Roman Martin

Prp43 Bound at Different Sites on the Pre-rRNA Performs Distinct Functions in Ribosome Synthesis

Summary Yeast ribosome synthesis requires 19 different RNA helicases, but none of their pre-rRNA-binding sites were previously known, making their precise functions difficult to determine. Here we identify multiple binding sites for the helicase Prp43 in the 18S and 25S rRNA regions of pre-rRNAs, using UV crosslinking. Binding in 18S was predominantly within helix 44, close to the site of 18S 3′ cleavage, in which Prp43 is functionally implicated. Four major binding sites were identified in 25S, including helix 34. In strains depleted of Prp43 or expressing only catalytic point mutants, six snoRNAs that guide modifications close to helix 34 accumulated on preribosomes, implicating Prp43 in their release, whereas other snoRNAs showed reduced preribosome association. Prp43 was crosslinked to snoRNAs that target sequences close to its binding sites, indicating direct interactions. We propose that Prp43 acts on preribosomal regions surrounding each binding site, with distinct functions at different locations.

DExD/H-box RNA helicases in ribosome biogenesis

Ribosome synthesis requires a multitude of cofactors, among them DExD/H-box RNA helicases. Bacterial RNA helicases involved in ribosome assembly are not essential, while eukaryotes strictly require multiple DExD/H-box proteins that are involved in the much more complex ribosome biogenesis pathway. Here, RNA helicases are thought to act in structural remodeling of the RNPs including the modulation of protein binding, and they are required for allowing access or the release of specific snoRNPs from pre-ribosomes. Interestingly, helicase action is modulated by specific cofactors that can regulate recruitment and enzymatic activity. This review summarizes the current knowledge and focuses on recent findings and open questions on RNA helicase function and regulation in ribosome synthesis.

Structural and functional analysis of the archaeal endonuclease Nob1

Eukaryotic ribosome biogenesis requires the concerted action of numerous ribosome assembly factors, for most of which structural and functional information is currently lacking. Nob1, which can be identified in eukaryotes and archaea, is required for the final maturation of the small subunit ribosomal RNA in yeast by catalyzing cleavage at site D after export of the preribosomal subunit into the cytoplasm. Here, we show that this also holds true for Nob1 from the archaeon Pyrococcus horikoshii, which efficiently cleaves RNA-substrates containing the D-site of the preribosomal RNA in a manganese-dependent manner. The structure of PhNob1 solved by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed a PIN domain common with many nucleases and a zinc ribbon domain, which are structurally connected by a flexible linker. We show that amino acid residues required for substrate binding reside in the PIN domain whereas the zinc ribbon domain alone is sufficient to bind helix 40 of the small subunit rRNA. This suggests that the zinc ribbon domain acts as an anchor point for the protein on the nascent subunit positioning it in the proximity of the cleavage site.

Exportin T and Exportin 5: tRNA and miRNA biogenesis – and beyond

Abstract The biogenesis of most eukaryotic kinds of RNA requires nuclear export, which is mediated by a variety of specific nuclear transport receptors. The nuclear export receptors Exportin-t (Exp-t) and Exportin 5 (Exp5), and their homologues, are involved in the export of transfer RNA to the cytoplasm. Exp5 is further involved in additional nucleocytoplasmic transport pathways, which include nuclear export of microRNA precursors (pre-miRNAs) and pre-60S ribosomal subunits. Inactivation of Exp5 results in nuclear accumulation of pre-miRNAs and perturbation of gene expression, and its mutation was recently found in malignant diseases. Here, we compare the cellular function of Exp5 and Exp-t with focus on Exp5 substrates and its role in diseases.

Backbone and side chain NMR resonance assignments for an archaeal homolog of the endonuclease Nob1 involved in ribosome biogenesis

Eukaryotic ribosome biogenesis requires the concerted action of ~200 auxiliary protein factors on the nascent ribosome. For many of these factors structural and functional information is still lacking. The endonuclease Nob1 has been recently identified in yeast as the enzyme responsible for the final cytoplasmatic trimming step of the pre-18S rRNA during the biogenesis of the small ribosomal subunit. Here we report the NMR resonance assignments for a Nob1 homolog from the thermophilic archeon Pyrococcus horikoshii as a prerequisite for further structural studies of this class of proteins.

Targeted deep sequencing of CD34+ cells from peripheral blood can reproduce bone marrow molecular profile in myelodysplastic syndromes

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