scholarly journals A novel stress response pathway regulates rRNA biogenesis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Witold Szaflarski ◽  
Mateusz Sowiński ◽  
Marta Leśniczak ◽  
Sandeep Ojha ◽  
Anaïs Aulas ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTProduction of ribosomes is an energy-intensive process owing to the intricacy of these massive macromolecular machines. Each human ribosome contains 80 ribosomal proteins and four non-coding RNAs. Accurate assembly requires precise regulation of protein and RNA subunits. In response to stress, the integrated stress response (ISR) rapidly inhibits global translation. How rRNA is coordinately regulated with the rapid inhibition of ribosomal protein synthesis is not known. Here we show that stress specifically inhibits the first step of rRNA processing. Unprocessed rRNA is stored within the nucleolus, and, when stress resolves, it re-enters the ribosome biogenesis pathway. Retention of unprocessed rRNA within the nucleolus aids in the maintenance of this organelle. This response is independent of the ISR or inhibition of cellular translation but represents an independent stress-response pathway that we term Ribosome Biogenesis Stress Response (RiBiSR). Failure to coordinately regulate ribosomal protein translation and rRNA production results in nucleolar fragmentation. Our study unveils a novel stress response pathway that aims at conserving energy, preserving the nucleolus, and prevents further stress by regulation of rRNA processing.

1992 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 3865-3871
Author(s):  
W C Lee ◽  
D Zabetakis ◽  
T Mélèse

NSR1 is a yeast nuclear localization sequence-binding protein showing striking similarity in its domain structure to nucleolin. Cells lacking NSR1 are viable but have a severe growth defect. We show here that NSR1, like nucleolin, is involved in ribosome biogenesis. The nsr1 mutant is deficient in pre-rRNA processing such that the initial 35S pre-rRNA processing is blocked and 20S pre-rRNA is nearly absent. The reduced amount of 20S pre-rRNA leads to a shortage of 18S rRNA and is reflected in a change in the distribution of 60S and 40S ribosomal subunits; there is no free pool of 40S subunits, and the free pool of 60S subunits is greatly increased in size. The lack of free 40S subunits or the improper assembly of these subunits causes the nsr1 mutant to show sensitivity to the antibiotic paromomycin, which affects protein translation, at concentrations that do not affect the growth of the wild-type strain. Our data support the idea that NSR1 is involved in the proper assembly of pre-rRNA particles, possibly by bringing rRNA and ribosomal proteins together by virtue of its nuclear localization sequence-binding domain and multiple RNA recognition motifs. Alternatively, NSR1 may also act to regulate the nuclear entry of ribosomal proteins required for proper assembly of pre-rRNA particles.


1992 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 3865-3871 ◽  
Author(s):  
W C Lee ◽  
D Zabetakis ◽  
T Mélèse

NSR1 is a yeast nuclear localization sequence-binding protein showing striking similarity in its domain structure to nucleolin. Cells lacking NSR1 are viable but have a severe growth defect. We show here that NSR1, like nucleolin, is involved in ribosome biogenesis. The nsr1 mutant is deficient in pre-rRNA processing such that the initial 35S pre-rRNA processing is blocked and 20S pre-rRNA is nearly absent. The reduced amount of 20S pre-rRNA leads to a shortage of 18S rRNA and is reflected in a change in the distribution of 60S and 40S ribosomal subunits; there is no free pool of 40S subunits, and the free pool of 60S subunits is greatly increased in size. The lack of free 40S subunits or the improper assembly of these subunits causes the nsr1 mutant to show sensitivity to the antibiotic paromomycin, which affects protein translation, at concentrations that do not affect the growth of the wild-type strain. Our data support the idea that NSR1 is involved in the proper assembly of pre-rRNA particles, possibly by bringing rRNA and ribosomal proteins together by virtue of its nuclear localization sequence-binding domain and multiple RNA recognition motifs. Alternatively, NSR1 may also act to regulate the nuclear entry of ribosomal proteins required for proper assembly of pre-rRNA particles.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (671) ◽  
pp. eabd2639
Author(s):  
Xuan Jiang ◽  
Amit Prabhakar ◽  
Stephanie M. Van der Voorn ◽  
Prajakta Ghatpande ◽  
Barbara Celona ◽  
...  

Ribosome biogenesis in eukaryotes requires the coordinated production and assembly of 80 ribosomal proteins and four ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), and its rate must be synchronized with cellular growth. Here, we showed that the Microprocessor complex, which mediates the first step of microRNA processing, potentiated the transcription of ribosomal protein genes by eliminating DNA/RNA hybrids known as R-loops. Nutrient deprivation triggered the nuclear export of Drosha, a key component of the Microprocessor complex, and its subsequent degradation by the E3 ubiquitin ligase Nedd4, thereby reducing ribosomal protein production and protein synthesis. In mouse erythroid progenitors, conditional deletion of Drosha led to the reduced production of ribosomal proteins, translational inhibition of the mRNA encoding the erythroid transcription factor Gata1, and impaired erythropoiesis. This phenotype mirrored the clinical presentation of human “ribosomopathies.” Thus, the Microprocessor complex plays a pivotal role in synchronizing protein synthesis capacity with cellular growth rate and is a potential drug target for anemias caused by ribosomal insufficiency.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xuan Jiang ◽  
Amit Prabhakar ◽  
Stephanie M. Van der Voorn ◽  
Prajakta Ghatpande ◽  
Barbara Celona ◽  
...  

AbstractRibosome biogenesis in eukaryotes requires stoichiometric production and assembly of 80 ribosomal proteins (RPs) and 4 ribosomal RNAs, and its rate must be coordinated with cellular growth. The indispensable regulator of RP biosynthesis is the 5’-terminal oligopyrimidine (TOP) motif, spanning the transcription start site of all RP genes. Here we show that the Microprocessor complex, previously linked to the first step of processing microRNAs (miRNAs), coregulates RP expression by binding the TOP motif of nascent RP mRNAs and stimulating transcription elongation via resolution of DNA/RNA hybrids. Cell growth arrest triggers nuclear export and degradation of the Microprocessor protein Drosha by the E3 ubiquitin ligase Nedd4, accumulation of DNA/RNA hybrids at RP gene loci, decreased RP synthesis, and ribosome deficiency, hence synchronizing ribosome production with cell growth. Conditional deletion of Drosha in erythroid progenitors phenocopies human ribosomopathies, in which ribosomal insufficiency leads to anemia. Outlining a miRNA-independent role of the Microprocessor complex at the interphase between cell growth and ribosome biogenesis offers a new paradigm by which cells alter their protein biosynthetic capacity and cellular metabolism.


2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (7) ◽  
pp. 685-700 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caitlin Nyhus ◽  
Maria Pihl ◽  
Poul Hyttel ◽  
Vanessa Jane Hall

Abstract The nucleolus is a dynamically changing organelle that is central to a number of important cellular functions. Not only is it important for ribosome biogenesis, but it also reacts to stress by instigating a nucleolar stress response and is further involved in regulating the cell cycle. Several studies report nucleolar dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Studies have reported a decrease in both total nucleolar volume and transcriptional activity of the nucleolar organizing regions. Ribosomes appear to be targeted by oxidation and reduced protein translation has been reported. In addition, several nucleolar proteins are dysregulated and some of these appear to be implicated in classical AD pathology. Some studies also suggest that the nucleolar stress response may be activated in AD, albeit this latter research is rather limited and requires further investigation. The purpose of this review is to draw the connections of all these studies together and signify that there are clear changes in the nucleolus and the ribosomes in AD. The nucleolus is therefore an organelle that requires more attention than previously given in relation to understanding the biological mechanisms underlying the disease.


Blood ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 110 (11) ◽  
pp. 3303-3303
Author(s):  
Piya Rujkijyanont ◽  
Joseph Beyene ◽  
Yigal Dror

Abstract Background and rational: Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by varying degrees of cytopenia and high propensity for myelodysplastic syndrome and acute leukemia. SBDS, the gene associated with SDS, has recently been identified and is postulated to play a role in ribosomal biogenesis and RNA processing, but its functions are still unknown. Defects in ribosomal biogenesis can be characterized by abnormal synthesis of rRNA synthesis or ribosomal proteins or both. Determining the mRNA expression pattern of the various RP genes in SBDS deficient cells will help deciphering the role of SBDS in ribosomal biogenesis. Objectives: To determine whether the primary SDS marrow cells which carry homozygous SBDS mutations abnormally express genes which code for ribosomal proteins (RP) or for proteins that are involved in its transcription. Methods: Total RNA from marrow cells from 9 SDS patients who had hypocellular marrow with normal differential and no malignant transformation and 7 healthy age-matched donors of bone marrows for transplantation was extracted. RNA was labeled and hybridized to Affymetrix HG_U133_Plus2.0 GeneChip. Data were pre-processed using robust multichip analysis (RMA) and differentially expressed genes were identified with permutation-based methods. False discovery rate (FDR)-adjusted p-values were used to rank genes and cluster analysis grouped genes and samples. T-statistic values were used to screen for differentially expressed RP-related genes. Real-time PCR was performed to confirm differential expression of genes found by oligonucleotide microarray. Results: Of the 38,500 genes on the HG_133_Plus2.0 we analyzed 375 known ribosomal protein and RNA processing-related genes. Interestingly, there were differences in the expression pattern of the RP genes, suggesting differential regulation of these genes in Sbds-deficient cells. Interestingly, despite uniform decrease in RP gene expression in reduced cell growth conditions, only 27 of the 85 RP genes were downregulated. Downregulation of representative 2 genes was confirmed by real-time PCR. Further, one of the RP genes, RPL27L was upregulated. This gene, which is a target of p53, has a non-ribosomal function and lead to accelerated apoptosis. It is noteworthy that several genes involved in mRNA transcription such as GABPA and YY1were downregulated without dysregulation of genes involved in mRNA degradation, suggesting that the downregulation of the RP gene expression is at the transcription level. In addition to dysregulation of the RP mRNA we also found dysregulation of genes involved in rRNA transcription (e.g. MKI67IP) and pre rRNA processing (e.g. FBL). Conclusions: SBDS-deficiency results in dysregulation of selective group of RP genes as well as genes related to rRNA processing and rRNA transcription. Future studies should focus on the mechanism of the abnormal expression as well as its biological consequences.


2007 ◽  
Vol 177 (4) ◽  
pp. 573-578 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tim Krüger ◽  
Hanswalter Zentgraf ◽  
Ulrich Scheer

Considerable efforts are being undertaken to elucidate the processes of ribosome biogenesis. Although various preribosomal RNP complexes have been isolated and molecularly characterized, the order of ribosomal protein (r-protein) addition to the emerging ribosome subunits is largely unknown. Furthermore, the correlation between the ribosome assembly pathway and the structural organization of the dedicated ribosome factory, the nucleolus, is not well established. We have analyzed the nucleolar localization of several early binding r-proteins in human cells, applying various methods, including live-cell imaging and electron microscopy. We have located all examined r-proteins (S4, S6, S7, S9, S14, and L4) in the granular component (GC), which is the nucleolar region where later pre-ribosomal RNA (rRNA) processing steps take place. These results imply that early binding r-proteins do not assemble with nascent pre-rRNA transcripts in the dense fibrillar component (DFC), as is generally believed, and provide a link between r-protein assembly and the emergence of distinct granules at the DFC–GC interface.


1988 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-95 ◽  
Author(s):  
J Bell ◽  
L Neilson ◽  
M Pellegrini

In Drosophila tissue culture cells, the synthesis of ribosomal proteins was inhibited by a 1-h 37 degrees C heat shock. Ribosomal protein synthesis was repressed to a greater extent than that of most other proteins synthesized by these cells at 25 degrees C. After a 1-h heat shock, when the cells were returned to 25 degrees C, the ribosomal proteins were much slower than most other 25 degrees C proteins to return to pre-heat shock levels of synthesis. Relative to one another, all the ribosomal proteins were inhibited and later recovered to normal levels of synthesis at the same rate and to the same extent. Unlike the ribosomal proteins, the precursor to the large rRNAs was continually synthesized during heat shock, although at a slightly reduced level, but was not processed. It was rapidly degraded, with a half-life of approximately 16 min. Pre-heat shock levels of synthesis, stability, and correct processing were restored only when ribosomal protein synthesis returned to at least 50% of that seen in non-heat-shocked cells.


2000 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 3777-3789 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tracy Stage-Zimmermann ◽  
Ute Schmidt ◽  
Pamela A. Silver

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the 60S ribosomal subunit assembles in the nucleolus and then is exported to the cytoplasm, where it joins the 40S subunit for translation. Export of the 60S subunit from the nucleus is known to be an energy-dependent and factor-mediated process, but very little is known about the specifics of its transport. To begin to address this problem, an assay was developed to follow the localization of the 60S ribosomal subunit inS. cerevisiae. Ribosomal protein L11b (Rpl11b), one of the ∼45 ribosomal proteins of the 60S subunit, was tagged at its carboxyl terminus with the green fluorescent protein (GFP) to enable visualization of the 60S subunit in living cells. A panel of mutant yeast strains was screened for their accumulation of Rpl11b–GFP in the nucleus as an indicator of their involvement in ribosome synthesis and/or transport. This panel included conditional alleles of several rRNA-processing factors, nucleoporins, general transport factors, and karyopherins. As predicted, conditional alleles of rRNA-processing factors that affect 60S ribosomal subunit assembly accumulated Rpl11b–GFP in the nucleus. In addition, several of the nucleoporin mutants as well as a few of the karyopherin and transport factor mutants also mislocalized Rpl11b–GFP. In particular, deletion of the previously uncharacterized karyopherin KAP120 caused accumulation of Rpl11b–GFP in the nucleus, whereas ribosomal protein import was not impaired. Together, these data further define the requirements for ribosomal subunit export and suggest a biological function for KAP120.


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