Functional analysis of Hsh155/SF3b1 interactions with the U2 snRNA/branch site duplex

Mechanisms and regulation of spliceosome-mediated pre-mRNA splicing in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Pre-mRNA splicing, the removal of introns and ligation of flanking exons, is a crucial step in eukaryotic gene expression. The spliceosome, a macromolecular complex made up of five small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs) and dozens of proteins, assembles on introns via a complex pathway before catalyzing the two transesterification reactions necessary for splicing. All of these steps have the potential to be highly regulated to ensure correct mRNA isoform production for proper cellular function. While Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) has a limited set of intron-containing genes, many of these genes are highly expressed, resulting in a large number of transcripts in a cell being spliced. As a result, splicing regulation is of critical importance for yeast. Just as in humans, yeast splicing can be influenced by protein components of the splicing machinery, structures and properties of the pre-mRNA itself, or by the action of trans-acting factors. It is likely that further analysis of the mechanisms and pathways of splicing regulation in yeast can reveal general principles applicable to other eukaryotes. This article is categorized under: RNA Processing > Splicing Mechanisms RNA Processing > Splicing Regulation/Alternative Splicing.

Control of 3' splice site selection by the yeast splicing factor Fyv6

Pre-mRNA splicing is catalyzed in two steps: 5' splice site (SS) cleavage and exon ligation. A number of proteins transiently associate with spliceosomes to specifically impact these steps (1st and 2nd step factors). We recently identified Fyv6 (FAM192A in humans) as a 2nd step factor in S. cerevisiae; however, we did not determine how widespread Fyv6's impact is on the transcriptome. To answer this question, we have used RNA-seq to analyze changes in splicing. These results show that loss of Fyv6 results in activation of non-consensus, branch point (BP) proximal 3' SS transcriptome-wide. To identify the molecular basis of these observations, we determined a high-resolution cryo-EM structure of a yeast product complex spliceosome containing Fyv6 at 2.3 Å. The structure reveals that Fyv6 is the only 2nd step factor that contacts the Prp22 ATPase and that Fyv6 binding is mutually exclusive with that of the 1st step factor Yju2. We then use this structure to dissect Fyv6 functional domains and interpret results of a genetic screen for fyv6Δ suppressor mutations. The combined transcriptomic, structural, and genetic studies allow us to propose a model in which Yju2/Fyv6 exchange facilitates exon ligation and Fyv6 promotes usage of consensus, BP distal 3' SS.

Broad variation in response of individual introns to splicing inhibitors in a humanized yeast strain

Intron branchpoint (BP) recognition by the U2 snRNP is a critical step of splicing, vulnerable to recurrent cancer mutations and bacterial natural product inhibitors. The BP binds a conserved pocket in the SF3B1 (human) or Hsh155 (yeast) U2 snRNP protein. Amino acids that line this pocket affect the binding of splicing inhibitors like Pladienolide-B (Plad-B), such that organisms differ in their sensitivity. To study the mechanism of splicing inhibitor action in a simplified system, we modified the naturally Plad-B resistant yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae by changing 14 amino acids in the Hsh155 BP pocket to those from human. This humanized yeast grows normally, and splicing is largely unaffected by the mutation. Splicing is inhibited within minutes after the addition of Plad-B, and different introns appear inhibited to different extents. Intron-specific inhibition differences are also observed during cotranscriptional splicing in Plad-B using single-molecule intron tracking to minimize gene-specific transcription and decay rates that cloud estimates of inhibition by standard RNA-seq. Comparison of Plad-B intron sensitivities to those of the structurally distinct inhibitor Thailanstatin-A reveals intron-specific differences in sensitivity to different compounds. This work exposes a complex relationship between the binding of different members of this class of inhibitors to the spliceosome and intron-specific rates of BP recognition and catalysis. Introns with variant BP sequences seem particularly sensitive, echoing observations from mammalian cells, where monitoring individual introns is complicated by multi-intron gene architecture and alternative splicing. The compact yeast system may hasten the characterization of splicing inhibitors, accelerating improvements in selectivity and therapeutic efficacy.

Broad variation in response of individual introns to splicing inhibitors in a humanized yeast strain

Intron branch point (BP) recognition by the U2 snRNP is a critical step of splicing, vulnerable to recurrent cancer mutations and bacterial natural product inhibitors. The BP binds a conserved pocket in the SF3B1 (human) or Hsh155 (yeast) U2 snRNP protein. Amino acids that line this pocket affect binding of splicing inhibitors like Pladienolide-B (Plad-B), such that organisms differ in their sensitivity. To study the mechanism of splicing inhibitor action in a simplified system, we modified the naturally Plad-B resistant yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae by changing 14 amino acids in the Hsh155 BP pocket to those from human. This humanized yeast grows normally, and splicing is largely unaffected by the mutation. Splicing is inhibited within minutes after addition of Plad-B, and different introns appear inhibited to different extents. Intron-specific inhibition differences are also observed during co-transcriptional splicing in Plad-B using single-molecule intron tracking (SMIT) to minimize gene-specific transcription and decay rates that cloud estimates of inhibition by standard RNA-seq. Comparison of Plad-B intron sensitivities to those of the structurally distinct inhibitor Thailanstatin-A reveals intron-specific differences in sensitivity to different compounds. This work exposes a complex relationship between binding of different members of this class of inhibitors to the spliceosome and intron-specific rates of BP recognition and catalysis. Introns with variant BP sequences seem particularly sensitive, echoing observations from mammalian cells, where monitoring individual introns is complicated by multi-intron gene architecture and alternative splicing. The compact yeast system may hasten characterization of splicing inhibitors, accelerating improvements in selectivity and therapeutic efficacy.

Biochemical and genetic evidence supports Fyv6 as a second-step splicing factor in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Precursor mRNA (pre-mRNA) splicing is an essential process for gene expression in eukaryotes catalyzed by the spliceosome in two transesterification steps. The spliceosome is a large, highly dynamic complex composed of five small nuclear RNAs and dozens of proteins, some of which are needed throughout the splicing reaction while others only act during specific stages. The human protein FAM192A was recently proposed to be a splicing factor that functions during the second transesterification step, exon ligation, based on analysis of cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) density. It was also proposed that Fyv6 might be the Saccharomyces cerevisiae functional and structural homolog of FAM192A; however, no biochemical or genetic data has been reported to support this hypothesis. Herein, we show that Fyv6 is a splicing factor and acts during exon ligation. Deletion of FYV6 results in genetic interactions with the essential splicing factors Prp8, Prp16, and Prp22 and decreases splicing in vivo of reporter genes harboring intron substitutions that limit the rate of exon ligation. When splicing is assayed in vitro, whole-cell extracts lacking Fyv6 accumulate first-step products and exhibit a defect in exon ligation. Moreover, loss of Fyv6 causes a change in 3' splice site (SS) selection in both a reporter gene and the endogenous SUS1 transcript in vivo. Together, these data suggest that Fyv6 is a component of the yeast spliceosome that influences 3' SS usage and the potential homolog of human FAM192A.

Biochemical and Genetic Evidence Supports Fyv6 as a Second-Step Splicing Factor in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Precursor mRNA (pre-mRNA) splicing is an essential process for gene expression in eukaryotes catalyzed by the spliceosome in two transesterification steps. The spliceosome is a large, highly dynamic complex composed of 5 small nuclear RNAs and dozens of proteins, some of which are needed throughout the splicing reaction while others only act during specific stages. The human protein FAM192A was recently proposed to be a splicing factor that functions during the second transesterification step, exon ligation, based on analysis of cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) density. It was also proposed that Fyv6 might be the functional S. cerevisiae homolog of FAM192A; however, no biochemical or genetic data has been reported to support this hypothesis. Herein, we show that Fyv6 is a splicing factor and acts during exon ligation. Deletion of FYV6 results in genetic interactions with the essential splicing factors Prp8, Prp16, and Prp22; decreases splicing in vivo of reporter genes harboring intron substitutions that limit the rate of exon ligation; and changes 3’ splice site (SS) selection. Together, these data suggest that Fyv6 is a component of the spliceosome and the potential functional and structural homolog of human FAM192A.

Structural insights into how Prp5 proofreads the pre-mRNA branch site

During the splicing of introns from precursor messenger RNAs (pre-mRNAs), the U2 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) must undergo stable integration into the spliceosomal A complex-a poorly understood, multistep process that is facilitated by the DEAD-box helicase Prp5 (refs. 1-4). During this process, the U2 small nuclear RNA (snRNA) forms an RNA duplex with the pre-mRNA branch site (the U2-BS helix), which is proofread by Prp5 at this stage through an unclear mechanism5. Here, by deleting the branch-site adenosine (BS-A) or mutating the branch-site sequence of an actin pre-mRNA, we stall the assembly of spliceosomes in extracts from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae directly before the A complex is formed. We then determine the three-dimensional structure of this newly identified assembly intermediate by cryo-electron microscopy. Our structure indicates that the U2-BS helix has formed in this pre-A complex, but is not yet clamped by the HEAT domain of the Hsh155 protein (Hsh155HEAT), which exhibits an open conformation. The structure further reveals a large-scale remodelling/repositioning of the U1 and U2 snRNPs during the formation of the A complex that is required to allow subsequent binding of the U4/U6.U5 tri-snRNP, but that this repositioning is blocked in the pre-A complex by the presence of Prp5. Our data suggest that binding of Hsh155HEAT to the bulged BS-A of the U2-BS helix triggers closure of Hsh155HEAT, which in turn destabilizes Prp5 binding. Thus, Prp5 proofreads the branch site indirectly, hindering spliceosome assembly if branch-site mutations prevent the remodelling of Hsh155HEAT. Our data provide structural insights into how a spliceosomal helicase enhances the fidelity of pre-mRNA splicing.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae Ecm2 Modulates the Catalytic Steps of pre-mRNA Splicing

Genetic, biochemical, and structural studies have elucidated the molecular basis for spliceosome catalysis. Splicing is RNA catalyzed and the essential snRNA and protein factors are well-conserved. However, little is known about how non-essential components of the spliceosome contribute to the reaction and modulate the activities of the fundamental core machinery. Ecm2 is a non-essential yeast splicing factor that is a member of the Prp19-related complex of proteins. Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures have revealed that Ecm2 binds the U6 snRNA and is entangled with Cwc2, a factor previously found to promote a catalytically active conformation of the spliceosome. These structures also indicate that Ecm2 and the U2 snRNA likely form a transient interaction during 5' splice site (SS) cleavage. We have characterized genetic interactions between ECM2 and alleles of splicing factors that alter the catalytic steps in splicing. In addition, we have studied how loss of ECM2 impacts splicing of pre-mRNAs containing non-consensus or competing SS. Our results show that ECM2 functions during the catalytic stages of splicing. Our data are consistent with Ecm2 facilitating the formation and stabilization of the 1st-step catalytic site, promoting 2nd-step catalysis, and permiting alternate 5' SS usage. We propose that Cwc2 and Ecm2 can each fine-tune the spliceosome active site in unique ways. Their interaction network may act as a conduit through which splicing of certain pre-mRNAs, such as those containing weak or alternate splice sites, can be regulated.

Silencing Core Spliceosome Sm Gene Expression Induces a Cytotoxic Splicing Switch in the Proteasome Subunit Beta 3 mRNA in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells

The core spliceosomal Sm proteins were recently proposed as cancer-selective lethal targets in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In contrast, the loss of the commonly mutated cancer target SF3B1 appeared to be toxic to non-malignant cells as well. In the current study, the transcriptomes of A549 NSCLC cells, in which SF3B1 or SNRPD3 was silenced, were compared using RNA sequencing. The skipping of exon 4 of the proteasomal subunit beta type-3 (PSMB3) mRNA, resulting in a shorter PSMB3-S variant, occurred only after silencing SNRPD3. This observation was extended to the other six Sm genes. Remarkably, the alternative splicing of PSMB3 mRNA upon Sm gene silencing was not observed in non-malignant IMR-90 lung fibroblasts. Furthermore, PSMB3 was found to be overexpressed in NSCLC clinical samples and PSMB3 expression correlated with Sm gene expression. Moreover, a high PSMB3 expression corresponds to worse survival in patients with lung adenocarcinomas. Finally, silencing the canonical full-length PSMB3-L, but not the shorter PSMB3-S variant, was cytotoxic and was accompanied by a decrease in proteasomal activity. Together, silencing Sm genes, but not SF3B1, causes a cytotoxic alternative splicing switch in the PSMB3 mRNA in NSCLC cells only.

Dynamics of the DEAD-box ATPase Prp5 RecA-like domains provide a conformational switch during spliceosome assembly

The DEAD-box family of proteins are ATP-dependent, RNA-binding proteins implicated in many aspects of RNA metabolism. Pre-mRNA splicing in eukaryotes requires three DEAD-box ATPases (Prp5, Prp28 and Sub2), the molecular mechanisms of which are poorly understood. Here, we use single molecule FRET (smFRET) to study the conformational dynamics of yeast Prp5. Prp5 is essential for stable association of the U2 snRNP with the intron branch site (BS) sequence during spliceosome assembly. Our data show that the Prp5 RecA-like domains undergo a large conformational rearrangement only in response to binding of both ATP and RNA. Mutations in Prp5 impact the fidelity of BS recognition and change the conformational dynamics of the RecA-like domains. We propose that BS recognition during spliceosome assembly involves a set of coordinated conformational switches among U2 snRNP components. Spontaneous toggling of Prp5 into a stable, open conformation may be important for its release from U2 and to prevent competition between Prp5 re-binding and subsequent steps in spliceosome assembly.

Impact of cancer-associated mutations in Hsh155/SF3b1 HEAT repeats 9-12 on pre-mRNA splicing in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Mutations in the splicing machinery have been implicated in a number of human diseases. Most notably, the U2 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) component SF3b1 has been found to be frequently mutated in blood cancers such as myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). SF3b1 is a highly conserved HEAT repeat (HR)-containing protein and most of these blood cancer mutations cluster in a hot spot located in HR4-8. Recently, a second mutational hotspot has been identified in SF3b1 located in HR9-12 and is associated with acute myeloid leukemias, bladder urothelial carcinomas, and uterine corpus endometrial carcinomas. The consequences of these mutations on SF3b1 functions during splicing have not yet been tested. We incorporated the corresponding mutations into the yeast homolog of SF3b1 and tested their impact on splicing. We find that all of these HR9-12 mutations can support splicing in yeast, and this suggests that none of them are loss of function alleles in humans. The Hsh155^V502F mutation alters splicing of several pre-mRNA reporters containing weak branch sites as well as a genetic interaction with Prp2 and physical interactions with Prp5 and Prp3. The ability of a single allele of Hsh155 to perturb interactions with multiple factors functioning at different stages of the splicing reaction suggests that some SF3b1-mutant disease phenotypes may have a complex origin on the spliceosome.

The SF3b complex: splicing and beyond

The SF3b complex is an intrinsic component of the functional U2 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP). As U2 snRNP enters nuclear pre-mRNA splicing, SF3b plays key roles in recognizing the branch point sequence (BPS) and facilitating spliceosome assembly and activation. Since the discovery of SF3b, substantial progress has been made in elucidating its molecular mechanism during splicing. In addition, numerous recent studies indicate that SF3b and its components are engaged in various molecular and cellular events that are beyond the canonical role in splicing. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the SF3b complex and highlights its multiple roles in splicing and beyond.

Structural and functional modularity of the U2 snRNP in pre-mRNA splicing

The U2 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) is an essential component of the spliceosome, the cellular machine responsible for removing introns from precursor mRNAs (pre-mRNAs) in all eukaryotes. U2 is an extraordinarily dynamic splicing factor and the most frequently mutated in cancers. Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) has transformed our structural and functional understanding of the role of U2 in splicing. In this review, we synthesize these and other data with respect to a view of U2 as an assembly of interconnected functional modules. These modules are organized by the U2 small nuclear RNA (snRNA) for roles in spliceosome assembly, intron substrate recognition, and protein scaffolding. We describe new discoveries regarding the structure of U2 components and how the snRNP undergoes numerous conformational and compositional changes during splicing. We specifically highlight large scale movements of U2 modules as the spliceosome creates and rearranges its active site. U2 serves as a compelling example for how cellular machines can exploit the modular organization and structural plasticity of an RNP.

Structures of SF3b1 reveal a dynamic Achilles heel of spliceosome assembly: Implications for cancer-associated abnormalities and drug discovery

The pre-mRNA splicing factor SF3b1 exhibits recurrent mutations among hematologic malignancies and cancers, and consequently is a major therapeutic target of clinically-advanced spliceosome inhibitors. In this review, we highlight and rigorously analyze emerging views of SF3b1 conformational transitions, including the human SF3b particle either in isolation or bound to spliceosome inhibitors, and human or yeast spliceosome assemblies. Among spliceosome states characterized to date, an SF3b1 α-helical superhelix significantly closes to surround a U2 small nuclear RNA duplex with the pre-mRNA branch point sequence. The SF3b1 torus is locally unwound at an active site adenosine, whereas protein cofactors appear to stabilize overall closure in the spliceosome. Network analyses demonstrates that the natural SF3b1 dynamics mimic its conformational change in the spliceosome, raising the possibility of conformational selection underpinning spliceosome assembly. These dynamic SF3b1 conformations have consequences for gatekeeping of spliceosome assembly and therapeutic targeting of its cancer-associated dysfunction.

CRISPR editing of sftb-1/SF3B1 in Caenorhabditis elegans allows the identification of synthetic interactions with cancer-related mutations and the chemical inhibition of splicing

SF3B1 is the most frequently mutated splicing factor in cancer. Mutations in SF3B1 likely confer clonal advantages to cancer cells but they may also confer vulnerabilities that can be therapeutically targeted. SF3B1 cancer mutations can be maintained in homozygosis in C. elegans, allowing synthetic lethal screens with a homogeneous population of animals. These mutations cause alternative splicing (AS) defects in C. elegans, as it occurs in SF3B1-mutated human cells. In a screen, we identified RNAi of U2 snRNP components that cause synthetic lethality with sftb-1/SF3B1 mutations. We also detected synthetic interactions between sftb-1 mutants and cancer-related mutations in uaf-2/U2AF1 or rsp-4/SRSF2, demonstrating that this model can identify interactions between mutations that are mutually exclusive in human tumors. Finally, we have edited an SFTB-1 domain to sensitize C. elegans to the splicing modulators pladienolide B and herboxidiene. Thus, we have established a multicellular model for SF3B1 mutations amenable for high-throughput genetic and chemical screens.

Disclosing the Impact of Carcinogenic SF3b Mutations on Pre-mRNA Recognition Via All-Atom Simulations

The spliceosome accurately promotes precursor messenger-RNA splicing by recognizing specific noncoding intronic tracts including the branch point sequence (BPS) and the 3'-splice-site (3'SS). Mutations of Hsh155 (yeast)/SF3B1 (human), which is a protein of the SF3b factor involved in BPS recognition and induces altered BPS binding and 3'SS selection, lead to mis-spliced mRNA transcripts. Although these mutations recur in hematologic malignancies, the mechanism by which they change gene expression remains unclear. In this study, multi-microsecond-long molecular-dynamics simulations of eighth distinct ∼700,000 atom models of the spliceosome Bact complex, and gene sequencing of SF3B1, disclose that these carcinogenic isoforms destabilize intron binding and/or affect the functional dynamics of Hsh155/SF3B1 only when binding non-consensus BPSs, as opposed to the non-pathogenic variants newly annotated here. This pinpoints a cross-talk between the distal Hsh155 mutation and BPS recognition sites. Our outcomes unprecedentedly contribute to elucidating the principles of pre-mRNA recognition, which provides critical insights on the mechanism underlying constitutive/alternative/aberrant splicing.

Cus2 enforces the first ATP-dependent step of splicing by binding to yeast SF3b1 through a UHM-ULM interaction

Stable recognition of the intron branchpoint (BP) by the U2 snRNP to form the pre-spliceosome is the first ATP-dependent step of splicing. Genetic and biochemical data from yeast indicate that Cus2 aids U2 snRNA folding into the stem IIa conformation prior to pre-spliceosome formation. Cus2 must then be removed by an ATP-dependent function of Prp5 before assembly can progress. However, the location from which Cus2 is displaced and the nature of its binding to the U2 snRNP are unknown. Here, we show that Cus2 contains a conserved UHM (U2AF homology motif) that binds Hsh155, the yeast homolog of human SF3b1, through a conserved ULM (U2AF ligand motif). Mutations in either motif block binding and allow pre-spliceosome formation without ATP. A 2.0 Å resolution structure of the Hsh155 ULM in complex with the UHM of Tat-SF1, the human homolog of Cus2, and complementary binding assays show that the interaction is highly similar between yeast and humans. Furthermore, we show that Tat-SF1 can replace Cus2 function by enforcing ATP dependence of pre-spliceosome formation in yeast extracts. Cus2 is removed before pre-spliceosome formation, and both Cus2 and its Hsh155 ULM binding site are absent from available cryo-EM structure models. However, our data are consistent with the apparent location of the disordered Hsh155 ULM between the U2 stem-loop IIa and the HEAT repeats of Hsh155 that interact with Prp5. We propose a model in which Prp5 uses ATP to remove Cus2 from Hsh155 such that extended base-pairing between U2 snRNA and the intron BP can occur.

Chemical Inhibition of Pre-mRNA Splicing in Living Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The spliceosome mediates precursor mRNA splicing in eukaryotes, including the model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast). Despite decades of study, no chemical inhibitors of yeast splicing in vivo are available. We have developed a system to efficiently inhibit splicing and block proliferation in living yeast cells using compounds that target the human spliceosome protein SF3B1. Potent inhibition is observed in yeast expressing a chimeric protein containing portions of human SF3B1. However, only a single point mutation in the yeast homolog of SF3B1 is needed for selective inhibition of splicing by pladienolide B, herboxidiene, or meayamycin in liquid culture. Mutations that enable inhibition also improve splicing of branch sites containing mismatches between the intron and small nuclear RNA-suggesting a link between inhibitor sensitivity and usage of weak branch sites in humans. This approach provides powerful new tools for manipulating splicing in live yeast and studies of spliceosome inhibitors.