A well-connected and conserved nucleoplasmic helicase is required for production of box C/D and H/ACA snoRNAs and localization of snoRNP proteins

Differential roles of putative arginine fingers of AAA+ ATPases Rvb1 and Rvb2

The evolutionarily conserved AAA+ ATPases Rvb1 and Rvb2 proteins form a heteromeric complex (Rvb1/2) required for assembly or remodeling of macromolecular complexes in essential cellular processes ranging from chromatin remodeling to ribosome biogenesis. Rvb1 and Rvb2 have a high degree of sequence and structural similarity, and both contain the classical features of ATPases of their clade, including an N-terminal AAA+ subdomain with the Walker A motif, an insertion domain that typically interacts with various binding partners, and a C-terminal AAA+ subdomain containing a Walker B motif, the Sensor I and II motifs, and an arginine finger. In this study, we find that despite the high degree of structural similarity, Rvb1 and Rvb2 have distinct active sites that impact their activities and regulation within the Rvb1/2 complex. Using a combination of biochemical and genetic approaches, we show that replacing the homologous arginine fingers of Rvb1 and Rvb2 with different amino acids not only has distinct effects on the catalytic activity of the complex, but also impacts cell growth, and the Rvb1/2 interactions with binding partners. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we find that changes near the active site of Rvb1 and Rvb2 cause long-range effects on the protein dynamics in the insertion domain, suggesting a molecular basis for how enzymatic activity within the catalytic site of ATP hydrolysis can be relayed to other domains of the Rvb1/2 complex to modulate its function. Further, we show the impact that the arginine finger variants have on snoRNP biogenesis and validate the findings from molecular dynamics simulations using a targeted genetic screen. Together, our results reveal new aspects of the regulation of the Rvb1/2 complex by identifying a relay of long-range molecular communication from the ATPase active site of the complex to the binding site of cofactors. Most importantly, our findings suggest that despite high similarity and cooperation within the same protein complex, the two proteins have evolved with unique properties critical for the regulation and function of the Rvb1/2 complex.

A comprehensive analysis of prefoldins and their implication in cancer

Prefoldins (PFDNs) are evolutionary conserved co-chaperones, initially discovered in archaea but universally present in eukaryotes. PFDNs are prevalently organized into hetero-hexameric complexes. Although they have been overlooked since their discovery and their functions remain elusive, several reports indicate they act as co-chaperones escorting misfolded or non-native proteins to group II chaperonins. Unlike the eukaryotic PFDNs which interact with cytoskeletal components, the archaeal PFDNs can bind and stabilize a wide range of substrates, possibly due to their great structural diversity. The discovery of the unconventional RPB5 interactor (URI) PFDN-like complex (UPC) suggests that PFDNs have versatile functions and are required for different cellular processes, including an important role in cancer. Here, we summarize their functions across different species. Moreover, a comprehensive analysis of PFDNs genomic alterations across cancer types by using large-scale cancer genomic data indicates that PFDNs are a new class of non-mutated proteins significantly overexpressed in some cancer types.

H/ACA Small Ribonucleoproteins: Structural and Functional Comparison Between Archaea and Eukaryotes

During ribosome synthesis, ribosomal RNA is modified through the formation of many pseudouridines and methylations which contribute to ribosome function across all domains of life. In archaea and eukaryotes, pseudouridylation of rRNA is catalyzed by H/ACA small ribonucleoproteins (sRNPs) utilizing different H/ACA guide RNAs to identify target uridines for modification. H/ACA sRNPs are conserved in archaea and eukaryotes, as they share a common general architecture and function, but there are also several notable differences between archaeal and eukaryotic H/ACA sRNPs. Due to the higher protein stability in archaea, we have more information on the structure of archaeal H/ACA sRNPs compared to eukaryotic counterparts. However, based on the long history of yeast genetic and other cellular studies, the biological role of H/ACA sRNPs during ribosome biogenesis is better understood in eukaryotes than archaea. Therefore, this review provides an overview of the current knowledge on H/ACA sRNPs from archaea, in particular their structure and function, and relates it to our understanding of the roles of eukaryotic H/ACA sRNP during eukaryotic ribosome synthesis and beyond. Based on this comparison of our current insights into archaeal and eukaryotic H/ACA sRNPs, we discuss what role archaeal H/ACA sRNPs may play in the formation of ribosomes.

The ATPase Pontin is a key cell cycle regulator by amplifying E2F1 transcription response in glioma

Pontin (RUVBL1) is a highly conserved ATPase of the AAA + (ATPases Associated with various cellular Activities) superfamily and is implicated in various biological processes crucial for oncogenesis. Its overexpression is observed in multiple human cancers, whereas the relevance of Pontin to gliomagenesis remains obscure. To gain insights into Pontin involvement in glioma, we performed bioinformatics analyses of Pontin co-expressed genes, Pontin-affected genes, and carried out experimental studies. The results verified that Pontin was upregulated in gliomas. Its higher levels might predict the worse prognosis of glioma patients. The Pontin co-expressed genes were functionally enriched in cell cycle progression and RNA processing. In the nucleus, Pontin promoted cell growth via facilitating cell cycle progression. Using RNA-seq, we found that Pontin knockdown resulted in altered expression of multiple genes, among which the E2F1 targets accounted for a large proportion. Mechanistic studies found that Pontin interacted with E2F1 and markedly amplified the E2F1 transcription response in an ATPase domain-dependent manner. By analyzing the RNA-seq data, we also found that Pontin could impact on the alternative splicing (AS). Both differential expressed genes and AS events affected by Pontin were associated with cell cycle regulation. Taken together, our findings provide novel insights of the importance of Pontin in gliomagenesis by regulating cell cycle and AS, and shed light on the possible application of Pontin as an antineoplastic target in glioma.

snoRNPs: Functions in Ribosome Biogenesis

Ribosomes are perhaps the most critical macromolecular machine as they are tasked with carrying out protein synthesis in cells. They are incredibly complex structures composed of protein components and heavily chemically modified RNAs. The task of assembling mature ribosomes from their component parts consumes a massive amount of energy and requires greater than 200 assembly factors. Among the most critical of these are small nucleolar ribonucleoproteins (snoRNPs). These are small RNAs complexed with diverse sets of proteins. As suggested by their name, they localize to the nucleolus, the site of ribosome biogenesis. There, they facilitate multiple roles in ribosomes biogenesis, such as pseudouridylation and 2′-O-methylation of ribosomal (r)RNA, guiding pre-rRNA processing, and acting as molecular chaperones. Here, we reviewed their activity in promoting the assembly of ribosomes in eukaryotes with regards to chemical modification and pre-rRNA processing.

Yeast R2TP Interacts with Extended Termini of Client Protein Nop58p

The AAA + ATPase R2TP complex facilitates assembly of a number of ribonucleoprotein particles (RNPs). Although the architecture of R2TP is known, its molecular basis for acting upon multiple RNPs remains unknown. In yeast, the core subunit of the box C/D small nucleolar RNPs, Nop58p, is the target for R2TP function. In the recently observed U3 box C/D snoRNP as part of the 90 S small subunit processome, the unfolded regions of Nop58p are observed to form extensive interactions, suggesting a possible role of R2TP in stabilizing the unfolded region of Nop58p prior to its assembly. Here, we analyze the interaction between R2TP and a Maltose Binding Protein (MBP)-fused Nop58p by biophysical and yeast genetics methods. We present evidence that R2TP interacts largely with the unfolded termini of Nop58p. Our results suggest a general mechanism for R2TP to impart specificity by recognizing unfolded regions in its clients.

Integrating Rio1 activities discloses its nutrient-activated network in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae kinase/adenosine triphosphatase Rio1 regulates rDNA transcription and segregation, pre-rRNA processing and small ribosomal subunit maturation. Other roles are unknown. When overexpressed, human ortholog RIOK1 drives tumor growth and metastasis. Likewise, RIOK1 promotes 40S ribosomal subunit biogenesis and has not been characterized globally. We show that Rio1 manages directly and via a series of regulators, an essential signaling network at the protein, chromatin and RNA levels. Rio1 orchestrates growth and division depending on resource availability, in parallel to the nutrient-activated Tor1 kinase. To define the Rio1 network, we identified its physical interactors, profiled its target genes/transcripts, mapped its chromatin-binding sites and integrated our data with yeast’s protein–protein and protein–DNA interaction catalogs using network computation. We experimentally confirmed network components and localized Rio1 also to mitochondria and vacuoles. Via its network, Rio1 commands protein synthesis (ribosomal gene expression, assembly and activity) and turnover (26S proteasome expression), and impinges on metabolic, energy-production and cell-cycle programs. We find that Rio1 activity is conserved to humans and propose that pathological RIOK1 may fuel promiscuous transcription, ribosome production, chromosomal instability, unrestrained metabolism and proliferation; established contributors to cancer. Our study will advance the understanding of numerous processes, here revealed to depend on Rio1 activity.

Pontin/Tip49 negatively regulates JNK-mediated cell death in Drosophila

Pontin (Pont), also known as Tip49, encodes a member of the AAA+ (ATPases Associated with Diverse Cellular Activities) superfamily and plays pivotal roles in cell proliferation and growth, yet its function in cell death has remained poorly understood. Here we performed a genetic screen for dominant modifiers of Eiger-induced JNK-dependent cell death in Drosophila, and identified Pont as a negative regulator of JNK-mediated cell death. In addition, loss of function of Pont is sufficient to induce cell death and activate the transcription of JNK target gene puc. Furthermore, the epistasis analysis indicates that Pont acts downstream of Hep. Finally, we found that Pont is also required for JNK-mediated thorax development and acts as a negative regulator of JNK phosphorylation. Together, our data suggest that pont encodes a negative component of Egr/JNK signaling pathway in Drosophila through negatively regulating JNK phosphorylation, which provides a novel role of ATPase in Egr-JNK signaling.

Small nucleolar RNAs: versatile trans-acting molecules of ancient evolutionary origin

The small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) are an abundant class of trans-acting RNAs that function in ribosome biogenesis in the eukaryotic nucleolus. Elegant work has revealed that most known snoRNAs guide modification of pre-ribosomal RNA (pre-rRNA) by base pairing near target sites. Other snoRNAs are involved in cleavage of pre-rRNA by mechanisms that have not yet been detailed. Moreover, our appreciation of the cellular roles of the snoRNAs is expanding with new evidence that snoRNAs also target modification of small nuclear RNAs and messenger RNAs. Many snoRNAs are produced by unorthodox modes of biogenesis including salvage from introns of pre-mRNAs. The recent discovery that homologs of snoRNAs as well as associated proteins exist in the domain Archaea indicates that the RNA-guided RNA modification system is of ancient evolutionary origin. In addition, it has become clear that the RNA component of vertebrate telomerase (an enzyme implicated in cancer and cellular senescence) is related to snoRNAs. During its evolution, vertebrate telomerase RNA appears to have co-opted a snoRNA domain that is essential for the function of telomerase RNA in vivo. The unique properties of snoRNAs are now being harnessed for basic research and therapeutic applications.

Late rDNA Condensation Ensures Timely Cdc14 Release and Coordination of Mitotic Exit Signaling with Nucleolar Segregation

The nucleolus plays a pivotal role in multiple key cellular processes. An illustrative example is the regulation of mitotic exit in Saccharomyces cerevisiae through the nucleolar sequestration of the Cdc14 phosphatase. The peculiar structure of the nucleolus, however, has also its drawbacks. The repetitive nature of the rDNA gives rise to cohesion-independent linkages whose resolution in budding yeast requires the Cdc14-dependent inhibition of rRNA transcription, which facilitates condensin accessibility to this locus. Thus, the rDNA condenses and segregates later than most other yeast genomic regions. Here, we show that defective function of a small nucleolar ribonucleoprotein particle (snoRNP) assembly factor facilitates condensin accessibility to the rDNA and induces nucleolar hyper-condensation. Interestingly, this increased compaction of the nucleolus interferes with the proper release of Cdc14 from this organelle. This observation provides an explanation for the delayed rDNA condensation in budding yeast, which is necessary to efficiently coordinate timely Cdc14 release and mitotic exit with nucleolar compaction and segregation.

Implication of the box C/D snoRNP assembly factor Rsa1p in U3 snoRNP assembly

The U3 box C/D snoRNA is one key element of 90S pre-ribosome. It contains a 5΄ domain pairing with pre-rRNA and the U3_B/C and U3_C΄/D motifs for U3 packaging into a unique small nucleolar ribonucleoprotein particle (snoRNP). The RNA-binding protein Snu13/SNU13 nucleates on U3_B/C the assembly of box C/D proteins Nop1p/FBL and Nop56p/NOP56, and the U3-specific protein Rrp9p/U3-55K. Snu13p/SNU13 has a much lower affinity for U3_C΄/D but nevertheless forms on this motif an RNP with box C/D proteins Nop1p/FBL and Nop58p/NOP58. In this study, we characterized the influence of the RNP assembly protein Rsa1 in the early steps of U3 snoRNP biogenesis in yeast and we propose a refined model of U3 snoRNP biogenesis. While recombinant Snu13p enhances the binding of Rrp9p to U3_B/C, we observed that Rsa1p has no effect on this activity but forms with Snu13p and Rrp9p a U3_B/C pre-RNP. In contrast, we found that Rsa1p enhances Snu13p binding on U3_C΄/D. RNA footprinting experiments indicate that this positive effect most likely occurs by direct contacts of Rsa1p with the U3 snoRNA 5΄ domain. In light of the recent U3 snoRNP cryo-EM structures, our data suggest that Rsa1p has a dual role by also preventing formation of a pre-mature functional U3 RNP.

Pih1p-Tah1p Puts a Lid on Hexameric AAA+ ATPases Rvb1/2p

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Sc) R2TP complex affords an Hsp90-mediated and nucleotide-driven chaperone activity to proteins of small ribonucleoprotein particles (snoRNPs). The current lack of structural information on the ScR2TP complex, however, prevents a mechanistic understanding of this biological process. We characterized the structure of the ScR2TP complex made up of two AAA+ ATPases, Rvb1/2p, and two Hsp90 binding proteins, Tah1p and Pih1p, and its interaction with the snoRNP protein Nop58p by a combination of analytical ultracentrifugation, isothermal titration calorimetry, chemical crosslinking, hydrogen-deuterium exchange, and cryoelectron microscopy methods. We find that Pih1p-Tah1p interacts with Rvb1/2p cooperatively through the nucleotide-sensitive domain of Rvb1/2p. Nop58p further binds Pih1p-Tahp1 on top of the dome-shaped R2TP. Consequently, nucleotide binding releases Pih1p-Tah1p from Rvb1/2p, which offers a mechanism for nucleotide-driven binding and release of snoRNP intermediates.

Assembly and trafficking of box C/D and H/ACA snoRNPs

Box C/D and box H/ACA snoRNAs are abundant non-coding RNAs that localize in the nucleolus and mostly function as guides for nucleotide modifications. While a large pool of snoRNAs modifies rRNAs, an increasing number of snoRNAs could also potentially target mRNAs. ScaRNAs belong to a family of specific RNAs that localize in Cajal bodies and that are structurally similar to snoRNAs. Most scaRNAs are involved in snRNA modification, while telomerase RNA, which contains H/ACA motifs, functions in telomeric DNA synthesis. In this review, we describe how box C/D and H/ACA snoRNAs are processed and assembled with core proteins to form functional RNP particles. Their biogenesis involve several transport factors that first direct pre-snoRNPs to Cajal bodies, where some processing steps are believed to take place, and then to nucleoli. Assembly of core proteins involves the HSP90/R2TP chaperone-cochaperone system for both box C/D and H/ACA RNAs, but also several factors specific for each family. These assembly factors chaperone unassembled core proteins, regulate the formation and disassembly of pre-snoRNP intermediates, and control the activity of immature particles. The AAA+ ATPase RUVBL1 and RUVBL2 belong to the R2TP co-chaperones and play essential roles in snoRNP biogenesis, as well as in the formation of other macro-molecular complexes. Despite intensive research, their mechanisms of action are still incompletely understood.

R2TP/Prefoldin-like component RUVBL1/RUVBL2 directly interacts with ZNHIT2 to regulate assembly of U5 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein

The R2TP/Prefoldin-like (R2TP/PFDL) complex has emerged as a cochaperone complex involved in the assembly of a number of critical protein complexes including snoRNPs, nuclear RNA polymerases and PIKK-containing complexes. Here we report on the use of multiple target affinity purification coupled to mass spectrometry to identify two additional complexes that interact with R2TP/PFDL: the TSC1–TSC2 complex and the U5 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP). The interaction between R2TP/PFDL and the U5 snRNP is mostly mediated by the previously uncharacterized factor ZNHIT2. A more general function for the zinc-finger HIT domain in binding RUVBL2 is exposed. Disruption of ZNHIT2 and RUVBL2 expression impacts the protein composition of the U5 snRNP suggesting a function for these proteins in promoting the assembly of the ribonucleoprotein. A possible implication of R2TP/PFDL as a major effector of stress-, energy- and nutrient-sensing pathways that regulate anabolic processes through the regulation of its chaperoning activity is discussed.

The R2TP/Prefoldin-like cochaperone complex is involved in the assembly of a number of protein complexes. Here the authors provide evidence that RUVBL1/RUVBL2, subunits of that cochaperone complex, directly interact with ZNHIT2 to regulate assembly of U5 small ribonucleoprotein.

Human telomerase: biogenesis, trafficking, recruitment, and activation

In this review, Schmidt and Cech cover human telomerase biogenesis, trafficking, and activation, comparing key aspects with the analogous events in other species.

Telomerase is the ribonucleoprotein enzyme that catalyzes the extension of telomeric DNA in eukaryotes. Recent work has begun to reveal key aspects of the assembly of the human telomerase complex, its intracellular trafficking involving Cajal bodies, and its recruitment to telomeres. Once telomerase has been recruited to the telomere, it appears to undergo a separate activation step, which may include an increase in its repeat addition processivity. This review covers human telomerase biogenesis, trafficking, and activation, comparing key aspects with the analogous events in other species.

NUFIP and the HSP90/R2TP chaperone bind the SMN complex and facilitate assembly of U4-specific proteins

The Sm proteins are loaded on snRNAs by the SMN complex, but how snRNP-specific proteins are assembled remains poorly characterized. U4 snRNP and box C/D snoRNPs have structural similarities. They both contain the 15.5K and proteins with NOP domains (PRP31 for U4, NOP56/58 for snoRNPs). Biogenesis of box C/D snoRNPs involves NUFIP and the HSP90/R2TP chaperone system and here, we explore the function of this machinery in U4 RNP assembly. We show that yeast Prp31 interacts with several components of the NUFIP/R2TP machinery, and that these interactions are separable from each other. In human cells, PRP31 mutants that fail to stably associate with U4 snRNA still interact with components of the NUFIP/R2TP system, indicating that these interactions precede binding of PRP31 to U4 snRNA. Knock-down of NUFIP leads to mislocalization of PRP31 and decreased association with U4. Moreover, NUFIP is associated with the SMN complex through direct interactions with Gemin3 and Gemin6. Altogether, our data suggest a model in which the NUFIP/R2TP system is connected with the SMN complex and facilitates assembly of U4 snRNP-specific proteins.

Substrate recognition and function of the R2TP complex in response to cellular stress

The R2TP complex is a HSP90 co-chaperone, which consists of four subunits: PIH1D1, RPAP3, RUVBL1, and RUVBL2. It is involved in the assembly of large protein or protein–RNA complexes such as RNA polymerase, small nucleolar ribonucleoproteins (snoRNPs), phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase-related kinases (PIKKs), and their complexes. While RPAP3 has a HSP90 binding domain and the RUVBLs comprise ATPase activities important for R2TP functions, PIH1D1 contains a PIH-N domain that specifically recognizes phosphorylated substrates of the R2TP complex. In this review we provide an overview of the current knowledge of the R2TP complex with the focus on the recently identified structural and mechanistic features of the R2TP complex functions. We also discuss the way R2TP regulates cellular response to stress caused by low levels of nutrients or by DNA damage and its possible exploitation as a target for anti-cancer therapy.

Structural basis for dodecameric assembly states and conformational plasticity of the full-length AAA+ ATPases Rvb1 · Rvb2

As building blocks of diverse macromolecular complexes, the AAA+ ATPases Rvb1 and Rvb2 are crucial for many cellular activities including cancer-related processes. Their oligomeric structure and function remain unclear. We report the crystal structures of full-length heteromeric Rvb1·Rvb2 complexes in distinct nucleotide binding states. Chaetomium thermophilum Rvb1·Rvb2 assemble into hexameric rings of alternating molecules and into stable dodecamers. Intriguingly, the characteristic oligonucleotide-binding (OB) fold domains (DIIs) of Rvb1 and Rvb2 occupy unequal places relative to the compact AAA+ core ring. While Rvb1's DII forms contacts between hexamers, Rvb2's DII is rotated 100° outward, occupying lateral positions. ATP was retained bound to Rvb1 but not Rvb2 throughout purification, suggesting nonconcerted ATPase activities and nucleotide binding. Significant conformational differences between nucleotide-free and ATP-/ADP-bound states in the crystal structures and in solution suggest that the functional role of Rvb1·Rvb2 is mediated by highly interconnected structural switches. Our structures provide an atomic framework for dodecameric states and Rvb1·Rvb2's conformational plasticity.

The R2TP chaperone complex: its involvement in snoRNP assembly and tumorigenesis

R2TP was originally identified in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as Hsp90 interacting complex, and is composed of four different proteins: Rvb1, Rvb2, Tah1, and Pih1. This complex is well-conserved in eukaryotes, and is involved in many cellular processes such as snoRNP biogenesis, RNA polymerase assembly, PIKK signaling, and apoptosis. An increasing number of research related to R2TP suggests a linkage of its function with tumorigenesis. In this review, we provide an overview of several recent studies on R2TP that are related to cell proliferation and carcinogenesis, and propose a possible role of R2TP in tumorigenesis through regulating snoRNA/snoRNP biogenesis.

Proteomic and 3D structure analyses highlight the C/D box snoRNP assembly mechanism and its control

During small nucleolar ribonucleoprotein complex assembly, a pre-snoRNP complex consisting only of protein components forms first, followed by displacement of the ZNHIT3 subunit when C/D snoRNAs bind and dynamic loading and unloading of RuvBL AAA⁺ ATPases.

In vitro, assembly of box C/D small nucleolar ribonucleoproteins (snoRNPs) involves the sequential recruitment of core proteins to snoRNAs. In vivo, however, assembly factors are required (NUFIP, BCD1, and the HSP90–R2TP complex), and it is unknown whether a similar sequential scheme applies. In this paper, we describe systematic quantitative stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture proteomic experiments and the crystal structure of the core protein Snu13p/15.5K bound to a fragment of the assembly factor Rsa1p/NUFIP. This revealed several unexpected features: (a) the existence of a protein-only pre-snoRNP complex containing five assembly factors and two core proteins, 15.5K and Nop58; (b) the characterization of ZNHIT3, which is present in the protein-only complex but gets released upon binding to C/D snoRNAs; (c) the dynamics of the R2TP complex, which appears to load/unload RuvBL AAA⁺ adenosine triphosphatase from pre-snoRNPs; and (d) a potential mechanism for preventing premature activation of snoRNP catalytic activity. These data provide a framework for understanding the assembly of box C/D snoRNPs.

Protein Hit1, a novel box C/D snoRNP assembly factor, controls cellular concentration of the scaffolding protein Rsa1 by direct interaction

Biogenesis of eukaryotic box C/D small nucleolar ribonucleoprotein particles (C/D snoRNPs) involves conserved trans-acting factors, which are proposed to facilitate the assembly of the core proteins Snu13p/15.5K, Nop58p/NOP58, Nop56p/NOP56 and Nop1p/Fibrillarin on box C/D small nucleolar RNAs (C/D snoRNAs). In yeast, protein Rsa1 acts as a platform, interacting with both the RNA-binding core protein Snu13 and protein Pih1 of the Hsp82-R2TP chaperone complex. In this work, a proteomic approach coupled with functional and structural studies identifies protein Hit1 as a novel Rsa1p-interacting partner involved in C/D snoRNP assembly. Hit1p contributes to in vivo C/D snoRNA stability and pre-RNA maturation kinetics. It associates with U3 snoRNA precursors and influences its 3'-end processing. Remarkably, Hit1p is required to maintain steady-state levels of Rsa1p. This stabilizing activity is likely to be general across eukaryotic species, as the human protein ZNHIT3(TRIP3) showing sequence homology with Hit1p regulates the abundance of NUFIP1, the Rsa1p functional homolog. The nuclear magnetic resonance solution structure of the Rsa1p317-352-Hit1p70-164 complex reveals a novel mode of protein-protein association explaining the strong stability of the Rsa1p-Hit1p complex. Our biochemical data show that C/D snoRNAs and the core protein Nop58 can interact with the purified Snu13p-Rsa1p-Hit1p heterotrimer.

Nutritional status modulates box C/D snoRNP biogenesis by regulated subcellular relocalization of the R2TP complex

BACKGROUND

Box C/D snoRNPs, which are typically composed of box C/D snoRNA and the four core protein components Nop1, Nop56, Nop58, and Snu13, play an essential role in the modification and processing of pre-ribosomal RNA. The highly conserved R2TP complex, comprising the proteins Rvb1, Rvb2, Tah1, and Pih1, has been shown to be required for box C/D snoRNP biogenesis and assembly; however, the molecular basis of R2TP chaperone-like activity is not yet known.

RESULTS

Here, we describe an unexpected finding in which the activity of the R2TP complex is required for Nop58 protein stability and is controlled by the dynamic subcellular redistribution of the complex in response to growth conditions and nutrient availability. In growing cells, the complex localizes to the nucleus and interacts with box C/D snoRNPs. This interaction is significantly reduced in poorly growing cells as R2TP predominantly relocalizes to the cytoplasm. The R2TP-snoRNP interaction is mainly mediated by Pih1.

CONCLUSIONS

The R2TP complex exerts a novel regulation on box C/D snoRNP biogenesis that affects their assembly and consequently pre-rRNA maturation in response to different growth conditions.

RNA-guided isomerization of uridine to pseudouridine--pseudouridylation

Box H/ACA ribonucleoproteins (RNPs), each consisting of one unique guide RNA and 4 common core proteins, constitute a family of complex enzymes that catalyze, in an RNA-guided manner, the isomerization of uridines to pseudouridines (Ψs) in RNAs, a reaction known as pseudouridylation. Over the years, box H/ACA RNPs have been extensively studied revealing many important aspects of these RNA modifying machines. In this review, we focus on the composition, structure, and biogenesis of H/ACA RNPs. We explain the mechanism of how this enzyme family recognizes and specifies its target uridine in a substrate RNA. We discuss the substrates of box H/ACA RNPs, focusing on rRNA (rRNA) and spliceosomal small nuclear RNA (snRNA). We describe the modification product Ψ and its contribution to RNA function. Finally, we consider possible mechanisms of the bone marrow failure syndrome dyskeratosis congenita and of prostate and other cancers linked to mutations in H/ACA RNPs.

Regulation of snoRNAs in cancer: close encounters with interferon

The interferon (IFN) family of cytokines regulates many cellular processes, such as transcription, translation, post-translational modifications, and protein degradation. IFNs induce growth inhibition and/or cell death, depending on the cell type, by employing different proteins. This review describes a novel growth-suppressive pathway employed by IFNs that affects rRNA levels. Maturation of rRNA involves numerous noncoding small regulatory RNA-guided processes. These regulatory RNAs, called small nucleolar RNA (snoRNAs), function as a ribonucleoprotein particle (RNP) in the nucleolus. The biogenesis of snoRNPs is dependent on core protein and assembly factors. Our laboratory recently isolated a growth-suppressive protein gene associated with retinoid-IFN-induced mortality (GRIM)-1 using a genetic screen. IFN-inducible GRIM-1 (SHQ1) is an assembly factor that controls one arm of the snoRNP machinery. GRIM-1 inhibits sno/scaRNP formation to induce growth suppression via reduction in mature rRNA levels. Loss of GRIM-1 observed in certain cancers implicates it to be a novel tumor suppressor. Certain snoRNAs have been reported to act as either oncogenes or tumor suppressors in vitro. Recent studies have shown that certain sno/scaRNAs are further processed into micro RNA-like molecules to control translation of protein-coding RNAs. We present a model as to how these small regulatory RNAs influence cell growth and a potential role for GRIM-1 in this process.

Identification of R2TP complex of Leishmania donovani and Plasmodium falciparum using genome wide in-silico analysis

Recently discovered R2TP complex is an important multiprotein complex involved in multiple cellular process like snoRNP biogenesis, PIKK signaling, RNA polymerase II assembly and apoptosis. Within R2TP complex, Pih1 tightly interacts with Rvb1/Rvb2 and with Tah1 to form R2TP macromolecular complex. R2TP complex further interacts with Hsp90 to form R2TP-Hsp90 complex, which has been found critical in many cellular process. The genome wide screening of Leishmania donovani and Plasmodium falciparum led to the identification of RuvB like1, RuvB like 2, Pih1, and Tah1. Therefore, we speculate that this complex is also important for these parasites as in the yeast. The detailed analysis of crucial components of R2TP complex, Ld-RuvB like 1, and Ld-RuvB like 2, revealed the presence of characteristic motifs like DNA binding motif and ATPase motifs. Hsp90 is also reported from Leishmania donovani and Plasmodium falciparum suggesting that the R2TP complex further interacts with Hsp90 to form R2TP-Hsp90 complex. Recently it has been discovered that RuvB like proteins are overexpressed in many cancers and their ATPase activity is crucial for cancer cell proliferation and the human RuvBs have been proposed as suitable drug target for cancer. Similarly one of the Plasmodium falciparum RuvB like protein (PfRuvB3) has been found to be specific to the stage where nuclear division led multiplication of parasite take place. Considering all these it seems that the R2TP complex may be playing some critical role both in the cancer cell proliferation in human and rapid multiplication of the parasites Leishmania donovani and Plasmodium falciparum.

Reptin/Ruvbl2 is a Lrrc6/Seahorse interactor essential for cilia motility

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by defective cilia motility. The identified PCD genes account for about half of PCD incidences and the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. We demonstrate that Reptin/Ruvbl2, a protein known to be involved in epigenetic and transcriptional regulation, is essential for cilia motility in zebrafish. We further show that Reptin directly interacts with the PCD protein Lrrc6/Seahorse and this interaction is critical for the in vivo function of Lrrc6/Seahorse in zebrafish. Moreover, whereas the expression levels of multiple dynein arm components remain unchanged or become elevated, the density of axonemal dynein arms is reduced in reptin(hi2394) mutants. Furthermore, Reptin is highly enriched in the cytosol and colocalizes with Lrrc6/Seahorse. Combined, these results suggest that the Reptin-Lrrc6/Seahorse complex is involved in dynein arm formation. We also show that although the DNA damage response is induced in reptin(hi2394) mutants, it remains unchanged in cilia biogenesis mutants and lrrc6/seahorse mutants, suggesting that increased DNA damage response is not intrinsic to ciliary defects and that in vertebrate development, Reptin functions in multiple processes, both cilia specific and cilia independent.

Chaperone-like activity of the AAA+ proteins Rvb1 and Rvb2 in the assembly of various complexes

Rvb1 and Rvb2 are highly conserved and essential eukaryotic AAA+ proteins linked to a wide range of cellular processes. AAA+ proteins are ATPases associated with diverse cellular activities and are characterized by the presence of one or more AAA+ domains. These domains have the canonical Walker A and Walker B nucleotide binding and hydrolysis motifs. Rvb1 and Rvb2 have been found to be part of critical cellular complexes: the histone acetyltransferase Tip60 complex, chromatin remodelling complexes Ino80 and SWR-C, and the telomerase complex. In addition, Rvb1 and Rvb2 are components of the R2TP complex that was identified by our group and was determined to be involved in the maturation of box C/D small nucleolar ribonucleoprotein (snoRNP) complexes. Furthermore, the Rvbs have been associated with mitotic spindle assembly, as well as phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-related protein kinase (PIKK) signalling. This review sheds light on the potential role of the Rvbs as chaperones in the assembly and remodelling of these critical complexes.

Changes in higher order structures of chromatin by RNP complexes

More than four decades ago, it was shown that RNA stably associates with chromatin. These studies indicated that chromatin-associated RNAs (caRNA) might be involved in the organization of chromatin structure. However, it is only recently that pools of chromatin-associated RNAs were characterized and functional studies were initiated. In Drosophila cells, an RNP complex consisting of snoRNAs and Decondensation factor 31 (Df31) is stably tethered to chromatin, mediated by the RNA- and histone-binding activities of Df31. Biochemical and functional characterizations suggest a structural role of this complex in chromatin organization. The binding of the Df31-snoRNA complex to chromatin results in the opening and the maintenance of accessible higher order structures of chromatin. We suggest that different classes of chromatin-associated RNPs are required for the targeted opening of higher order structures of chromatin, enabling the activation of DNA-dependent processes such as transcription.

Integrated regulation of PIKK-mediated stress responses by AAA+ proteins RUVBL1 and RUVBL2

Proteins of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-related protein kinase (PIKK) family are activated by various cellular stresses, including DNA damage, premature termination codon and nutritional status, and induce appropriate cellular responses. The importance of PIKK functions in the maintenance of genome integrity, accurate gene expression and the proper control of cell growth/proliferation is established. Recently, ATPase associated diverse cellular activities (AAA+) proteins RUVBL1 and RUVBL2 (RUVBL1/2) have been shown to be common regulators of PIKKs. The RUVBL1/2 complex regulates PIKK-mediated stress responses through physical interactions with PIKKs and by controlling PIKK mRNA levels. In this review, the functions of PIKKs in stress responses are outlined and the physiological significance of the integrated regulation of PIKKs by the RUVBL1/2 complex is presented. We also discuss a putative "PIKK regulatory chaperone complex" including other PIKK regulators, Hsp90 and the Tel2 complex.

The ATPase activity of reptin is required for its effects on tumor cell growth and viability in hepatocellular carcinoma

Reptin is overexpressed in most human hepatocellular carcinomas. Reptin is involved in chromatin remodeling, transcription regulation, or supramolecular complexes assembly. Its silencing leads to growth arrest and apoptosis in cultured hepatocellular carcinoma cells and stops hepatocellular carcinoma progression in xenografts. Reptin has an ATPase activity linked to Walker A and B domains. It is unclear whether every Reptin function depends on its ATPase activity. Here, we expressed Walker B ATPase-dead mutants (D299N or E300G) in hepatocellular carcinoma cells in the presence of endogenous Reptin. Then, we silenced endogenous Reptin and substituted it with siRNA-resistant wild-type (WT) or Flag-Reptin mutants. There was a significant decrease in cell growth when expressing either mutant in the presence of endogenous Reptin, revealing a dominant negative effect of the ATPase dead mutants on hepatocellular carcinoma cell growth. Substitution of endogenous Reptin by WT Flag-Reptin rescued cell growth of HuH7. On the other hand, substitution by Flag-Reptin D299N or E300G led to cell growth arrest. Similar results were seen with Hep3B cells. Reptin silencing in HuH7 cells led to an increased apoptotic cell death, which was prevented by WT Flag-Reptin but not by the D299N mutant. These data show that Reptin functions relevant for cancer are dependent on its ATPase activity, and suggest that antagonists of Reptin ATPase activity may be useful as anticancer agents.

Plasmodium falciparum RuvB proteins: Emerging importance and expectations beyond cell cycle progression

The urgent requirement of next generation antimalarials has been of recent interest due to the emergence of drug-resistant parasite. The genome-wide analysis of Plasmodium falciparum helicases revealed three RuvB proteins. Due to the presence of helicase motif I and II in PfRuvBs, there is a high probability that they contain ATPase and possibly helicase activity. The Plasmodium database has homologs of several key proteins that interact with RuvBs and are most likely involved in the cell cycle progression, chromatin remodeling, and other cellular activities. Phylogenetically PfRuvBs are closely related to Saccharomyces cerevisiae RuvB, which is essential for cell cycle progression and survival of yeast. Thus PfRuvBs can serve as potential drug target if they show an essential role in the survival of parasite.

Mechanism of the AAA+ ATPases pontin and reptin in the biogenesis of H/ACA RNPs

The AAA+ ATPases pontin and reptin function in a staggering array of cellular processes including chromatin remodeling, transcriptional regulation, DNA damage repair, and assembly of macromolecular complexes, such as RNA polymerase II and small nucleolar (sno) RNPs. However, the molecular mechanism for all of these AAA+ ATPase associated activities is unknown. Here we document that, during the biogenesis of H/ACA RNPs (including telomerase), the assembly factor SHQ1 holds the pseudouridine synthase NAP57/dyskerin in a viselike grip, and that pontin and reptin (as components of the R2TP complex) are required to pry NAP57 from SHQ1. Significantly, the NAP57 domain captured by SHQ1 harbors most mutations underlying X-linked dyskeratosis congenita (X-DC) implicating the interface between the two proteins as a target of this bone marrow failure syndrome. Homing in on the essential first steps of H/ACA RNP biogenesis, our findings provide the first insight into the mechanism of action of pontin and reptin in the assembly of macromolecular complexes.

Df31 protein and snoRNAs maintain accessible higher-order structures of chromatin

Packaging of DNA into nucleosomes and the formation of higher-order chromatin structures determine DNA accessibility and activity of genome domains. We identified an RNA-dependent mechanism maintaining the open chromatin structure within euchromatic regions in Drosophila cells. The mechanism of reversible chromatin opening, reconstituted in vitro, depends on the Drosophila decondensation factor 31 (Df31) that specifically binds to RNA and localizes to euchromatic regions. Df31 is capable to tether a heterogeneous pool of short, single-stranded RNAs to chromatin. This class of chromatin-associated RNA (caRNA) is stably linked to chromatin and is largely composed of snoRNAs, which are preferentially bound by Df31. We suggest that the Df31-mediated linkage of snoRNAs and chromatin, forms a RNA-chromatin network resulting in the establishment of open chromatin domains. Analysis of caRNAs in human cells also reveals a strong enrichment of snoRNAs, implying a conserved role for these molecules in higher-order structures of chromatin.

First identification of small-molecule inhibitors of Pontin by combining virtual screening and enzymatic assay

The human protein Pontin, which belongs to the AAA+ (ATPases associated with various cellular activities) family, is overexpressed in several cancers and its silencing in vitro leads to tumour cell growth arrest and apoptosis, making it a good target for cancer therapy. In particular, high levels of expression were found in hepatic tumours for which the therapeutic arsenal is rather limited. The three-dimensional structure of Pontin has been resolved previously, revealing a hexameric assembly with one ADP molecule co-crystallized in each subunit. Using Vina, DrugScore and Xscore, structure-based virtual screening of 2200 commercial molecules was conducted into the ATP-binding site formed by a dimer of Pontin in order to prioritize the best candidates. Complementary to the in silico screening, a versatile and sensitive colorimetric assay was set up to measure the disruption of the ATPase activity of Pontin. This assay allowed the determination of inhibition curves for more than 20 top-scoring compounds, resulting in the identification of four ligands presenting an inhibition constant in the micromolar concentration range. Three of them inhibited tumour cell proliferation. The association of virtual screening and experimental assay thus proved successful for the discovery of the first small-molecule inhibitors of Pontin.

HSP90 and the R2TP co-chaperone complex: building multi-protein machineries essential for cell growth and gene expression

HSP90 (Heat Shock Protein 90) is an essential chaperone involved in the last folding steps of client proteins. It has many clients, and these are often recognized through specific adaptors. Recently, the conserved R2TP complex was identified as a key HSP90 co-chaperone. Current evidences indicate that the HSP90/R2TP system assembles multi-molecular protein complexes. Strikingly, these comprise basic machineries of gene expression: (1) nuclear RNA polymerases; (2) the snoRNPs, essential to produce ribosomes; and (3) mTOR Complex 1 and 2, which control translational activity and cell growth. Another important substrate is the telomerase RNP, required for continuous cell proliferation. We discuss here the assembly of RNA polymerases in bacteria and eukaryotes, the role of HSP90/R2TP in this process and in the assembly of snoRNPs and the PIKK family of TORC1 kinase. Finally, we speculate on the roles of R2TP as a master regulator of cell growth under normal or pathological conditions.

Heterozygous yeast deletion collection screens reveal essential targets of Hsp90

Hsp90 is an essential eukaryotic chaperone with a role in folding specific “client” proteins such as kinases and hormone receptors. Previously performed homozygous diploid yeast deletion collection screens uncovered broad requirements for Hsp90 in cellular transport and cell cycle progression. These screens also revealed that the requisite cellular functions of Hsp90 change with growth temperature. We present here for the first time the results of heterozygous deletion collection screens conducted at the hypothermic stress temperature of 15°C. Extensive bioinformatic analyses were performed on the resulting data in combination with data from homozygous and heterozygous screens previously conducted at normal (30°C) and hyperthermic stress (37°C) growth temperatures. Our resulting meta-analysis uncovered extensive connections between Hsp90 and (1) general transcription, (2) ribosome biogenesis and (3) GTP binding proteins. Predictions from bioinformatic analyses were tested experimentally, supporting a role for Hsp90 in ribosome stability. Importantly, the integrated analysis of the 15°C heterozygous deletion pool screen with previously conducted 30°C and 37°C screens allows for essential genetic targets of Hsp90 to emerge. Altogether, these novel contributions enable a more complete picture of essential Hsp90 functions.

2'-O-methylation of the wobble residue of elongator pre-tRNA(Met) in Haloferax volcanii is guided by a box C/D RNA containing unique features

The wobble residue C34 of Haloferax volcanii elongator tRNA(Met) is 2'-O-methylated. Neither a protein enzyme nor a guide RNA for this modification has been described. In this study, we show that this methylation is guided by a box C/D RNA targeting the intron-containing precursor of the tRNA. This guide RNA is starkly different from its homologs. This unique RNA of approximately 75 bases, named sR-tMet, is encoded in the genomes of H. volcanii and several other haloarchaea. A unique feature of sR-tMet is that the mature RNA in H. volcanii is substantially larger than its predicted size, whereas those in other haloarchaea are as predicted. While the 5'-ends of all tested haloarchaeal sR-tMets are equivalent, H. volcanii sR-tMet possesses an additional 51-base extension at its 3' end. This extension is present in the precursor but not in the mature sR-tMet of Halobacterium sp., suggesting differential 3'-end processing of sR-tMet in these two closely related organisms. Archaeal box C/D RNAs mostly contain a K-loop at the C'/D' motif. Another unique feature of sR-tMet is that its C'/D' motif lacks either a conventional K-turn or a K-loop. Instead, it contains two tandem, sheared G•A base pairs and a pyrimidine-pyrimidine pair in the non-canonical stem; the latter may form an alternative K-turn. Gel shift assays indicate that the L7Ae protein can form a stable complex with this unusual C'/D' motif, suggesting a novel RNA structure for L7Ae interaction.

HSP90 and its R2TP/Prefoldin-like cochaperone are involved in the cytoplasmic assembly of RNA polymerase II

RNA polymerases are key multisubunit cellular enzymes. Microscopy studies indicated that RNA polymerase I assembles near its promoter. However, the mechanism by which RNA polymerase II is assembled from its 12 subunits remains unclear. We show here that RNA polymerase II subunits Rpb1 and Rpb3 accumulate in the cytoplasm when assembly is prevented and that nuclear import of Rpb1 requires the presence of all subunits. Using MS-based quantitative proteomics, we characterized assembly intermediates. These included a cytoplasmic complex containing subunits Rpb1 and Rpb8 associated with the HSP90 cochaperone hSpagh (RPAP3) and the R2TP/Prefoldin-like complex. Remarkably, HSP90 activity stabilized incompletely assembled Rpb1 in the cytoplasm. Our data indicate that RNA polymerase II is built in the cytoplasm and reveal quality-control mechanisms that link HSP90 to the nuclear import of fully assembled enzymes. hSpagh also bound the free RPA194 subunit of RNA polymerase I, suggesting a general role in assembling RNA polymerases.

Structures of ribonucleoprotein particle modification enzymes

Small nucleolar and Cajal body ribonucleoprotein particles (RNPs) are required for the maturation of ribosomes and spliceosomes. They consist of small nucleolar RNA or Cajal body RNA combined with partner proteins and represent the most complex RNA modification enzymes. Recent advances in structure and function studies have revealed detailed information regarding ribonucleoprotein assembly and substrate binding. These enzymes form intertwined RNA-protein assemblies that facilitate reversible binding of the large ribosomal RNA or small nuclear RNA. These revelations explain the specificity among the components in enzyme assembly and substrate modification. The multiple conformations of individual components and those of complete RNPs suggest a dynamic assembly process and justify the requirement of many assembly factors in vivo.

New insights into the biogenesis of nuclear RNA polymerases?

More than 30 years of research on nuclear RNA polymerases (RNAP I, II, and III) has uncovered numerous factors that regulate the activity of these enzymes during the transcription reaction. However, very little is known about the machinery that regulates the fate of RNAPs before or after transcription. In particular, the mechanisms of biogenesis of the 3 nuclear RNAPs, which comprise both common and specific subunits, remains mostly uncharacterized and the proteins involved are yet to be discovered. Using protein affinity purification coupled to mass spectrometry (AP-MS), we recently unraveled a high-density interaction network formed by nuclear RNAP subunits from the soluble fraction of human cell extracts. Validation of the dataset using a machine learning approach trained to minimize the rate of false positives and false negatives yielded a high-confidence dataset and uncovered novel interactors that regulate the RNAP II transcription machinery, including a set of proteins we named the RNAP II-associated proteins (RPAPs). One of the RPAPs, RPAP3, is part of an 11-subunit complex we termed the RPAP3/R2TP/prefoldin-like complex. Here, we review the literature on the subunits of this complex, which points to a role in nuclear RNAP biogenesis.

Comparison of the multiple oligomeric structures observed for the Rvb1 and Rvb2 proteins

The Rvb1 and Rvb2 proteins are 2 members of the AAA+ family, involved in roles as diverse as chromatin remodeling, transcription, small nucleolar RNA maturation, cellular transformation, signaling of apoptosis and mitosis. These proteins are capable of playing a role in such diverse cellular activities because they are components of different macromolecular assemblies. In the last few years, there has been a number of groups reporting on the structure of purified Rvbs. The reported results have been rather controversial, because there are significant differences observed among the published structures in spite of the high degree of homology among these proteins. Surprisingly, contradictions are observed not only between structures representing the Rvb proteins from different species, but also between protein structures from the same species. This review describes the available Rvb structures from different species and also makes a comparative analysis of them. Finally, we identify some aspects of these structural studies worth pursuing in additional investigations to ensure that the reported structures reflect physiologically relevant conformations of the Rvb1-Rvb2 complex.

AAA+ proteins RUVBL1 and RUVBL2 coordinate PIKK activity and function in nonsense-mediated mRNA decay

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-related protein kinase (PIKK) family proteins play essential roles in DNA-based and RNA-based processes, such as the response to DNA damage, messenger RNA (mRNA) quality control, transcription, and translation, where they contribute to the maintenance of genome integrity and accurate gene expression. The adenosine triphosphatases associated with diverse cellular activities (AAA+) family proteins RuvB-like 1 (RUVBL1) and RUVBL2 are involved in various cellular processes, including transcription, RNA modification, DNA repair, and telomere maintenance. We show that RUVBL1 and RUVBL2 associate with each PIKK family member. We also show that RUVBL1 and RUVBL2 control PIKK abundance at least at the mRNA level. Knockdown of RUVBL1 or RUVBL2 decreased PIKK abundance and impaired PIKK-mediated signaling. Analysis of SMG-1, a PIKK family member involved in nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD), revealed an essential role for RUVBL1 and RUVBL2 in NMD. RUVBL1 and RUVBL2 associated with SMG-1 and the messenger ribonucleoproteins in the cytoplasm and promoted the formation of mRNA surveillance complexes during NMD. Thus, RUVBL1 and RUVBL2 regulate PIKK functions on two different levels: They control the abundance of PIKKs, and they stimulate the formation of PIKK-containing molecular complexes, such as those involved in NMD.

Rvb1–Rvb2: essential ATP-dependent helicases for critical complexesThis paper is one of a selection of papers published in this special issue entitled 8th International Conference on AAA Proteins and has undergone the Journal's usual peer review process

Rvb1 and Rvb2 are highly conserved, essential AAA+ helicases found in a wide range of eukaryotes. The versatility of these helicases and their central role in the biology of the cell is evident from their involvement in a wide array of critical cellular complexes. Rvb1 and Rvb2 are components of the chromatin-remodeling complexes INO80, Swr-C, and BAF. They are also members of the histone acetyltransferase Tip60 complex, and the recently identified R2TP complex present in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Homo sapiens; a complex that is involved in small nucleolar ribonucleoprotein (snoRNP) assembly. Furthermore, in humans, Rvb1 and Rvb2 have been identified in the URI prefoldin-like complex. In Drosophila, the Polycomb Repressive complex 1 contains Rvb2, but not Rvb1, and the Brahma complex contains Rvb1 and not Rvb2. Both of these complexes are involved in the regulation of growth and development genes in Drosophila. Rvbs are therefore crucial factors in various cellular processes. Their importance in chromatin remodeling, transcription regulation, DNA damage repair, telomerase assembly, mitotic spindle formation, and snoRNP biogenesis is discussed in this review.

Adenosine triphosphatase pontin is overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma and coregulated with reptin through a new posttranslational mechanism

Reptin and Pontin are related ATPases associated with stoichiometric amounts in several complexes involved in chromatin remodeling, transcriptional regulation, and telomerase activity. We found that Reptin was up-regulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and that down-regulation of Reptin led to growth arrest. We show here that Pontin messenger RNA (mRNA) is also up-regulated in human HCC 3.9-fold as compared to nontumor liver (P = 0.0004). Pontin expression was a strong independent factor of poor prognosis in a multivariate analysis. As for Reptin, depletion of Pontin in HuH7 cells with small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) led to growth arrest. Remarkably, Pontin depletion led to down-regulation of Reptin as shown with western blot, and vice versa. Whereas siRNAs induced a decrease of their cognate mRNA targets, they did not affect the transcripts of the partner protein. Translation of Pontin or Reptin was not altered when the partner protein was silenced. However, pulse-chase experiments demonstrated that newly synthesized Pontin or Reptin stability was reduced in Reptin- or Pontin-depleted cells, respectively. This phenomenon was reversed upon inhibition of proteasome or ubiquitin-activating enzyme (E1). In addition, proteasome inhibition could partly restore Pontin steady-state levels in Reptin-depleted cells, as shown by western blot. This restoration was not observed when cells were also treated with cycloheximide, thus confirming that proteasomal degradation in this setting was restricted to newly synthesized Pontin.

CONCLUSION

Reptin and Pontin protein levels are strictly controlled by a posttranslational mechanism involving proteasomal degradation of newly synthesized proteins. These data demonstrate a tight regulatory and reciprocal interaction between Reptin and Pontin, which may in turn lead to the maintenance of their 1:1 stoichiometry.