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

Ribosome biogenesis and function in development and disease

Although differential transcription drives the development of multicellular organisms, the ultimate readout of a protein-coding gene is ribosome-dependent mRNA translation. Ribosomes were once thought of as uniform molecular machines, but emerging evidence indicates that the complexity and diversity of ribosome biogenesis and function should be given a fresh look in the context of development. This Review begins with a discussion of different developmental disorders that have been linked with perturbations in ribosome production and function. We then highlight recent studies that reveal how different cells and tissues exhibit variable levels of ribosome production and protein synthesis, and how changes in protein synthesis capacity can influence specific cell fate decisions. We finish by touching upon ribosome heterogeneity in stress responses and development. These discussions highlight the importance of considering both ribosome levels and functional specialization in the context of development and disease.

Ribosome biogenesis factors-from names to functions

The assembly of ribosomal subunits is a highly orchestrated process that involves a huge cohort of accessory factors. Most eukaryotic ribosome biogenesis factors were first identified by genetic screens and proteomic approaches of pre-ribosomal particles in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Later, research on human ribosome synthesis not only demonstrated that the requirement for many of these factors is conserved in evolution, but also revealed the involvement of additional players, reflecting a more complex assembly pathway in mammalian cells. Yet, it remained a challenge for the field to assign a function to many of the identified factors and to reveal their molecular mode of action. Over the past decade, structural, biochemical, and cellular studies have largely filled this gap in knowledge and led to a detailed understanding of the molecular role that many of the players have during the stepwise process of ribosome maturation. Such detailed knowledge of the function of ribosome biogenesis factors will be key to further understand and better treat diseases linked to disturbed ribosome assembly, including ribosomopathies, as well as different types of cancer.

Dynamics and thermal sensitivity of ribosomal RNA maturation paths in plants

Ribosome biogenesis is a constitutive fundamental process for cellular function. Its rate of production depends on the rate of maturation of precursor ribosomal RNA (pre-rRNA). The rRNA maturation paths are marked by four dominant rate-limiting intermediates with cell-type variation of the processivity rate. We have identified that high temperature stress in plants, while halting the existing pre-rRNA maturation schemes, also transiently triggers an atypical pathway for 35S pre-rRNA processing. This pathway leads to production of an aberrant precursor rRNA, reminiscent of yeast 24S, encompassing 18S and 5.8S rRNA that do not normally co-occur together at sub-unit levels; this response is elicited specifically by high and not low temperatures. We show this response to be conserved in two other model crop plant species (Rice and Tomato). This pathway persists even after returning to normal growth conditions for 1 hour and is reset between 1-6 hours after stress treatment, likely, due to resumption of normal 35S pre-rRNA synthesis and processing. The heat-induced ITS2 cleavage-derived precursors and stalled P-A2-like precursors were heterogeneous in nature with a fraction containing polymeric (A) tails. Furthermore, high temperature treatment and subsequent fractionation resulted in polysome and precursor rRNA depletion.

Interplay of the RNA Exosome Complex and RNA-Binding Protein Ssd1 in Maintaining Cell Wall Stability in Yeast

Yeast cell wall stability is important for cell division and survival under stress conditions. The expression of cell-wall-related proteins is regulated by several pathways involving RNA-binding proteins and RNases. The multiprotein RNA exosome complex provides the 3'→5' exoribonuclease activity that is critical for maintaining the stability and integrity of the yeast cell wall under stress conditions such as high temperatures. In this work, we show that the temperature sensitivity of RNA exosome mutants is most pronounced in the W303 genetic background due to the nonfunctional ssd1-d allele. This gene encodes the RNA-binding protein Ssd1, which is involved in the posttranscriptional regulation of cell-wall-related genes. Expression of the functional SSD1-V allele from its native genomic locus or from a centromeric plasmid suppresses the growth defects and aberrant morphology of RNA exosome mutant cells at high temperatures or upon treatment with cell wall stressors. Moreover, combined inactivation of the RNA exosome catalytic subunit Rrp6 and Ssd1 results in a synthetically sick phenotype of cell wall instability, as these proteins may function in parallel pathways (i.e., via different mRNA targets) to maintain cell wall stability. IMPORTANCE Stressful conditions such as high temperatures can compromise cellular integrity and cause bursting. In microorganisms surrounded by a cell wall, such as yeast, the cell wall is the primary shield that protects cells from environmental stress. Therefore, remodeling its structure requires inputs from multiple signaling pathways and regulators. In this work, we identify the interplay of the RNA exosome complex and the RNA-binding protein Ssd1 as an important factor in the yeast cell wall stress response. These proteins operate in independent pathways to support yeast cell wall stability. This work highlights the contribution of RNA-binding proteins in the regulation of yeast cell wall structure, providing new insights into yeast physiology.

A self-consistent probabilistic formulation for inference of interactions

Large molecular interaction networks are nowadays assembled in biomedical researches along with important technological advances. Diverse interaction measures, for which input solely consisting of the incidence of causal-factors, with the corresponding outcome of an inquired effect, are formulated without an obvious mathematical unity. Consequently, conceptual and practical ambivalences arise. We identify here a probabilistic requirement consistent with that input, and find, by the rules of probability theory, that it leads to a model multiplicative in the complement of the effect. Important practical properties are revealed along these theoretical derivations, that has not been noticed before.

RRP7A links primary microcephaly to dysfunction of ribosome biogenesis, resorption of primary cilia, and neurogenesis

Primary microcephaly (MCPH) is characterized by reduced brain size and intellectual disability. The exact pathophysiological mechanism underlying MCPH remains to be elucidated, but dysfunction of neuronal progenitors in the developing neocortex plays a major role. We identified a homozygous missense mutation (p.W155C) in Ribosomal RNA Processing 7 Homolog A, RRP7A, segregating with MCPH in a consanguineous family with 10 affected individuals. RRP7A is highly expressed in neural stem cells in developing human forebrain, and targeted mutation of Rrp7a leads to defects in neurogenesis and proliferation in a mouse stem cell model. RRP7A localizes to centrosomes, cilia and nucleoli, and patient-derived fibroblasts display defects in ribosomal RNA processing, primary cilia resorption, and cell cycle progression. Analysis of zebrafish embryos supported that the patient mutation in RRP7A causes reduced brain size, impaired neurogenesis and cell proliferation, and defective ribosomal RNA processing. These findings provide novel insight into human brain development and MCPH.

The RRP7A a gene is involved in ribosome biogenesis. Here the authors report a homozygous missense mutation segregating with primary microcephaly, and show that this occurs via functional defects in both nucleoli and primary cilia disrupting cell proliferation and neurogenesis.

Uncovering the assembly pathway of human ribosomes and its emerging links to disease

The essential cellular process of ribosome biogenesis is at the nexus of various signalling pathways that coordinate protein synthesis with cellular growth and proliferation. The fact that numerous diseases are caused by defects in ribosome assembly underscores the importance of obtaining a detailed understanding of this pathway. Studies in yeast have provided a wealth of information about the fundamental principles of ribosome assembly, and although many features are conserved throughout eukaryotes, the larger size of human (pre-)ribosomes, as well as the evolution of additional regulatory networks that can modulate ribosome assembly and function, have resulted in a more complex assembly pathway in humans. Notably, many ribosome biogenesis factors conserved from yeast appear to have subtly different or additional functions in humans. In addition, recent genome-wide, RNAi-based screens have identified a plethora of novel factors required for human ribosome biogenesis. In this review, we discuss key aspects of human ribosome production, highlighting differences to yeast, links to disease, as well as emerging concepts such as extra-ribosomal functions of ribosomal proteins and ribosome heterogeneity.

Arabidopsis RIBOSOMAL RNA PROCESSING7 Is Required for 18S rRNA Maturation

Ribosome biogenesis is fundamental to growth and development in eukaryotes and is linked to human diseases and cancer. Arabidopsis thaliana MORPHOLOGY OF ARGONAUTE1-52 SUPPRESSED 2 (MAS2) participates in splicing and 45S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) expression. In a screen for MAS2 interactors, we identified RIBOSOMAL RNA PROCESSING 7 (RRP7), an ortholog of yeast rRNA processing protein 7 (Rrp7), which is required for 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) maturation. Arabidopsis rrp7 mutants exhibit a pleiotropic phenotype including slow growth, altered shoot phyllotaxy, aberrant venation in lateral organs, partial infertility, and abscisic acid hypersensitivity in seedlings. In Arabidopsis, RRP7 localizes mainly to the nucleolus, the site of the 45S rDNA transcription that produces a 45S pre-rRNA primary transcript, precursor of the 25S, 18S and 5.8S rRNAs. Lack of RRP7 function perturbs 18S rRNA maturation, causes nucleolar hypertrophy, and results in an increased 25S/18S rRNA ratio. Arabidopsis contains hundreds of 45S rDNA genes whose expression is epigenetically regulated, and deregulated, in rrp7 mutants. Double mutant analysis revealed synergistic interactions between RRP7 alleles and alleles of MAS2, NUCLEOLIN1 (NUC1), and HISTONE DEACETYLASE 6 (HDA6), which encode epigenetic regulators of 45S rDNA transcription. Our results reveal the evolutionarily conserved but divergent roles of RRP7 as a ribosome biogenesis factor.

Functions of ribosomal proteins in assembly of eukaryotic ribosomes in vivo

The proteome of cells is synthesized by ribosomes, complex ribonucleoproteins that in eukaryotes contain 79-80 proteins and four ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs) more than 5,400 nucleotides long. How these molecules assemble together and how their assembly is regulated in concert with the growth and proliferation of cells remain important unanswered questions. Here, we review recently emerging principles to understand how eukaryotic ribosomal proteins drive ribosome assembly in vivo. Most ribosomal proteins assemble with rRNA cotranscriptionally; their association with nascent particles is strengthened as assembly proceeds. Each subunit is assembled hierarchically by sequential stabilization of their subdomains. The active sites of both subunits are constructed last, perhaps to prevent premature engagement of immature ribosomes with active subunits. Late-assembly intermediates undergo quality-control checks for proper function. Mutations in ribosomal proteins that affect mostly late steps lead to ribosomopathies, diseases that include a spectrum of cell type-specific disorders that often transition from hypoproliferative to hyperproliferative growth.

Roles of Ebp2 and ribosomal protein L36 in ribosome biogenesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Ebp2 plays an essential role in biogenesis of 60S ribosomal subunits. We determined the genetic interactions between EBP2 and RPL36A/B, which encodes ribosomal protein L36a/b. RPL36A/B was a multicopy suppressor to ebp2 mutants, and the suppression was not common to defects in ribosome biogenesis resulting from other mutations of assembly factors. Disruption of RPL36A or RPL36B caused synthetic enhancement of the growth defect of the ebp2-14 allele at high temperatures. Disruption of RPL36B led to a more severe growth defect than that of RPL36A due to imbalances in the expression levels of the duplicated genes. Primer-extension analysis revealed that L36a/b is required for the processing of 27SA2, 27SA3, and 27SBL pre-rRNAs. Two-hybrid analysis indicated that Ebp2 interacts with ribosomal proteins L36a/b, L34a/b, and L8, which in mature ribosomes are located adjacent to each other in close proximity to the 3' end of 5.8S rRNA. These results suggest that Ebp2 functions cooperatively with ribosomal proteins L36, L34, and L8 in biogenesis of the 60S ribosomal subunit.

Assembly and nuclear export of pre-ribosomal particles in budding yeast

The ribosome is responsible for the final step of decoding genetic information into proteins. Therefore, correct assembly of ribosomes is a fundamental task for all living cells. In eukaryotes, the construction of the ribosome which begins in the nucleolus requires coordinated efforts of >350 specialized factors that associate with pre-ribosomal particles at distinct stages to perform specific assembly steps. On their way through the nucleus, diverse energy-consuming enzymes are thought to release assembly factors from maturing pre-ribosomal particles after accomplishing their task(s). Subsequently, recruitment of export factors prepares pre-ribosomal particles for transport through nuclear pore complexes. Pre-ribosomes are exported into the cytoplasm in a functionally inactive state, where they undergo final maturation before initiating translation. Accumulating evidence indicates a tight coupling between nuclear export, cytoplasmic maturation, and final proofreading of the ribosome. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of nuclear export of pre-ribosomal subunits and cytoplasmic maturation steps that render pre-ribosomal subunits translation-competent.

Ribosome biogenesis in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Ribosomes are highly conserved ribonucleoprotein nanomachines that translate information in the genome to create the proteome in all cells. In yeast these complex particles contain four RNAs (>5400 nucleotides) and 79 different proteins. During the past 25 years, studies in yeast have led the way to understanding how these molecules are assembled into ribosomes in vivo. Assembly begins with transcription of ribosomal RNA in the nucleolus, where the RNA then undergoes complex pathways of folding, coupled with nucleotide modification, removal of spacer sequences, and binding to ribosomal proteins. More than 200 assembly factors and 76 small nucleolar RNAs transiently associate with assembling ribosomes, to enable their accurate and efficient construction. Following export of preribosomes from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, they undergo final stages of maturation before entering the pool of functioning ribosomes. Elaborate mechanisms exist to monitor the formation of correct structural and functional neighborhoods within ribosomes and to destroy preribosomes that fail to assemble properly. Studies of yeast ribosome biogenesis provide useful models for ribosomopathies, diseases in humans that result from failure to properly assemble ribosomes.

An RNA-binding complex involved in ribosome biogenesis contains a protein with homology to tRNA CCA-adding enzyme

A multitude of proteins and small nucleolar RNAs transiently associate with eukaryotic ribosomal RNAs to direct their modification and processing and the assembly of ribosomal proteins. Utp22 and Rrp7, two interacting proteins with no recognizable domain, are components of the 90S preribosome or the small subunit processome that conducts early processing of 18S rRNA. Here, we determine the cocrystal structure of Utp22 and Rrp7 complex at 1.97 Å resolution and the NMR structure of a C-terminal fragment of Rrp7, which is not visible in the crystal structure. The structure reveals that Utp22 surprisingly resembles a dimeric class I tRNA CCA-adding enzyme yet with degenerate active sites, raising an interesting evolutionary connection between tRNA and rRNA processing machineries. Rrp7 binds extensively to Utp22 using a deviant RNA recognition motif and an extended linker. Functional sites on the two proteins were identified by structure-based mutagenesis in yeast. We show that Rrp7 contains a flexible RNA-binding C-terminal tail that is essential for association with preribosomes. RNA-protein crosslinking shows that Rrp7 binds at the central domain of 18S rRNA and shares a neighborhood with two processing H/ACA snoRNAs snR30 and snR10. Depletion of snR30 prevents the stable assembly of Rrp7 into preribosomes. Our results provide insight into the evolutionary origin and functional context of Utp22 and Rrp7.

The ribosomal protein Rpl22 controls ribosome composition by directly repressing expression of its own paralog, Rpl22l1

Most yeast ribosomal protein genes are duplicated and their characterization has led to hypotheses regarding the existence of specialized ribosomes with different subunit composition or specifically-tailored functions. In yeast, ribosomal protein genes are generally duplicated and evidence has emerged that paralogs might have specific roles. Unlike yeast, most mammalian ribosomal proteins are thought to be encoded by a single gene copy, raising the possibility that heterogenous populations of ribosomes are unique to yeast. Here, we examine the roles of the mammalian Rpl22, finding that Rpl22^−/− mice have only subtle phenotypes with no significant translation defects. We find that in the Rpl22^−/− mouse there is a compensatory increase in Rpl22-like1 (Rpl22l1) expression and incorporation into ribosomes. Consistent with the hypothesis that either ribosomal protein can support translation, knockdown of Rpl22l1 impairs growth of cells lacking Rpl22. Mechanistically, Rpl22 regulates Rpl22l1 directly by binding to an internal hairpin structure and repressing its expression. We propose that ribosome specificity may exist in mammals, providing evidence that one ribosomal protein can influence composition of the ribosome by regulating its own paralog.

Translation is the process by which proteins are made within a cell. Ribosomes are the main macromolecular complexes involved in this process. Ribosomes are composed of ribosomal RNA and ribosomal proteins. Ribosomal proteins are generally thought to be structural components of the ribosome but recent findings have suggested that they might have a regulatory function as well. A growing number of human diseases have been linked to mutations in genes encoding factors involved in ribosome biogenesis and translation. These include developmental malformations, inherited bone marrow failure syndromes and cancer in a variety of organisms. Here, we describe the role of one ribosomal protein regulating another. We provide evidence that ribosomal proteins can influence the composition of the ribosome, which we hypothesize, may impact the function of the ribosome.

Reprogramming of tRNA modifications controls the oxidative stress response by codon-biased translation of proteins

Selective translation of survival proteins is an important facet of the cellular stress response. We recently demonstrated that this translational control involves a stress-specific reprogramming of modified ribonucleosides in tRNA. Here we report the discovery of a step-wise translational control mechanism responsible for survival following oxidative stress. In yeast exposed to hydrogen peroxide, there is a Trm4 methyltransferase-dependent increase in the proportion of tRNA^LEU(CAA) containing m⁵C at the wobble position, which causes selective translation of mRNA from genes enriched in the TTG codon. Of these genes, oxidative stress increases protein expression from the TTG-enriched ribosomal protein gene RPL22A, but not its unenriched paralog. Loss of either TRM4 or RPL22A confers hypersensitivity to oxidative stress. Proteomic analysis reveals that oxidative stress causes a significant translational bias toward proteins coded by TTG-enriched genes. These results point to stress-induced reprogramming of tRNA modifications and consequential reprogramming of ribosomes in translational control of cell survival.

Identification of methylated proteins in the yeast small ribosomal subunit: a role for SPOUT methyltransferases in protein arginine methylation

We have characterized the posttranslational methylation of Rps2, Rps3, and Rps27a, three small ribosomal subunit proteins in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, using mass spectrometry and amino acid analysis. We found that Rps2 is substoichiometrically modified at arginine-10 by the Rmt1 methyltransferase. We demonstrated that Rps3 is stoichiometrically modified by ω-monomethylation at arginine-146 by mass spectrometric and site-directed mutagenic analyses. Substitution of alanine for arginine at position 146 is associated with slow cell growth, suggesting that the amino acid identity at this site may influence ribosomal function and/or biogenesis. Analysis of the three-dimensional structure of Rps3 in S. cerevisiae shows that arginine-146 makes contacts with the small subunit rRNA. Screening of deletion mutants encoding potential yeast methyltransferases revealed that the loss of the YOR021C gene results in the absence of methylation of Rps3. We demonstrated that recombinant Yor021c catalyzes ω-monomethylarginine formation when incubated with S-adenosylmethionine and hypomethylated ribosomes prepared from a YOR021C deletion strain. Interestingly, Yor021c belongs to the family of SPOUT methyltransferases that, to date, have only been shown to modify RNA substrates. Our findings suggest a wider role for SPOUT methyltransferases in nature. Finally, we have demonstrated the presence of a stoichiometrically methylated cysteine residue at position 39 of Rps27a in a zinc-cysteine cluster. The discovery of these three novel sites of protein modification within the small ribosomal subunit will now allow for an analysis of their functional roles in translation and possibly other cellular processes.

The small subunit processome in ribosome biogenesis—progress and prospects

The small subunit (SSU) processome is a 2.2-MDa ribonucleoprotein complex involved in the processing, assembly, and maturation of the SSU of eukaryotic ribosomes. The identities of many of the factors involved in SSU biogenesis have been elucidated over the past 40 years. However, as our understanding increases, so do the number of questions about the nature of this complicated process. Cataloging the components is the first step toward understanding the molecular workings of a system. This review will focus on how identifying components of ribosome biogenesis has led to the knowledge of how these factors, protein and RNA alike, associate with one another into subcomplexes, with a concentration on the small ribosomal subunit. We will also explore how this knowledge of subcomplex assembly has informed our understanding of the workings of the ribosome synthesis system as a whole.

Interrelationships between yeast ribosomal protein assembly events and transient ribosome biogenesis factors interactions in early pre-ribosomes

Early steps of eukaryotic ribosome biogenesis require a large set of ribosome biogenesis factors which transiently interact with nascent rRNA precursors (pre-rRNA). Most likely, concomitant with that initial contacts between ribosomal proteins (r-proteins) and ribosome precursors (pre-ribosomes) are established which are converted into robust interactions between pre-rRNA and r-proteins during the course of ribosome maturation. Here we analysed the interrelationship between r-protein assembly events and the transient interactions of ribosome biogenesis factors with early pre-ribosomal intermediates termed 90S pre-ribosomes or small ribosomal subunit (SSU) processome in yeast cells. We observed that components of the SSU processome UTP-A and UTP-B sub-modules were recruited to early pre-ribosomes independently of all tested r-proteins. On the other hand, groups of SSU processome components were identified whose association with early pre-ribosomes was affected by specific r-protein assembly events in the head-platform interface of the SSU. One of these components, Noc4p, appeared to be itself required for robust incorporation of r-proteins into the SSU head domain. Altogether, the data reveal an emerging network of specific interrelationships between local r-protein assembly events and the functional interactions of SSU processome components with early pre-ribosomes. They point towards some of these components being transient primary pre-rRNA in vivo binders and towards a role for others in coordinating the assembly of major SSU domains.

Presence of Not5 and ubiquitinated Rps7A in polysome fractions depends upon the Not4 E3 ligase

In this study, we determine that Saccharomyces cerevisiae Not4 E3 ligase ubiquitinates Rps7A in vivo and in vitro, but not its paralogue, Rps7B. Ubiquitinated Rps7A is detectable only in 80S and polysomes, but not in free 40S fractions. A different role of the Rps7 paralogues in vivo is supported by the observation that the deletion of Rps7A but not Rps7B is sensitive to translational inhibitors and leads to an accumulation of aggregated proteins. An important accumulation of aggregated proteins that include ribosomal proteins and ribosome-associated chaperones is also observed in cells lacking Not4. A contribution of Not4 to ribosomal function extending beyond Rps7A ubiquitination is supported by the observation that the deletion of Not4 displays a synthetic slow growth phenotype when combined with the deletion of either one of the two Rps7 paralogues. Not4 is detectable in polysome fractions, as are other subunits of the Ccr4-Not complex such as Not5. The optimal presence of Not5 in polysomes is dependent upon Not4 and the deletion of Not5 leads to a dramatic reduction of polysomes. These results lead us to suggest that Not4 contributes to normal polysome levels and is important for cellular protein solubility maybe in part by ubiquitination of Rps7A.

rRNA maturation in yeast cells depleted of large ribosomal subunit proteins

The structural constituents of the large eukaryotic ribosomal subunit are 3 ribosomal RNAs, namely the 25S, 5.8S and 5S rRNA and about 46 ribosomal proteins (r-proteins). They assemble and mature in a highly dynamic process that involves more than 150 proteins and 70 small RNAs. Ribosome biogenesis starts in the nucleolus, continues in the nucleoplasm and is completed after nucleo-cytoplasmic translocation of the subunits in the cytoplasm. In this work we created 26 yeast strains, each of which conditionally expresses one of the large ribosomal subunit (LSU) proteins. In vivo depletion of the analysed LSU r-proteins was lethal and led to destabilisation and degradation of the LSU and/or its precursors. Detailed steady state and metabolic pulse labelling analyses of rRNA precursors in these mutant strains showed that LSU r-proteins can be grouped according to their requirement for efficient progression of different steps of large ribosomal subunit maturation. Comparative analyses of the observed phenotypes and the nature of r-protein-rRNA interactions as predicted by current atomic LSU structure models led us to discuss working hypotheses on i) how individual r-proteins control the productive processing of the major 5' end of 5.8S rRNA precursors by exonucleases Rat1p and Xrn1p, and ii) the nature of structural characteristics of nascent LSUs that are required for cytoplasmic accumulation of nascent subunits but are nonessential for most of the nuclear LSU pre-rRNA processing events.

Mrd1p binds to pre-rRNA early during transcription independent of U3 snoRNA and is required for compaction of the pre-rRNA into small subunit processomes

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, synthesis of the small ribosomal subunit requires assembly of the 35S pre-rRNA into a 90S preribosomal complex. SnoRNAs, including U3 snoRNA, and many trans-acting proteins are required for the ordered assembly and function of the 90S preribosomal complex. Here, we show that the conserved protein Mrd1p binds to the pre-rRNA early during transcription and is required for compaction of the pre-18S rRNA into SSU processome particles. We have exploited the fact that an Mrd1p-GFP fusion protein is incorporated into the 90S preribosomal complex, where it acts as a partial loss-of-function mutation. When associated with the pre-rRNA, Mrd1p-GFP functionally interacts with the essential Pwp2, Mpp10 and U3 snoRNP subcomplexes that are functionally interconnected in the 90S preribosomal complex. The fusion protein can partially support 90S preribosome-mediated cleavages at the A₀–A₂ sites. At the same time, on a substantial fraction of transcripts, the composition and/or structure of the 90S preribosomal complex is perturbed by the fusion protein in such a way that cleavage of the 35S pre-rRNA is either blocked or shifted to aberrant sites. These results show that Mrd1p is required for establishing productive structures within the 90S preribosomal complex.

Genomic context analysis in Archaea suggests previously unrecognized links between DNA replication and translation

Specific functional interactions of proteins involved in DNA replication and/or DNA repair or transcription might occur in Archaea, suggesting a previously unrecognized regulatory network coupling DNA replication and translation, which might also exist in Eukarya.

Background

Comparative analysis of genomes is valuable to explore evolution of genomes, deduce gene functions, or predict functional linking between proteins. Here, we have systematically analyzed the genomic environment of all known DNA replication genes in 27 archaeal genomes to infer new connections for DNA replication proteins from conserved genomic associations.

Results

Two distinct sets of DNA replication genes frequently co-localize in archaeal genomes: the first includes the genes for PCNA, the small subunit of the DNA primase (PriS), and Gins15; the second comprises the genes for MCM and Gins23. Other genomic associations of genes encoding proteins involved in informational processes that may be functionally relevant at the cellular level have also been noted; in particular, the association between the genes for PCNA, transcription factor S, and NudF. Surprisingly, a conserved cluster of genes coding for proteins involved in translation or ribosome biogenesis (S27E, L44E, aIF-2 alpha, Nop10) is almost systematically contiguous to the group of genes coding for PCNA, PriS, and Gins15. The functional relevance of this cluster encoding proteins conserved in Archaea and Eukarya is strongly supported by statistical analysis. Interestingly, the gene encoding the S27E protein, also known as metallopanstimulin 1 (MPS-1) in human, is overexpressed in multiple cancer cell lines.

Conclusion

Our genome context analysis suggests specific functional interactions for proteins involved in DNA replication between each other or with proteins involved in DNA repair or transcription. Furthermore, it suggests a previously unrecognized regulatory network coupling DNA replication and translation in Archaea that may also exist in Eukarya.

Functional specificity among ribosomal proteins regulates gene expression

Duplicated genes escape gene loss by conferring a dosage benefit or evolving diverged functions. The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae contains many duplicated genes encoding ribosomal proteins. Prior studies have suggested that these duplicated proteins are functionally redundant and affect cellular processes in proportion to their expression. In contrast, through studies of ASH1 mRNA in yeast, we demonstrate paralog-specific requirements for the translation of localized mRNAs. Intriguingly, these paralog-specific effects are limited to a distinct subset of duplicated ribosomal proteins. Moreover, transcriptional and phenotypic profiling of cells lacking specific ribosomal proteins reveals differences between the functional roles of ribosomal protein paralogs that extend beyond effects on mRNA localization. Finally, we show that ribosomal protein paralogs exhibit differential requirements for assembly and localization. Together, our data indicate complex specialization of ribosomal proteins for specific cellular processes and support the existence of a ribosomal code.

The 90S preribosome is a multimodular structure that is assembled through a hierarchical mechanism

The 90S preribosomal particle is required for the production of the 18S rRNA from a pre-rRNA precursor. Despite the identification of the protein components of this particle, its mechanism of assembly and structural design remain unknown. In this work, we have combined biochemical studies, proteomic techniques, and bioinformatic analyses to shed light into the rules of assembly of the yeast 90S preribosome. Our results indicate that several protein subcomplexes work as discrete assembly subunits that bind in defined steps to the 35S pre-rRNA. The assembly of the t-UTP subunit is an essential step for the engagement of at least five additional subunits in two separate, and mutually independent, assembling routes. One of these routes leads to the formation of an assembly intermediate composed of the U3 snoRNP, the Pwp2p/UTP-B, subunit and the Mpp10p complex. The other assembly route involves the stepwise binding of Rrp5p and the UTP-C subunit. We also report the use of a bioinformatic approach that provides a model for the topological arrangement of protein components within the fully assembled particle. Together, our data identify the mechanism of assembly of the 90S preribosome and offer novel information about its internal architecture.

Potential interface between ribosomal protein production and pre-rRNA processing

It has become clear that in Saccharomyces cerevisiae the transcription of ribosomal protein genes, which makes up a major proportion of the total transcription by RNA polymerase II, is controlled by the interaction of three transcription factors, Rap1, Fhl1, and Ifh1. Of these, only Rap1 binds directly to DNA and only Ifh1 is absent when transcription is repressed. We have examined further the nature of this interaction and find that Ifh1 is actually associated with at least two complexes. In addition to its association with Rap1 and Fhl1, Ifh1 forms a complex (CURI) with casein kinase 2 (CK2), Utp22, and Rrp7. Fhl1 is loosely associated with the CURI complex; its absence partially destabilizes the complex. The CK2 within the complex phosphorylates Ifh1 in vitro but no other members of the complex. Two major components of this complex, Utp22 and Rrp7, are essential participants in the processing of pre-rRNA. Depletion of either protein, but not of other proteins in the early processing steps, brings about a substantial increase in ribosomal protein mRNA. We propose a model in which the CURI complex is a key mediator between the two parallel pathways necessary for ribosome synthesis: the transcription and processing of pre-rRNA and the transcription of ribosomal protein genes.

Impaired ribosome biogenesis in Diamond-Blackfan anemia

The gene encoding the ribosomal protein S19 (RPS19) is frequently mutated in Diamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA), a congenital erythroblastopenia. The consequence of these mutations on the onset of the disease remains obscure. Here, we show that RPS19 plays an essential role in biogenesis of the 40S small ribosomal subunit in human cells. Knockdown of RPS19 expression by siRNAs impairs 18S rRNA synthesis and formation of 40S subunits and induces apoptosis in HeLa cells. Pre-rRNA processing is altered, which leads to an arrest in the maturation of precursors to the 18S rRNA. Under these conditions, pre-40S particles are not exported to the cytoplasm and accumulate in the nucleoplasm of the cells in perinuclear dots. Consistently, we find that ribosome biogenesis and nucleolar organization is altered in skin fibroblasts from DBA patients bearing mutations in the RPS19 gene. In addition, maturation of the 18S rRNA is also perturbed in cells from a patient bearing no RPS19-related mutation. These results support the hypothesis that DBA is directly related to a defect in ribosome biogenesis and indicate that yet to be discovered DBA-related genes may be involved in the synthesis of the ribosomal subunits.

Genetic evidence for 18S rRNA binding and an Rps19p assembly function of yeast nucleolar protein Nep1p

The nucleolar protein Nep1 and its human homologue were previously shown to be involved in the maturation of 18S rRNA and to interfere directly or indirectly with a methylation reaction. Here, we report that the loss-of-function mutation Deltasnr57 and multicopy expression of the ribosomal 40S subunit protein 19 (Rps19p) can partially suppress the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Deltanep1 growth defect. SnR57 mediates 2'-O-ribose-methylation of G(1570) in the 18S rRNA. By performing a three-hybrid screen, we isolated several short RNA sequences with strong binding affinity to Nep1p. All isolated RNAs shared a six-nucleotide consensus motif C/UUCAAC. Furthermore, one of the isolated RNAs exactly corresponded to nucleotides 1553-1577 of the 18S rRNA, which includes G(1570), the site of snR57-dependent 18S rRNA methylation. From protein-protein crosslink data and the cryo-EM map of the S. cerevisiae small ribosomal subunit, we suggest that Rps19p is localized in close vicinity to the Nep1p 18S rRNA binding site. Our results suggest that Nep1p binds adjacent to helix 47 of the 18S rRNA and possibly supports the association of Rps19p to pre-ribosomal particles.

Eukaryotic ribosomal proteins lacking a eubacterial counterpart: important players in ribosomal function

The ribosome is a macromolecular machine responsible for protein synthesis in all organisms. Despite the enormous progress in studies on the structure and function of prokaryotic ribosomes, the respective molecular details of the mechanism by which the eukaryotic ribosome and associated factors construct a polypeptide accurately and rapidly still remain largely unexplored. Eukaryotic ribosomes possess more RNA and a higher number of proteins than eubacterial ribosomes. As the tertiary structure and basic function of the ribosomes are conserved, what is the contribution of these additional elements? Elucidation of the role of these components should provide clues to the mechanisms of translation in eukaryotes and help unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying the differences between eukaryotic and eubacterial ribosomes. This article focuses on a class of eukaryotic ribosomal proteins that do not have a eubacterial homologue. These proteins play substantial roles in ribosomal structure and function, and in mRNA binding and nascent peptide folding. The role of these proteins in human diseases and viral expression, as well as their potential use as targets for antiviral agents is discussed.

Specific Role for Yeast Homologs of the Diamond Blackfan Anemia-associated Rps19 Protein in Ribosome Synthesis

Approximately 25% of cases of Diamond Blackfan anemia, a severe hypoplastic anemia, are linked to heterozygous mutations in the gene encoding ribosomal protein S19 that result in haploinsufficiency for this protein. Here we show that deletion of either of the two genes encoding Rps19 in yeast severely affects the production of 40 S ribosomal subunits. Rps19 is an essential protein that is strictly required for maturation of the 3'-end of 18 S rRNA. Depletion of Rps19 results in the accumulation of aberrant pre-40 S particles retained in the nucleus that fail to associate with pre-ribosomal factors involved in late maturation steps, including Enp1, Tsr1, and Rio2. When introduced in yeast Rps19, amino acid substitutions found in Diamond Blackfan anemia patients induce defects in the processing of the pre-rRNA similar to those observed in cells under-expressing Rps19. These results uncover a pivotal role of Rps19 in the assembly and maturation of the pre-40 S particles and demonstrate for the first time the effect of Diamond Blackfan anemia-associated mutations on the function of Rps19, strongly connecting the pathology to ribosome biogenesis.

Composition and structure of the 80S ribosome from the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii: 80S ribosomes are conserved in plants and animals

We have conducted a proteomic analysis of the 80S cytosolic ribosome from the eukaryotic green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, and accompany this with a cryo-electron microscopy structure of the ribosome. Proteins homologous to all but one rat 40S subunit protein, including a homolog of RACK1, and all but three rat 60S subunit proteins were identified as components of the C. reinhardtii ribosome. Expressed Sequence Tag (EST) evidence and annotation of the completed C. reinhardtii genome identified genes for each of the four proteins not identified by proteomic analysis, showing that algae potentially have a complete set of orthologs to mammalian 80S ribosomal proteins. Presented at 25A, the algal 80S ribosome is very similar in structure to the yeast 80S ribosome, with only minor distinguishable differences. These data show that, although separated by billions of years of evolution, cytosolic ribosomes from photosynthetic organisms are highly conserved with their yeast and animal counterparts.

Deletion of the three distal S1 motifs of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Rrp5p abolishes pre-rRNA processing at site A(2) without reducing the production of functional 40S subunits

Yeast Rrp5p, one of the few trans-acting proteins required for the biogenesis of both ribosomal subunits, has a remarkable two-domain structure. Its C-terminal region consists of seven tetratricopeptide motifs, several of which are crucial for cleavages at sites A(0) to A(2) and thus for the formation of 18S rRNA. The N-terminal region, on the other hand, contains 12 S1 RNA-binding motifs, most of which are required for processing at site A(3) and thus for the production of the short form of 5.8S rRNA. Yeast cells expressing a mutant Rrp5p protein that lacks S1 motifs 10 to 12 (mutant rrp5Delta6) have a normal growth rate and wild-type steady-state levels of the mature rRNA species, suggesting that these motifs are irrelevant for ribosome biogenesis. Here we show that, nevertheless, in the rrp5Delta6 mutant, pre-rRNA processing follows an alternative pathway that does not include the cleavage of 32S pre-rRNA at site A(2). Instead, the 32S precursor is processed directly at site A(3), producing exclusively 21S rather than 20S pre-rRNA. This is the first evidence that the 21S precursor, which was observed previously only in cells showing a substantial growth defect or as a minor species in addition to the normal 20S precursor, is an efficient substrate for 18S rRNA synthesis. Maturation of the 21S precursor occurs via the same endonucleolytic cleavage at site D as that used for 20S pre-rRNA maturation. The resulting D-A(3) fragment, however, is degraded by both 5'-->3' and 3'-->5' exonuclease digestions, the latter involving the exosome, in contrast to the exclusively 5'-->3' exonucleolytic digestion of the D-A(2) fragment. We also show that rrp5Delta6 cells are hypersensitive to both hygromycin B and cycloheximide, suggesting that, despite their wild-type growth rate, their preribosomes or ribosomes may be structurally abnormal.

Genetic and biochemical interactions among Yar1, Ltv1 and Rps3 define novel links between environmental stress and ribosome biogenesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

In the yeast S. cerevisiae, ribosome assembly is linked to environmental conditions by the coordinate transcriptional regulation of genes required for ribosome biogenesis. In this study we show that two nonessential stress-responsive genes, YAR1 and LTV1, function in 40S subunit production. We provide genetic and biochemical evidence that Yar1, a small ankyrin-repeat protein, physically interacts with RpS3, a component of the 40S subunit, and with Ltv1, a protein recently identified as a substoichiometric component of a 43S preribosomal particle. We demonstrate that cells lacking YAR1 or LTV1 are hypersensitive to particular protein synthesis inhibitors and exhibit aberrant polysome profiles, with a reduced absolute number of 40S subunits and an excess of free 60S subunits. Surprisingly, both mutants are also hypersensitive to a variety of environmental stress conditions. Overexpression of RPS3 suppresses both the stress sensitivity and the ribosome biogenesis defect of Deltayar1 mutants, but does not suppress either defect in Deltaltv1 mutants. We propose that YAR1 and LTV1 play distinct, nonessential roles in 40S subunit production. The stress-sensitive phenotypes of strains lacking these genes reveal a hitherto unknown link between ribosome biogenesis factors and environmental stress sensitivity.

The NMR solution structure of the 30S ribosomal protein S27e encoded in gene RS27_ARCFU of Archaeoglobus fulgidis reveals a novel protein fold

The Archaeoglobus fulgidis gene RS27_ARCFU encodes the 30S ribosomal protein S27e. Here, we present the high-quality NMR solution structure of this archaeal protein, which comprises a C4 zinc finger motif of the CX(2)CX(14-16)CX(2)C class. S27e was selected as a target of the Northeast Structural Genomics Consortium (target ID: GR2), and its three-dimensional structure is the first representative of a family of more than 116 homologous proteins occurring in eukaryotic and archaeal cells. As a salient feature of its molecular architecture, S27e exhibits a beta-sandwich consisting of two three-stranded sheets with topology B(decreasing), A(increasing), F(decreasing), and C(increasing), D(decreasing), E(increasing). Due to the uniqueness of the arrangement of the strands, the resulting fold was found to be novel. Residues that are highly conserved among the S27 proteins allowed identification of a structural motif of putative functional importance; a conserved hydrophobic patch may well play a pivotal role for functioning of S27 proteins, be it in archaeal or eukaryotic cells. The structure of human S27, which possesses a 26-residue amino-terminal extension when compared with the archaeal S27e, was modeled on the basis of two structural templates, S27e for the carboxy-terminal core and the amino-terminal segment of the archaeal ribosomal protein L37Ae for the extension. Remarkably, the electrostatic surface properties of archaeal and human proteins are predicted to be entirely different, pointing at either functional variations among archaeal and eukaryotic S27 proteins, or, assuming that the function remained invariant, to a concerted evolutionary change of the surface potential of proteins interacting with S27.

Stm1p, a G4 quadruplex and purine motif triplex nucleic acid-binding protein, interacts with ribosomes and subtelomeric Y' DNA in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein Stm1 was originally identified as a G4 quadruplex and purine motif triplex nucleic acid-binding protein. However, more recent studies have suggested a role for Stm1p in processes ranging from antiapoptosis to telomere maintenance. To better understand the biological role of Stm1p and its potential for G(*)G multiplex binding, we used epitope-tagged protein and immunological methods to identify the subcellular localization and protein and nucleic acid partners of Stm1p in vivo. Indirect immunofluorescence microscopy indicated that Stm1p is primarily a cytoplasmic protein, although a small percentage is also present in the nucleus. Conventional immunoprecipitation found that Stm1p is associated with ribosomal proteins and rRNA. This association was verified by rate zonal separation through sucrose gradients, which showed that Stm1p binds exclusively to mature 80 S ribosomes and polysomes. Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments found that Stm1p preferentially binds telomere-proximal Y' element DNA sequences. Taken together, our data suggest that Stm1p is primarily a ribosome-associated protein, but one that can also interact with DNA, especially subtelomeric sequences. We discuss the implications of our findings in relation to prior genetic, genomic, and proteomic studies that have identified STM1 and/or Stm1p as well as the possible biological role of Stm1p.

High-definition macromolecular composition of yeast RNA-processing complexes

A remarkably large collection of evolutionarily conserved proteins has been implicated in processing of noncoding RNAs and biogenesis of ribonucleoproteins. To better define the physical and functional relationships among these proteins and their cognate RNAs, we performed 165 highly stringent affinity purifications of known or predicted RNA-related proteins from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We systematically identified and estimated the relative abundance of stably associated polypeptides and RNA species using a combination of gel densitometry, protein mass spectrometry, and oligonucleotide microarray hybridization. Ninety-two discrete proteins or protein complexes were identified comprising 489 different polypeptides, many associated with one or more specific RNA molecules. Some of the pre-rRNA-processing complexes that were obtained are discrete sub-complexes of those previously described. Among these, we identified the IPI complex required for proper processing of the ITS2 region of the ribosomal RNA primary transcript. This study provides a high-resolution overview of the modular topology of noncoding RNA-processing machinery.

Ribosome assembly in eukaryotes

Ribosome synthesis is a highly complex and coordinated process that occurs not only in the nucleolus but also in the nucleoplasm and the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells. Based on the protein composition of several ribosomal subunit precursors recently characterized in yeast, a total of more than 170 factors are predicted to participate in ribosome biogenesis and the list is still growing. So far the majority of ribosomal factors have been implicated in RNA maturation (nucleotide modification and processing). Recent advances gave insight into the process of ribosome export and assembly. Proteomic approaches have provided the first indications for a ribosome assembly pathway in eukaryotes and confirmed the dynamic character of the whole process.

Enp1, a yeast protein associated with U3 and U14 snoRNAs, is required for pre-rRNA processing and 40S subunit synthesis

ENP1 is an essential Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene encoding a 483 amino acid polypeptide. Enp1 protein is localized in the nucleus and concentrated in the nucleolus. An enp1-1 temperature-sensitive mutant inhibited 35S pre-rRNA early processing at sites A(0), A(1) and A(2) as shown by northern analysis of steady state levels of rRNA precursors. Pulse-chase analysis further revealed that the enp1-1 strain was defective in the synthesis of 20S pre-rRNA and hence 18S rRNA, which led to reduced formation of 40S ribosomal subunits. Co-precipitation analysis revealed that Enp1 was associated with Nop1 protein, as well as with U3 and U14 RNAs, two snoRNAs implicated in early pre-rRNA processing steps. These results suggest a direct role for Enp1 in the early steps of rRNA processing.

Rpf2p, an evolutionarily conserved protein, interacts with ribosomal protein L11 and is essential for the processing of 27 SB Pre-rRNA to 25 S rRNA and the 60 S ribosomal subunit assembly in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Saccharomyces cerevisiae Rrs1p is a nuclear protein that is essential for the maturation of 25 S rRNA and the 60 S ribosomal subunit assembly. In two-hybrid screening, using RRS1 as bait, we have cloned YKR081c/RPF2. Rpf2p is essential for growth and is mainly localized in the nucleolus. The amino acid sequence of Rpf2p is highly conserved in eukaryotes from yeast to human. Similar to Rrs1p, Rpf2p shows physical interaction with ribosomal protein L11 and appears to associate with preribosomal subunits fairly tightly. Northern, methionine pulse-chase, and sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation analyses reveal that the depletion of Rpf2p results in a delayed processing of pre-rRNA, a decrease of mature 25 S rRNA, and a shortage of 60 S subunits. An analysis of processing intermediates by primer extension shows that the Rpf2p depletion leads to an accumulation of 27 SB pre-rRNA, suggesting that Rpf2p is required for the processing of 27 SB into 25 S rRNA.

Ultrastructural localization of rRNA shows defective nuclear export of preribosomes in mutants of the Nup82p complex

To study the nuclear export of preribosomes, ribosomal RNAs were detected by in situ hybridization using fluorescence and EM, in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In wild-type cells, semiquantitative analysis shows that the distributions of pre-40S and pre-60S particles in the nucleolus and the nucleoplasm are distinct, indicating uncoordinated transport of the two subunits within the nucleus. In cells defective for the activity of the GTPase Gsp1p/Ran, ribosomal precursors accumulate in the whole nucleus. This phenotype is reproduced with pre-60S particles in cells defective in pre-rRNA processing, whereas pre-40S particles only accumulate in the nucleolus, suggesting a tight control of the exit of the small subunit from the nucleolus. Examination of nucleoporin mutants reveals that preribosome nuclear export requires the Nup82p-Nup159p-Nsp1p complex. In contrast, mutations in the nucleoporins forming the Nup84p complex yield very mild or no nuclear accumulation of preribosome. Interestingly, domains of Nup159p required for mRNP trafficking are not necessary for preribosome export. Furthermore, the RNA helicase Dbp5p and the protein Gle1p, which interact with Nup159p and are involved in mRNP trafficking, are dispensable for ribosomal transport. Thus, the Nup82p-Nup159p-Nsp1p nucleoporin complex is part of the nuclear export pathways of preribosomes and mRNPs, but with distinct functions in these two processes.

Nascent ribosomes

The conversion of a ribosomal RNA transcript to a cytoplasmic ribosome requires hundreds of accessory RNA and protein factors. Two papers published recently in Molecular Cell provide first looks at the association of these processing factors with the intermediates in ribosome synthesis (Harnpicharnchai et al., 2001; Bassler et al., 2001).

Bms1p, a novel GTP-binding protein, and the related Tsr1p are required for distinct steps of 40S ribosome biogenesis in yeast

Bms1p and Tsr1p define a novel family of proteins required for synthesis of 40S ribosomal subunits in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Both are essential and localize to the nucleolus. Tsr1p shares two extended regions of similarity with Bms1p, but the two proteins function at different steps in 40S ribosome maturation. Inactivation of Bms1p blocks at an early step, leading to disappearance of 20S and 18S rRNA precursors. Also, slight accumulation of an aberrant 23S product and significant 35S accumulation are observed, indicating that pre-rRNA processing at sites A0, A1, and A2 is inhibited. In contrast, depletion of Tsr1p results in accumulation of 20S rRNA. Because processing of 20S to 18S rRNA occurs in the cytoplasm, this suggests that Tsr1p is required for assembly of a transport- or maturation-competent particle or is specifically required for transport of 43S pre-ribosomal particles, but not 60S ribosome precursors, from the nucleus to the cytosol. Finally, Bms1p is a GTP-binding protein, the first found to function in ribosome assembly or rRNA processing.

Genes encoding ribosomal proteins Rps0A/B of Saccharomyces cerevisiae interact with TOM1 mutants defective in ribosome synthesis

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae RPS0A/B genes encode proteins of the 40S ribosomal subunit that are required for the maturation of 18S rRNA. We show here that the RPS0 genes interact genetically with TOM1. TOM1 encodes a member of the hect-domain-containing E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase family that is required for growth at elevated temperatures. Mutant alleles of the RPS0 and TOM1 genes have synergistic effects on cell growth at temperatures permissive for TOM1 mutants. Moreover, the growth arrest of TOM1 mutants at elevated temperatures is partially suppressed by overexpression of RPS0A/B. Strains with mutant alleles of TOM1 are defective in multiple steps in rRNA processing, and interactions between RPS0A/B and TOM1 stem, in part, from their roles in the maturation of ribosomal subunits. Ribosome synthesis is therefore included among the cellular processes governed by members of the hect-domain-containing E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase family.

Rrb1p, a yeast nuclear WD-repeat protein involved in the regulation of ribosome biosynthesis

Ribosome biogenesis is regulated by environmental cues that coordinately modulate the synthesis of ribosomal components and their assembly into functional subunits. We have identified an essential yeast WD-repeat-containing protein, termed Rrb1p, that has a role in both the assembly of the 60S ribosomal subunits and the transcriptional regulation of ribosomal protein (RP) genes. Rrb1p is located in the nucleus and is concentrated in the nucleolus. Its presence is required to maintain normal cellular levels of 60S subunits, 80S ribosomes, and polyribosomes. The function of Rrb1p in ribosome biogenesis appears to be linked to its association with the ribosomal protein rpL3. Immunoprecipitation of Rrb1p from nuclear extracts revealed that it physically interacts with rpL3. Moreover, the overproduction of Rrb1p led to increases in cellular levels of free rpL3 that accumulated in the nucleus together with Rrb1p. The concentration of these proteins within the nucleus was dependent on ongoing protein translation. We also showed that overexpression of RRB1 led to an increase in the expression of RPL3 while all other examined RP genes were unaffected. In contrast, depletion of RRB1 caused an increase in the expression of all RP genes examined except RPL3. These results suggest that Rrb1p regulates RPL3 expression and uncouples it from the coordinated expression of other RP genes.

Yeast Krr1p physically and functionally interacts with a novel essential Kri1p, and both proteins are required for 40S ribosome biogenesis in the nucleolus

Using a two-hybrid screening with TOM1, a putative ubiquitin-ligase gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we isolated KRR1, a homologue of human HRB2 (for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Rev-binding protein 2). To characterize the gene function, we constructed temperature-sensitive krr1 mutants and isolated two multicopy suppressors. One suppressor is RPS14A, encoding a 40S ribosomal protein. The C-terminal-truncated rpS14p, which was reported to have diminished binding activity to 18S rRNA, failed to suppress the krr1 mutant. The other suppressor is a novel gene, KRI1 (for KRR1 interacting protein; YNL308c). KRI1 is essential for viability, and Kri1p is localized to the nucleolus. We constructed a galactose-dependent kri1 strain by placing KRI1 under control of the GAL1 promoter, so that expression of KRI1 was shut off when transferring the culture to glucose medium. Polysome and 40S ribosome fractions were severely decreased in the krr1 mutant and Kri1p-depleted cells. Pulse-chase analysis of newly synthesized rRNAs demonstrated that 18S rRNA is not produced in either mutant. However, wild-type levels of 25S rRNA are made in either mutant. Northern analysis revealed that the steady-state levels of 18S rRNA and 20S pre-rRNAs were reduced in both mutants. Precursors for 18S rRNA were detected but probably very unstable in both mutants. A myc-tagged Kri1p coimmunoprecipitated with a hemagglutinin-tagged Krr1p. Furthermore, the krr1 mutant protein was defective in its interaction with Kri1p. These data lead us to conclude that Krr1p physically and functionally interacts with Kri1p to form a complex which is required for 40S ribosome biogenesis in the nucleolus.

Bypassing the rRNA processing endonucleolytic cleavage at site A2 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Rrp5p is the only ribosomal RNA processing trans-acting factor that is required for the synthesis of both 18S and 5.8S rRNAs in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Mutational analyses have characterized modified forms of Rrp5p that either affect formation of 18S rRNA by inhibiting cleavage at sites A0/A1/A2, or synthesis of 5.8S rRNA by inhibiting cleavage at site A3. Here, we examine the rRNA maturation process associated with a RRP5 bipartite allele that codes for two noncontiguous parts of the protein. This slow-growing bipartite mutant has a unique rRNA-processing phenotype that proceeds without endonucleolytic cleavage at site A2. In wild-type cells, the A2 cleavage takes place on the 32S pre-rRNA and is responsible for the formation of 20S and 27SA2 species, the precursors of mature 18S and 5.8S/25S rRNAs, respectively. In the bipartite strain, such precursors were not detectable as judged by Northern analysis or in vivo labeling. They were replaced by the aberrant 21S species and the bypassing 27SA3 precursor, both descended from direct cleavage of 32S pre-rRNA at site A3, which provides an alternative rRNA maturation pathway in this strain. The 21S pre-rRNA is the sole detectable and most likely available precursor of 18S rRNA in this particular strain, indicating that 18S rRNA can be directly produced from 21S. Furthermore, 21S species were found associated with 43S preribosomal particles as similarly observed for the 20S pre-rRNA in the wild-type cells.

Evolutionarily distinct classes of S27 ribosomal proteins with differential mRNA expression in rat hypothalamus

Using an in situ hybridization screen for cDNA clones of brain region-specific mRNAs, we isolated a rat transcript that encodes a ribosomal protein S27. Searching GenBank DNA databases, we found two S27 protein isoforms. One isoform, encoded by multiple genes, is extant in archaea and eukarya, but not bacteria. The second isoform appears to be recently evolved because it has been identified only in mammals. Multiple transcripts encode each isoform and exhibit different tissue expression patterns throughout rat brain and periphery, with abundant expression in the hypothalamus. In situ hybridization studies revealed predominant expression of S27(1) in distinct hypothalamic nuclei, such as the paraventricular, supraoptic, suprachiasmatic, arcuate, and circularis nuclei, whereas expression of S27(2) mRNA was discretely expressed in select neurons of the periventricular and supraoptic nuclei. Combined with the genetic evidence that S27 has extraribosomal functions in plants, the complexity of S27 biology observed here may suggest auxiliary functions for S27 proteins in the mammalian nervous system.

Rrp8p is a yeast nucleolar protein functionally linked to Gar1p and involved in pre-rRNA cleavage at site A2

Chemical modifications and processing of the 18S, 5.8S, and 25S ribosomal RNAs from the 35S pre-ribosomal RNA depend on an important set of small nucleolar ribonucleoprotein particles (snoRNPs). Genetic depletion of yeast Gar1p, an essential common component of H/ACA snoRNPs, leads to inhibition of uridine isomerizations to pseudo-uridines on the 35S pre-rRNA and of the early pre-rRNA cleavages at sites A1 and A2, resulting in a loss of mature 18S rRNA synthesis. To identify Gar1p functional partners, we screened for mutations that are synthetically lethal with a gar1 mutant allele encoding a Gar1p mutant protein lacking its two glycine/arginine-rich (GAR) domains. We identified a previously uncharacterized Saccharomyces cerevisiae open reading frame, YDR083W (now designated RRP8), that encodes a highly conserved protein containing motifs found in methyltransferases. Rrp8p localizes to the nucleolus. A yeast strain lacking this protein is viable at 30 degrees C but displays strong growth impairment at lower temperatures. In this strain, cleavage of the pre-rRNA at site A2 is strongly affected whereas cleavages at sites A0 and A1 are only slightly inhibited or delayed.

Ribosome synthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The synthesis of ribosomes is one of the major metabolic pathways in all cells. In addition to around 75 individual ribosomal proteins and 4 ribosomal RNAs, synthesis of a functional eukaryotic ribosome requires a remarkable number of trans-acting factors. Here, we will discuss the recent, and often surprising, advances in our understanding of ribosome synthesis in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. These will underscore the unexpected complexity of eukaryotic ribosome synthesis.

Domain III of Saccharomyces cerevisiae 25 S ribosomal RNA: its role in binding of ribosomal protein L25 and 60 S subunit formation

Domain III of Saccharomyces cerevisiae 25 S rRNA contains the recognition site for the primary rRNA-binding ribosomal protein L25, which belongs to the functionally conserved EL23/L25 family of ribosomal proteins. The EL23/L25 binding region is very complex, consisting of several irregular helices held together by long-distance secondary and tertiary interactions. Moreover, it contains the eukaryote-specific V9 (D7a) expansion segment. Functional characterisation of the structural elements of this site by a detailed in vitro and in vivo mutational analysis indicates the presence of two separate regions that are directly involved in L25 binding. In particular, mutation of either of two conserved nucleotides in the loop of helix 49 significantly reduces in vitro L25 binding, thus strongly supporting their role as attachment sites for the r-protein. Two other helices appear to be primarily required for the correct folding of the binding site. Mutations that abolish in vitro binding of L25 block accumulation of 25 S rRNA in vivo because they stall pre-rRNA processing at the level of its immediate precursor, the 27 S(B) pre-rRNA. Surprisingly, several mutations that do not significantly affect L25 binding in vitro cause the same lethal defect in 27 S(B) pre-rRNA processing. Deletion of the V9 expansion segment also leads to under-accumulation of mature 25 S rRNA and a twofold reduction in growth rate. We conclude that an intact domain III, including the V9 expansion segment, is essential for normal processing and assembly of 25 S rRNA.