Functional redundancy of worm spliceosomal proteins U1A and U2B''

In Caenorhabditis elegans, the small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP)-associated proteins U1A and U2B'' are approximately 50% identical to each other, and neither bears signature characteristics of mammalian U1A or U2B'' or the single Drosophila homolog, SNF. We show here that the genes that encode these proteins (rnp-2 and rnp-3) are cotranscribed in an operon, and that ribonucleoprotein RNP-2 is U1 snRNP-associated (U1A) whereas RNP-3 is U2 snRNP-associated (U2B''). U2B'' interacts with U2 even in the absence of another U2 snRNP protein, U2A'. Like U1A and U2B'' from yeast, plants, and vertebrates, worm U1A and U2B'' are more similar to each other than they are to other U1A or U2B'' proteins, respectively. Even though U1A and U2B'' interact with different snRNPs, they are functionally redundant; knockout of both is required for a lethal phenotype. Interestingly, U1A associates with U2 RNA when U2B'' is deleted. Thus, the two members of this gene family normally function as components of different snRNPs but apparently remain capable of performing the function of the other. Redundancy results from the fact that one protein can substitute for the other, even though it normally does not.

A novel family of C. elegans snRNPs contains proteins associated with trans-splicing

In many Caenorhabditis elegans pre-mRNAs, the RNA sequence between the 5' cap and the first 3' splice site is replaced by trans-splicing a short spliced leader (SL) from the Sm snRNP, SL1. C. elegans also utilizes a similar Sm snRNP, SL2, to trans-splice at sites between genes in polycistronic pre-mRNAs from operons. How do SL1 and SL2 snRNPs function in different contexts? Here we show that the SL1 snRNP contains a complex of SL75p and SL21p, which are homologs of novel proteins previously reported in the Ascaris SL snRNP. Interestingly, we show that the SL2 snRNP does not contain these proteins. However, SL75p and SL26p, a paralog of SL21p, are components of another Sm snRNP that contains a novel snRNA species, Sm Y. Knockdown of SL75p is lethal. However, knockdown of either SL21p or SL26p alone leads to cold-sensitive sterility, whereas knockdown of both SL21p and SL26p is lethal. This suggests that these two proteins have overlapping functions even though they are associated with different classes of snRNP. These phenotypic relationships, along with the association of SL26p with SL75p, imply that, like the SL1 RNA/Sm/SL75p/SL21p complex, the Sm Y/Sm/SL75p/SL26p complex is associated with trans-splicing.

U2AF binding selects for the high conservation of the C. elegans 3' splice site

Caenorhabditis elegans is unusual among animals in having a highly conserved octamer sequence at the 3' splice site: UUUU CAG/R. This sequence can bind to the essential heterodimeric splicing factor U2AF, with U2AF65 contacting the U tract and U2AF35 contacting the splice site itself (AG/R). Here we demonstrate a strong correspondence between binding to U2AF of RNA oligonucleotides with variant octamer sequences and the frequency with which such variations occur in splice sites. C. elegans U2AF has a strong preference for the octamer sequence and exerts much of the pressure for 3' splice sites to have the precise UUUUCAG/R sequence. At two positions the splice site has a very strong preference for U even though alternative bases can also bind tightly to U2AF, suggesting that evolution can select against sequences that may have a relatively modest reduction in binding. Although pyrimidines are frequently present at the first base in the exon, U2AF has a very strong bias against them, arguing there is a mechanism to compensate for weakened U2AF binding at this position. Finally, the C in the consensus sequence must remain adjacent to the AG/R rather than to the stretch of U's, suggesting this C is recognized by U2AF35.

Crystal structure of UAP56, a DExD/H-box protein involved in pre-mRNA splicing and mRNA export

UAP56 is an essential eukaryotic pre-mRNA splicing factor and mRNA export factor. The mechanisms of its functions are not well understood. We determined the crystal structures of the N- and C-terminal domains of human UAP56 (comprising 90% of the full-length UAP56) at 1.9 A resolution. The two domains each have a RecA-like fold and are connected by a flexible linker. The overall fold of each domain is highly similar to the corresponding domains of eIF4A (a prototypic DExD/H-box protein), with differences at the loops and termini. This structural similarity suggests that UAP56 is likely to possess ATPase and helicase activity similar to eIF4A. The NTP binding pocket of UAP56 is occupied by a citrate ion, mimicking the phosphates of NTP and retaining the P loop in an open conformation. The crystal structure of the N-terminal domain of UAP56 also reveals a dimer interface that is potentially important for UAP56's function.

UAP56 levels affect viability and mRNA export in Caenorhabditis elegans

Expression of a gfp transgene in the intestines of living Caenorhabditis elegans has been measured following depletion by RNAi of a variety of known splicing factors and mRNA export proteins. Reduction of most splicing factors showed only a small effect on expression of the transgene in the animal injected with dsRNA, although most of these RNAi's resulted in embryonic lethality in their offspring. In contrast, RNAi of nxf-1, the worm homolog of mammalian NXF1/TAP, a key component of the mRNA export machinery, resulted in dramatic suppression of GFP expression in the injected animals. When we tested other proteins previously reported to be involved in marking mRNAs for export, we obtained widely divergent results. Whereas RNAi of the worm REF/Aly homologs had no obvious effect, either in the injected animals or their offspring, RNAi of UAP56, reported to be the partner of REF/Aly, resulted in strong suppression of GFP expression due to nuclear retention of its mRNA. Overexpression of UAP56 also resulted in rapid loss of GFP expression and lethality at all stages of development. We conclude that UAP56 plays a key role in mRNA export in C. elegans, but that REF/Aly may not. It also appears that some RNA processing factors are required for viability (e.g., U2AF, PUF60, SRp54, SAP49, PRP8, U1-70K), whereas others are not (e.g., U2A', CstF50).

An uncapped RNA suggests a model for Caenorhabditis elegans polycistronic pre-mRNA processing

Polycistronic pre-mRNAs from Caenohabditis elegans operons are processed by internal cleavage and polyadenylation to create 3' ends of mature mRNAs. This is accompanied by trans-splicing with SL2 approximately 100 nucleotides downstream of the 3' end formation sites to create the 5' ends of downstream mRNAs. SL2 trans-splicing depends on a U-rich element (Ur), located approximately 70 nucleotides upstream of the trans-splice site in the intercistronic region (ICR), as well as a functional 3' end formation signal. Here we report the existence of a novel gene-length RNA, the Ur-RNA, starting just upstream of the Ur element. The expression of Ur-RNA is dependent on 3' end formation as well as on the presence of the Ur element, but does not require a trans-splice site. The Ur-RNA is not capped, and alteration of the location of the Ur element in either the 5' or 3' direction alters the location of the 5' end of the Ur-RNA. We propose that a 5' to 3' exonuclease degrades the precursor RNA following cleavage at the poly(A) site, stopping when it reaches the Ur element, presumably attributable to a bound protein. Part of the function of this protein can be performed by the MS2 coat protein. Recruitment of coat protein to the ICR in the absence of the Ur element results in accumulation of an RNA equivalent to Ur-RNA, and restores trans-splicing. Only SL1, however, is used. Therefore, coat protein is sufficient for blocking the exonuclease and thereby allowing formation of a substrate for trans-splicing, but it lacks the ability to recruit the SL2 snRNP. Our results also demonstrate that MS2 coat protein can be used as an in vivo block to an exonuclease, which should have utility in mRNA stability studies.

A complex containing CstF-64 and the SL2 snRNP connects mRNA 3' end formation and trans-splicing in C. elegans operons

Polycistronic pre-mRNAs from Caenorhabditis elegans are processed by 3' end formation of the upstream mRNA and SL2-specific trans-splicing of the downstream mRNA. These processes usually occur within an approximately 100-nucleotide region and are mechanistically coupled. In this paper, we report a complex in C. elegans extracts containing the 3' end formation protein CstF-64 and the SL2 snRNP. This complex, immunoprecipitated with alphaCstF-64 antibody, contains SL2 RNA, but not SL1 RNA or other U snRNAs. Using mutational analysis we have been able to uncouple SL2 snRNP function and identity. SL2 RNA with a mutation in stem/loop III is functional in vivo as a trans-splice donor, but fails to splice to SL2-accepting trans-splice sites, suggesting that it has lost its identity as an SL2 snRNP. Importantly, stem/loop III mutations prevent association of SL2 RNA with CstF-64. In contrast, a mutation in stem II that inactivates the SL2 snRNP still permits complex formation with CstF-64. Therefore, SL2 RNA stem/loop III is required for both SL2 identity and formation of a complex containing CstF-64, but not for trans-splicing. These results provide a molecular framework for the coupling of 3' end formation and trans-splicing in the processing of polycistronic pre-mRNAs from C. elegans operons.

Interplay between AAUAAA and the trans-splice site in processing of a Caenorhabditis elegans operon pre-mRNA

About half of Caenorhabditis elegans genes have a 1-2 bp mismatch to the canonical AAUAAA hexamer that signals 3' end formation. One rare variant, AGUAAA, is found at the 3' end of the mai-1 gene, the first gene in an operon also containing gpd-2 and gpd-3. When we expressed this operon under heat shock control, 3' end formation dependent on the AGUAAA was very inefficient, but could be rescued by a single bp change to create a perfect AAUAAA. When AGUAAA was present, most 3' ends formed at a different site, 100 bp farther downstream, right at the gpd-2 trans-splice site. Surprisingly, 3' end formation at this site did not require any observable match to the AAUAAA consensus. It is possible that 3' end formation at this site occurs by a novel mechanism--trans-splicing-dependent cleavage--as deletion of the trans-splice site prevented 3' end formation here. Changing the AGUAAA to AAUAAA also influenced the trans-splicing process: with AGUAAA, most of the gpd-2 product was trans-spliced to SL1, rather than SL2, which is normally used at downstream operon trans-splice sites. However, with AAUAAA, SL2 trans-splicing of gpd-2 was increased. Our results imply that (1) the AAUAAA consensus controls 3' end formation frequency in C. elegans; (2) the AAUAAA is important in determining SL2 trans-splicing events more than 100 bp downstream; and (3) in some circumstances, 3' end formation may occur by a trans-splicing-dependent mechanism.

Intercistronic region required for polycistronic pre-mRNA processing in Caenorhabditis elegans

In Caenorhabditis elegans, polycistronic pre-mRNAs are processed by cleavage and polyadenylation at the 3' ends of the upstream genes and trans splicing, generally to the specialized spliced leader SL2, at the 5' ends of the downstream genes. Previous studies have indicated a relationship between these two events in the processing of a heat shock-induced gpd-2-gpd-3 polycistronic pre-mRNA. Here, we report mutational analysis of the intercistronic region of this operon by linker scan analysis. Surprisingly, no sequences downstream of the 3' end were important for 3'-end formation. In contrast, a U-rich (Ur) element located 29 bp downstream of the site of 3'-end formation was shown to be important for downstream mRNA biosynthesis. This approximately 20-bp element is sufficient for SL2 trans splicing and mRNA accumulation when transplanted to a heterologous context. Furthermore, when the downstream gene was replaced by a gene from another organism, no loss of trans-splicing specificity was observed, suggesting that the Ur element may be the primary signal required for downstream mRNA processing.

Operons and SL2 trans-splicing exist in nematodes outside the genus Caenorhabditis

The genomes of most eukaryotes are composed of genes arranged on the chromosomes without regard to function, with each gene transcribed from a promoter at its 5' end. However, the genome of the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans contains numerous polycistronic clusters similar to bacterial operons in which the genes are transcribed sequentially from a single promoter at the 5' end of the cluster. The resulting polycistronic pre-mRNAs are processed into monocistronic mRNAs by conventional 3' end formation, cleavage, and polyadenylation, accompanied by trans-splicing with a specialized spliced leader (SL), SL2. To determine whether this mode of gene organization and expression, apparently unique among the animals, occurs in other species, we have investigated genes in a distantly related free-living rhabditid nematode in the genus Dolichorhabditis (strain CEW1). We have identified both SL1 and SL2 RNAs in this species. In addition, we have sequenced a Dolichorhabditis genomic region containing a gene cluster with all of the characteristics of the C. elegans operons. We show that the downstream gene is trans-spliced to SL2. We also present evidence that suggests that these two genes are also clustered in the C. elegans and Caenorhabditis briggsae genomes. Thus, it appears that the arrangement of genes in operons pre-dates the divergence of the genus Caenorhabditis from the other genera in the family Rhabditidae, and may be more widespread than is currently appreciated.

Relationship between 3' end formation and SL2-specific trans-splicing in polycistronic Caenorhabditis elegans pre-mRNA processing

About 25% of the genes in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans are in operons, polycistronic transcription units in which the genes are only 100-400 bp apart. The operon pre-mRNAs are processed into monocistronic mRNAs by a combination of cleavage and polyadenylation at the 3' end of the upstream mRNA and SL2 trans-splicing at the 5' end of the downstream mRNA. To determine whether 3' end formation and SL2 trans-splicing are coupled mechanistically, we tested a gpd-2/gpd-3 operon construct driven by a C. elegans heat shock promoter, and measured the effects of inhibition of 3' end formation and/or trans-splicing on the processing of the polycistronic RNA in vivo. The results indicate that proper 3' end formation of the upstream mRNA in an operon is required for SL2-specificity of downstream mRNA trans-splicing. In contrast, trans-splicing of the downstream mRNA is not necessary for correct 3' end formation of the upstream mRNA. In addition, shortening the distance between the 5' cap and the AAUAAA of gpd-2 (the upstream gene) decreases the efficiency of 3' end formation and is accompanied by a replacement of SL2 with SL1 at the trans-splice site of gpd-3, the downstream gene. These results indicate that SL2 trans-splicing, in C. elegans, is coupled mechanistically to 3' end formation in the processing of polycistronic pre-mRNAs.

Analysis of the VPE sequences in the Caenorhabditis elegans vit-2 promoter with extrachromosomal tandem array-containing transgenic strains

The Caenorhabditis elegans vit genes, encoding vitellogenins, are abundantly expressed in the adult hermaphrodite intestine. Two repeated elements, vit promoter element 1 (VPE1 [TGTCAAT]) and VPE2 (CTGATAA), have been identified in the 5' flanking DNA of each of the vit genes of C. elegans and Caenorhabditis briggsae. These elements have previously been shown to be needed for correctly regulated expression of a vit-2/vit-6 fusion gene in low-copy-number, integrated transgenes. Here we extend the analysis of the function of VPE1 and VPE2 by using transgenic lines carrying large, extrachromosomal arrays of the test genes. The results validate the use of such arrays for transgenic analysis of gene regulation in C. elegans, by confirming previous findings showing that the VPE1 at -45 and both VPE2s are sites of activation. Additional experiments now indicate that when the -45 VPE1 is inverted or replaced by a VPE2, nearly total loss of promoter function results, suggesting that the highly conserved -45 VPE1 plays a unique role in vit-2 promoter function. In contrast, single mutations eliminating the three upstream VPE1s are without effect. However, in combination in double and triple mutants, these upstream VPE1 mutations cause drastic reductions in expression levels. The -150 VPE2 can be replaced by a XhoI site (CTCGAG), and the -90 VPE2 can be eliminated, as long as the overlapping VPE1 is left intact, but when these two replacements are combined, activity is lost. Thus, the promoter must have at least one VPE2 and it must have at least two VPE1s, one at -45 and one additional upstream element.

Alteration of Caenorhabditis elegans gene expression by targeted transformation

We have produced strains carrying a synthetic fusion of parts of two vitellogenin genes, vit-2 and vit-6, integrated into the Caenorhabditis elegans genome. In most of the 63 transformant strains, the plasmid sequences are integrated at random locations in the genome. However, in two strains the transgene integrated by homologous recombination into the endogenous vit-2 gene. In both cases the reciprocal exchange between the chromosome and the injected circular plasmid containing a promoter deletion led to switching of the plasmid-borne promoter and the endogenous promoter, with a reduction in vit-2 expression. Thus in nematodes, transforming DNA can integrate by homologous recombination to result in partial inactivation of the chromosomal locus. The simplicity of the event and its reasonably high frequency suggest that gene targeting by homologous recombination should be considered as a method for directed inactivation of C. elegans genes.

In situ analysis of C. elegans vitellogenin fusion gene expression in integrated transgenic strains: effect of promoter mutations on RNA localization

Expression of the Caenorhabditis elegans vitellogenin (vit) genes is initiated at the larva-to-adult molt in all of the 30 to 34 nuclei of the hermaphrodite intestine. A series of strains in which DNA carrying a vit fusion gene was integrated at low copy number was analyzed by in situ hybridization to determine whether the transgene showed the same tissue-specific expression. Strains with only 247 bp of 5'-flanking DNA accumulated the mRNA product of the introduced vitellogenin gene only in the adult hermaphrodite intestine, and uniformly in all of the intestinal cells. When similar strains carrying vit fusion genes with promoter modifications were tested, no loss of tissue specificity was observed. Surprisingly, however, strains with modified promoters that resulted in reduced levels of expression displayed a novel pattern of transgene RNA localization within their intestines. Strains with severe promoter defects accumulated the transgene mRNA in the central part of the intestine but lacked the mRNA at both ends. Those with less severe promoter mutations lacked the transgene mRNA only in the most anterior intestinal cells. We hypothesize that genes with altered promoters require higher activator concentrations to express the reporter gene, thus revealing an inherent asymmetry in activator levels, lowest in the anterior cells and highest in the central cells of the intestine.

Regulation of vitellogenin gene expression in transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans: short sequences required for activation of the vit-2 promoter

The Caenorhabditis elegans vitellogenin genes are subject to sex-, stage-, and tissue-specific regulation: they are expressed solely in the adult hermaphrodite intestine. Comparative sequence analysis of the DNA immediately upstream of these genes revealed the presence of two repeated heptameric elements, vit promoter element 1 (VPE1) and VPE2. VPE1 has the consensus sequence TGTCAAT, while VPE2, CTGATAA, shares the recognition sequence of the GATA family of transcription factors. We report here a functional analysis of the VPEs within the 5'-flanking region of the vit-2 gene using stable transgenic lines. The 247 upstream bp containing the VPEs was sufficient for high-level, regulated expression. Furthermore, none of the four deletion mutations or eight point mutations tested resulted in expression of the reporter gene in larvae, males, or inappropriate hermaphrodite tissues. Mutation of the VPE1 closest to the TATA box inactivated the promoter, in spite of the fact that four additional close matches to the VPE1 consensus sequence are present within the 5'-flanking 200 bp. Each of these upstream VPE1-like sequences could be mutated without loss of high-level transgene expression, suggesting that if these VPE1 sequences play a role in regulating vit-2, their effects are more subtle. A site-directed mutation in the overlapping VPE1 and VPE2 at -98 was sufficient to inactivate the promoter, indicating that one or both of these VPEs must be present for activation of vit-2 transcription. Similarly, a small perturbation of the VPE2 at -150 resulted in reduction of fp155 expression, while a more extensive mutation in this element eliminated expression. On the other hand, deletion of this VPE2 and all upstream DNA still permitted correctly regulated expression, although at a very low level, suggesting that this VPE2 performs an important role in activation of vit-2 expression but may not be absolutely required. The results, taken together, demonstrate that both VPE1 and VPE2 are sites for activation of the vit-2 promoter.

Regulated expression of a vitellogenin fusion gene in transgenic nematodes

In Caenorhabditis elegans the vitellogenin genes are expressed abundantly in the adult hermaphrodite intestine, but are otherwise silent. In order to begin to understand the mechanisms by which this developmental regulation occurs, we used the transformation procedure developed for C. elegans by A. Fire (EMBO. J., 1986, 5, 2673-2680) to obtain regulated expression of an introduced vitellogenin fusion gene. A plasmid with vit-2 upstream and coding sequences fused to coding and downstream sequences of vit-6 was injected into oocytes and stable transgenic strains were selected. We obtained seven independent strains, in which the plasmid DNA is integrated at a low copy number. All strains synthesize substantial amounts of a novel vitellogenin-like polypeptide of 155 kDa that accumulates in the intestine and pseudocoelom, but is not transported efficiently into oocytes. In two strains examined in detail the fusion gene is expressed with correct sex, tissue, and stage specificity. Thus we have demonstrated that the nematode transgenic system can give proper developmental expression of introduced genes and so can be used to identify DNA regulatory regions.