Recognition of mutant and cryptic 5' splice sites by the U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein in vitro

1987 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 698-707
Author(s):  
B Chabot ◽  
J A Steitz

We examined the ability of U1 small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (U1 snRNPs) to recognize mutant and cryptic 5' splice sites on beta-globin pre-mRNA substrates using an RNase T1 protection assay. When U1 snRNPs were prebound to anti-(U1)RNP antibodies, we detected binding to mutant but not to cryptic 5' splice sites on several substrates. By contrast, in a splicing extract at 0 degree C, neither the mutated nor cryptic 5' splice sites of a human beta-globin transcript were selected as protected fragments with the same antibodies. However, after incubation of the transcript in the extract to yield splicing intermediates, fragments that included a cryptic 5' splice site were detected. The results of our analyses suggest that U1 snRNPs are involved in recognizing cryptic 5' splice sites but that interactions with other splicing components are required to stabilize the association.

1987 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 698-707 ◽  
Author(s):  
B Chabot ◽  
J A Steitz

We examined the ability of U1 small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (U1 snRNPs) to recognize mutant and cryptic 5' splice sites on beta-globin pre-mRNA substrates using an RNase T1 protection assay. When U1 snRNPs were prebound to anti-(U1)RNP antibodies, we detected binding to mutant but not to cryptic 5' splice sites on several substrates. By contrast, in a splicing extract at 0 degree C, neither the mutated nor cryptic 5' splice sites of a human beta-globin transcript were selected as protected fragments with the same antibodies. However, after incubation of the transcript in the extract to yield splicing intermediates, fragments that included a cryptic 5' splice site were detected. The results of our analyses suggest that U1 snRNPs are involved in recognizing cryptic 5' splice sites but that interactions with other splicing components are required to stabilize the association.


1994 ◽  
Vol 14 (11) ◽  
pp. 7670-7682
Author(s):  
D Staknis ◽  
R Reed

We show that addition of SR proteins to in vitro splicing extracts results in a significant increase in assembly of the earliest prespliceosomal complex E and a corresponding decrease in assembly of the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) complex H. In addition, SR proteins promote formation of the E5' and E3' complexes that assemble on RNAs containing only 5' and 3' splice sites, respectively. We conclude that SR proteins promote the earliest specific recognition of both the 5' and 3' splice sites and are limiting for this function in HeLa nuclear extracts. Using UV cross-linking, we demonstrate specific, splice site-dependent RNA-protein interactions of SR proteins in the E, E5', and E3' complexes. SR proteins do not UV cross-link in the H complex, and conversely, hnRNP cross-linking is largely excluded from the E-type complexes. We also show that a discrete complex resembling the E5' complex assembles on both purine-rich and non-purine-rich exonic splicing enhancers. This complex, which we have designated the Enhancer complex, contains U1 small nuclear RNP (snRNP) and is associated with different SR protein family members, depending on the sequence of the enhancer. We propose that both downstream 5' splice site enhancers and exonic enhancers function by establishing a network of pre-mRNA-protein and protein-protein interactions involving U1 snRNP, SR proteins, and U2AF that is similar to the interactions that bring the 5' and 3' splice sites together in the E complex.


1994 ◽  
Vol 14 (11) ◽  
pp. 7670-7682 ◽  
Author(s):  
D Staknis ◽  
R Reed

We show that addition of SR proteins to in vitro splicing extracts results in a significant increase in assembly of the earliest prespliceosomal complex E and a corresponding decrease in assembly of the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) complex H. In addition, SR proteins promote formation of the E5' and E3' complexes that assemble on RNAs containing only 5' and 3' splice sites, respectively. We conclude that SR proteins promote the earliest specific recognition of both the 5' and 3' splice sites and are limiting for this function in HeLa nuclear extracts. Using UV cross-linking, we demonstrate specific, splice site-dependent RNA-protein interactions of SR proteins in the E, E5', and E3' complexes. SR proteins do not UV cross-link in the H complex, and conversely, hnRNP cross-linking is largely excluded from the E-type complexes. We also show that a discrete complex resembling the E5' complex assembles on both purine-rich and non-purine-rich exonic splicing enhancers. This complex, which we have designated the Enhancer complex, contains U1 small nuclear RNP (snRNP) and is associated with different SR protein family members, depending on the sequence of the enhancer. We propose that both downstream 5' splice site enhancers and exonic enhancers function by establishing a network of pre-mRNA-protein and protein-protein interactions involving U1 snRNP, SR proteins, and U2AF that is similar to the interactions that bring the 5' and 3' splice sites together in the E complex.


1991 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 5945-5953
Author(s):  
J E Harper ◽  
J L Manley

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.


1989 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 3429-3437
Author(s):  
C Y Yuo ◽  
A M Weiner

We have altered the specificity of U1 small nuclear RNA by replacing its 5' splice site recognition sequence (nucleotides 3 to 11) with sequences complementary to other regions of either the adenovirus E1A or the rabbit beta-globin mRNA precursor. We then used a HeLa cell transient expression assay to test whether such altered U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particles (snRNPs) could interfere with splicing of the targeted mRNA precursors. The altered U1 snRNPs were able to cause novel splicing of the E1A mRNA precursor, minor changes in the ratio of E1A 12 to 13S mRNAs, and modest nuclear accumulation of beta-globin mRNA precursors with either one of the two introns removed. Most of the altered U1 snRNPs did not affect the level of mature cytoplasmic mRNA significantly, but in one case an altered U1 snRNP (alpha 1) whose intended target was located downstream from the adenovirus E1A 12S 5' splice site was able to reduce the level of cytoplasmic 12S mRNA by approximately 60% and that of 13S mRNA by 90%. This alpha 1 snRNP induced an additional E1A splice, resulting in the appearance of 10 and 11S E1A mRNAs normally found only late in adenovirus infection. Thus, a trans-acting factor can induce alternative splicing. Surprisingly, the effects of alpha 1 on E1A splicing were not abolished by deleting the intended target sequence on the mRNA precursor.


1998 ◽  
Vol 18 (12) ◽  
pp. 7510-7520 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura O’Mullane ◽  
Ian C. Eperon

ABSTRACT Efficient splicing of the 5′-most intron of pre-mRNA requires a 5′ m7G(5′)ppp(5′)N cap, which has been implicated in U1 snRNP binding to 5′ splice sites. We demonstrate that the cap alters the kinetic profile of U1 snRNP binding, but its major effect is on U6 snRNA binding. With two alternative wild-type splice sites in an adenovirus pre-mRNA, the cap selectively alters U1 snRNA binding at the site to which cap-independent U1 snRNP binding is stronger and that is used predominantly in splicing; with two consensus sites, the cap acts on both, even though one is substantially preferred for splicing. However, the most striking quantitative effect of the 5′ cap is neither on U1 snRNP binding nor on the assembly of large complexes but on the replacement of U1 snRNP by U6 snRNA at the 5′ splice site. Inhibition of splicing by a cap analogue is correlated with the loss of U6 interactions at the 5′ splice site and not with any loss of U1 snRNP binding.


1989 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 4872-4881 ◽  
Author(s):  
C C Query ◽  
R C Bentley ◽  
J D Keene

We have defined the nucleotide sequence of a protein-binding domain within U1 RNA that specifically recognizes and binds both to a U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein component (the 70K protein) and to the previously defined RNA-binding domain of the 70K protein. We have investigated direct interactions between purified U1 RNA and 70K protein by reconstitution in vitro. Thirty-one nucleotides of U1 RNA, corresponding to stem-loop I, were required for this interaction. Nucleotides at the 5' end of U1 RNA that are involved in base pairing with the 5' splice site of pre-mRNA were not required for binding. In contrast to other reports, these findings demonstrate that a specific domain of U1 RNA can bind directly to the 70K protein independently of any other snRNP-associated proteins.


1987 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 281-293
Author(s):  
B Chabot ◽  
J A Steitz

Protection experiments with antibodies against small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs) have elucidated the location of and requirements for interactions between snRNPs and human beta-globin transcripts during splicing in vitro. U2 snRNP association with the intron branch site continues after branch formation, requires intact U2 RNA, and is affected by some alterations of the 3' splice site sequence. U2 snRNP binding to the branched intermediate and U1 snRNP protection of an extended 5' splice region are detected exclusively in spliceosome fractions, indicating that both snRNPs are spliceosome components. While each snRNP associates specifically with the pre-mRNA, they also appear to interact with each other. The recovery of fragments mapping upstream of the 5' splice site suggests how the excised exon is held in the spliceosome.


1987 ◽  
Vol 7 (8) ◽  
pp. 3018-3020
Author(s):  
Y Zhuang ◽  
H Leung ◽  
A M Weiner

The use of alternative 5' splice sites in the simian virus 40 early-transcription unit controls the ratio of large T to small t antigen during viral infection. To study the regulation of these alternative 5' splice sites, we made two mutants which improve the match of the large-T-antigen 5' splice site to the 5' splice site consensus sequence. Whether these mutants were assayed in vitro or in vivo, we found that the efficiency of large-T splicing is increased by improving the match of the large-T-antigen 5' splice site to the consensus. We conclude that the match of a 5' splice site is an important determinant of 5' splice site utilization and that the simian virus 40 large-T-antigen 5' splice site is almost certainly recognized by the U1 small nuclear RNA component of the U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particle.


1993 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 3135-3145
Author(s):  
S D Seiwert ◽  
J A Steitz

To probe functions of the U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particle (snRNP) during in vitro splicing, we have used unusual splicing substrates which replace the 5' splice site region of an adenovirus substrate with spliced leader (SL) RNA sequences from Leptomonas collosoma or Caenorhabditis elegans. In agreement with previous results (J.P. Bruzik and J.A. Steitz, Cell 62:889-899, 1990), we find that oligonucleotide-targeted RNase H destruction of the 5' end of U1 snRNA inhibits the splicing of a standard adenovirus splicing substrate but not of the SL RNA-containing substrates. However, use of an antisense 2'-O-methyl oligoribonucleotide that disrupts the first stem of U1 snRNA as well as stably sequestering positions of U1 snRNA involved in 5' and 3' splice site recognition inhibits the splicing of both the SL constructs and the standard adenovirus substrate. The 2'-O-methyl oligoribonucleotide is no more effective than RNase H pretreatment in preventing pairing of U1 with the 5' splice site, as assessed by inhibition of psoralen cross-link formation between the SL RNA-containing substrate and U1. The 2'-O-methyl oligoribonucleotide does not alter the protein composition of the U1 monoparticle or deplete the system of essential splicing factors. Native gel analysis indicates that the 2'-O-methyl oligoribonucleotide inhibits splicing by diminishing the formation of splicing complexes. One interpretation of these results is that removal of the 5' end of U1 inhibits base pairing in a different way than sequestering the same sequence with a complementary oligoribonucleotide. Alternatively, our data may indicate that two elements near the 5' end of U1 RNA normally act during spliceosome assembly; the extreme 5' end base pairs with the 5' splice site, while the sequence or structural integrity of stem I is essential for some additional function. It follows that different introns may differ in their use of the repertoire of U1 snRNP functions.


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