Assembly of 60S ribosomal subunits is perturbed in temperature-sensitive yeast mutants defective in ribosomal protein L16

Wide mutational analysis to ascertain the functional roles of eL33 in ribosome biogenesis and translation initiation

An extensive mutational analysis of RPL33A, encoding the yeast ribosomal protein L33A (eL33) allowed us to identify several novel rpl33a mutants with different translational phenotypes. Most of the rpl33a mutants are defective in the processing of 35S and 27S pre-rRNA precursors and the production of mature rRNAs, exhibiting reductions in the amounts of ribosomal subunits and altered polysome profiles. Some of the rpl33a mutants exhibit a Gcd^- phenotype of constitutive derepression of GCN4 translation and strong slow growth phenotypes at several temperatures. Interestingly, some of the later mutants also show a detectable increase in the UUG/AUG translation initiation ratio that can be suppressed by eIF1 overexpression, suggesting a requirement for eL33 and a correct 60S/40S subunit ratio for the proper recognition of the AUG start codon. In addition to producing differential reductions in the rates of pre-rRNA maturation and perhaps in r-protein assembly, most of the point rpl33a mutations alter specific molecular interactions of eL33 with the rRNAs and other r-proteins in the 60S structure. Thus, rpl33a mutations cause distinctive effects on the abundance and/or functionality of 60S subunits, leading to more or less pronounced defects in the rates and fidelity of mRNA translation.

Plasticity of Mitochondrial DNA Inheritance and its Impact on Nuclear Gene Transcription in Yeast Hybrids

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in yeast is biparentally inherited, but colonies rapidly lose one type of parental mtDNA, thus becoming homoplasmic. Therefore, hybrids between the yeast species possess two homologous nuclear genomes, but only one type of mitochondrial DNA. We hypothesise that the choice of mtDNA retention is influenced by its contribution to hybrid fitness in different environments, and the allelic expression of the two nuclear sub-genomes is affected by the presence of different mtDNAs in hybrids. Saccharomyces cerevisiae/S. uvarum hybrids preferentially retained S. uvarum mtDNA when formed on rich media at colder temperatures, while S. cerevisiae mtDNA was primarily retained on non-fermentable carbon source, at any temperature. Transcriptome data for hybrids harbouring different mtDNA showed a strong environmentally dependent allele preference, which was more important in respiratory conditions. Co-expression analysis for specific biological functions revealed a clear pattern of concerted allelic transcription within the same allele type, which supports the notion that the hybrid cell works preferentially with one set of parental alleles (or the other) for different cellular functions. Given that the type of mtDNA retained in hybrids affects both nuclear expression and fitness, it might play a role in driving hybrid genome evolution in terms of gene retention and loss.

A Cold-Inducible DEAD-Box RNA Helicase from Arabidopsis thaliana Regulates Plant Growth and Development under Low Temperature

DEAD-box RNA helicases comprise a large family and are involved in a range of RNA processing events. Here, we identified one of the Arabidopsis thaliana DEAD-box RNA helicases, AtRH7, as an interactor of Arabidopsis COLD SHOCK DOMAIN PROTEIN 3 (AtCSP3), which is an RNA chaperone involved in cold adaptation. Promoter:GUS transgenic plants revealed that AtRH7 is expressed ubiquitously and that its levels of the expression are higher in rapidly growing tissues. Knockout mutant lines displayed several morphological alterations such as disturbed vein pattern, pointed first true leaves, and short roots, which resemble ribosome-related mutants of Arabidopsis. In addition, aberrant floral development was also observed in rh7 mutants. When the mutants were germinated at low temperature (12°C), both radicle and first leaf emergence were severely delayed; after exposure of seedlings to a long period of cold, the mutants developed aberrant, fewer, and smaller leaves. RNA blots and circular RT-PCR revealed that 35S and 18S rRNA precursors accumulated to higher levels in the mutants than in WT under both normal and cold conditions, suggesting the mutants are partially impaired in pre-rRNA processing. Taken together, the results suggest that AtRH7 affects rRNA biogenesis and plays an important role in plant growth under cold.

Ribosomal Protein Rps26 Influences 80S Ribosome Assembly in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Rps26 is an essential protein of the eukaryotic small ribosomal subunit. Previous experiments demonstrated an interaction between the eukaryote-specific Y62–K70 segment of Rps26 and the 5′ untranslated region of mRNA. The data suggested a specific role of the Y62–K70 motif during translation initiation. Here, we report that single-site substitutions within the Y62–K70 peptide did not affect the growth of engineered yeast strains, arguing against its having a critical role during translation initiation via specific interactions with the 5′ untranslated region of mRNA molecules. Only the simultaneous replacement of five conserved residues within the Y62–K70 fragment or the replacement of the yeast protein with the human homolog resulted in growth defects and caused significant changes in polysome profiles. The results expand our knowledge of ribosomal protein function and suggest a role of Rps26 during ribosome assembly in yeast.

The eukaryotic ribosome consists of a small (40S) and a large (60S) subunit. Rps26 is one of the essential ribosomal proteins of the 40S subunit and is encoded by two almost identical genes, RPS26a and RPS26b. Previous studies demonstrated that Rps26 interacts with the 5′ untranslated region of mRNA via the eukaryote-specific 62-YXXPKXYXK-70 (Y62–K70) motif. Those observations suggested that this peptide within Rps26 might play an important and specific role during translation initiation. By using alanine-scanning mutagenesis and engineered strains of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we found that single amino acid substitutions within the Y62–K70 motif of Rps26 did not affect the in vivo function of the protein. In contrast, complete deletion of the Y62–K70 segment was lethal. The simultaneous replacement of five conserved residues within the Y62–K70 segment by alanines resulted in growth defects under stress conditions and produced distinct changes in polysome profiles that were indicative of the accumulation of free 60S subunits. Human Rps26 (Rps26-Hs), which displays significant homology with yeast Rps26, supported the growth of an S. cerevisiae Δrps26a Δrps26b strain. However, the Δrps26a Δrps26b double deletion strain expressing Rps26-Hs displayed substantial growth defects and an altered ratio of 40S/60S ribosomal subunits. The combined data strongly suggest that the eukaryote-specific motif within Rps26 does not play a specific role in translation initiation. Rather, the data indicate that Rps26 as a whole is necessary for proper assembly of the 40S subunit and the 80S ribosome in yeast.

IMPORTANCE Rps26 is an essential protein of the eukaryotic small ribosomal subunit. Previous experiments demonstrated an interaction between the eukaryote-specific Y62–K70 segment of Rps26 and the 5′ untranslated region of mRNA. The data suggested a specific role of the Y62–K70 motif during translation initiation. Here, we report that single-site substitutions within the Y62–K70 peptide did not affect the growth of engineered yeast strains, arguing against its having a critical role during translation initiation via specific interactions with the 5′ untranslated region of mRNA molecules. Only the simultaneous replacement of five conserved residues within the Y62–K70 fragment or the replacement of the yeast protein with the human homolog resulted in growth defects and caused significant changes in polysome profiles. The results expand our knowledge of ribosomal protein function and suggest a role of Rps26 during ribosome assembly in yeast.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae ribosomal protein L26 is not essential for ribosome assembly and function

Ribosomal proteins play important roles in ribosome biogenesis and function. Here, we study the evolutionarily conserved L26 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which assembles into pre-60S ribosomal particles in the nucle(ol)us. Yeast L26 is one of the many ribosomal proteins encoded by two functional genes. We have disrupted both genes; surprisingly, the growth of the resulting rpl26 null mutant is apparently identical to that of the isogenic wild-type strain. The absence of L26 minimally alters 60S ribosomal subunit biogenesis. Polysome analysis revealed the appearance of half-mers. Analysis of pre-rRNA processing indicated that L26 is mainly required to optimize 27S pre-rRNA maturation, without which the release of pre-60S particles from the nucle(ol)us is partially impaired. Ribosomes lacking L26 exhibit differential reactivity to dimethylsulfate in domain I of 25S/5.8S rRNAs but apparently are able to support translation in vivo with wild-type accuracy. The bacterial homologue of yeast L26, L24, is a primary rRNA binding protein required for 50S ribosomal subunit assembly in vitro and in vivo. Our results underscore potential differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic ribosome assembly. We discuss the reasons why yeast L26 plays such an apparently nonessential role in the cell.

The central core region of yeast ribosomal protein L11 is important for subunit joining and translational fidelity

Yeast ribosomal protein L11 is positioned at the intersubunit cleft of the large subunit central protuberance, forming an intersubunit bridge with the small subunit protein S18. Mutants were engineered in the central core region of L11 which interacts with Helix 84 of the 25S rRNA. Numerous mutants in this region conferred 60S subunit biogenesis defects. Specifically, many mutations of F96 and the A66D mutant promoted formation of halfmers as assayed by sucrose density ultracentrifugation. Halfmer formation was not due to deficiency in 60S subunit production, suggesting that the mutants affected subunit-joining. Chemical modification analyses indicated that the A66D mutant, but not the F96 mutants, promoted changes in 25S rRNA structure, suggesting at least two modalities for subunit joining defects. 25S rRNA structural changes were located both adjacent to A66D (in H84), and more distant (in H96-7). While none of the mutants significantly affected ribosome/tRNA binding constants, they did have strong effects on cellular growth at both high and low temperatures, in the presence of translational inhibitors, and promoted changes in translational fidelity. Two distinct mechanisms are proposed by which L11 mutants may affect subunit joining, and identification of the amino acids associated with each of these processes are presented. These findings may have implications for our understanding of multifaceted diseases such as Diamond--Blackfan anemia which have been linked in part with mutations in L11.

A flexible loop in yeast ribosomal protein L11 coordinates P-site tRNA binding

High-resolution structures reveal that yeast ribosomal protein L11 and its bacterial/archael homologs called L5 contain a highly conserved, basically charged internal loop that interacts with the peptidyl-transfer RNA (tRNA) T-loop. We call this the L11 'P-site loop'. Chemical protection of wild-type ribosome shows that that the P-site loop is inherently flexible, i.e. it is extended into the ribosomal P-site when this is unoccupied by tRNA, while it is retracted into the terminal loop of 25S rRNA Helix 84 when the P-site is occupied. To further analyze the function of this structure, a series of mutants within the P-site loop were created and analyzed. A mutant that favors interaction of the P-site loop with the terminal loop of Helix 84 promoted increased affinity for peptidyl-tRNA, while another that favors its extension into the ribosomal P-site had the opposite effect. The two mutants also had opposing effects on binding of aa-tRNA to the ribosomal A-site, and downstream functional effects were observed on translational fidelity, drug resistance/hypersensitivity, virus maintenance and overall cell growth. These analyses suggest that the L11 P-site loop normally helps to optimize ribosome function by monitoring the occupancy status of the ribosomal P-site.

Role and dynamics of the ribosomal protein P0 and its related trans-acting factor Mrt4 during ribosome assembly in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Mrt4 is a nucleolar component of the ribosome assembly machinery that shares notable similarity and competes for binding to the 25S rRNA GAR domain with the ribosomal protein P0. Here, we show that loss of function of either P0 or Mrt4 results in a deficit in 60S subunits, which is apparently due to impaired rRNA processing of 27S precursors. Mrt4, which shuttles between the nucleus and the cytoplasm, defines medium pre-60S particles. In contrast, P0 is absent from medium but present in late/cytoplasmic pre-60S complexes. The absence of Mrt4 notably increased the amount of P0 in nuclear Nop7-TAP complexes and causes P0 assembly to medium pre-60S particles. Upon P0 depletion, Mrt4 is relocated to the cytoplasm within aberrant 60S subunits. We conclude that Mrt4 controls the position and timing of P0 assembly. In turn, P0 is required for the release of Mrt4 and exchanges with this factor at the cytoplasm. Our results also suggest other P0 assembly alternatives.

Ribosomal protein L29/HIP deficiency delays osteogenesis and increases fragility of adult bone in mice

Mice lacking HIP/RPL29, a ribosomal modulator of protein synthesis rate, display a short stature phenotype. To understand the contribution of HIP/RPL29 to bone formation and adult whole bone mechanical properties, we examined both developing and adult bone in our knockout mice. Results indicated that bone shortening in HIP/RPL29-null mice is due to delayed entry of chondro-osteoprogenitors into the cell cycle. Structural properties of adult null bones were analyzed by micro-computed tomography. Interestingly, partial preservation of cortical thickness was observed in null males indicating a gender-specific effect of the genotype on cortical bone parameters. Null males, and to a lower extent null females, displayed increased bone material toughness to counteract decreased bone size. This elevation in a bone material property was associated with increased bone mineral density only in null males. Neither male nor female null animals could withstand the same maximum load as gender-matched controls in three-point bending tests, and smaller post-yield displacements (and thus increased bone brittleness) were found for null animals. These results suggest that HIP/RPL29-deficient mice exhibit increased bone fragility due to altered matrix protein synthesis rates as a consequence of ribosomal insufficiency. Thus, sub-efficient protein translation increased fracture risk in HIP/RPL29-null animals. Taken together, these studies provide strong genetic evidence that the ability to regulate and amplify protein synthesis rates, including those proteins that regulate the cell cycle entry during skeletal development, are important determinants for establishment of normal bone mass and quality.

Global screening of genes essential for growth in high-pressure and cold environments: searching for basic adaptive strategies using a yeast deletion library

Microorganisms display an optimal temperature and hydrostatic pressure for growth. To establish the molecular basis of piezo- and psychroadaptation, we elucidated global genetic defects that give rise to susceptibility to high pressure and low temperature in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Here we present 80 genes including 71 genes responsible for high-pressure growth and 56 responsible for low-temperature growth with a significant overlap of 47 genes. Numerous previously known cold-sensitive mutants exhibit marked high-pressure sensitivity. We identified critically important cellular functions: (i) amino acid biosynthesis, (ii) microautophagy and sorting of amino acid permease established by the exit from rapamycin-induced growth arrest/Gap1 sorting in the endosome (EGO/GSE) complex, (iii) mitochondrial functions, (iv) membrane trafficking, (v) actin organization mediated by Drs2-Cdc50, and (vi) transcription regulated by the Ccr4-Not complex. The loss of EGO/GSE complex resulted in a marked defect in amino acid uptake following high-pressure and low-temperature incubation, suggesting its role in surface delivery of amino acid permeases. Microautophagy and mitochondrial functions converge on glutamine homeostasis in the target of rapamycin (TOR) signaling pathway. The localization of actin requires numerous associated proteins to be properly delivered by membrane trafficking. In this study, we offer a novel route to gaining insights into cellular functions and the genetic network from growth properties of deletion mutants under high pressure and low temperature.

Functional analysis of Saccharomyces cerevisiae ribosomal protein Rpl3p in ribosome synthesis

Ribosome synthesis in eukaryotes requires a multitude of trans-acting factors. These factors act at many steps as the pre-ribosomal particles travel from the nucleolus to the cytoplasm. In contrast to the well-studied trans-acting factors, little is known about the contribution of the ribosomal proteins to ribosome biogenesis. Herein, we have analysed the role of ribosomal protein Rpl3p in 60S ribosomal subunit biogenesis. In vivo depletion of Rpl3p results in a deficit in 60S ribosomal subunits and the appearance of half-mer polysomes. This phenotype is likely due to the instability of early and intermediate pre-ribosomal particles, as evidenced by the low steady-state levels of 27SA₃, 27SB_S and 7S_L/S precursors. Furthermore, depletion of Rpl3p impairs the nucleocytoplasmic export of pre-60S ribosomal particles. Interestingly, flow cytometry analysis indicates that Rpl3p-depleted cells arrest in the G1 phase. Altogether, we suggest that upon depletion of Rpl3p, early assembly of 60S ribosomal subunits is aborted and subsequent steps during their maturation and export prevented.

Ribosomal protein L33 is required for ribosome biogenesis, subunit joining, and repression of GCN4 translation

We identified a mutation in the 60S ribosomal protein L33A (rpl33a-G76R) that elicits derepression of GCN4 translation (Gcd- phenotype) by allowing scanning preinitiation complexes to bypass inhibitory upstream open reading frame 4 (uORF4) independently of prior uORF1 translation and reinitiation. At 37 degrees C, rpl33a-G76R confers defects in 60S biogenesis comparable to those produced by the deletion of RPL33A (DeltaA). At 28 degrees C, however, the 60S biogenesis defect is less severe in rpl33a-G76R than in DeltaA cells, yet rpl33a-G76R confers greater derepression of GCN4 and a larger reduction in general translation. Hence, it appears that rpl33a-G76R has a stronger effect on ribosomal-subunit joining than does a comparable reduction of wild-type 60S levels conferred by DeltaA. We suggest that rpl33a-G76R alters the 60S subunit in a way that impedes ribosomal-subunit joining and thereby allows 48S rRNA complexes to abort initiation at uORF4, resume scanning, and initiate downstream at GCN4. Because overexpressing tRNAiMet suppresses the Gcd- phenotype of rpl33a-G76R cells, dissociation of tRNAiMet from the 40S subunit may be responsible for abortive initiation at uORF4 in this mutant. We further demonstrate that rpl33a-G76R impairs the efficient processing of 35S and 27S pre-rRNAs and reduces the accumulation of all four mature rRNAs, indicating an important role for L33 in the biogenesis of both ribosomal subunits.

Characterization of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Npa2p (Urb2p) reveals a low-molecular-mass complex containing Dbp6p, Npa1p (Urb1p), Nop8p, and Rsa3p involved in early steps of 60S ribosomal subunit biogenesis

We report the characterization of the yeast Npa2p (Urb2p) protein, which is essential for 60S ribosomal subunit biogenesis. We identified this protein in a synthetic lethal screening with the rsa3 null allele. Rsa3p is a genetic partner of the putative RNA helicase Dbp6p. Mutation or depletion of Npa2p leads to a net deficit in 60S subunits and a decrease in the levels all 27S pre-rRNAs and mature 25S and 5.8S rRNAs. This is likely due to instability of early pre-60S particles. Consistent with a role of Npa2p in 60S subunit biogenesis, green fluorescent protein-tagged Npa2p localizes predominantly to the nucleolus and TAP-tagged Npa2p sediments with large complexes in sucrose gradients and is associated mainly with 27SA(2) pre-rRNA-containing preribosomal particles. In addition, we reveal a genetic synthetic interaction between Npa2p, several factors required for early steps of 60S subunit biogenesis (Dbp6p, Dbp7p, Dbp9p, Npa1p, Nop8p, and Rsa3p), and the 60S protein Rpl3p. Furthermore, coimmunoprecipitation and gel filtration analyses demonstrated that at least Npa2p, Dbp6p, Npa1p, Nop8p, and Rsa3p are present together in a subcomplex of low molecular mass whose integrity is independent of RNA. Our results support the idea that these five factors work in concert during the early steps of 60S subunit biogenesis.

Multiple defects in translation associated with altered ribosomal protein L4

The ribosomal proteins L4 and L22 form part of the peptide exit tunnel in the large ribosomal subunit. In Escherichia coli, alterations in either of these proteins can confer resistance to the macrolide antibiotic, erythromycin. The structures of the 30S as well as the 50S subunits from each antibiotic resistant mutant differ from wild type in distinct ways and L4 mutant ribosomes have decreased peptide bond-forming activity. Our analyses of the decoding properties of both mutants show that ribosomes carrying the altered L4 protein support increased levels of frameshifting, missense decoding and readthrough of stop codons during the elongation phase of protein synthesis and stimulate utilization of non-AUG codons and mutant initiator tRNAs at initiation. L4 mutant ribosomes are also altered in their interactions with a range of 30S-targeted antibiotics. In contrast, the L22 mutant is relatively unaffected in both decoding activities and antibiotic interactions. These results suggest that mutations in the large subunit protein L4 not only alter the structure of the 50S subunit, but upon subunit association, also affect the structure and function of the 30S subunit.

Nuclear export of 60s ribosomal subunits depends on Xpo1p and requires a nuclear export sequence-containing factor, Nmd3p, that associates with the large subunit protein Rpl10p

Nuclear export of ribosomes requires a subset of nucleoporins and the Ran system, but specific transport factors have not been identified. Using a large subunit reporter (Rpl25p-eGFP), we have isolated several temperature-sensitive ribosomal export (rix) mutants. One of these corresponds to the ribosomal protein Rpl10p, which interacts directly with Nmd3p, a conserved and essential protein associated with 60S subunits. We find that thermosensitive nmd3 mutants are impaired in large subunit export. Strikingly, Nmd3p shuttles between the nucleus and cytoplasm and is exported by the nuclear export receptor Xpo1p. Moreover, we show that export of 60S subunits is Xpo1p dependent. We conclude that nuclear export of 60S subunits requires the nuclear export sequence-containing nonribosomal protein Nmd3p, which directly binds to the large subunit protein Rpl10p.

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae TIF6 gene encoding translation initiation factor 6 is required for 60S ribosomal subunit biogenesis

Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 6 (eIF6), a monomeric protein of about 26 kDa, can bind to the 60S ribosomal subunit and prevent its association with the 40S ribosomal subunit. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, eIF6 is encoded by a single-copy essential gene. To understand the function of eIF6 in yeast cells, we constructed a conditional mutant haploid yeast strain in which a functional but a rapidly degradable form of eIF6 fusion protein was synthesized from a repressible GAL10 promoter. Depletion of eIF6 from yeast cells resulted in a selective reduction in the level of 60S ribosomal subunits, causing a stoichiometric imbalance in 60S-to-40S subunit ratio and inhibition of the rate of in vivo protein synthesis. Further analysis indicated that eIF6 is not required for the stability of 60S ribosomal subunits. Rather, eIF6-depleted cells showed defective pre-rRNA processing, resulting in accumulation of 35S pre-rRNA precursor, formation of a 23S aberrant pre-rRNA, decreased 20S pre-rRNA levels, and accumulation of 27SB pre-rRNA. The defect in the processing of 27S pre-rRNA resulted in the reduced formation of mature 25S and 5.8S rRNAs relative to 18S rRNA, which may account for the selective deficit of 60S ribosomal subunits in these cells. Cell fractionation as well as indirect immunofluorescence studies showed that c-Myc or hemagglutinin epitope-tagged eIF6 was distributed throughout the cytoplasm and the nuclei of yeast cells.

Bop1 is a mouse WD40 repeat nucleolar protein involved in 28S and 5. 8S RRNA processing and 60S ribosome biogenesis

We have identified and characterized a novel mouse protein, Bop1, which contains WD40 repeats and is highly conserved through evolution. bop1 is ubiquitously expressed in all mouse tissues examined and is upregulated during mid-G(1) in serum-stimulated fibroblasts. Immunofluorescence analysis shows that Bop1 is localized predominantly to the nucleolus. In sucrose density gradients, Bop1 from nuclear extracts cosediments with the 50S-80S ribonucleoprotein particles that contain the 32S rRNA precursor. RNase A treatment disrupts these particles and releases Bop1 into a low-molecular-weight fraction. A mutant form of Bop1, Bop1Delta, which lacks 231 amino acids in the N- terminus, is colocalized with wild-type Bop1 in the nucleolus and in ribonucleoprotein complexes. Expression of Bop1Delta leads to cell growth arrest in the G(1) phase and results in a specific inhibition of the synthesis of the 28S and 5.8S rRNAs without affecting 18S rRNA formation. Pulse-chase analyses show that Bop1Delta expression results in a partial inhibition in the conversion of the 36S to the 32S pre-rRNA and a complete inhibition of the processing of the 32S pre-rRNA to form the mature 28S and 5.8S rRNAs. Concomitant with these defects in rRNA processing, expression of Bop1Delta in mouse cells leads to a deficit in the cytosolic 60S ribosomal subunits. These studies thus identify Bop1 as a novel, nonribosomal mammalian protein that plays a key role in the formation of the mature 28S and 5.8S rRNAs and in the biogenesis of the 60S ribosomal subunit.

RRS1, a conserved essential gene, encodes a novel regulatory protein required for ribosome biogenesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

A secretory defect causes specific and significant transcriptional repression of both ribosomal protein and rRNA genes (K. Mizuta and J. R. Warner, Mol. Cell. Biol. 14:2493-2502, 1994), suggesting the coupling of plasma membrane and ribosome syntheses. In order to elucidate the molecular mechanism of the signaling pathway, we isolated a cold-sensitive mutant with a mutation in a gene termed RRS1 (regulator of ribosome synthesis), which appeared to be defective in the signaling pathway. The rrs1-1 mutation greatly reduced transcriptional repression of both rRNA and ribosomal protein genes that is caused by a secretory defect. RRS1 is a novel, essential gene encoding a nuclear protein of 203 amino acid residues that is conserved in eukaryotes. A conditional rrs1-null mutant was constructed by placing RRS1 under the control of the GAL1 promoter. Rrs1p depletion caused defects in processing of pre-rRNA and assembly of ribosomal subunits.

Point mutations in yeast CBF5 can abolish in vivo pseudouridylation of rRNA

In budding yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), the majority of box H/ACA small nucleolar RNPs (snoRNPs) have been shown to direct site-specific pseudouridylation of rRNA. Among the known protein components of H/ACA snoRNPs, the essential nucleolar protein Cbf5p is the most likely pseudouridine (Psi) synthase. Cbf5p has considerable sequence similarity to Escherichia coli TruBp, a known Psi synthase, and shares the "KP" and "XLD" conserved sequence motifs found in the catalytic domains of three distinct families of known and putative Psi synthases. To gain additional evidence on the role of Cbf5p in rRNA biosynthesis, we have used in vitro mutagenesis techniques to introduce various alanine substitutions into the putative Psi synthase domain of Cbf5p. Yeast strains expressing these mutated cbf5 genes in a cbf5Delta null background are viable at 25 degrees C but display pronounced cold- and heat-sensitive growth phenotypes. Most of the mutants contain reduced levels of Psi in rRNA at extreme temperatures. Substitution of alanine for an aspartic acid residue in the conserved XLD motif of Cbf5p (mutant cbf5D95A) abolishes in vivo pseudouridylation of rRNA. Some of the mutants are temperature sensitive both for growth and for formation of Psi in the rRNA. In most cases, the impaired growth phenotypes are not relieved by transcription of the rRNA from a polymerase II-driven promoter, indicating the absence of polymerase I-related transcriptional defects. There is little or no abnormal accumulation of pre-rRNAs in these mutants, although preferential inhibition of 18S rRNA synthesis is seen in mutant cbf5D95A, which lacks Psi in rRNA. A subset of mutations in the Psi synthase domain impairs association of the altered Cbf5p proteins with selected box H/ACA snoRNAs, suggesting that the functional catalytic domain is essential for that interaction. Our results provide additional evidence that Cbf5p is the Psi synthase component of box H/ACA snoRNPs and suggest that the pseudouridylation of rRNA, although not absolutely required for cell survival, is essential for the formation of fully functional ribosomes.

Assembly of 5S ribosomal RNA is required at a specific step of the pre-rRNA processing pathway

A collection of yeast strains surviving with mutant 5S RNA has been constructed. The mutant strains presented alterations of the nucleolar structure, with less granular component, and a delocalization of the 25S rRNA throughout the nucleoplasm. The 5S RNA mutations affected helix I and resulted in decreased amounts of stable 5S RNA and of the ribosomal 60S subunits. The shortage of 60S subunits was due to a specific defect in the processing of the 27SB precursor RNA that gives rise to the mature 25S and 5.8S rRNA. The processing rate of the 27SB pre-rRNA was specifically delayed, whereas the 27SA and 20S pre-rRNA were processed at a normal rate. The defect was partially corrected by increasing the amount of mutant 5S RNA. We propose that the 5S RNA is recruited by the pre-60S particle and that its recruitment is necessary for the efficient processing of the 27SB RNA precursor. Such a mechanism could ensure that all newly formed mature 60S subunits contain stoichiometric amounts of the three rRNA components.

NMD3 encodes an essential cytoplasmic protein required for stable 60S ribosomal subunits in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

A mutation in NMD3 was found to be lethal in the absence of XRN1, which encodes the major cytoplasmic exoribonuclease responsible for mRNA turnover. Molecular genetic analysis of NMD3 revealed that it is an essential gene required for stable 60S ribosomal subunits. Cells bearing a temperature-sensitive allele of NMD3 had decreased levels of 60S subunits at the nonpermissive temperature which resulted in the formation of half-mer polysomes. Pulse-chase analysis of rRNA biogenesis indicated that 25S rRNA was made and processed with kinetics similar to wild-type kinetics. However, the mature RNA was rapidly degraded, with a half-life of 4 min. Nmd3p fractionated as a cytoplasmic protein and sedimented in the position of free 60S subunits in sucrose gradients. These results suggest that Nmd3p is a cytoplasmic factor required for a late cytoplasmic assembly step of the 60S subunit but is not a ribosomal protein. Putative orthologs of Nmd3p exist in Drosophila, in nematodes, and in archaebacteria but not in eubacteria. The Nmd3 protein sequence does not contain readily recognizable motifs of known function. However, these proteins all have an amino-terminal domain containing four repeats of Cx2C, reminiscent of zinc-binding proteins, implicated in nucleic acid binding or protein oligomerization.

Nip7p interacts with Nop8p, an essential nucleolar protein required for 60S ribosome biogenesis, and the exosome subunit Rrp43p

NIP7 encodes a conserved Saccharomyces cerevisiae nucleolar protein that is required for 60S subunit biogenesis (N. I. T. Zanchin, P. Roberts, A. DeSilva, F. Sherman, and D. S. Goldfarb, Mol. Cell. Biol. 17:5001-5015, 1997). Rrp43p and a second essential protein, Nop8p, were identified in a two-hybrid screen as Nip7p-interacting proteins. Biochemical evidence for an interaction was provided by the copurification on immunoglobulin G-Sepharose of Nip7p with protein A-tagged Rrp43p and Nop8p. Cells depleted of Nop8p contained reduced levels of free 60S ribosomes and polysomes and accumulated half-mer polysomes. Nop8p-depleted cells also accumulated 35S pre-rRNA and an aberrant 23S pre-rRNA. Nop8p-depleted cells failed to accumulate either 25S or 27S rRNA, although they did synthesize significant levels of 18S rRNA. These results indicate that 27S or 25S rRNA is degraded in Nop8p-depleted cells after the section containing 18S rRNA is removed. Nip7p-depleted cells exhibited the same defects as Nop8p-depleted cells, except that they accumulated 27S precursors. Rrp43p is a component of the exosome, a complex of 3'-to-5' exonucleases whose subunits have been implicated in 5.8S rRNA processing and mRNA turnover. Whereas both green fluorescent protein (GFP)-Nop8p and GFP-Nip7p localized to nucleoli, GFP-Rrp43p localized throughout the nucleus and to a lesser extent in the cytoplasm. Distinct pools of Rrp43p may interact both with the exosome and with Nip7p, possibly both in the nucleus and in the cytoplasm, to catalyze analogous reactions in the multistep process of 60S ribosome biogenesis and mRNA turnover.

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae homologue of mammalian translation initiation factor 6 does not function as a translation initiation factor

Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 6 (eIF6) binds to the 60S ribosomal subunit and prevents its association with the 40S ribosomal subunit. The Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene that encodes the 245-amino-acid eIF6 (calculated Mr 25,550), designated TIF6, has been cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. The purified recombinant protein prevents association between 40S and 60S ribosomal subunits to form 80S ribosomes. TIF6 is a single-copy gene that maps on chromosome XVI and is essential for cell growth. eIF6 expressed in yeast cells associates with free 60S ribosomal subunits but not with 80S monosomes or polysomal ribosomes, indicating that it is not a ribosomal protein. Depletion of eIF6 from yeast cells resulted in a decrease in the rate of protein synthesis, accumulation of half-mer polyribosomes, reduced levels of 60S ribosomal subunits resulting in the stoichiometric imbalance in the 40S/60S subunit ratio, and ultimately cessation of cell growth. Furthermore, lysates of yeast cells depleted of eIF6 remained active in translation of mRNAs in vitro. These results indicate that eIF6 does not act as a true translation initiation factor. Rather, the protein may be involved in the biogenesis and/or stability of 60S ribosomal subunits.

Dbp6p is an essential putative ATP-dependent RNA helicase required for 60S-ribosomal-subunit assembly in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

A previously uncharacterized Saccharomyces cerevisiae open reading frame, YNR038W, was analyzed in the context of the European Functional Analysis Network. YNR038W encodes a putative ATP-dependent RNA helicase of the DEAD-box protein family and was therefore named DBP6 (DEAD-box protein 6). Dbp6p is essential for cell viability. In vivo depletion of Dbp6p results in a deficit in 60S ribosomal subunits and the appearance of half-mer polysomes. Pulse-chase labeling of pre-rRNA and steady-state analysis of pre-rRNA and mature rRNA by Northern hybridization and primer extension show that Dbp6p depletion leads to decreased production of the 27S and 7S precursors, resulting in a depletion of the mature 25S and 5.8S rRNAs. Furthermore, hemagglutinin epitope-tagged Dbp6p is detected exclusively within the nucleolus. We propose that Dbp6p is required for the proper assembly of preribosomal particles during the biogenesis of 60S ribosomal subunits, probably by acting as an rRNA helicase.

Dob1p (Mtr4p) is a putative ATP-dependent RNA helicase required for the 3' end formation of 5.8S rRNA in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The temperature-sensitive mutation, dob1-1, was identified in a screen for dependence on overexpression of the yeast translation initiation factor eIF4B (Tif3p). Dob1p is an essential putative ATP-dependent RNA helicase. Polysome analyses revealed an under accumulation of 60S ribosomal subunits in the dob1-1 mutant. Pulse-chase labelling of pre-rRNA showed that this was due to a defect in the synthesis of the 5.8S and 25S rRNAs. Northern and primer extension analyses in the dob1-1 mutant, or in a strain genetically depleted of Dob1p, revealed a specific inhibition of the 3' processing of the 5.8S rRNA from its 7S precursor. This processing recently has been attributed to the activity of the exosome, a complex of 3'-->5' exonucleases that includes Rrp4p. In vivo depletion of Dob1p also inhibits degradation of the 5' external transcribed spacer region of the pre-rRNA. A similar phenotype was observed in rrp4 mutant strains and, moreover, the dob1-1 and rrp4-1 mutations show a strong synergistic growth inhibition. We propose that Dob1p functions as a cofactor for the exosome complex that unwinds secondary structures in the pre-rRNA that otherwise block the progression of the 3'-->5' exonucleases.

A nuclear import pathway for a protein involved in tRNA maturation

A limited number of transport factors, or karyopherins, ferry particular substrates between the cytoplasm and nucleoplasm. We identified the Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene YDR395w/SXM1 as a potential karyopherin on the basis of limited sequence similarity to known karyopherins. From yeast cytosol, we isolated Sxm1p in complex with several potential import substrates. These substrates included Lhp1p, the yeast homologue of the human autoantigen La that has recently been shown to facilitate maturation of pre-tRNA, and three distinct ribosomal proteins, Rpl16p, Rpl25p, and Rpl34p. Further, we demonstrate that Lhp1p is specifically imported by Sxm1p. In the absence of Sxm1p, Lhp1p was mislocalized to the cytoplasm. Sxm1p and Lhp1p represent the karyopherin and a cognate substrate of a unique nuclear import pathway, one that operates upstream of a major pathway of pre-tRNA maturation, which itself is upstream of tRNA export in wild-type cells. In addition, through its association with ribosomal proteins, Sxm1p may have a role in coordinating ribosome biogenesis with tRNA processing.

Fal1p is an essential DEAD-box protein involved in 40S-ribosomal-subunit biogenesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

A previously uncharacterized Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene, FAL1, was found by sequence comparison as a homolog of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A (eIF4A). Fal1p has 55% identity and 73% similarity on the amino acid level to yeast eIF4A, the prototype of ATP-dependent RNA helicases of the DEAD-box protein family. Although clearly grouped in the eIF4A subfamily, the essential Fal1p displays a different subcellular function and localization. An HA epitope-tagged Fal1p is localized predominantly in the nucleolus. Polysome analyses in a temperature-sensitive fal1-1 mutant and a Fal1p-depleted strain reveal a decrease in the number of 40S ribosomal subunits. Furthermore, these strains are hypersensitive to the aminoglycoside antibiotics paromomycin and neomycin. Pulse-chase labeling of pre-rRNA and steady-state-level analysis of pre-rRNAs and mature rRNAs by Northern hybridization and primer extension in the Fal1p-depleted strain show that Fal1p is required for pre-rRNA processing at sites A0, A1, and A2. Consequently, depletion of Fal1p leads to decreased 18S rRNA levels and to an overall deficit in 40S ribosomal subunits. Together, these results implicate Fal1p in the 18S rRNA maturation pathway rather than in translation initiation.

The yeast nucleolar protein Cbf5p is involved in rRNA biosynthesis and interacts genetically with the RNA polymerase I transcription factor RRN3

Yeast Cbf5p was originally isolated as a low-affinity centromeric DNA binding protein (W. Jiang, K. Middleton, H.-J. Yoon, C. Fouquet, and J. Carbon, Mol. Cell. Biol. 13:4884-4893, 1993). Cbf5p also binds microtubules in vitro and interacts genetically with two known centromere-related protein genes (NDC10/CBF2 and MCK1). However, Cbf5p was found to be nucleolar and is highly homologous to the rat nucleolar protein NAP57, which coimmunoprecipitates with Nopp140 and which is postulated to be involved in nucleolar-cytoplasmic shuttling (U. T. Meier, and G. Blobel, J. Cell Biol. 127:1505-1514, 1994). The temperature-sensitive cbf5-1 mutant demonstrates a pronounced defect in rRNA biosynthesis at restrictive temperatures, while tRNA transcription and pre-rRNA and pre-tRNA cleavage processing appear normal. The cbf5-1 mutant cells are deficient in cytoplasmic ribosomal subunits at both permissive and restrictive temperatures. A high-copy-number yeast genomic library was screened for genes that suppress the cbf5-1 temperature-sensitive growth phenotype. SYC1 (suppressor of yeast cbf5-1) was identified as a multicopy suppressor of cbf5-1 and subsequently was found to be identical to RRN3, an RNA polymerase I transcription factor. A cbf5delta null mutant is not rescued by plasmid pNOY103 containing a yeast 35S rRNA gene under the control of a Pol II promoter, indicating that Cbf5p has one or more essential functions in addition to its role in rRNA transcription.

SQT1, which encodes an essential WD domain protein of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, suppresses dominant-negative mutations of the ribosomal protein gene QSR1

QSR1 is an essential Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene, which encodes a 60S ribosomal subunit protein required for joining of 40S and 60S subunits. Truncations of QSR1 predicted to encode C-terminally truncated forms of Qsr1p do not substitute for QSR1 but do act as dominant negative mutations, inhibiting the growth of yeast when expressed from an inducible promoter. The dominant negative mutants exhibit a polysome profile characterized by 'half-mer' polysomes, indicative of a subunit joining defect like that seen in other qsr1 mutants (D. P. Eisinger, F. A. Dick, and B. L. Trumpower, Mol. Cell. Biol. 17:5136-5145, 1997.) By screening a high-copy yeast genomic library, we isolated several clones containing overlapping inserts of a novel gene that rescues the slow-growth phenotype of the dominant negative qsr1 truncations. The suppressor of qsr1 truncation mutants, SQT1, is an essential gene, which encodes a 47.1-kDa protein containing multiple WD repeats and which interacts strongly with Qsr1p in a yeast two-hybrid system. SQT1 restores growth and the "half-mer" polysome profile of the dominant negative qsr1 mutants to normal, but it does not rescue temperature-sensitive qsr1 mutants or the original qsr1-1 missense allele. In yeast cell lysates, Sqt1p fractionates as part of an oligomeric protein complex that is loosely associated with ribosomes but is distinct from known eukaryotic initiation factor complexes. Loss of SQT1 function by down regulation from an inducible promoter results in formation of half-mer polyribosomes and decreased Qsr1p levels on free 60S subunits. Sqt1p thus appears to be involved in a late step of 60S subunit assembly or modification in the cytoplasm.

Functional analysis of Rrp7p, an essential yeast protein involved in pre-rRNA processing and ribosome assembly

During the functional analysis of open reading frames (ORFs) identified during the sequencing of chromosome III of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the previously uncharacterized ORF YCL031C (now designated RRP7) was deleted. RRP7 is essential for cell viability, and a conditional null allele was therefore constructed, by placing its expression under the control of a regulated GAL promoter. Genetic depletion of Rrp7p inhibited the pre-rRNA processing steps that lead to the production of the 20S pre-rRNA, resulting in reduced synthesis of the 18S rRNA and a reduced ratio of 40S to 60S ribosomal subunits. A screen for multicopy suppressors of the lethality of the GAL::rrp7 allele isolated the two genes encoding a previously unidentified ribosomal protein (r-protein) that is highly homologous to the rat r-protein S27. When present in multiple copies, either gene can suppress the lethality of an RRP7 deletion mutation and can partially restore the ribosomal subunit ratio in Rrp7p-depleted cells. Deletion of both r-protein genes is lethal; deletion of either single gene has an effect on pre-rRNA processing similar to that of Rrp7p depletion. We believe that Rrp7p is required for correct assembly of rpS27 into the preribosomal particle, with the inhibition of pre-rRNA processing appearing as a consequence of this defect.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae Nip7p is required for efficient 60S ribosome subunit biogenesis

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae temperature-sensitive (ts) allele nip7-1 exhibits phenotypes associated with defects in the translation apparatus, including hypersensitivity to paromomycin and accumulation of halfmer polysomes. The cloned NIP7+ gene complemented the nip7-1 ts growth defect, the paromomycin hypersensitivity, and the halfmer defect. NIP7 encodes a 181-amino-acid protein (21 kDa) with homology to predicted products of open reading frames from humans, Caenorhabditis elegans, and Arabidopsis thaliana, indicating that Nip7p function is evolutionarily conserved. Gene disruption analysis demonstrated that NIP7 is essential for growth. A fraction of Nip7p cosedimented through sucrose gradients with free 60S ribosomal subunits but not with 80S monosomes or polysomal ribosomes, indicating that it is not a ribosomal protein. Nip7p was found evenly distributed throughout the cytoplasm and nucleus by indirect immunofluorescence; however, in vivo localization of a Nip7p-green fluorescent protein fusion protein revealed that a significant amount of Nip7p is present inside the nucleus, most probably in the nucleolus. Depletion of Nip7-1p resulted in a decrease in protein synthesis rates, accumulation of halfmers, reduced levels of 60S subunits, and, ultimately, cessation of growth. Nip7-1p-depleted cells showed defective pre-rRNA processing, including accumulation of the 35S rRNA precursor, presence of a 23S aberrant precursor, decreased 20S pre-rRNA levels, and accumulation of 27S pre-rRNA. Delayed processing of 27S pre-rRNA appeared to be the cause of reduced synthesis of 25S rRNA relative to 18S rRNA, which may be responsible for the deficit of 60S subunits in these cells.

Qsr1p, a 60S ribosomal subunit protein, is required for joining of 40S and 60S subunits

QSR1 is a recently discovered, essential Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene, which encodes a 60S ribosomal subunit protein. Thirty-one unique temperature-sensitive alleles of QSR1 were generated by regional codon randomization within a conserved 20-amino-acid sequence of the QSR1-encoded protein. The temperature-sensitive mutants arrest as viable, large, unbudded cells 24 to 48 h after a shift to 37 degrees C. Polysome and ribosomal subunit analysis by velocity gradient centrifugation of lysates from temperature-sensitive qsr1 mutants and from cells in which Qsr1p was depleted by down regulation of an inducible promoter revealed the presence of half-mer polysomes and a large pool of free 60S subunits that lack Qsr1p. In vitro subunit-joining assays and analysis of a mutant conditional for the synthesis of Qsr1p demonstrate that 60S subunits devoid of Qsr1p are unable to join with 40S subunits whereas 60S subunits that contain either wild-type or mutant forms of the protein are capable of subunit joining. The defective 60S subunits result from a reduced association of mutant Qsr1p with 60S subunits. These results indicate that Qsr1p is required for ribosomal subunit joining.

Variable region V1 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae 18S rRNA participates in biogenesis and function of the small ribosomal subunit

The role of helix 6, which forms the major portion of the most 5'-located expansion segment of Saccharomyces cerevisiae 18S rRNA, was studied by in vivo mutational analysis. Mutations that increased the size of the helical part and/or the loop, even to a relatively small extent, abolished 18S rRNA formation almost completely. Concomitantly, 35S pre-rRNA and an abnormal 23S precursor species accumulated. rDNA units containing these mutations did not support cell growth. A deletion removing helix 6 almost completely, on the other hand, had a much less severe effect on the formation of 18S rRNA, and cells expressing only the mutant rRNA remained able to grow, albeit at a much reduced rate. Disruption of the apical A.U base pair by a single point mutation did not cause a noticeable reduction in the level of 18S rRNA but did result in a twofold lower growth rate of the cells. This effect could not be reversed by introduction of a second point mutation that restores base pairing. We conclude that both the primary and the secondary structure of helix 6 play an important role in the formation and the biological function of the 40S subunit.

Ribosomal protein L32 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae influences both the splicing of its own transcript and the processing of rRNA

Ribosomal protein L32 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae binds to and regulates the splicing and the translation of the transcript of its own gene. Selecting for mutants deficient in the regulation of splicing, we have identified a mutant form of L32 that no longer binds to the transcript of RPL32 and therefore does not regulate its splicing. The mutation is the deletion of an isoleucine residue from a highly conserved hydrophobic domain near the middle of L32. The mutant protein supports growth, at a reduced rate, and is found at normal levels in mature ribosomes. However, in cells homozygous for the mutant gene, the rate of processing of the ribosomal RNA component of the 60S ribosomal subunit is severely reduced, leading to an insufficiency of 60S subunits. L32 must be considered a remarkable protein. Composed of only 104 amino acids, it appears to interact with three distinct RNA molecules to influence three different elements of RNA processing and function in three different locations of the cell: the processing of pre-rRNA in the nucleolus, the splicing of the RPL32 transcript in the nucleus, and the translation of the spliced RPL32 mRNA in the cytoplasm.

Nop2p is required for pre-rRNA processing and 60S ribosome subunit synthesis in yeast

To investigate the function of the nucleolar protein Nop2p in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we constructed a strain in which NOP2 is under the control of a repressible promoter. Repression of NOP2 expression lengthens the doubling time of this strain about fivefold and reduces steady-state levels of 60S ribosomal subunits, 80S ribosomes, and polysomes. Levels of 40S subunits increase as the free pool of 60S subunits is reduced. Nop2p depletion impairs processing of the 35S pre-rRNA and inhibits processing of 27S pre-rRNA, which results in lower steady-state levels of 25S rRNA and 5.8S rRNA. Processing of 20S pre-rRNA to 18S rRNA is not significantly affected. Processing at sites A2, A3, B1L, and B1S and the generation of 5' termini of different pre-rRNA intermediates appear to be normal after Nop2p depletion. Sequence comparisons suggest that Nop2p may function as a methyltransferase. 2'-O-ribose methylation of the conserved site UmGm psi UC2922 is known to take place during processing of 27S pre-rRNA. Although Nop2p depletion lengthens the half-life of 27S pre-RNA, methylation of UmGm psi UC2922 in 27S pre-rRNA is low during Nop2p depletion. However, methylation of UmGm psi UC2922 in mature 25S rRNA appears normal. These findings provide evidence for a close interconnection between methylation at this conserved site and the processing step that yields the 25S rRNA.

The PRP31 gene encodes a novel protein required for pre-mRNA splicing in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The pre-mRNA splicing factor Prp31p was identified in a screen of temperature-sensitive yeast strains for those exhibiting a splicing defect upon shift to the non- permissive temperature. The wild-type PRP31 gene was cloned and shown to be essential for cell viability. The PRP31 gene is predicted to encode a 60 kDa polypeptide. No similarities with other known splicing factors or motifs indicative of protein-protein or RNA-protein interaction domains are discernible in the predicted amino acid sequence. A PRP31 allele bearing a triple repeat of the hemagglutinin epitope has been generated. The tagged protein is functional in vivo and a single polypeptide species of the predicted size was detected by Western analysis with proteins from yeast cell extracts. Functional Prp31p is required for the processing of pre-mRNA species both in vivo and in vitro, indicating that the protein is directly involved in the splicing pathway.

The duplicated Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene SSM1 encodes a eucaryotic homolog of the eubacterial and archaebacterial L1 ribosomal proteins

A previously unknown Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene, SSM1a, was isolated by screening for high-copy-number suppressors of thermosensitive mutations in the RNA14 gene, which encodes a component from the polyadenylation complex. The SSM1 a gene codes for a 217-amino-acid protein, Ssm1p, which is significantly homologous to eubacterial and archaebacterial ribosomal proteins of the L1 family. Comparison of the Ssm1p amino acid sequence with that of eucaryotic polypeptides with unknown functions reveals that Ssm1p is the prototype of a new eucaryotic protein family. Biochemical analysis shows that Ssm1p is a structural protein that forms part of the largest 60S ribosomal subunit, which does not exist in a pool of free proteins. SSM1 a is duplicated. The second gene copy, SSM1b, is functional and codes for an identical and functionally interchangeable Ssm1p protein. In wild-type cells, SSM1b transcripts accumulate to twice the level of SSM1a transcripts, suggesting that SSM1b is responsible for the majority of the Ssm1p pool. Haploid cells lacking both SSM1 genes are inviable, demonstrating that, in contrast with its Escherichia coli homolog, Ssm1p is an essential ribosomal protein. Deletion of the most expressed SSM1b gene leads to a severe decrease in the level of SSM1 transcript, associated with a reduced growth rate. Polysome profile analysis suggests that the primary defect caused by the depletion in Ssm1p is at the level of translation initiation.

Structurally related but functionally distinct yeast Sm D core small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particle proteins

Spliceosome assembly during pre-mRNA splicing requires the correct positioning of the U1, U2, U4/U6, and U5 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particles (snRNPs) on the precursor mRNA. The structure and integrity of these snRNPs are maintained in part by the association of the snRNAs with core snRNP (Sm) proteins. The Sm proteins also play a pivotal role in metazoan snRNP biogenesis. We have characterized a Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene, SMD3, that encodes the core snRNP protein Smd3. The Smd3 protein is required for pre-mRNA splicing in vivo. Depletion of this protein from yeast cells affects the levels of U snRNAs and their cap modification, indicating that Smd3 is required for snRNP biogenesis. Smd3 is structurally and functionally distinct from the previously described yeast core polypeptide Smd1. Although Smd3 and Smd1 are both associated with the spliceosomal snRNPs, overexpression of one cannot compensate for the loss of the other. Thus, these two proteins have distinct functions. A pool of Smd3 exists in the yeast cytoplasm. This is consistent with the possibility that snRNP assembly in S. cerevisiae, as in metazoans, is initiated in the cytoplasm from a pool of RNA-free core snRNP protein complexes.

DRS1 to DRS7, novel genes required for ribosome assembly and function in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

To identify Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutants defective in assembly or function of ribosomes, a collection of cold-sensitive strains generated by treatment with ethyl methanesulfonate was screened by sucrose gradient analysis for altered ratios of free 40S to 60S ribosomal subunits or qualitative changes in polyribosome profiles. Mutations defining seven complementation groups deficient in ribosomal subunits, drs1 to drs7, were identified. We have previously shown that DRS1 encodes a putative ATP-dependent RNA helicase necessary for assembly of 60S ribosomal subunits (T. L. Ripmaster, G. P. Vaughn, and J. L. Woolford, Jr., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89:11131-11135, 1992). Strains bearing the drs2 mutation process the 20S precursor of the mature 18S rRNA slowly and are deficient in 40S ribosomal subunits. Cloning and sequencing of the DRS2 gene revealed that it encodes a protein similar to membrane-spanning Ca2+ ATPases. The predicted amino acid sequence encoded by DRS2 contains seven transmembrane domains, a phosphate-binding loop found in ATP- or GTP-binding proteins, and a seven-amino-acid sequence detected in all classes of P-type ATPases. The cold-sensitive phenotype of drs2 is suppressed by extra copies of the TEF3 gene, which encodes a yeast homolog of eukaryotic translation elongation factor EF-1 gamma. Identification of gene products affecting ribosome assembly and function among the DNAs complementing the drs mutations validates the feasibility of this approach.

DRS1 to DRS7, novel genes required for ribosome assembly and function in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

To identify Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutants defective in assembly or function of ribosomes, a collection of cold-sensitive strains generated by treatment with ethyl methanesulfonate was screened by sucrose gradient analysis for altered ratios of free 40S to 60S ribosomal subunits or qualitative changes in polyribosome profiles. Mutations defining seven complementation groups deficient in ribosomal subunits, drs1 to drs7, were identified. We have previously shown that DRS1 encodes a putative ATP-dependent RNA helicase necessary for assembly of 60S ribosomal subunits (T. L. Ripmaster, G. P. Vaughn, and J. L. Woolford, Jr., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89:11131-11135, 1992). Strains bearing the drs2 mutation process the 20S precursor of the mature 18S rRNA slowly and are deficient in 40S ribosomal subunits. Cloning and sequencing of the DRS2 gene revealed that it encodes a protein similar to membrane-spanning Ca2+ ATPases. The predicted amino acid sequence encoded by DRS2 contains seven transmembrane domains, a phosphate-binding loop found in ATP- or GTP-binding proteins, and a seven-amino-acid sequence detected in all classes of P-type ATPases. The cold-sensitive phenotype of drs2 is suppressed by extra copies of the TEF3 gene, which encodes a yeast homolog of eukaryotic translation elongation factor EF-1 gamma. Identification of gene products affecting ribosome assembly and function among the DNAs complementing the drs mutations validates the feasibility of this approach.

TIF4631 and TIF4632: two yeast genes encoding the high-molecular-weight subunits of the cap-binding protein complex (eukaryotic initiation factor 4F) contain an RNA recognition motif-like sequence and carry out an essential function

The 5' ends of eukaryotic mRNAs are blocked by a cap structure, m7GpppX (where X is any nucleotide). The interaction of the cap structure with a cap-binding protein complex is required for efficient ribosome binding to the mRNA. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the cap-binding protein complex is a heterodimer composed of two subunits with molecular masses of 24 (eIF-4E, CDC33) and 150 (p150) kDa. p150 is presumed to be the yeast homolog of the p220 component of mammalian eIF-4F. In this report, we describe the isolation of yeast gene TIF4631, which encodes p150, and a closely related gene, TIF4632. TIF4631 and TIF4632 are 53% identical overall and 80% identical over a 320-amino-acid stretch in their carboxy-terminal halves. Both proteins contain sequences resembling the RNA recognition motif and auxiliary domains that are characteristic of a large family of RNA-binding proteins. tif4631-disrupted strains exhibited a slow-growth, cold-sensitive phenotype, while disruption of TIF4632 failed to show any phenotype under the conditions assayed. Double gene disruption engendered lethality, suggesting that the two genes are functionally homologous and demonstrating that at least one of them is essential for viability. These data are consistent with a critical role for the high-molecular-weight subunit of putative yeast eIF-4F in translation. Sequence comparison of TIF4631, TIF4632, and the human eIF-4F p220 subunit revealed significant stretches of homology. We have thus cloned two yeast homologs of mammalian p220.

TIF4631 and TIF4632: two yeast genes encoding the high-molecular-weight subunits of the cap-binding protein complex (eukaryotic initiation factor 4F) contain an RNA recognition motif-like sequence and carry out an essential function

The 5' ends of eukaryotic mRNAs are blocked by a cap structure, m7GpppX (where X is any nucleotide). The interaction of the cap structure with a cap-binding protein complex is required for efficient ribosome binding to the mRNA. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the cap-binding protein complex is a heterodimer composed of two subunits with molecular masses of 24 (eIF-4E, CDC33) and 150 (p150) kDa. p150 is presumed to be the yeast homolog of the p220 component of mammalian eIF-4F. In this report, we describe the isolation of yeast gene TIF4631, which encodes p150, and a closely related gene, TIF4632. TIF4631 and TIF4632 are 53% identical overall and 80% identical over a 320-amino-acid stretch in their carboxy-terminal halves. Both proteins contain sequences resembling the RNA recognition motif and auxiliary domains that are characteristic of a large family of RNA-binding proteins. tif4631-disrupted strains exhibited a slow-growth, cold-sensitive phenotype, while disruption of TIF4632 failed to show any phenotype under the conditions assayed. Double gene disruption engendered lethality, suggesting that the two genes are functionally homologous and demonstrating that at least one of them is essential for viability. These data are consistent with a critical role for the high-molecular-weight subunit of putative yeast eIF-4F in translation. Sequence comparison of TIF4631, TIF4632, and the human eIF-4F p220 subunit revealed significant stretches of homology. We have thus cloned two yeast homologs of mammalian p220.

Yeast ribosomal protein L1 is required for the stability of newly synthesized 5S rRNA and the assembly of 60S ribosomal subunits

Ribosomal protein L1 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae binds 5S rRNA and can be released from intact 60S ribosomal subunits as an L1-5S ribonucleoprotein (RNP) particle. To understand the nature of the interaction between L1 and 5S rRNA and to assess the role of L1 in ribosome assembly and function, we cloned the RPL1 gene encoding L1. We have shown that RPL1 is an essential single-copy gene. A conditional null mutant in which the only copy of RPL1 is under control of the repressible GAL1 promoter was constructed. Depletion of L1 causes instability of newly synthesized 5S rRNA in vivo. Cells depleted of L1 no longer assemble 60S ribosomal subunits, indicating that L1 is required for assembly of stable 60S ribosomal subunits but not 40S ribosomal subunits. An L1-5S RNP particle not associated with ribosomal particles was detected by coimmunoprecipitation of L1 and 5S rRNA. This pool of L1-5S RNP remained stable even upon cessation of 60S ribosomal subunit assembly by depletion of another ribosomal protein, L16. Preliminary results suggest that transcription of RPL1 is not autogenously regulated by L1.

Yeast ribosomal protein L1 is required for the stability of newly synthesized 5S rRNA and the assembly of 60S ribosomal subunits

Ribosomal protein L1 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae binds 5S rRNA and can be released from intact 60S ribosomal subunits as an L1-5S ribonucleoprotein (RNP) particle. To understand the nature of the interaction between L1 and 5S rRNA and to assess the role of L1 in ribosome assembly and function, we cloned the RPL1 gene encoding L1. We have shown that RPL1 is an essential single-copy gene. A conditional null mutant in which the only copy of RPL1 is under control of the repressible GAL1 promoter was constructed. Depletion of L1 causes instability of newly synthesized 5S rRNA in vivo. Cells depleted of L1 no longer assemble 60S ribosomal subunits, indicating that L1 is required for assembly of stable 60S ribosomal subunits but not 40S ribosomal subunits. An L1-5S RNP particle not associated with ribosomal particles was detected by coimmunoprecipitation of L1 and 5S rRNA. This pool of L1-5S RNP remained stable even upon cessation of 60S ribosomal subunit assembly by depletion of another ribosomal protein, L16. Preliminary results suggest that transcription of RPL1 is not autogenously regulated by L1.

A putative ATP-dependent RNA helicase involved in Saccharomyces cerevisiae ribosome assembly

We have isolated a cold-sensitive mutant of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in which there is a deficit of 60S ribosomal subunits. Cold sensitivity and the assembly defect are recessive and cosegregate, defining a single essential gene that we designated DRS1 (deficiency of ribosomal subunits). The wild-type DRS1 gene was cloned by complementation of the cold-sensitive phenotype of drs1. Sequence analysis reveals a high degree of similarity to a family of proteins that are thought to function as ATP-dependent RNA helicases. Pulse-chase analysis of ribosomal RNA synthesis and processing indicates that the drs1 mutant accumulates the 27S precursor of the mature 25S rRNA. These results suggest that, as in pre-mRNA splicing, RNA helicase activities are involved in ribosomal RNA processing.

NOP3 is an essential yeast protein which is required for pre-rRNA processing

The four nucleolar proteins NOP1, SSB1, GAR1, and NSR1 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae share a repetitive domain composed of repeat units rich in glycine and arginine (GAR domain). We have cloned and sequenced a fifth member of this family, NOP3, and shown it to be essential for cell viability. The NOP3 open reading frame encodes a 415 amino acid protein with a predicted molecular mass of 45 kD, containing a GAR domain and an RNA recognition motif. NOP3-specific antibodies recognize a 60-kD protein by SDS-PAGE and decorate the nucleolus and the surrounding nucleoplasm. A conditional lethal mutation, GAL::nop3, was constructed; growth of the mutant strain in glucose medium represses NOP3 expression. In cells depleted of NOP3, production of cytoplasmic ribosomes is impaired. Northern analysis and pulse-chase labeling indicate that pre-rRNA processing is inhibited at the late steps, in which 27SB pre-rRNA is cleaved to 25S rRNA and 20S pre-rRNA to 18S rRNA.