcription to package nascent transcripts and facilitate subsequent RNP biogenesis. THO deficiency compromises transcriptional elongation as well as RNP mediated events like 3′ end formation and nuclear export for some transcripts. Using molecularly manipulated cells and in vitro reconstituted biochemical reactions, we demonstrate that the essential THO protein component encoded by the Thoc1 gene is poly-ubiquitinated by the NEDD4-1 E3 ubiquitin ligase. Poly-ubiquitinated pThoc1 is degraded by the proteasome. These results indicate THO activity is regulated by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, and that this regulation is evolutionarily conserved between yeast and mammals. Manipulation of NEDD4-1 levels has modest effects on Thoc1 protein levels under steady state conditions, but destabilization of Thoc1 protein upon treatment with a transcriptional elongation inhibitor is dependent on NEDD4-1. This suggests NEDD4-1 functions in conjunction with other post-translational mechanisms to regulate Thoc1 protein and THO activity.

Interference between DNA replication and transcription as a cause of genomic instability

Replication and transcription are key aspects of DNA metabolism that take place on the same template and potentially interfere with each other. Conflicts between these two activities include head-on or co-directional collisions between DNA and RNA polymerases, which can lead to the formation of DNA breaks and chromosome rearrangements. To avoid these deleterious consequences and prevent genomic instability, cells have evolved multiple mechanisms preventing replication forks from colliding with the transcription machinery. Yet, recent reports indicate that interference between replication and transcription is not limited to physical interactions between polymerases and that other cotranscriptional processes can interfere with DNA replication. These include DNA-RNA hybrids that assemble behind elongating RNA polymerases, impede fork progression and promote homologous recombination. Here, we discuss recent evidence indicating that R-loops represent a major source of genomic instability in all organisms, from bacteria to human, and are potentially implicated in cancer development.

Transcription and replication: breaking the rules of the road causes genomic instability

Replication and transcription machineries progress at high speed on the same DNA template, which inevitably causes traffic accidents. Problems are not only caused by frontal collisions between polymerases, but also by cotranscriptional R-loops. These RNA-DNA hybrids induce genomic instability by blocking fork progression and could be implicated in the development of cancer.

Architecture and nucleic acids recognition mechanism of the THO complex, an mRNP assembly factor

The THO complex is a key factor in co-transcriptional formation of export-competent messenger ribonucleoprotein particles, yet its structure and mechanism of chromatin recruitment remain unknown. In yeast, this complex has been described as a heterotetramer (Tho2, Hpr1, Mft1, and Thp2) that interacts with Tex1 and mRNA export factors Sub2 and Yra1 to form the TRanscription EXport (TREX) complex. In this study, we purified yeast THO and found Tex1 to be part of its core. We determined the three-dimensional structures of five-subunit THO complex by electron microscopy and located the positions of Tex1, Hpr1, and Tho2 C-terminus using various labelling techniques. In the case of Tex1, a β-propeller protein, we have generated an atomic model which docks into the corresponding part of the THO complex envelope. Furthermore, we show that THO directly interacts with nucleic acids through the unfolded C-terminal region of Tho2, whose removal reduces THO recruitment to active chromatin leading to mRNA biogenesis defects. In summary, this study describes the THO architecture, the structural basis for its chromatin targeting, and highlights the importance of unfolded regions of eukaryotic proteins.

New clues to understand the role of THO and other functionally related factors in mRNP biogenesis

Coupling of transcription with mRNA processing and export has been shown to be relevant to efficient gene expression. A number of studies have determined that THO/TREX, a nuclear protein complex conserved from yeast to humans, plays an important role in mRNP biogenesis connecting transcription elongation, mRNA export and preventing genetic instability. Recent data indicates that THO could be relevant to different mRNA processing steps, including the 3'-end formation, transcript release and export. Novel connections of THO to proteins related to the splicing machinery, provide new views about possible functions of THO in mRNP biogenesis. In this review, we summarize the previous and new results concerning the impact of THO in transcription and its biological implications, with a special emphasis on the relationship with THSC/TREX-2 and other functionally related factors involved in mRNA biogenesis and export. The emerging picture presents THO as a dynamic complex interacting with the nascent RNA and with different factors connecting nuclear functions necessary for mRNP biogenesis with genome integrity, cellular homeostasis and development. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Nuclear Transport and RNA Processing.

Topological constraints impair RNA polymerase II transcription and causes instability of plasmid-borne convergent genes

Despite the theoretical bases for the association of topoisomerases and supercoiling changes with transcription and replication, our knowledge of the impact of topological constraints on transcription and replication is incomplete. Although mutation of topoisomerases affects expression and stability of the rDNA region it is not clear whether the same is the case for RNAPII transcription and genome integrity in other regions. We developed new assays in which two convergent RNAPII-driven genes are transcribed simultaneously. Plasmid-based systems were constructed with and without a transcription terminator between the two convergent transcription units, so that the impact of transcription interference could also be evaluated. Using these assays we show that Topos I and II play roles in RNAPII transcription in vivo and reduce the stability of RNAPII-transcribed genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Supercoiling accumulation in convergent transcription units impairs RNAPII transcription in top1Δ strains, but Topo II is also required for efficient transcription independent of Topo I and of detectable supercoiling accumulation. Our work shows that topological constraints negatively affect RNAPII transcription and genetic integrity, and provides an assay to study gene regulation by transcription interference.

Interactions between DNA damage, repair, and transcription

This review addresses a variety of mechanisms by which DNA repair interacts with transcription and vice versa. Blocking of transcriptional elongation is the best studied of these mechanisms. Transcription recovery after damage therefore has often been used as a surrogate marker of DNA repair in cells. However, it has become evident that relationships between DNA damage, repair, and transcription are more complex due to various indirect effects of DNA damage on gene transcription. These include inhibition of transcription by DNA repair intermediates as well as regulation of transcription and of the epigenetic status of the genes by DNA repair-related mechanisms. In addition, since transcription is emerging as an important endogenous source of DNA damage in cells, we briefly summarise recent advances in understanding the nature of co-transcriptionally induced DNA damage and the DNA repair pathways involved.

Genome-wide function of THO/TREX in active genes prevents R-loop-dependent replication obstacles

THO/TREX is a conserved nuclear complex that functions in mRNP biogenesis and prevents transcription-associated recombination. Whether or not it has a ubiquitous role in the genome is unknown. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-chip studies reveal that the Hpr1 component of THO and the Sub2 RNA-dependent ATPase have genome-wide distributions at active ORFs in yeast. In contrast to RNA polymerase II, evenly distributed from promoter to termination regions, THO and Sub2 are absent at promoters and distributed in a gradual 5' → 3' gradient. This is accompanied by a genome-wide impact of THO-Sub2 deletions on expression of highly expressed, long and high G+C-content genes. Importantly, ChIP-chips reveal an over-recruitment of Rrm3 in active genes in THO mutants that is reduced by RNaseH1 overexpression. Our work establishes a genome-wide function for THO-Sub2 in transcription elongation and mRNP biogenesis that function to prevent the accumulation of transcription-mediated replication obstacles, including R-loops.

New suppressors of THO mutations identify Thp3 (Ypr045c)-Csn12 as a protein complex involved in transcription elongation

Formation of a ribonucleoprotein particle (mRNP) competent for export requires the coupling of transcription with mRNA processing and RNA export. A key link between these processes is provided by the THO complex. To progress in our understanding of this coupling, we have performed a search for suppressors of the transcription defect caused by the hpr1Δ mutation. This has permitted us to identify mutations in the genes for the RNA polymerase II mediator component Med10, the Sch9 protein kinase, and the Ypr045c protein. We report a role in transcription elongation for Ypr045c (Thp3) and the Csn12 component of the COP9 signalosome. Thp3 and Csn12 form a complex that is recruited to transcribed genes. Their mutations suppress the gene expression defects of THO complex mutants involved in mRNP biogenesis and export and show defects in mRNA accumulation. Transcription elongation impairment of thp3Δ mutants is shown by in vivo transcript run-on analysis performed in G-less systems. Thp3-Csn12 establishes a novel link between transcription and mRNA processing that opens new perspectives on our understanding of gene expression and reveals novel functions for a component of the COP9 signalosome. Thp3-Csn12 also copurifies with ribosomal proteins, which opens the possibility that it has other functions in addition to transcription.

The interface between transcription and mRNP export: from THO to THSC/TREX-2

Eukaryotic gene expression is a multilayer process covering transcription to post-translational protein modifications. As the nascent pre-mRNA emerges from the RNA polymerase II (RNAPII), it is packed in a messenger ribonucleoparticle (mRNP) whose optimal configuration is critical for the normal pre-mRNA processing and mRNA export, mRNA integrity as well as for transcription elongation efficiency. The interplay between transcription and mRNP formation feeds forward and backward and involves a number of conserved factors, from THO to THSC/TREX-2, which in addition have a unique impact on transcription-dependent genome instability. Here we review our actual knowledge of the role that these factors play at the interface between transcription and mRNA export in the model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The THO complex as a key mRNP biogenesis factor in development and cell differentiation

The THO complex is a key component in the co-transcriptional formation of messenger ribonucleoparticles that are competent to be exported from the nucleus, yet its precise function is unknown. A recent study in BMC Biology on the role of the THOC5 subunit in cell physiology and mouse development provides new clues to the role of the THO complex in cell differentiation.

See research article http://www.biomedcentral.com/1741-7007/8/1.

The S-phase checkpoint is required to respond to R-loops accumulated in THO mutants

Cotranscriptional R-loops are formed in yeast mutants of the THO complex, which functions at the interface between transcription and mRNA export. Despite the relevance of R-loops in transcription-associated recombination, the mechanisms by which they trigger recombination are still elusive. In order to understand how R-loops compromise genome stability, we have analyzed the genetic interaction of THO with 26 genes involved in replication, S-phase checkpoint, DNA repair, and chromatin remodeling. We found a synthetic growth defect in double null mutants of THO and S-phase checkpoint factors, such as the replication factor C- and PCNA-like complexes. Under replicative stress, R-loop-forming THO null mutants require functional S-phase checkpoint functions but not double-strand-break repair functions for survival. Furthermore, R-loop-forming hpr1Delta mutants display replication fork progression impairment at actively transcribed chromosomal regions and trigger Rad53 phosphorylation. We conclude that R-loop-mediated DNA damage activates the S-phase checkpoint, which is required for the cell survival of THO mutants under replicative stress. In light of these results, we propose a model in which R-loop-mediated recombination is explained by template switching.

R-loops do not accumulate in transcription-defective hpr1-101 mutants: implications for the functional role of THO/TREX

To get further insight into the effect that THO/TREX and R-loops have in transcription-associated recombination and transcription, we analyzed the ability to form R-loops of hpr1-101, a THO mutation that impairs transcription and mRNP biogenesis without triggering hyper-recombination. Human AID, a cytidine deaminase that acts on ssDNA displaced by RNA-DNA hybrids, strongly induced both hyper-recombination and hyper-mutation in hpr1-101, similar to hpr1Δ mutants. However, in contrast to hpr1Δ, AID-induced mutations in hpr1-101 occur at similar frequencies in both the transcribed and non-transcribed strands, implying that the enhanced AID action in these mutants is not caused by co-transcriptional R-loops. These results indicate for the first time that THO has a transcriptional function that is not mediated by R-loops, providing a new perspective for the understanding of the coupling of transcription with mRNP biogenesis and export.

Sem1 is a functional component of the nuclear pore complex-associated messenger RNA export machinery

The evolutionarily conserved protein Sem1/Dss1 is a subunit of the regulatory particle (RP) of the proteasome, and, in mammalian cells, binds the tumor suppressor protein BRCA2. Here, we describe a new function for yeast Sem1. We show that sem1 mutants are impaired in messenger RNA (mRNA) export and transcription elongation, and induce strong transcription-associated hyper-recombination phenotypes. Importantly, Sem1, independent of the RP, is functionally linked to the mRNA export pathway. Biochemical analyses revealed that, in addition to the RP, Sem1 coenriches with components of two other multisubunit complexes: the nuclear pore complex (NPC)-associated TREX-2 complex that is required for transcription-coupled mRNA export, and the COP9 signalosome, which is involved in deneddylation. Notably, targeting of Thp1, a TREX-2 component, to the NPC is perturbed in a sem1 mutant. These findings reveal an unexpected nonproteasomal function of Sem1 in mRNA export and in prevention of transcription-associated genome instability. Thus, Sem1 is a versatile protein that might stabilize multiple protein complexes involved in diverse pathways.

Transcription-associated recombination in eukaryotes: link between transcription, replication and recombination

Homologous recombination (HR) is an important DNA repair pathway and is essential for cellular survival. It plays a major role in repairing replication-associated lesions and is functionally connected to replication. Transcription is another cellular process, which has emerged to have a connection with HR. Transcription enhances HR, which is a ubiquitous phenomenon referred to as transcription-associated recombination (TAR). Recent evidence suggests that TAR plays a role in inducing genetic instability, for example in the THO mutants (Tho2, Hpr1, Mft1 and Thp2) in yeast or during the development of the immune system leading to genetic diversity in mammals. On the other hand, evidence also suggests that TAR may play a role in preventing genetic instability in many different ways, one of which is by rescuing replication during transcription. Hence, TAR is a double-edged sword and plays a role in both preventing and inducing genetic instability. In spite of the interesting nature of TAR, the mechanism behind TAR has remained elusive. Recent advances in the area, however, suggest a link between TAR and replication and show specific genetic requirements for TAR that differ from regular HR. In this review, we aim to present the available evidence for TAR in both lower and higher eukaryotes and discuss its possible mechanisms, with emphasis on its connection with replication.

A reduction in RNA polymerase II initiation rate suppresses hyper-recombination and transcription-elongation impairment of THO mutants

Hrs1/Med3, a component of the Mediator involved in transcription initiation, was previously isolated as a suppressor of hpr1Delta hyper-recombination linked to transcription elongation. Here we show that hrs1Delta-mediated suppression is specific of transcription-associated hyper-recombination (TAR). The decrease in recombination associated with hrs1Delta, either in wild-type or hpr1Delta cells is only observed in DNA repeats constructs in which transcription is Hrs1-dependent. We propose that the suppression of THO mutants by hrs1Delta is due to the specific effect of hrs1Delta on transcription initiation of the recombination system. In parallel we show that the higher the transcription of a gene the more important becomes the THO complex for its expression, implying that the in vivo relevance of this complex is dependent on the frequency of RNAPII transcription initiation. This study furthers the understanding of the importance of THO in transcription and the maintenance of genome stability.

The THP1-SAC3-SUS1-CDC31 complex works in transcription elongation-mRNA export preventing RNA-mediated genome instability

The eukaryotic THO/TREX complex, involved in mRNP biogenesis, plays a key role in the maintenance of genome integrity in yeast. mRNA export factors such as Thp1-Sac3 also affect genome integrity, but their mutations have other phenotypes different from those of THO/TREX. Sus1 is a novel component of SAGA transcription factor that also associates with Thp1-Sac3, but little is known about its effect on genome instability and transcription. Here we show that Thp1, Sac3, and Sus1 form a functional unit with a role in mRNP biogenesis and maintenance of genome integrity that is independent of SAGA. Importantly, the effects of ribozyme-containing transcription units, RNase H, and the action of human activation-induced cytidine deaminase on transcription and genome instability are consistent with the possibility that R-loops are formed in Thp1-Sac3-Sus1-Cdc31 as in THO mutants. Our data reveal that Thp1-Sac3-Sus1-Cdc31, together with THO/TREX, define a specific pathway connecting transcription elongation with export via an RNA-dependent dynamic process that provides a feedback mechanism for the control of transcription and the preservation of genetic integrity of transcribed DNA regions.

Biogenesis of mRNPs: integrating different processes in the eukaryotic nucleus

Transcription is a central function occurring in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells in coordination with other nuclear processes. During transcription, the nascent pre-mRNA associates with mRNA-binding proteins and undergoes a series of processing steps, resulting in export-competent mRNA ribonucleoprotein complexes (mRNPs) that are transported into the cytoplasm. Experimental evidence increasingly indicates that the different processing steps (5'-end capping, splicing, 3'-end cleavage) and mRNP export are connected to each other as well as to transcription, both functionally and physically. Here, we review the overall process of mRNP biogenesis with particular emphasis on the functional coupling of transcription with mRNP biogenesis and export and its relationship to nuclear organization.

Transcription-associated recombination is dependent on replication in Mammalian cells

Transcription can enhance recombination; this is a ubiquitous phenomenon from prokaryotes to higher eukaryotes. However, the mechanism of transcription-associated recombination in mammalian cells is poorly understood. Here we have developed a construct with a recombination substrate in which levels of recombination can be studied in the presence or absence of transcription. We observed a direct enhancement in recombination when transcription levels through the substrate were increased. This increase in homologous recombination following transcription is locus specific, since homologous recombination at the unrelated hprt gene is unaffected. In addition, we have shown that transcription-associated recombination involves both short-tract and long-tract gene conversions in mammalian cells, which are different from double-strand-break-induced recombination events caused by endonucleases. Transcription fails to enhance recombination in cells that are not in the S phase of the cell cycle. Furthermore, inhibition of transcription suppresses induction of recombination at stalled replication forks, suggesting that recombination may be involved in bypassing transcription during replication.

Different physiological relevance of yeast THO/TREX subunits in gene expression and genome integrity

THO/TREX is a conserved nuclear complex that functions in mRNP biogenesis and plays a role in preventing the transcription-associated genetic instability. THO is composed of Tho2, Hpr1, Mft1 and Thp2 subunits, which associate with the Sub2-Yra1 export factors and Tex1 to form the TREX complex. To compare the functional relevance of the different THO/TREX subunits, we determined the effect of their null mutations on mRNA accumulation and recombination. Unexpectedly, we noticed that a full deletion of HPR1, hpr1DeltaK, conferred stronger hyper-recombination phenotype and gene expression defects than did hpr1DeltaH, the allele encoding a C-terminal truncated protein which was used in most previous studies. We show that tho2Delta and, to a lesser extent, hpr1DeltaK are the THO mutations with the highest impact on all phenotypes, and that sub2Delta shows a similar transcription-dependent hyper-recombination phenotype and in vivo transcription impairment as hpr1DeltaK and tho2Delta. Recombination and transcription analyses indicate that THO/TREX mutants share a moderate but significant effect on gene conversion and ectopic recombination, as well as transcription impairment of even short and low GC-content genes. Our data provide new information on the relevance of these proteins in mRNP biogenesis and in the maintenance of genomic integrity.

A new connection of mRNP biogenesis and export with transcription-coupled repair

Although DNA repair is faster in the transcribed strand of active genes, little is known about the possible contribution of mRNP biogenesis and export in transcription-coupled repair (TCR). Interestingly, mutants of THO, a transcription complex involved in maintenance of genome integrity, mRNP biogenesis and export, were recently found to be deficient in nucleotide excision repair. In this study we show by molecular DNA repair analysis, that Sub2-Yra1 and Thp1-Sac3, two main mRNA export complexes, are required for efficient TCR in yeast. Careful analysis revealed that THO mutants are also specifically affected in TCR. Ribozyme-mediated mRNA self-cleavage between two hot spots for UV damage showed that efficient TCR does not depend on the nascent mRNA, neither in wild-type nor in mutant cells. Along with severe UV damage-dependent loss in processivity, RNAPII was found binding to chromatin upon UV irradiation in THO mutants, suggesting that RNAPII remains stalled at DNA lesions. Furthermore, Def1, a factor responsible for the degradation of stalled RNAPII, appears essential for the viability of THO mutants subjected to DNA damage. Our results indicate that RNAPII is not proficient for TCR in mRNP biogenesis and export mutants, opening new perspectives on our knowledge of TCR in eukaryotic cells.

Activation-induced cytidine deaminase action is strongly stimulated by mutations of the THO complex

Activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) is a B cell enzyme essential for Ig somatic hypermutation and class switch recombination. AID acts on ssDNA, and switch regions of Ig genes, a target of AID, form R-loops that contain ssDNA. Nevertheless, how AID action is specifically targeted to particular DNA sequences is not clear. Because mutations altering cotranscriptional messenger ribonucleoprotein (mRNP) formation such as those in THO/TREX in yeast promote R-loops, we investigated whether the cotranscriptional assembly of mRNPs could affect AID targeting. Here we show that AID action is transcription-dependent in yeast and that strong and transcription-dependent hypermutation and hyperrecombination are induced by AID if cells are deprived of THO. In these strains AID-induced mutations occurred preferentially at WRC motifs in the nontranscribed DNA strand. We propose that a suboptimal cotranscriptional mRNP assembly at particular DNA regions could play an important role in Ig diversification and genome dynamics.

Following temperature stress, export of heat shock mRNA occurs efficiently in cells with mutations in genes normally important for mRNA export

Heat shock leads to accumulation of polyadenylated RNA in nuclei of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells, transcriptional induction of heat shock genes, and efficient export of polyadenylated heat shock mRNAs. These studies were conducted to examine the requirements for export of mRNA following heat shock. We used in situ hybridization to detect SSA4 mRNA (encoding Hsp70) and flow cytometry to measure the amount of Ssa4p-green fluorescent protein (GFP) produced following heat shock. Npl3p and Yra1p are mRNA-binding proteins recruited to nascent mRNAs and are essential for proper mRNA biogenesis and export. Heat shock mRNA was exported efficiently in temperature-sensitive npl3, yra1, and npl3 yra1 mutant strains. Nevertheless, Yra1p was recruited to heat shock mRNA, as were Nab2p and Npl3p. Interestingly, Yra1p was not recruited to heat shock mRNA in yra1-1 cells, suggesting that Npl3p is required for recruitment of Yra1p. The THO complex, which functions in transcription elongation and in recruitment of Yra1p, was not required for heat shock mRNA export, although normal mRNA export is impaired in growing cells lacking THO complex proteins. Taken together, these studies indicate that export following heat shock depends upon fewer factors than does mRNA export in growing cells. Furthermore, even though some mRNA-binding proteins are dispensable for efficient export of heat shock mRNA, those that are present in nuclei of heat shocked cells were recruited to heat shock mRNA.