scholarly journals Interaction between the Negative Regulator of Splicing Element and a 3′ Splice Site: Requirement for U1 Small Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein and the 3′ Splice Site Branch Point/Pyrimidine Tract

1999 ◽  
Vol 73 (3) ◽  
pp. 2394-2400 ◽  
Author(s):  
Craig R. Cook ◽  
Mark T. McNally
Keyword(s):  
Branch Point ◽  
Splice Site ◽  
Rna Splicing ◽  
Nuclear Extract ◽  
Negative Regulator ◽  
Rous Sarcoma ◽  
Small Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein ◽  
A Minor

ABSTRACT The negative regulator of splicing (NRS) from Rous sarcoma virus suppresses viral RNA splicing and is one of several ciselements that account for the accumulation of large amounts of unspliced RNA for use as gag-pol mRNA and progeny virion genomic RNA. The NRS can also inhibit splicing of heterologous introns in vivo and in vitro. Previous data showed that the splicing factors SF2/ASF and U1, U2, and U11 small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs) bind the NRS, and a correlation was established between SF2/ASF and U11 binding and activity, suggesting that these factors are important for function. These observations, and the finding that a large spliceosome-like complex (NRS-C) assembles on NRS RNA in nuclear extract, led to the proposal that the NRS is recognized as a minor-class 5′ splice site. One model to explain NRS splicing inhibition holds that the NRS interacts nonproductively with and sequesters U2-dependent 3′ splice sites. In this study, we provide evidence that the NRS interacts with an adenovirus 3′ splice site. The interaction was dependent on the integrity of the branch point and pyrimidine tract of the 3′ splice site, and it was sensitive to a mutation that was previously shown to abolish U11 snRNP binding and NRS function. However, further mutational analyses of NRS sequences have identified a U1 binding site that overlaps the U11 site, and the interaction with the 3′ splice site correlated with U1, not U11, binding. These results show that the NRS can interact with a 3′ splice site and suggest that U1 is of primary importance for NRS splicing inhibition.

scholarly journals An RNA Splicing Enhancer-Like Sequence Is a Component of a Splicing Inhibitor Element from Rous Sarcoma Virus

1998 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 3103-3111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa M. McNally ◽  
Mark T. McNally
Keyword(s):  
Rous Sarcoma Virus ◽  
Rna Splicing ◽  
Negative Regulator ◽  
Rich Region ◽  
Enhancer Activity ◽  
Rous Sarcoma ◽  
Small Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein ◽  
Sarcoma Virus ◽  
Splicing Enhancer

ABSTRACT The accumulation in infected cells of large amounts of unspliced viral RNA for use as mRNA and genomic RNA is a hallmark of retrovirus replication. The negative regulator of splicing (NRS) is a longcis-acting RNA element in Rous sarcoma virus that contributes to unspliced RNA accumulation through splicing inhibition. One of two critical sequences located in the NRS 3′ region resembles a minor class 5′ splice site and is required for U11 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) binding to the NRS. The second is a purine-rich region in the 5′ half that interacts with the splicing factor SF2/ASF. In this study we investigated the possibility that this purine-rich region provides an RNA splicing enhancer function required for splicing inhibition. In vitro, the NRS acted as a potent, orientation-dependent enhancer of Drosophila doublesexpre-mRNA splicing, and enhancer activity mapped to the purine-rich domain. Analysis of a number of site-directed and deletion mutants indicated that enhancer activity was diffusely located throughout a 60-nucleotide area but only the activity associated with a short region previously shown to bind SF2/ASF correlated with efficient splicing inhibition. The significance of the enhancer activity to splicing inhibition was demonstrated by using chimeras in which two authentic enhancers (ASLV and FP) were substituted for the native NRS purine region. In each case, splicing inhibition in transfected cells was restored to levels approaching that observed for the NRS. The observation that a nonfunctional version of the FP enhancer (FPD) that does not bind SF2/ASF also fails to block splicing when paired with the NRS 3′ region supports the notion that SF2/ASF binding to the NRS is relevant, but other SR proteins may substitute if an appropriate binding site is supplied. Our results are consistent with a role for the purine region in facilitated snRNP binding to the NRS via SF2/ASF.

A novel protein factor is required for use of distal alternative 5' splice sites in vitro

1991 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 5945-5953
Author(s):  
J E Harper ◽  
J L Manley
Keyword(s):  
Splice Site ◽  
Site Selection ◽  
Deae Cellulose ◽  
Simian Virus 40 ◽  
Nuclear Extract ◽  
Simian Virus ◽  
Splice Sites ◽  
Splice Site Selection ◽  
Small Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein

Adenovirus E1A pre-mRNA was used as a model to examine alternative 5' splice site selection during in vitro splicing reactions. Strong preference for the downstream 13S 5' splice site over the upstream 12S or 9S 5' splice sites was observed. However, the 12S 5' splice site was used efficiently when a mutant pre-mRNA lacking the 13S 5' splice site was processed, and 12S splicing from this substrate was not reduced by 13S splicing from a separate pre-mRNA, demonstrating that 13S splicing reduced 12S 5' splice site selection through a bona fide cis-competition. DEAE-cellulose chromatography of nuclear extract yielded two fractions with different splicing activities. The bound fraction contained all components required for efficient splicing of simple substrates but was unable to utilize alternative 5' splice sites. In contrast, the flow-through fraction, which by itself was inactive, contained an activity required for alternative splicing and was shown to stimulate 12S and 9S splicing, while reducing 13S splicing, when added to reactions carried out by the bound fraction. Furthermore, the activity, which we have called distal splicing factor (DSF), enhanced utilization of an upstream 5' splice site on a simian virus 40 early pre-mRNA, suggesting that the factor acts in a position-dependent, substrate-independent fashion. Several lines of evidence are presented suggesting that DSF is a non-small nuclear ribonucleoprotein protein. Finally, we describe a functional interaction between DSF and ASF, a protein that enhances use of downstream 5' splice sites.

Regulation of Rous sarcoma virus RNA splicing and stability

1988 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. 4858-4867 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Arrigo ◽  
K Beemon
Keyword(s):  
Rous Sarcoma Virus ◽  
Rna Splicing ◽  
Negative Regulator ◽  
Splice Donor ◽  
Acceptor Pair ◽  
Cis Acting ◽  
Rous Sarcoma ◽  
Donor And Acceptor ◽  
Sarcoma Virus

Only a fraction of retroviral primary transcripts are spliced to subgenomic mRNAs; the unspliced transcripts are transported to the cytoplasm for packaging into virions and for translation of the gag and pol genes. We identified cis-acting sequences within the gag gene of Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) which negatively regulate splicing in vivo. Mutations were generated downstream of the splice donor (base 397) in the intron of a proviral clone of RSV. Deletion of bases 708 to 800 or 874 to 987 resulted in a large increase in the level of spliced RSV RNA relative to unspliced RSV RNA. This negative regulator of splicing (nrs) also inhibited splicing of a heterologous splice donor and acceptor pair when inserted into the intron. The nrs element did not affect the level of spliced RNA by increasing the rate of transport of the unspliced RNA to the cytoplasm but interfered more directly with splicing. To investigate the possible role of gag proteins in splicing, we studied constructs carrying frameshift mutations in the gag gene. While these mutations, which caused premature termination of gag translation, did not affect the level of spliced RSV RNA, they resulted in a large decrease in the accumulation of unspliced RNA in the cytoplasm.

scholarly journals Regulation of Rous sarcoma virus RNA splicing and stability.

1988 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. 4858-4867 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Arrigo ◽  
K Beemon
Keyword(s):  
Rous Sarcoma Virus ◽  
Rna Splicing ◽  
Negative Regulator ◽  
Splice Donor ◽  
Acceptor Pair ◽  
Cis Acting ◽  
Rous Sarcoma ◽  
Donor And Acceptor ◽  
Sarcoma Virus

Only a fraction of retroviral primary transcripts are spliced to subgenomic mRNAs; the unspliced transcripts are transported to the cytoplasm for packaging into virions and for translation of the gag and pol genes. We identified cis-acting sequences within the gag gene of Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) which negatively regulate splicing in vivo. Mutations were generated downstream of the splice donor (base 397) in the intron of a proviral clone of RSV. Deletion of bases 708 to 800 or 874 to 987 resulted in a large increase in the level of spliced RSV RNA relative to unspliced RSV RNA. This negative regulator of splicing (nrs) also inhibited splicing of a heterologous splice donor and acceptor pair when inserted into the intron. The nrs element did not affect the level of spliced RNA by increasing the rate of transport of the unspliced RNA to the cytoplasm but interfered more directly with splicing. To investigate the possible role of gag proteins in splicing, we studied constructs carrying frameshift mutations in the gag gene. While these mutations, which caused premature termination of gag translation, did not affect the level of spliced RSV RNA, they resulted in a large decrease in the accumulation of unspliced RNA in the cytoplasm.

scholarly journals Pyrimidine tracts between the 5' splice site and branch point facilitate splicing and recognition of a small Drosophila intron.

1997 ◽  
Vol 17 (5) ◽  
pp. 2774-2780 ◽  
Author(s):  
C F Kennedy ◽  
S M Berget
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Branch Point ◽  
Splice Site ◽  
Minimum Size ◽  
Cross Linking ◽  
In Vitro Splicing ◽  
Precursor Rna ◽  
Minimal Region

The minimum size for splicing of a vertebrate intron is approximately 70 nucleotides. In Drosophila melanogaster, more than half of the introns are significantly below this minimum yet function well. Such short introns often lack the pyrimidine tract located between the branch point and 3' splice site common to metazoan introns. To investigate if small introns contain special sequences that facilitate their recognition, the sequences and factors required for the splicing of a 59-nucleotide intron from the D. melanogaster mle gene have been examined. This intron contains only a minimal region of interrupted pyrimidines downstream of the branch point. Instead, two longer, uninterrupted C-rich tracts are located between the 5' splice site and branch point. Both of these sequences are required for maximal in vivo and in vitro splicing. The upstream sequences are also required for maximal binding of factors to the 5' splice site, cross-linking of U2AF to precursor RNA, and assembly of the active spliceosome, suggesting that sequences upstream of the branch point influence events at both ends of the small mle intron. Thus, a very short intron lacking a classical pyrimidine tract between the branch point and 3' splice site requires accessory pyrimidine sequences in the short region between the 5' splice site and branch point.

scholarly journals Multiple cis-acting sequence elements are required for efficient splicing of simian virus 40 small-t antigen pre-mRNA.

1988 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 3582-3590 ◽  
Author(s):  
X Y Fu ◽  
J D Colgan ◽  
J L Manley
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Splicing ◽  
Branch Point ◽  
Splice Site ◽  
Simian Virus 40 ◽  
Simian Virus ◽  
T Antigen ◽  
Specific Sequence ◽  
Small T Antigen

We have determined the effects of a number of mutations in the small-t antigen mRNA intron on the alternative splicing pattern of the simian virus 40 early transcript. Expansion of the distance separating the small-t pre-mRNA lariat branch point and the shared large T-small t 3' splice site from 18 to 29 nucleotides (nt) resulted in a relative enhancement of small-t splicing in vivo. This finding, coupled with the observation that large-T pre-RNA splicing in vitro was not affected by this expansion, suggests that small-t splicing is specifically constrained by a short branch point-3' splice site distance. Similarly, the distance separating the 5' splice site and branch point (48 nt) was found to be at or near a minimum for small-t splicing, because deletions in this region as small as 2 nt dramatically reduced the ratio of small-t to large-T mRNA that accumulated in transfected cells. Finally, a specific sequence within the small-t intron, encompassing the upstream branch sites used in large-T splicing, was found to be an important element in the cell-specific pattern of early alternative splicing. Substitutions within this region reduced the ratio of small-t to large-T mRNA produced in HeLa cells but had only minor effects in human 293 cells.

scholarly journals In vivo recognition of a vertebrate mini-exon as an exon-intron-exon unit.

1993 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 2677-2687 ◽  
Author(s):  
D A Sterner ◽  
S M Berget
Keyword(s):  
Splice Site ◽  
Rna Splicing ◽  
Troponin I ◽  
Exon Skipping ◽  
Splice Sites ◽  
Small Vertebrate ◽  
Upstream Exon ◽  
I Gene

Very small vertebrate exons are problematic for RNA splicing because of the proximity of their 3' and 5' splice sites. In this study, we investigated the recognition of a constitutive 7-nucleotide mini-exon from the troponin I gene that resides quite close to the adjacent upstream exon. The mini-exon failed to be included in spliced RNA when placed in a heterologous gene unless accompanied by the upstream exon. The requirement for the upstream exon disappeared when the mini-exon was internally expanded, suggesting that the splice sites bordering the mini-exon are compatible with those of other constitutive vertebrate exons and that the small size of the exon impaired inclusion. Mutation of the 5' splice site of the natural upstream exon did not result in either exon skipping or activation of a cryptic 5' splice site, the normal vertebrate phenotypes for such mutants. Instead, a spliced RNA accumulated that still contained the upstream intron. In vitro, the mini-exon failed to assemble into spliceosome complexes unless either internally expanded or accompanied by the upstream exon. Thus, impaired usage of the mini-exon in vivo was accompanied by impaired recognition in vitro, and recognition of the mini-exon was facilitated by the presence of the upstream exon in vivo and in vitro. Cumulatively, the atypical in vivo and in vitro properties of the troponin exons suggest a mechanism for the recognition of this mini-exon in which initial recognition of an exon-intron-exon unit is followed by subsequent recognition of the intron.

scholarly journals Short artificial hairpins sequester splicing signals and inhibit yeast pre-mRNA splicing.

1993 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 6841-6848 ◽  
Author(s):  
V Goguel ◽  
Y Wang ◽  
M Rosbash
Keyword(s):  
Splice Site ◽  
Major Effect ◽  
Yeast Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ◽  
Spliceosome Assembly ◽  
In Vivo Experiments ◽  
Small Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein ◽  
Sequence Elements ◽  
The Stability

To examine the stability of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) pre-mRNA structures, we inserted a series of small sequence elements that generated potential RNA hairpins at the 5' splice site and branch point regions. We analyzed spliceosome assembly and splicing in vitro as well as splicing and nuclear pre-mRNA retention in vivo. Surprisingly, the inhibition of in vivo splicing approximately paralleled that of in vitro splicing. Even a 6-nucleotide hairpin could be shown to inhibit splicing, and a 15-nucleotide hairpin gave rise to almost complete inhibition. The in vitro results indicate that hairpins that sequester the 5' splice site have a major effect on the early steps of spliceosome assembly, including U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein binding. The in vivo experiments lead to comparable conclusions as the sequestering hairpins apparently result in the transport of pre-mRNA to the cytoplasm. The observations are compared with previous data from both yeast and mammalian systems and suggest an important effect of pre-mRNA structure on in vivo splicing.

scholarly journals U1 Small Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein and Splicing Inhibition by the Rous Sarcoma Virus Negative Regulator of Splicing Element

1999 ◽  
Vol 73 (3) ◽  
pp. 2385-2393 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa M. McNally ◽  
Mark T. McNally
Keyword(s):  
Rous Sarcoma Virus ◽  
Sr Proteins ◽  
Negative Regulator ◽  
Rous Sarcoma ◽  
Small Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein ◽  
Virus Rna ◽  
U1 Snrnp ◽  
Sarcoma Virus ◽  
A Minor ◽  
Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein

ABSTRACT Retroviruses require both spliced and unspliced RNA for replication. Accumulation of unspliced Rous sarcoma virus RNA is facilitated in part by a negative cis element in thegag region, termed the negative regulator of splicing (NRS), which serves to repress splicing of viral RNA but can also block splicing of heterologous introns. The NRS binds components of the splicing machinery including SR proteins, U1 and U2, small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs) of the major splicing pathway, and U11 snRNP of the minor pathway, yet splicing does not normally occur from the NRS. A mutation that abolishes U11 binding (RG11) also abrogates NRS splicing inhibition, indicating that U11 is functionally important for NRS activity and suggesting that the NRS is recognized as a minor-class 5′ splice site (5′ ss). We show here, using specific NRS mutations to disrupt U11 binding and coexpression of U11 snRNA genes harboring compensatory mutations, that the NRS U11 site is functional when paired with a minor-class 3′ ss from the human P120 gene. Surprisingly, the expectation that the same NRS mutants would be defective for splicing inhibition proved false; splicing inhibition was as good as, if not better than, that for the wild-type NRS. Comparison of these new mutations with RG11 indicated that the latter may disrupt binding of a factor(s) other than U11. Our data suggest that this factor is U1 snRNP and that a U1 binding site that overlaps the U11 site is also disrupted by RG11. Analysis of mutations which selectively disrupted U1 or U11 binding indicated that splicing inhibition by the NRS correlates most strongly with U1 snRNP. Additionally, we show that U1 binding is facilitated by SR proteins that bind to the 5′ half of the NRS, confirming an earlier proposal that this region is involved in recruiting snRNPs to the NRS. These data indicate a functional role for U1 in NRS-mediated splicing inhibition.

scholarly journals Short artificial hairpins sequester splicing signals and inhibit yeast pre-mRNA splicing

1993 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 6841-6848
Author(s):  
V Goguel ◽  
Y Wang ◽  
M Rosbash
Keyword(s):  
Splice Site ◽  
Major Effect ◽  
Yeast Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ◽  
Spliceosome Assembly ◽  
In Vivo Experiments ◽  
Small Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein ◽  
Sequence Elements ◽  
The Stability

To examine the stability of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) pre-mRNA structures, we inserted a series of small sequence elements that generated potential RNA hairpins at the 5' splice site and branch point regions. We analyzed spliceosome assembly and splicing in vitro as well as splicing and nuclear pre-mRNA retention in vivo. Surprisingly, the inhibition of in vivo splicing approximately paralleled that of in vitro splicing. Even a 6-nucleotide hairpin could be shown to inhibit splicing, and a 15-nucleotide hairpin gave rise to almost complete inhibition. The in vitro results indicate that hairpins that sequester the 5' splice site have a major effect on the early steps of spliceosome assembly, including U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein binding. The in vivo experiments lead to comparable conclusions as the sequestering hairpins apparently result in the transport of pre-mRNA to the cytoplasm. The observations are compared with previous data from both yeast and mammalian systems and suggest an important effect of pre-mRNA structure on in vivo splicing.

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