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Palumbo R, Knutson B. Remote homology identification of the Drosophila melanogaster ortholog of the RNA Polymerase I subunit Rpa34/POLR1G. MICROPUBLICATION BIOLOGY 2024; 2024:10.17912/micropub.biology.001107. [PMID: 38287926 PMCID: PMC10823793 DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.001107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Highly conserved orthologous proteins are easily identified by sequence homology alone, whereas poorly conserved orthologs require additional structural information to be identified. All Drosophila orthologs of RNA polymerase I, II, and III subunits-except one-have been identified by sequence homology. Here, we identified CG11076 as the missing Rpa34/POLR1G ortholog in Drosophila . Remote homology detection and secondary structure analysis showed that CG11076 is predicted to have high structural conservation with Rpa34/POLR1G, and phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that these proteins are closely related. Our work underscores the importance of utilizing both sequence and structure to identify highly divergent orthologous proteins in different species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Palumbo
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States
| | - Bruce Knutson
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States
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2
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Schwank K, Schmid C, Fremter T, Engel C, Milkereit P, Griesenbeck J, Tschochner H. Features of yeast RNA polymerase I with special consideration of the lobe binding subunits. Biol Chem 2023; 404:979-1002. [PMID: 37823775 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2023-0184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs) are structural components of ribosomes and represent the most abundant cellular RNA fraction. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, they account for more than 60 % of the RNA content in a growing cell. The major amount of rRNA is synthesized by RNA polymerase I (Pol I). This enzyme transcribes exclusively the rRNA gene which is tandemly repeated in about 150 copies on chromosome XII. The high number of transcribed rRNA genes, the efficient recruitment of the transcription machinery and the dense packaging of elongating Pol I molecules on the gene ensure that enough rRNA is generated. Specific features of Pol I and of associated factors confer promoter selectivity and both elongation and termination competence. Many excellent reviews exist about the state of research about function and regulation of Pol I and how Pol I initiation complexes are assembled. In this report we focus on the Pol I specific lobe binding subunits which support efficient, error-free, and correctly terminated rRNA synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Schwank
- Regensburg Center of Biochemistry (RCB), Universität Regensburg, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Catharina Schmid
- Regensburg Center of Biochemistry (RCB), Universität Regensburg, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Fremter
- Regensburg Center of Biochemistry (RCB), Universität Regensburg, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Engel
- Regensburg Center of Biochemistry (RCB), Universität Regensburg, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Milkereit
- Regensburg Center of Biochemistry (RCB), Universität Regensburg, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Joachim Griesenbeck
- Regensburg Center of Biochemistry (RCB), Universität Regensburg, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Herbert Tschochner
- Regensburg Center of Biochemistry (RCB), Universität Regensburg, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
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3
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McNamar R, Freeman E, Baylor KN, Fakhouri AM, Huang S, Knutson BA, Rothblum LI. PAF49: An RNA Polymerase I subunit essential for rDNA transcription and stabilization of PAF53. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:104951. [PMID: 37356716 PMCID: PMC10365956 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The application of genetic and biochemical techniques in yeast has informed our knowledge of transcription in mammalian cells. Such systems have allowed investigators to determine whether a gene was essential and to determine its function in rDNA transcription. However, there are significant differences in the nature of the transcription factors essential for transcription by Pol I in yeast and mammalian cells, and yeast RNA polymerase I contains 14 subunits while mammalian polymerase contains 13 subunits. We previously reported the adaptation of the auxin-dependent degron that enabled a combination of a "genetics-like" approach and biochemistry to study mammalian rDNA transcription. Using this system, we studied the mammalian orthologue of yeast RPA34.5, PAF49, and found that it is essential for rDNA transcription and cell division. The auxin-induced degradation of PAF49 induced nucleolar stress and the accumulation of P53. Interestingly, the auxin-induced degradation of AID-tagged PAF49 led to the degradation of its binding partner, PAF53, but not vice versa. A similar pattern of co-dependent expression was also found when we studied the non-essential, yeast orthologues. An analysis of the domains of PAF49 that are essential for rDNA transcription demonstrated a requirement for both the dimerization domain and an "arm" of PAF49 that interacts with PolR1B. Further, we demonstrate this interaction can be disrupted to inhibit Pol I transcription in normal and cancer cells which leads to the arrest of normal cells and cancer cell death. In summary, we have shown that both PAF53 and PAF49 are necessary for rDNA transcription and cell growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel McNamar
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Emma Freeman
- Department of Cell and Development Biology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Kairo N Baylor
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Aula M Fakhouri
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Sui Huang
- Department of Cell and Development Biology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Bruce A Knutson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Lawrence I Rothblum
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA.
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4
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Regulation of RNA Polymerase I Stability and Function. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235776. [PMID: 36497261 PMCID: PMC9737084 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA polymerase I is a highly processive enzyme with fast initiation and elongation rates. The structure of Pol I, with its in-built RNA cleavage ability and incorporation of subunits homologous to transcription factors, enables it to quickly and efficiently synthesize the enormous amount of rRNA required for ribosome biogenesis. Each step of Pol I transcription is carefully controlled. However, cancers have highjacked these control points to switch the enzyme, and its transcription, on permanently. While this provides an exceptional benefit to cancer cells, it also creates a potential cancer therapeutic vulnerability. We review the current research on the regulation of Pol I transcription, and we discuss chemical biology efforts to develop new targeted agents against this process. Lastly, we highlight challenges that have arisen from the introduction of agents with promiscuous mechanisms of action and provide examples of agents with specificity and selectivity against Pol I.
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5
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Daiß JL, Pilsl M, Straub K, Bleckmann A, Höcherl M, Heiss FB, Abascal-Palacios G, Ramsay EP, Tlučková K, Mars JC, Fürtges T, Bruckmann A, Rudack T, Bernecky C, Lamour V, Panov K, Vannini A, Moss T, Engel C. The human RNA polymerase I structure reveals an HMG-like docking domain specific to metazoans. Life Sci Alliance 2022; 5:5/11/e202201568. [PMID: 36271492 PMCID: PMC9438803 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
We characterize the human RNA polymerase I by evolutionary biochemistry and cryo-EM revealing a built-in structural domain that apparently serves as transcription factor–binding platform in metazoans. Transcription of the ribosomal RNA precursor by RNA polymerase (Pol) I is a major determinant of cellular growth, and dysregulation is observed in many cancer types. Here, we present the purification of human Pol I from cells carrying a genomic GFP fusion on the largest subunit allowing the structural and functional analysis of the enzyme across species. In contrast to yeast, human Pol I carries a single-subunit stalk, and in vitro transcription indicates a reduced proofreading activity. Determination of the human Pol I cryo-EM reconstruction in a close-to-native state rationalizes the effects of disease-associated mutations and uncovers an additional domain that is built into the sequence of Pol I subunit RPA1. This “dock II” domain resembles a truncated HMG box incapable of DNA binding which may serve as a downstream transcription factor–binding platform in metazoans. Biochemical analysis, in situ modelling, and ChIP data indicate that Topoisomerase 2a can be recruited to Pol I via the domain and cooperates with the HMG box domain–containing factor UBF. These adaptations of the metazoan Pol I transcription system may allow efficient release of positive DNA supercoils accumulating downstream of the transcription bubble.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia L Daiß
- Regensburg Center for Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Michael Pilsl
- Regensburg Center for Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Kristina Straub
- Regensburg Center for Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Andrea Bleckmann
- Regensburg Center for Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Mona Höcherl
- Regensburg Center for Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Florian B Heiss
- Regensburg Center for Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Guillermo Abascal-Palacios
- Division of Structural Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- Biofisika Institute (CSIC, UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Ewan P Ramsay
- Division of Structural Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- Fondazione Human Technopole, Structural Biology Research Centre, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Jean-Clement Mars
- Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec, Canada
- Laboratory of Growth and Development, St-Patrick Research Group in Basic Oncology, Cancer Division of the Quebec University Hospital Research Centre, Québec, Canada
- Borden Laboratory, IRIC, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Torben Fürtges
- Protein Crystallography, Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Astrid Bruckmann
- Regensburg Center for Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Till Rudack
- Protein Crystallography, Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Carrie Bernecky
- Institute of Science and Technology, Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Valérie Lamour
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Department of Integrated Structural Biology, Illkirch, France
- Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Konstantin Panov
- School of Biological Sciences and PGJCCR, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Alessandro Vannini
- Division of Structural Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- Fondazione Human Technopole, Structural Biology Research Centre, Milan, Italy
| | - Tom Moss
- Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec, Canada
- Laboratory of Growth and Development, St-Patrick Research Group in Basic Oncology, Cancer Division of the Quebec University Hospital Research Centre, Québec, Canada
| | - Christoph Engel
- Regensburg Center for Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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RNA polymerase I (Pol I) lobe-binding subunit Rpa12.2 promotes RNA cleavage and proofreading. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101862. [PMID: 35341765 PMCID: PMC9108883 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Elongating nuclear RNA polymerases (Pols) frequently pause, backtrack, and are then reactivated by endonucleolytic cleavage. Pol backtracking and RNA cleavage are also crucial for proofreading, which contributes to transcription fidelity. RNA polymerase I (Pol I) of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae synthesizes exclusively 35S rRNA, the precursor transcript of mature ribosomal 5.8S, 18S, and 25S rRNA. Pol I contains the specific heterodimeric subunits Rpa34.5/49 and subunit Rpa12.2, which have been implicated in RNA cleavage and elongation activity, respectively. These subunits are associated with the Pol I lobe structure and encompass different structural domains, but the contribution of these domains to RNA elongation is unclear. Here, we used Pol I mutants or reconstituted Pol I enzymes to study the effects of these subunits and/or their distinct domains on RNA cleavage, backtracking, and transcription fidelity in defined in vitro systems. Our findings suggest that the presence of the intact C-terminal domain of Rpa12.2 is sufficient to support the cleavage reaction, but that the N-terminal domains of Rpa12.2 and the heterodimer facilitate backtracking and RNA cleavage. Since both N-terminal and C-terminal domains of Rpa12.2 were also required to faithfully incorporate NTPs in the growing RNA chain, efficient backtracking and RNA cleavage might be a prerequisite for transcription fidelity. We propose that RNA Pols containing efficient RNA cleavage activity are able to add and remove nucleotides until the matching nucleotide supports RNA chain elongation, whereas cleavage-deficient enzymes can escape this proofreading process by incorporating incorrect nucleotides.
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Merkl PE, Schächner C, Pilsl M, Schwank K, Schmid C, Längst G, Milkereit P, Griesenbeck J, Tschochner H. Specialization of RNA Polymerase I in Comparison to Other Nuclear RNA Polymerases of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2533:63-70. [PMID: 35796982 PMCID: PMC9761553 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2501-9_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
In archaea and bacteria the major classes of RNAs are synthesized by one DNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RNAP). In contrast, most eukaryotes have three highly specialized RNAPs to transcribe the nuclear genome. RNAP I synthesizes almost exclusively ribosomal (r)RNA, RNAP II synthesizes mRNA as well as many noncoding RNAs involved in RNA processing or RNA silencing pathways and RNAP III synthesizes mainly tRNA and 5S rRNA. This review discusses functional differences of the three nuclear core RNAPs in the yeast S. cerevisiae with a particular focus on RNAP I transcription of nucleolar ribosomal (r)DNA chromatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp E Merkl
- Universität Regensburg, Regensburg Center for Biochemistry (RCB), Lehrstuhl Biochemie III, Regensburg, Germany
- TUM ForTe, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Christopher Schächner
- Universität Regensburg, Regensburg Center for Biochemistry (RCB), Lehrstuhl Biochemie III, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Michael Pilsl
- Universität Regensburg, Regensburg Center for Biochemistry (RCB), Lehrstuhl Biochemie III, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Katrin Schwank
- Universität Regensburg, Regensburg Center for Biochemistry (RCB), Lehrstuhl Biochemie III, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Catharina Schmid
- Universität Regensburg, Regensburg Center for Biochemistry (RCB), Lehrstuhl Biochemie III, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Gernot Längst
- Universität Regensburg, Regensburg Center for Biochemistry (RCB), Lehrstuhl Biochemie III, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Milkereit
- Universität Regensburg, Regensburg Center for Biochemistry (RCB), Lehrstuhl Biochemie III, Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Joachim Griesenbeck
- Universität Regensburg, Regensburg Center for Biochemistry (RCB), Lehrstuhl Biochemie III, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Herbert Tschochner
- Universität Regensburg, Regensburg Center for Biochemistry (RCB), Lehrstuhl Biochemie III, Regensburg, Germany.
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Heiss FB, Daiß JL, Becker P, Engel C. Conserved strategies of RNA polymerase I hibernation and activation. Nat Commun 2021; 12:758. [PMID: 33536435 PMCID: PMC7859239 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21031-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA polymerase (Pol) I transcribes the ribosomal RNA precursor in all eukaryotes. The mechanisms 'activation by cleft contraction' and 'hibernation by dimerization' are unique to the regulation of this enzyme, but structure-function analysis is limited to baker's yeast. To understand whether regulation by such strategies is specific to this model organism or conserved among species, we solve three cryo-EM structures of Pol I from Schizosaccharomyces pombe in different functional states. Comparative analysis of structural models derived from high-resolution reconstructions shows that activation is accomplished by a conserved contraction of the active center cleft. In contrast to current beliefs, we find that dimerization of the S. pombe polymerase is also possible. This dimerization is achieved independent of the 'connector' domain but relies on two previously undescribed interfaces. Our analyses highlight the divergent nature of Pol I transcription systems from their counterparts and suggest conservation of regulatory mechanisms among organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian B Heiss
- Regensburg Center for Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Julia L Daiß
- Regensburg Center for Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Becker
- Regensburg Center for Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Engel
- Regensburg Center for Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053, Regensburg, Germany.
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9
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Abstract
RNA polymerase I (Pol I) specifically synthesizes ribosomal RNA. Pol I upregulation is linked to cancer, while mutations in the Pol I machinery lead to developmental disorders. Here we report the cryo-EM structure of elongating human Pol I at 2.7 Å resolution. In the exit tunnel, we observe a double-stranded RNA helix that may support Pol I processivity. Our structure confirms that human Pol I consists of 13 subunits with only one subunit forming the Pol I stalk. Additionally, the structure of human Pol I in complex with the initiation factor RRN3 at 3.1 Å resolution reveals stalk flipping upon RRN3 binding. We also observe an inactivated state of human Pol I bound to an open DNA scaffold at 3.3 Å resolution. Lastly, the high-resolution structure of human Pol I allows mapping of disease-related mutations that can aid understanding of disease etiology.
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