Interaction profiling identifies the human nuclear exosome targeting complex

Exosome complex orchestrates developmental signaling to balance proliferation and differentiation during erythropoiesis

Since the highly conserved exosome complex mediates the degradation and processing of multiple classes of RNAs, it almost certainly controls diverse biological processes. How this post-transcriptional RNA-regulatory machine impacts cell fate decisions and differentiation is poorly understood. Previously, we demonstrated that exosome complex subunits confer an erythroid maturation barricade, and the erythroid transcription factor GATA-1 dismantles the barricade by transcriptionally repressing the cognate genes. While dissecting requirements for the maturation barricade in Mus musculus, we discovered that the exosome complex is a vital determinant of a developmental signaling transition that dictates proliferation/amplification versus differentiation. Exosome complex integrity in erythroid precursor cells ensures Kit receptor tyrosine kinase expression and stem cell factor/Kit signaling, while preventing responsiveness to erythropoietin-instigated signals that promote differentiation. Functioning as a gatekeeper of this developmental signaling transition, the exosome complex controls the massive production of erythroid cells that ensures organismal survival in homeostatic and stress contexts.

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.17877.001

Red blood cells supply an animal’s tissues with the oxygen they need to survive. These cells circulate for a certain amount of time before they die. To replenish the red blood cells that are lost, first a protein called stem cell factor (SCF) instructs stem cells and precursor cells to proliferate, and a second protein, known as erythropoietin, then signals to these cells to differentiate into mature red blood cells. It is important to maintain this balance between these two processes because too much proliferation can lead to cancer while too much differentiation will exhaust the supply of stem cells.

Previous work has shown that a collection of proteins called the exosome complex can block steps leading towards mature red blood cells. The exosome complex controls several processes within cells by modifying or degrading a variety of messenger RNAs, the molecules that serve as intermediates between DNA and protein. However, it was not clear how the exosome complex sets up the differentiation block and whether it is somehow connected to the signaling from SCF and erythropoietin.

McIver et al. set out to address this issue by isolating precursor cells with the potential to become red blood cells from mouse fetal livers and experimentally reducing the levels of the exosome complex. The experiments showed that these cells were no longer able to respond when treated with SCF in culture, whereas the control cells responded as normal. Further experiments showed that cells with less of the exosome complex also made less of a protein named Kit. Normally, SCF interacts with Kit to instruct cells to multiply. Lastly, although the experimental cells could no longer respond to these proliferation signals, they could react to erythropoietin, which promotes differentiation. Thus, normal levels of the exosome complex keep the delicate balance between proliferation and differentiation, which is crucial to the development of red blood cells.

In future, it will be important to study the exosome complex in living mice and in human cells, and to see whether it also controls other signaling pathways. Furthermore, it is worth exploring whether this new knowledge can help efforts to produce red blood cells on an industrial scale, which could then be used to treat patients with conditions such as anemia.

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.17877.002

Principles for RNA metabolism and alternative transcription initiation within closely spaced promoters

Mammalian transcriptomes are complex and formed by extensive promoter activity. In addition, gene promoters are largely divergent and initiate transcription of reverse-oriented promoter upstream transcripts (PROMPTs). Although PROMPTs are commonly terminated early, influenced by polyadenylation sites, promoters often cluster so that the divergent activity of one might impact another. Here we found that the distance between promoters strongly correlates with the expression, stability and length of their associated PROMPTs. Adjacent promoters driving divergent mRNA transcription support PROMPT formation, but owing to polyadenylation site constraints, these transcripts tend to spread into the neighboring mRNA on the same strand. This mechanism to derive new alternative mRNA transcription start sites (TSSs) is also evident at closely spaced promoters supporting convergent mRNA transcription. We suggest that basic building blocks of divergently transcribed core promoter pairs, in combination with the wealth of TSSs in mammalian genomes, provide a framework with which evolution shapes transcriptomes.

Altered RNA metabolism due to a homozygous RBM7 mutation in a patient with spinal motor neuropathy

The exosome complex is the most important RNA processing machinery within the cell. Mutations in its subunits EXOSC8 and EXOSC3 cause pontocerebellar hypoplasia, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and central nervous system demyelination. We present a patient with SMA-like phenotype carrying a homozygous mutation in RBM7-a subunit of the nuclear exosome targeting (NEXT) complex-which is known to bind and carry specific subtypes of coding and non-coding RNAs to the exosome. The NEXT complex with other protein complexes is responsible for the substrate specificity of the exosome. We performed RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis on primary fibroblasts of patients with mutations in EXOSC8 and RBM7 and gene knock-down experiments using zebrafish as a model system. RNA-seq analysis identified significantly altered expression of 62 transcripts shared by the two patient cell lines. Knock-down of rbm7, exosc8 and exosc3 in zebrafish showed a common pattern of defects in motor neurons and cerebellum. Our data indicate that impaired RNA metabolism may underlie the clinical phenotype by fine tuning gene expression which is essential for correct neuronal differentiation.

Global, quantitative and dynamic mapping of protein subcellular localization

Subcellular localization critically influences protein function, and cells control protein localization to regulate biological processes. We have developed and applied Dynamic Organellar Maps, a proteomic method that allows global mapping of protein translocation events. We initially used maps statically to generate a database with localization and absolute copy number information for over 8700 proteins from HeLa cells, approaching comprehensive coverage. All major organelles were resolved, with exceptional prediction accuracy (estimated at >92%). Combining spatial and abundance information yielded an unprecedented quantitative view of HeLa cell anatomy and organellar composition, at the protein level. We subsequently demonstrated the dynamic capabilities of the approach by capturing translocation events following EGF stimulation, which we integrated into a quantitative model. Dynamic Organellar Maps enable the proteome-wide analysis of physiological protein movements, without requiring any reagents specific to the investigated process, and will thus be widely applicable in cell biology.

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.16950.001

The interior of every cell is highly organised, and contains many compartments, called organelles, that are dedicated to specific roles. Proteins are the tools and machines of the cell, and each organelle has its own set of proteins that it requires to work correctly. Each cell contains ten or more organelles, and several thousand different types of proteins. The exact location of proteins in the cell is important; once we know what compartment a protein is in, it is easier to narrow down what it might be doing.

The location of many proteins in a cell is unclear or simply not known. Moreover, since changing the location of a protein can change its activity, it is also important to be able to detect changes in the location of proteins under different circumstances, such as before and after drug treatment.

Itzhak et al. set out to develop a method that reveals the locations of all the proteins in a cell at any given time. The resulting technique maps the location of most of the proteins in a human cancer cell line and, in addition, determines how many copies of each protein there are. Combining these two types of information produces a model of the cell’s architecture. Importantly, Itzhak et al. were able to compare such a model of the cell under normal circumstances to a model made after the cell had been stimulated with a growth factor. This revealed which proteins had changed location, identifying these proteins as important for the cell’s response to the growth factor.

The new mapping method could be used in the future to analyse the anatomy of different cell types, such as nerve cells and cells of the immune system. Itzhak et al. also want to investigate the differences between healthy cells and cells from people with neurological disorders to understand how such diseases arise.

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.16950.002

RRM domain of human RBM7: purification, crystallization and structure determination

RNA decay is an important process that is essential for controlling the abundance, quality and maturation of transcripts. In eukaryotes, RNA decay in the 3'-5' direction is carried out by the exosome, an RNA-degradation machine that is conserved from yeast to humans. A range of cofactors stimulate the enzymatic activity of the exosome and serve as adapters for the many RNA substrates. In human cells, the exosome associates with the heterotrimeric nuclear exosome targeting (NEXT) complex consisting of the DExH-box helicase hMTR4, the zinc-finger protein hZCCHC8 and the RRM-type protein hRBM7. Here, the 2.5 Å resolution crystal structure of the RRM domain of human RBM7 is reported. Molecular replacement using a previously determined solution structure of RBM7 was unsuccessful. Instead, RBM8 and CBP20 RRM-domain crystal structures were used to successfully determine the RBM7 structure by molecular replacement. The structure reveals a ring-shaped pentameric assembly, which is most likely a consequence of crystal packing.

Oligoadenylation of 3' decay intermediates promotes cytoplasmic mRNA degradation in Drosophila cells

Post-transcriptional 3' end addition of nucleotides is important in a variety of RNA decay pathways. We have examined the 3' end addition of nucleotides during the decay of the Hsp70 mRNA and a corresponding reporter RNA in Drosophila S2 cells by conventional sequencing of cDNAs obtained after mRNA circularization and by deep sequencing of dedicated libraries enriched for 3' decay intermediates along the length of the mRNA. Approximately 5%-10% of 3' decay intermediates carried nonencoded oligo(A) tails with a mean length of 2-3 nucleotides. RNAi experiments showed that the oligoadenylated RNA fragments were intermediates of exosomal decay and the noncanonical poly(A) polymerase Trf4-1 was mainly responsible for A addition. A hot spot of A addition corresponded to an intermediate of 3' decay that accumulated upon inhibition of decapping, and knockdown of Trf4-1 increased the abundance of this intermediate, suggesting that oligoadenylation facilitates 3' decay. Oligoadenylated 3' decay intermediates were found in the cytoplasmic fraction in association with ribosomes, and fluorescence microscopy revealed a cytoplasmic localization of Trf4-1. Thus, oligoadenylation enhances exosomal mRNA degradation in the cytoplasm.

The Zinc-Finger Protein SOP1 Is Required for a Subset of the Nuclear Exosome Functions in Arabidopsis

Correct gene expression requires tight RNA quality control both at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Using a splicing-defective allele of PASTICCINO2 (PAS2), a gene essential for plant development, we isolated suppressor mutations modifying pas2-1 mRNA profiles and restoring wild-type growth. Three suppressor of pas2 (sop) mutations modified the degradation of mis-spliced pas2-1 mRNA species, allowing the synthesis of a functional protein. Cloning of the suppressor mutations identified the core subunit of the exosome SOP2/RRP4, the exosome nucleoplasmic cofactor SOP3/HEN2 and a novel zinc-finger protein SOP1 that colocalizes with HEN2 in nucleoplasmic foci. The three SOP proteins counteract post-transcriptional (trans)gene silencing (PTGS), which suggests that they all act in RNA quality control. In addition, sop1 mutants accumulate some, but not all of the misprocessed mRNAs and other types of RNAs that are observed in exosome mutants. Taken together, our data show that SOP1 is a new component of nuclear RNA surveillance that is required for the degradation of a specific subset of nuclear exosome targets.

Mutations in Mtr4 Structural Domains Reveal Their Important Role in Regulating tRNAiMet Turnover in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Mtr4p Enzymatic Activities In Vitro

RNA processing and turnover play important roles in the maturation, metabolism and quality control of a large variety of RNAs thereby contributing to gene expression and cellular health. The TRAMP complex, composed of Air2p, Trf4p and Mtr4p, stimulates nuclear exosome-dependent RNA processing and degradation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The Mtr4 protein structure is composed of a helicase core and a novel so-called arch domain, which protrudes from the core. The helicase core contains highly conserved helicase domains RecA-1 and 2, and two structural domains of unclear functions, winged helix domain (WH) and ratchet domain. How the structural domains (arch, WH and ratchet domain) coordinate with the helicase domains and what roles they are playing in regulating Mtr4p helicase activity are unknown. We created a library of Mtr4p structural domain mutants for the first time and screened for those defective in the turnover of TRAMP and exosome substrate, hypomodified tRNA_i^Met. We found these domains regulate Mtr4p enzymatic activities differently through characterizing the arch domain mutants K700N and P731S, WH mutant K904N, and ratchet domain mutant R1030G. Arch domain mutants greatly reduced Mtr4p RNA binding, which surprisingly did not lead to significant defects on either in vivo tRNA_i^Met turnover, or in vitro unwinding activities. WH mutant K904N and Ratchet domain mutant R1030G showed decreased tRNA_i^Met turnover in vivo, as well as reduced RNA binding, ATPase and unwinding activities of Mtr4p in vitro. Particularly, K904 was found to be very important for steady protein levels in vivo. Overall, we conclude that arch domain plays a role in RNA binding but is largely dispensable for Mtr4p enzymatic activities, however the structural domains in the helicase core significantly contribute to Mtr4p ATPase and unwinding activities.

The regulation and functions of the nuclear RNA exosome complex

The RNA exosome complex is the most versatile RNA-degradation machine in eukaryotes. The exosome has a central role in several aspects of RNA biogenesis, including RNA maturation and surveillance. Moreover, it is emerging as an important player in regulating the expression levels of specific mRNAs in response to environmental cues and during cell differentiation and development. Although the mechanisms by which RNA is targeted to (or escapes from) the exosome are still not fully understood, general principles have begun to emerge, which we discuss in this Review. In addition, we introduce and discuss novel, previously unappreciated functions of the nuclear exosome, including in transcription regulation and in the maintenance of genome stability.

DGCR8 Acts as an Adaptor for the Exosome Complex to Degrade Double-Stranded Structured RNAs

The Microprocessor complex (DGCR8/Drosha) is required for microRNA (miRNA) biogenesis but also binds and regulates the stability of several types of cellular RNAs. Of particular interest, DGCR8 controls the stability of mature small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA) transcripts independently of Drosha, suggesting the existence of alternative DGCR8 complex(es) with other nucleases to process a variety of cellular RNAs. Here, we found that DGCR8 copurifies with subunits of the nuclear exosome, preferentially associating with its hRRP6-containing nucleolar form. Importantly, we demonstrate that DGCR8 is essential for the recruitment of the exosome to snoRNAs and to human telomerase RNA. In addition, we show that the DGCR8/exosome complex controls the stability of the human telomerase RNA component (hTR/TERC). Altogether, these data suggest that DGCR8 acts as an adaptor to recruit the exosome complex to structured RNAs and induce their degradation.

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DGCR8 forms an alternative complex with the hRRP6-containing form of the exosome

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DGCR8 acts as an adaptor to recruit the exosome to target structured RNAs

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The DGCR8/hRRP6 complex also controls the stability of human telomerase RNA

A Polyadenylation-Dependent 3' End Maturation Pathway Is Required for the Synthesis of the Human Telomerase RNA

Telomere maintenance by the telomerase reverse transcriptase requires a noncoding RNA subunit that acts as a template for the synthesis of telomeric repeats. In humans, the telomerase RNA (hTR) is a non-polyadenylated transcript produced from an independent transcriptional unit. As yet, the mechanism and factors responsible for hTR 3' end processing have remained largely unknown. Here, we show that hTR is matured via a polyadenylation-dependent pathway that relies on the nuclear poly(A)-binding protein PABPN1 and the poly(A)-specific RNase PARN. Depletion of PABPN1 and PARN results in telomerase RNA deficiency and the accumulation of polyadenylated precursors. Accordingly, a deficiency in PABPN1 leads to impaired telomerase activity and telomere shortening. In contrast, we find that hTRAMP-dependent polyadenylation and exosome-mediated degradation function antagonistically to hTR maturation, thereby limiting telomerase RNA accumulation. Our findings unveil a critical requirement for RNA polyadenylation in telomerase RNA biogenesis, providing alternative approaches for telomerase inhibition in cancer.

Compound heterozygous mutations in the noncoding RNU4ATAC cause Roifman Syndrome by disrupting minor intron splicing

Roifman Syndrome is a rare congenital disorder characterized by growth retardation, cognitive delay, spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia and antibody deficiency. Here we utilize whole-genome sequencing of Roifman Syndrome patients to reveal compound heterozygous rare variants that disrupt highly conserved positions of the RNU4ATAC small nuclear RNA gene, a minor spliceosome component that is essential for minor intron splicing. Targeted sequencing confirms allele segregation in six cases from four unrelated families. RNU4ATAC rare variants have been recently reported to cause microcephalic osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism, type I (MOPD1), whose phenotype is distinct from Roifman Syndrome. Strikingly, all six of the Roifman Syndrome cases have one variant that overlaps MOPD1-implicated structural elements, while the other variant overlaps a highly conserved structural element not previously implicated in disease. RNA-seq analysis confirms extensive and specific defects of minor intron splicing. Available allele frequency data suggest that recessive genetic disorders caused by RNU4ATAC rare variants may be more prevalent than previously reported.

Roifman Syndrome is a rare disorder whose disease manifestations include growth retardation, spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia and immunodeficiency. Here, the authors use whole-genome sequencing to discover that rare compound heterozygous variants disrupting the small nuclear RNA gene RNU4ATAC cause Roifman Syndrome.

Systematic E2 screening reveals a UBE2D-RNF138-CtIP axis promoting DNA repair

Ubiquitylation is crucial for proper cellular responses to DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). If unrepaired, these highly cytotoxic lesions cause genome instability, tumorigenesis, neurodegeneration or premature ageing. Here, we conduct a comprehensive, multilayered screen to systematically profile all human ubiquitin E2 enzymes for impacts on cellular DSB responses. With a widely applicable approach, we use an exemplary E2 family, UBE2Ds, to identify ubiquitylation-cascade components downstream of E2s. Thus, we uncover the nuclear E3 ligase RNF138 as a key homologous recombination (HR)-promoting factor that functions with UBE2Ds in cells. Mechanistically, UBE2Ds and RNF138 accumulate at DNA-damage sites and act at early resection stages by promoting CtIP ubiquitylation and accrual. This work supplies insights into regulation of DSB repair by HR. Moreover, it provides a rich information resource on E2s that can be exploited by follow-on studies.

Quality control of spliced mRNAs requires the shuttling SR proteins Gbp2 and Hrb1

Eukaryotic cells have to prevent the export of unspliced pre-mRNAs until intron removal is completed to avoid the expression of aberrant and potentially harmful proteins. Only mature mRNAs associate with the export receptor Mex67/TAP and enter the cytoplasm. Here we show that the two shuttling serine/arginine (SR)-proteins Gbp2 and Hrb1 are key surveillance factors for the selective export of spliced mRNAs in yeast. Their absence leads to the significant leakage of unspliced pre-mRNAs into the cytoplasm. They bind to pre-mRNAs and the spliceosome during splicing, where they are necessary for the surveillance of splicing and the stable binding of the TRAMP complex to spliceosome-bound transcripts. Faulty transcripts are marked for their degradation at the nuclear exosome. On correct mRNAs the SR proteins recruit Mex67 upon completion of splicing to allow a quality controlled nuclear export. Altogether, these data identify a role for shuttling SR proteins in mRNA surveillance and nuclear mRNA quality control.

The Protein Interaction of RNA Helicase B (RhlB) and Polynucleotide Phosphorylase (PNPase) Contributes to the Homeostatic Control of Cysteine in Escherichia coli

PNPase, one of the major enzymes with 3′ to 5′ single-stranded RNA degradation and processing activities, can interact with the RNA helicase RhlB independently of RNA degradosome formation in Escherichia coli. Here, we report that loss of interaction between RhlB and PNPase impacts cysteine homeostasis in E. coli. By random mutagenesis, we identified a mutant RhlB^P238L that loses 75% of its ability to interact with PNPase but retains normal interaction with RNase E and RNA, in addition to exhibiting normal helicase activity. Applying microarray analyses to an E. coli strain with impaired RNA degradosome formation, we investigated the biological consequences of a weakened interaction between RhlB and PNPase. We found significant increases in 11 of 14 genes involved in cysteine biosynthesis. Subsequent Northern blot analyses showed that the up-regulated transcripts were the result of stabilization of the cysB transcript encoding a transcriptional activator for the cys operons. Furthermore, Northern blots of PNPase or RhlB mutants showed that RhlB-PNPase plays both a catalytic and structural role in regulating cysB degradation. Cells expressing the RhlB^P238L mutant exhibited an increase in intracellular cysteine and an enhanced anti-oxidative response. Collectively, this study suggests a mechanism by which bacteria use the PNPase-RhlB exosome-like complex to combat oxidative stress by modulating cysB mRNA degradation.

Canonical Poly(A) Polymerase Activity Promotes the Decay of a Wide Variety of Mammalian Nuclear RNAs

The human nuclear poly(A)-binding protein PABPN1 has been implicated in the decay of nuclear noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs). In addition, PABPN1 promotes hyperadenylation by stimulating poly(A)-polymerases (PAPα/γ), but this activity has not previously been linked to the decay of endogenous transcripts. Moreover, the mechanisms underlying target specificity have remained elusive. Here, we inactivated PAP-dependent hyperadenylation in cells by two independent mechanisms and used an RNA-seq approach to identify endogenous targets. We observed the upregulation of various ncRNAs, including snoRNA host genes, primary miRNA transcripts, and promoter upstream antisense RNAs, confirming that hyperadenylation is broadly required for the degradation of PABPN1-targets. In addition, we found that mRNAs with retained introns are susceptible to PABPN1 and PAPα/γ-mediated decay (PPD). Transcripts are targeted for degradation due to inefficient export, which is a consequence of reduced intron number or incomplete splicing. Additional investigation showed that a genetically-encoded poly(A) tail is sufficient to drive decay, suggesting that degradation occurs independently of the canonical cleavage and polyadenylation reaction. Surprisingly, treatment with transcription inhibitors uncouples polyadenylation from decay, leading to runaway hyperadenylation of nuclear decay targets. We conclude that PPD is an important mammalian nuclear RNA decay pathway for the removal of poorly spliced and nuclear-retained transcripts.

Cells control gene expression by balancing the rates of RNA synthesis and decay. While the mechanisms of transcription regulation are extensively studied, the parameters that control nuclear RNA stability remain largely unknown. Previously, we and others reported that poly(A) tails may stimulate RNA decay in mammalian nuclei. This function is mediated by the concerted actions of the nuclear poly(A) binding protein PABPN1, poly(A) polymerase (PAP), and the nuclear exosome complex, a pathway we have named PABPN1 and PAP-mediated RNA decay (PPD). Because nearly all mRNAs possess a poly(A) tail, it remains unclear how PPD targets specific transcripts. Here, we inactivated PPD by two distinct mechanisms and examined global gene expression. We identified a number of potential target genes, including snoRNA host genes, promoter antisense RNAs, and mRNAs. Interestingly, target transcripts tend to be incompletely spliced or possess fewer introns than non-target transcripts, suggesting that efficient splicing allows normal mRNAs to escape decay. We suggest that PPD plays an important role in gene expression by limiting the accumulation of inefficiently processed RNAs. In addition, our results highlight the complex relationship between (pre-)mRNA splicing and nuclear RNA decay.

SKI2 mediates degradation of RISC 5'-cleavage fragments and prevents secondary siRNA production from miRNA targets in Arabidopsis

Small regulatory RNAs are fundamental in eukaryotic and prokaryotic gene regulation. In plants, an important element of post-transcriptional control is effected by 20–24 nt microRNAs (miRNAs) and short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) bound to the ARGONAUTE1 (AGO1) protein in an RNA induced silencing complex (RISC). AGO1 may cleave target mRNAs with small RNA complementarity, but the fate of the resulting cleavage fragments remains incompletely understood. Here, we show that SKI2, SKI3 and SKI8, subunits of a cytoplasmic cofactor of the RNA exosome, are required for degradation of RISC 5′, but not 3′-cleavage fragments in Arabidopsis. In the absence of SKI2 activity, many miRNA targets produce siRNAs via the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase 6 (RDR6) pathway. These siRNAs are low-abundant, and map close to the cleavage site. In most cases, siRNAs were produced 5′ to the cleavage site, but several examples of 3′-spreading were also identified. These observations suggest that siRNAs do not simply derive from RDR6 action on stable 5′-cleavage fragments and hence that SKI2 has a direct role in limiting secondary siRNA production in addition to its function in mediating degradation of 5′-cleavage fragments.

An Interaction between RRP6 and SU(VAR)3-9 Targets RRP6 to Heterochromatin and Contributes to Heterochromatin Maintenance in Drosophila melanogaster

RNA surveillance factors are involved in heterochromatin regulation in yeast and plants, but less is known about the possible roles of ribonucleases in the heterochromatin of animal cells. Here we show that RRP6, one of the catalytic subunits of the exosome, is necessary for silencing heterochromatic repeats in the genome of Drosophila melanogaster. We show that a fraction of RRP6 is associated with heterochromatin, and the analysis of the RRP6 interaction network revealed physical links between RRP6 and the heterochromatin factors HP1a, SU(VAR)3-9 and RPD3. Moreover, genome-wide studies of RRP6 occupancy in cells depleted of SU(VAR)3-9 demonstrated that SU(VAR)3-9 contributes to the tethering of RRP6 to a subset of heterochromatic loci. Depletion of the exosome ribonucleases RRP6 and DIS3 stabilizes heterochromatic transcripts derived from transposons and repetitive sequences, and renders the heterochromatin less compact, as shown by micrococcal nuclease and proximity-ligation assays. Such depletion also increases the amount of HP1a bound to heterochromatic transcripts. Taken together, our results suggest that SU(VAR)3-9 targets RRP6 to a subset of heterochromatic loci where RRP6 degrades chromatin-associated non-coding RNAs in a process that is necessary to maintain the packaging of the heterochromatin.

DIS3 shapes the RNA polymerase II transcriptome in humans by degrading a variety of unwanted transcripts

Human DIS3, the nuclear catalytic subunit of the exosome complex, contains exonucleolytic and endonucleolytic active domains. To identify DIS3 targets genome-wide, we combined comprehensive transcriptomic analyses of engineered HEK293 cells that expressed mutant DIS3, with Photoactivatable Ribonucleoside-Enhanced Cross-Linking and Immunoprecipitation (PAR-CLIP) experiments. In cells expressing DIS3 with both catalytic sites mutated, RNAs originating from unannotated genomic regions increased ∼2.5-fold, covering ∼70% of the genome and allowing for thousands of novel transcripts to be discovered. Previously described pervasive transcription products, such as Promoter Upstream Transcripts (PROMPTs), accumulated robustly upon DIS3 dysfunction, representing a significant fraction of PAR-CLIP reads. We have also detected relatively long putative premature RNA polymerase II termination products of protein-coding genes whose levels in DIS3 mutant cells can exceed the mature mRNAs, indicating that production of such truncated RNA is a common phenomenon. In addition, we found DIS3 to be involved in controlling the formation of paraspeckles, nuclear bodies that are organized around NEAT1 lncRNA, whose short form was overexpressed in cells with mutated DIS3. Moreover, the DIS3 mutations resulted in misregulation of expression of ∼50% of transcribed protein-coding genes, probably as a secondary effect of accumulation of various noncoding RNA species. Finally, cells expressing mutant DIS3 accumulated snoRNA precursors, which correlated with a strong PAR-CLIP signal, indicating that DIS3 is the main snoRNA-processing enzyme. EXOSC10 (RRP6) instead controls the levels of the mature snoRNAs. Overall, we show that DIS3 has a major nucleoplasmic function in shaping the human RNA polymerase II transcriptome.

Exosomal Protein Deficiencies: How Abnormal RNA Metabolism Results in Childhood-Onset Neurological Diseases

Defects of RNA metabolism have been increasingly identified in various forms of inherited neurological diseases. Recently, abnormal RNA degradation due to mutations in human exosome subunit genes has been shown to cause complex childhood onset neurological presentations including spinal muscular atrophy, pontocerebellar hypoplasia and myelination deficiencies. This paper summarizes our current knowledge about the exosome in human neurological disease and provides some important insights into potential disease mechanisms.

NVL2, a nucleolar AAA-ATPase, is associated with the nuclear exosome and is involved in pre-rRNA processing

Nuclear VCP-like 2 (NVL2) is a member of the chaperone-like AAA-ATPase family and is involved in the biosynthesis of 60S ribosomal subunits in mammalian cells. We previously showed the interaction of NVL2 with a DExD/H-box RNA helicase MTR4/DOB1, which is a known cofactor for an exoribonuclease complex, the exosome. This finding implicated NVL2 in RNA metabolic processes during ribosome biogenesis. In the present study, we found that a series of mutations within the ATPase domain of NVL2 causes a defect in pre-rRNA processing into mature 28S and 5.8S rRNAs. Co-immunoprecipitation analysis showed that NVL2 was associated with the nuclear exosome complex, which includes RRP6 as a nucleus-specific catalytic subunit. This interaction was prevented by depleting either MTR4 or RRP6, indicating their essential role in mediating this interaction with NVL2. Additionally, knockdown of MPP6, another cofactor for the nuclear exosome, also prevented the interaction by causing MTR4 to dissociate from the nuclear exosome. These results suggest that NVL2 is involved in pre-rRNA processing by associating with the nuclear exosome complex and that MPP6 is required for maintaining the integrity of this rRNA processing complex.

Interaction between the RNA-dependent ATPase and poly(A) polymerase subunits of the TRAMP complex is mediated by short peptides and important for snoRNA processing

The RNA exosome is one of the main 3′ to 5′ exoribonucleases in eukaryotic cells. Although it is responsible for degradation or processing of a wide variety of substrate RNAs, it is very specific and distinguishes between substrate and non-substrate RNAs as well as between substrates that need to be 3′ processed and those that need to be completely degraded. This specificity does not appear to be determined by the exosome itself but rather by about a dozen other proteins. Four of these exosome cofactors have enzymatic activity, namely, the nuclear RNA-dependent ATPase Mtr4, its cytoplasmic paralog Ski2 and the nuclear non-canonical poly(A) polymerases, Trf4 and Trf5. Mtr4 and either Trf4 or Trf5 assemble into a TRAMP complex. However, how these enzymes assemble into a TRAMP complex and the functional consequences of TRAMP complex assembly remain unknown. Here, we identify an important interaction site between Mtr4 and Trf5, and show that disrupting the Mtr4/Trf interaction disrupts specific TRAMP and exosome functions, including snoRNA processing.

The fission yeast MTREC complex targets CUTs and unspliced pre-mRNAs to the nuclear exosome

Cryptic unstable transcripts (CUTs) are rapidly degraded by the nuclear exosome. However, the mechanism by which they are recognized and targeted to the exosome is not fully understood. Here we report that the MTREC complex, which has recently been shown to promote degradation of meiotic mRNAs and regulatory ncRNAs, is also the major nuclear exosome targeting complex for CUTs and unspliced pre-mRNAs in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. The MTREC complex specifically binds to CUTs, meiotic mRNAs and unspliced pre-mRNA transcripts and targets these RNAs for degradation by the nuclear exosome, while the TRAMP complex has only a minor role in this process. The MTREC complex physically interacts with the nuclear exosome and with various RNA-binding and RNA-processing complexes, coupling RNA processing to the RNA degradation machinery. Our study reveals the central role of the evolutionarily conserved MTREC complex in RNA quality control, and in the recognition and elimination of CUTs.

RNA Exosome Regulates AID DNA Mutator Activity in the B Cell Genome

The immunoglobulin diversification processes of somatic hypermutation and class switch recombination critically rely on transcription-coupled targeting of activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) to Ig loci in activated B lymphocytes. AID catalyzes deamination of cytidine deoxynucleotides on exposed single-stranded DNA. In addition to driving immunoglobulin diversity, promiscuous targeting of AID mutagenic activity poses a deleterious threat to genomic stability. Recent genome-wide studies have uncovered pervasive AID activity throughout the B cell genome. It is increasingly apparent that AID activity is frequently targeted to genomic loci undergoing early transcription termination where RNA exosome promotes the resolution of stalled transcription complexes via cotranscriptional RNA degradation mechanisms. Here, we review aspects and consequences of eukaryotic transcription that lead to early termination, RNA exosome recruitment, and ultimately targeting of AID mutagenic activity.

Regulated Intron Retention and Nuclear Pre-mRNA Decay Contribute to PABPN1 Autoregulation

The poly(A)-binding protein nuclear 1 is encoded by the PABPN1 gene, whose mutations result in oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy, a late-onset disorder for which the molecular basis remains unknown. Despite recent studies investigating the functional roles of PABPN1, little is known about its regulation. Here, we show that PABPN1 negatively controls its own expression to maintain homeostatic levels in human cells. Transcription from the PABPN1 gene results in the accumulation of two major isoforms: an unspliced nuclear transcript that retains the 3'-terminal intron and a fully spliced cytoplasmic mRNA. Increased dosage of PABPN1 protein causes a significant decrease in the spliced/unspliced ratio, reducing the levels of endogenous PABPN1 protein. We also show that PABPN1 autoregulation requires inefficient splicing of its 3'-terminal intron. Our data suggest that autoregulation occurs via the binding of PABPN1 to an adenosine (A)-rich region in its 3' untranslated region, which promotes retention of the 3'-terminal intron and clearance of intron-retained pre-mRNAs by the nuclear exosome. Our findings unveil a mechanism of regulated intron retention coupled to nuclear pre-mRNA decay that functions in the homeostatic control of PABPN1 expression.

Exosome substrate targeting: the long and short of it

The exosome ribonuclease complex functions in both the limited trimming of the 3'-ends of nuclear substrates during RNA processing events and the complete destruction of nuclear and cytoplasmic RNAs. The two RNases of the eukaryotic exosome, Rrp44 (rRNA-processing protein 44) and Rrp6, are bound at either end of a catalytically inert cylindrical core. RNA substrates are threaded through the internal channel of the core to Rrp44 by RNA helicase components of the nuclear TRAMP complex (Trf4-Air2-Mtr4 polyadenylation complex) or the cytoplasmic Ski (superkiller) complex. Recent studies reveal that Rrp44 can also associate directly with substrates via channel-independent routes. Although the substrates of the exosome are known, it is not clear whether specific substrates are restricted to one or other pathway. Data currently available support the model that processed substrates are targeted directly to the catalytic subunits, whereas at least some substrates that are directed towards discard pathways must be threaded through the exosome core.

Rapid, optimized interactomic screening

We must reliably map the interactomes of cellular macromolecular complexes in order to fully explore and understand biological systems. However, there are no methods to accurately predict how to capture a given macromolecular complex with its physiological binding partners. Here, we present a screen that comprehensively explores the parameters affecting the stability of interactions in affinity-captured complexes, enabling the discovery of physiological binding partners and the elucidation of their functional interactions in unparalleled detail. We have implemented this screen on several macromolecular complexes from a variety of organisms, revealing novel profiles even for well-studied proteins. Our approach is robust, economical and automatable, providing an inroad to the rigorous, systematic dissection of cellular interactomes.

RBM7 subunit of the NEXT complex binds U-rich sequences and targets 3'-end extended forms of snRNAs

The Nuclear Exosome Targeting (NEXT) complex is a key cofactor of the mammalian nuclear exosome in the removal of Promoter Upstream Transcripts (PROMPTs) and potentially aberrant forms of other noncoding RNAs, such as snRNAs. NEXT is composed of three subunits SKIV2L2, ZCCHC8 and RBM7. We have recently identified the NEXT complex in our screen for oligo(U) RNA-binding factors. Here, we demonstrate that NEXT displays preference for U-rich pyrimidine sequences and this RNA binding is mediated by the RNA recognition motif (RRM) of the RBM7 subunit. We solved the structure of RBM7 RRM and identified two phenylalanine residues that are critical for interaction with RNA. Furthermore, we showed that these residues are required for the NEXT interaction with snRNAs in vivo. Finally, we show that depletion of components of the NEXT complex alone or together with exosome nucleases resulted in the accumulation of mature as well as extended forms of snRNAs. Thus, our data suggest a new scenario in which the NEXT complex is involved in the surveillance of snRNAs and/or biogenesis of snRNPs.

Nab3 facilitates the function of the TRAMP complex in RNA processing via recruitment of Rrp6 independent of Nrd1

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play critical roles in gene regulation. In eukaryotic cells, ncRNAs are processed and/or degraded by the nuclear exosome, a ribonuclease complex containing catalytic subunits Dis3 and Rrp6. The TRAMP (Trf4/5-Air1/2-Mtr4 polyadenylation) complex is a critical exosome cofactor in budding yeast that stimulates the exosome to process/degrade ncRNAs and human TRAMP components have recently been identified. Importantly, mutations in exosome and exosome cofactor genes cause neurodegenerative disease. How the TRAMP complex interacts with other exosome cofactors to orchestrate regulation of the exosome is an open question. To identify novel interactions of the TRAMP exosome cofactor, we performed a high copy suppressor screen of a thermosensitive air1/2 TRAMP mutant. Here, we report that the Nab3 RNA-binding protein of the Nrd1-Nab3-Sen1 (NNS) complex is a potent suppressor of TRAMP mutants. Unlike Nab3, Nrd1 and Sen1 do not suppress TRAMP mutants and Nrd1 binding is not required for Nab3-mediated suppression of TRAMP suggesting an independent role for Nab3. Critically, Nab3 decreases ncRNA levels in TRAMP mutants, Nab3-mediated suppression of air1/2 cells requires the nuclear exosome component, Rrp6, and Nab3 directly binds Rrp6. We extend this analysis to identify a human RNA binding protein, RALY, which shares identity with Nab3 and can suppress TRAMP mutants. These results suggest that Nab3 facilitates TRAMP function by recruiting Rrp6 to ncRNAs for processing/degradation independent of Nrd1. The data raise the intriguing possibility that Nab3 and Nrd1 can function independently to recruit Rrp6 to ncRNA targets, providing combinatorial flexibility in RNA processing.

Eukaryotic genomes from yeast to man express numerous non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that regulate the expression of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) encoding the proteins vital for cell and body function. As faulty ncRNAs impair mRNA expression and contribute to cancers and neurodegenerative disease, it is imperative to understand how ncRNAs are processed and/or degraded. In budding yeast, a conserved RNA shredding machine known as the exosome nibbles at or destroys ncRNAs. The exosome is assisted by a conserved TRAMP exosome cofactor that recruits the exosome to ncRNAs for processing/ degradation. To better understand TRAMP function, we performed a genetic screen to identify genes that improve the growth of TRAMP mutant yeast cells that grow poorly at high temperature. We find that overexpression of the Nab3 RNA binding protein, which belongs to another exosome cofactor, the Nrd1-Nab3-Sen1 (NNS) complex, improves the growth of TRAMP mutant cells. Importantly, Nab3 requires the exosome to improve the growth and ncRNA processing of TRAMP mutant cells. We therefore suggest that Nab3 facilitates TRAMP function by recruiting the exosome to ncRNAs for processing/degradation. We also show that the human RNA binding protein, RALY, like Nab3, can improve the growth of TRAMP mutant cells.

Ribonucleic acid (RNA) biosynthesis in human cancer

In many respects, the most remarkable chemical substances within the genome of eukaryotic cells are remarkable proteins which are the critical structural and functional units of living cells. The specifications for everything that goes in the cell are natural digital-to-digital decoding process in an archive sequence by deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and an articulate construction by ribonucleic acid (RNA). The products of DNA transcription are long polymers of ribonucleotides rather than deoxyribonucleotides and are termed ribonucleic acids. Certain deoxyribonucleotide sequences, or genes, give rise to transfer RNA (tRNA) and other ribosomal RNA (rRNA) when transcribed. The ribonucleotide sequences fold extensively and rRNA is associated with specific proteins to yield the essential cell components, ribosomes. Transcription of other special sequences yields messenger RNAs (mRNAs) that contain ribonucleotide sequences that will be ultimately translated into new types of amino acid sequences of functional cellular protein molecules. This switch to a different variety of cellular molecular sequences is complex, but each sequence of the three ribonucleotides specifies the insertion of one particular amino acid into the polypeptide chain under production. Whilst mRNA is considered the vehicle by which genetic information is transmitted from the genome and allocated in the appropriate cytoplasmic sites for translation into protein via cap-dependent mechanism, the actual translation depends also on the presence of other so-called household and luxury protein molecules. Recent evidence suggests RNA species are required at initiation, because treatment of cells with antibiotics or drugs that inhibit RNA synthesis cause a decrease in protein synthesis. The rRNA is necessary as a structural constituent of the ribosomes upon which translation takes place, whereas tRNA is necessary as an adaptor in amino acid activation and elongation protein chains to ribosomes. In this article, we review malignant tumor, with stem like properties, and recent technical advances into the phenomenon of micro-particles and micro-vesicles containing cell-free nucleic acids that circulate plasma. New areas of research have been opened into screening tumor telomerase progression, prognosis of aptamers targeting cell surface, monitoring the efficacy of anticancer therapies, oncogenic transformation of host cell, and RNA polymerases role in the cell cycle progression and differentiation.

p38MAPK/MK2-mediated phosphorylation of RBM7 regulates the human nuclear exosome targeting complex

The nuclear exosome targeting complex (NEXT) directs a major 3'-5' exonuclease, the RNA exosome, for degradation of nuclear noncoding (nc) RNAs. We identified the RNA-binding component of the NEXT complex, RBM7, as a substrate of p38(MAPK)/MK2-mediated phosphorylation at residue S136. As a result of this phosphorylation, RBM7 displays a strongly decreased RNA-binding capacity, while inhibition of p38(MAPK) or mutation of S136A in RBM7 increases its RNA association. Interestingly, promoter-upstream transcripts (PROMPTs), such as proRBM39, proEXT1, proDNAJB4, accumulated upon stress stimulation in a p38(MAPK)/MK2-dependent manner, a process inhibited by overexpression of RBM7(S136A). While there are no stress-dependent changes in RNA-polymerase II (RNAPII) occupation of PROMPT regions representing unchanged transcription, stability of PROMPTs is increased. Hence, we propose that phosphorylation of RBM7 by the p38(MAPK)/MK2 axis increases nuclear ncRNA stability by blocking their RBM7-binding and subsequent RNA exosome targeting to allow stress-dependent modulations of the noncoding transcriptome.

RRP6/EXOSC10 is required for the repair of DNA double-strand breaks by homologous recombination

The exosome acts on different RNA substrates and plays important roles in RNA metabolism. The fact that short non-coding RNAs are involved in the DNA damage response led us to investigate whether the exosome factor RRP6 of Drosophila melanogaster and its human ortholog EXOSC10 play a role in DNA repair. Here, we show that RRP6 and EXOSC10 are recruited to DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in S2 cells and HeLa cells, respectively. Depletion of RRP6/EXOSC10 does not interfere with the phosphorylation of the histone variant H2Av (Drosophila) or H2AX (humans), but impairs the recruitment of the homologous recombination factor RAD51 to the damaged sites, without affecting RAD51 levels. The recruitment of RAD51 to DSBs in S2 cells is also inhibited by overexpression of RRP6-Y361A-V5, a catalytically inactive RRP6 mutant. Furthermore, cells depleted of RRP6 or EXOSC10 are more sensitive to radiation, which is consistent with RRP6/EXOSC10 playing a role in DNA repair. RRP6/EXOSC10 can be co-immunoprecipitated with RAD51, which links RRP6/EXOSC10 to the homologous recombination pathway. Taken together, our results suggest that the ribonucleolytic activity of RRP6/EXOSC10 is required for the recruitment of RAD51 to DSBs.

DeCoN: genome-wide analysis of in vivo transcriptional dynamics during pyramidal neuron fate selection in neocortex

Neuronal development requires a complex choreography of transcriptional decisions to obtain specific cellular identities. Realizing the ultimate goal of identifying genome-wide signatures that define and drive specific neuronal fates has been hampered by enormous complexity in both time and space during development. Here, we have paired high-throughput purification of pyramidal neuron subclasses with deep profiling of spatiotemporal transcriptional dynamics during corticogenesis to resolve lineage choice decisions. We identified numerous features ranging from spatial and temporal usage of alternative mRNA isoforms and promoters to a host of mRNA genes modulated during fate specification. Notably, we uncovered numerous long noncoding RNAs with restricted temporal and cell-type-specific expression. To facilitate future exploration, we provide an interactive online database to enable multidimensional data mining and dissemination. This multifaceted study generates a powerful resource and informs understanding of the transcriptional regulation underlying pyramidal neuron diversity in the neocortex.

VIDEO ABSTRACT

The human nuclear exosome targeting complex is loaded onto newly synthesized RNA to direct early ribonucleolysis

The RNA exosome complex constitutes the major nuclear eukaryotic 3'-5' exonuclease. Outside of nucleoli, the human nucleoplasmic exosome is directed to some of its substrates by the nuclear exosome targeting (NEXT) complex. How NEXT targets RNA has remained elusive. Using an in vivo crosslinking approach, we report global RNA binding sites of RBM7, a key component of NEXT. RBM7 associates broadly with RNA polymerase II-derived RNA, including pre-mRNA and short-lived exosome substrates such as promoter upstream transcripts (PROMPTs), enhancer RNAs (eRNAs), and 3'-extended products from snRNA and replication-dependent histone genes. Within pre-mRNA, RBM7 accumulates at the 3' ends of introns, and pulse-labeling experiments demonstrate that RBM7/NEXT defines an early exosome-targeting pathway for 3'-extended snoRNAs derived from such introns. We propose that RBM7 is generally loaded onto newly synthesized RNA to accommodate exosome action in case of available unprotected RNA 3' ends.

The exosome-binding factors Rrp6 and Rrp47 form a composite surface for recruiting the Mtr4 helicase

The exosome is a conserved multi-subunit ribonuclease complex that functions in 3' end processing, turnover and surveillance of nuclear and cytoplasmic RNAs. In the yeast nucleus, the 10-subunit core complex of the exosome (Exo-10) physically and functionally interacts with the Rrp6 exoribonuclease and its associated cofactor Rrp47, the helicase Mtr4 and Mpp6. Here, we show that binding of Mtr4 to Exo-10 in vitro is dependent upon both Rrp6 and Rrp47, whereas Mpp6 binds directly and independently of other cofactors. Crystallographic analyses reveal that the N-terminal domains of Rrp6 and Rrp47 form a highly intertwined structural unit. Rrp6 and Rrp47 synergize to create a composite and conserved surface groove that binds the N-terminus of Mtr4. Mutation of conserved residues within Rrp6 and Mtr4 at the structural interface disrupts their interaction and inhibits growth of strains expressing a C-terminal GFP fusion of Mtr4. These studies provide detailed structural insight into the interaction between the Rrp6-Rrp47 complex and Mtr4, revealing an important link between Mtr4 and the core exosome.

A quantitative 14-3-3 interaction screen connects the nuclear exosome targeting complex to the DNA damage response

RNA metabolism is altered following DNA damage, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Through a 14-3-3 interaction screen for DNA damage-induced protein interactions in human cells, we identified protein complexes connected to RNA biology. These include the nuclear exosome targeting (NEXT) complex that regulates turnover of noncoding RNAs termed promoter upstream transcripts (PROMPTs). We show that the NEXT subunit RBM7 is phosphorylated upon DNA damage by the MAPKAPK2 kinase and establish that this mediates 14-3-3 binding and decreases PROMPT binding. These findings and our observation that cells lacking RBM7 display DNA damage hypersensitivity link PROMPT turnover to the DNA damage response.

New links between mRNA polyadenylation and diverse nuclear pathways

The 3' ends of most eukaryotic messenger RNAs must undergo a maturation step that includes an endonuc-leolytic cleavage followed by addition of a polyadenylate tail. While this reaction is catalyzed by the action of only two enzymes it is supported by an unexpectedly large number of proteins. This complexity reflects the necessity of coordinating this process with other nuclear events, and growing evidence indicates that even more factors than previously thought are necessary to connect 3' processing to additional cellular pathways. In this review we summarize the current understanding of the molecular machinery involved in this step of mRNA maturation, focusing on new core and auxiliary proteins that connect polyadenylation to splicing, DNA damage, transcription and cancer.

A MicroRNA precursor surveillance system in quality control of MicroRNA synthesis

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are essential for regulation of gene expression. Though numerous miRNAs have been identified by high-throughput sequencing, few precursor miRNAs (pre-miRNAs) are experimentally validated. Here we report a strategy for constructing high-throughput sequencing libraries enriched for full-length pre-miRNAs. We find widespread and extensive uridylation of Argonaute (Ago)-bound pre-miRNAs, which is primarily catalyzed by two terminal uridylyltransferases: TUT7 and TUT4. Uridylation by TUT7/4 not only polishes pre-miRNA 3' ends, but also facilitates their degradation by the exosome, preventing clogging of Ago with defective species. We show that the exosome exploits distinct substrate preferences of DIS3 and RRP6, its two catalytic subunits, to distinguish productive from defective pre-miRNAs. Furthermore, we identify a positive feedback loop formed by the exosome and TUT7/4 in triggering uridylation and degradation of Ago-bound pre-miRNAs. Our study reveals a pre-miRNA surveillance system that comprises TUT7, TUT4, and the exosome in quality control of miRNA synthesis.

The molecular architecture of the TRAMP complex reveals the organization and interplay of its two catalytic activities

The TRAMP complex is involved in the nuclear surveillance and turnover of noncoding RNAs and intergenic transcripts. TRAMP is associated with the nuclear exosome and consists of a poly(A)polymerase subcomplex (Trf4-Air2) and a helicase (Mtr4). We found that N-terminal low-complexity regions of Trf4 and Air2 bind Mtr4 in a cooperative manner. The 2.4 Å resolution crystal structure of the corresponding ternary complex reveals how Trf4 and Air2 wrap around the DExH core of the helicase. Structure-based mutations on the DExH core impair binding to Trf4 and Air2, and also to Trf5 and Air1. The combination of structural, biochemical, and biophysical data suggests that the poly(A)polymerase core of Trf4-Air2 is positioned below the base of the helicase, where the unwound 3' end of an RNA substrate is expected to emerge. The results reveal conceptual similarities between the two major regulators of the exosome, the nuclear TRAMP and cytoplasmic Ski complexes.

The RNA helicases AtMTR4 and HEN2 target specific subsets of nuclear transcripts for degradation by the nuclear exosome in Arabidopsis thaliana

The RNA exosome is the major 3'-5' RNA degradation machine of eukaryotic cells and participates in processing, surveillance and turnover of both nuclear and cytoplasmic RNA. In both yeast and human, all nuclear functions of the exosome require the RNA helicase MTR4. We show that the Arabidopsis core exosome can associate with two related RNA helicases, AtMTR4 and HEN2. Reciprocal co-immunoprecipitation shows that each of the RNA helicases co-purifies with the exosome core complex and with distinct sets of specific proteins. While AtMTR4 is a predominantly nucleolar protein, HEN2 is located in the nucleoplasm and appears to be excluded from nucleoli. We have previously shown that the major role of AtMTR4 is the degradation of rRNA precursors and rRNA maturation by-products. Here, we demonstrate that HEN2 is involved in the degradation of a large number of polyadenylated nuclear exosome substrates such as snoRNA and miRNA precursors, incompletely spliced mRNAs, and spurious transcripts produced from pseudogenes and intergenic regions. Only a weak accumulation of these exosome substrate targets is observed in mtr4 mutants, suggesting that MTR4 can contribute, but plays rather a minor role for the degradation of non-ribosomal RNAs and cryptic transcripts in Arabidopsis. Consistently, transgene post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) is marginally affected in mtr4 mutants, but increased in hen2 mutants, suggesting that it is mostly the nucleoplasmic exosome that degrades aberrant transgene RNAs to limit their entry in the PTGS pathway. Interestingly, HEN2 is conserved throughout green algae, mosses and land plants but absent from metazoans and other eukaryotic lineages. Our data indicate that, in contrast to human and yeast, plants have two functionally specialized RNA helicases that assist the exosome in the degradation of specific nucleolar and nucleoplasmic RNA populations, respectively.

Certain adenylated non-coding RNAs, including 5' leader sequences of primary microRNA transcripts, accumulate in mouse cells following depletion of the RNA helicase MTR4

RNA surveillance plays an important role in posttranscriptional regulation. Seminal work in this field has largely focused on yeast as a model system, whereas exploration of RNA surveillance in mammals is only recently begun. The increased transcriptional complexity of mammalian systems provides a wider array of targets for RNA surveillance, and, while many questions remain unanswered, emerging data suggest the nuclear RNA surveillance machinery exhibits increased complexity as well. We have used a small interfering RNA in mouse N2A cells to target the homolog of a yeast protein that functions in RNA surveillance (Mtr4p). We used high-throughput sequencing of polyadenylated RNAs (PA-seq) to quantify the effects of the mMtr4 knockdown (KD) on RNA surveillance. We demonstrate that overall abundance of polyadenylated protein coding mRNAs is not affected, but several targets of RNA surveillance predicted from work in yeast accumulate as adenylated RNAs in the mMtr4KD. microRNAs are an added layer of transcriptional complexity not found in yeast. After Drosha cleavage separates the pre-miRNA from the microRNA's primary transcript, the byproducts of that transcript are generally thought to be degraded. We have identified the 5′ leading segments of pri-miRNAs as novel targets of mMtr4 dependent RNA surveillance.

Post-transcriptional regulation of meiotic genes by a nuclear RNA silencing complex

RNA is a central component of gene-silencing pathways that regulate diverse cellular processes. In the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, an RNA-based mechanism represses meiotic gene expression during vegetative growth. This pathway depends on the zinc finger protein Red1, which is required to degrade meiotic mRNAs as well as to target histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) methylation, a repressive chromatin mark, to a subset of meiotic genes. However, the mechanism of Red1 function is unknown. Here we use affinity purification and mass spectrometry to identify a Red1-containing nuclear RNA silencing (NURS) complex. In addition to Red1, this complex includes the Mtl1, Red5, Ars2, Rmn1, and Iss10 proteins and associates with several other complexes that are involved in either signaling or mediating RNA silencing. By analyzing the effects of gene knockouts and inducible knockdown alleles, we show that NURS subunits regulate RNA degradation and H3K9 methylation at meiotic genes. We also identify roles for individual NURS subunits in interactions with Mmi1, an RNA-binding protein that marks meiotic RNAs for destruction, and the nuclear exosome RNA degradation complex. Finally, we show that the levels of H3K9 methylation at meiotic genes are not sufficient to restrict RNA polymerase II access or repress gene expression during vegetative growth. Our results demonstrate that Red1 partners with other proteins to silence meiotic gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Conservation of a NURS-like complex in human cells suggests that this pathway plays an ancient and fundamental role in RNA silencing.

Inhibition of U4 snRNA in human cells causes the stable retention of polyadenylated pre-mRNA in the nucleus

Most human pre-mRNAs contain introns that are removed by splicing. Such a complex process needs strict control and regulation in order to prevent the expression of aberrant or unprocessed transcripts. To analyse the fate of pre-mRNAs that cannot be spliced, we inhibited splicing using an anti-sense morpholino (AMO) against U4 snRNA. As a consequence, splicing of several selected transcripts was strongly inhibited. This was accompanied by the formation of enlarged nuclear speckles containing polyadenylated RNA, splicing factors and the nuclear poly(A) binding protein. Consistently, more polyadenylated pre-mRNA could be isolated from nucleoplasmic as well as chromatin-associated RNA fractions following U4 inhibition. Further analysis demonstrated that accumulated pre-mRNAs were stable in the nucleus and that nuclear RNA degradation factors did not re-localise to nuclear speckles following splicing inhibition. The accumulation of pre-mRNA and the formation of enlarged speckles were sensitive to depletion of the 3′ end processing factor, CPSF73, suggesting a requirement for poly(A) site processing in this mechanism. Finally, we provide evidence that the pre-mRNAs produced following U4 snRNA inhibition remain competent for splicing, perhaps providing a biological explanation for their stability. These data further characterise processes ensuring the nuclear retention of pre-mRNA that cannot be spliced and suggest that, in some cases, unspliced transcripts can complete splicing sometime after their initial synthesis.

mRNA stability in the nucleus

Eukaryotic gene expression is controlled by different levels of biological events, such as transcription factors regulating the timing and strength of transcripts production, alteration of transcription rate by RNA processing, and mRNA stability during RNA processing and translation. RNAs, especially mRNAs, are relatively vulnerable molecules in living cells for ribonucleases (RNases). The maintenance of quality and quantity of transcripts is a key issue for many biological processes. Extensive studies draw the conclusion that the stability of RNAs is dedicated-regulated, occurring co- and post-transcriptionally, and translation-coupled as well, either in the nucleus or cytoplasm. Recently, RNA stability in the nucleus has aroused much research interest, especially the stability of newly-made transcripts. In this article, we summarize recent progresses on mRNA stability in the nucleus, especially focusing on quality control of newly-made RNA by RNA polymerase II in eukaryotes.

Quality control of mRNP biogenesis: networking at the transcription site

Eukaryotic cells carry out quality control (QC) over the processes of RNA biogenesis to inactivate or eliminate defective transcripts, and to avoid their production. In the case of protein-coding transcripts, the quality controls can sense defects in the assembly of mRNA-protein complexes, in the processing of the precursor mRNAs, and in the sequence of open reading frames. Different types of defect are monitored by different specialized mechanisms. Some of them involve dedicated factors whose function is to identify faulty molecules and target them for degradation. Others are the result of a more subtle balance in the kinetics of opposing activities in the mRNA biogenesis pathway. One way or another, all such mechanisms hinder the expression of the defective mRNAs through processes as diverse as rapid degradation, nuclear retention and transcriptional silencing. Three major degradation systems are responsible for the destruction of the defective transcripts: the exosome, the 5'-3' exoribonucleases, and the nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) machinery. This review summarizes recent findings on the cotranscriptional quality control of mRNA biogenesis, and speculates that a protein-protein interaction network integrates multiple mRNA degradation systems with the transcription machinery.

The roles of SSU processome components and surveillance factors in the initial processing of human ribosomal RNA

During eukaryotic ribosome biogenesis, three of the mature ribosomal (r)RNAs are released from a single precursor transcript (pre-rRNA) by an ordered series of endonucleolytic cleavages and exonucleolytic processing steps. Production of the 18S rRNA requires the removal of the 5' external transcribed spacer (5'ETS) by endonucleolytic cleavages at sites A0 and A1/site 1. In metazoans, an additional cleavage in the 5'ETS, at site A', upstream of A0, has also been reported. Here, we have investigated how A' processing is coordinated with assembly of the early preribosomal complex. We find that only the tUTP (UTP-A) complex is critical for A' cleavage, while components of the bUTP (UTP-B) and U3 snoRNP are important, but not essential, for efficient processing at this site. All other factors involved in the early stages of 18S rRNA processing that were tested here function downstream from this processing step. Interestingly, we show that the RNA surveillance factors XRN2 and MTR4 are also involved in A' cleavage in humans. A' cleavage is largely bypassed when XRN2 is depleted, and we also discover that A' cleavage is not always the initial processing event in all cell types. Together, our data suggest that A' cleavage is not a prerequisite for downstream pre-rRNA processing steps and may, in fact, represent a quality control step for initial pre-rRNA transcripts. Furthermore, we show that components of the RNA surveillance machinery, including the exosome and TRAMP complexes, also play key roles in the recycling of excised spacer fragments and degradation of aberrant pre-rRNAs in human cells.

Cap-binding complex (CBC)

The 7mG (7-methylguanosine cap) formed on mRNA is fundamental to eukaryotic gene expression. Protein complexes recruited to 7mG mediate key processing events throughout the lifetime of the transcript. One of the most important mediators of 7mG functions is CBC (cap-binding complex). CBC has a key role in several gene expression mechanisms, including transcription, splicing, transcript export and translation. Gene expression can be regulated by signalling pathways which influence CBC function. The aim of the present review is to discuss the mechanisms by which CBC mediates and co-ordinates multiple gene expression events.