The snoRNA domain of vertebrate telomerase RNA functions to localize the RNA within the nucleus.

Telomerase RNA is an essential component of the ribonucleoprotein enzyme involved in telomere length maintenance, a process implicated in cellular senescence and cancer. Vertebrate telomerase RNAs contain a box H/ACA snoRNA motif that is not required for telomerase activity in vitro but is essential in vivo. Using the Xenopus oocyte system, we have found that the box H/ACA motif functions in the subcellular localization of telomerase RNA. We have characterized the transport and biogenesis of telomerase RNA by injecting labeled wild-type and variant RNAs into Xenopus oocytes and assaying nucleocytoplasmic distribution, intranuclear localization, modification, and protein binding. Although yeast telomerase RNA shares characteristics of spliceosomal snRNAs, we show that human telomerase RNA is not associated with Sm proteins or efficiently imported into the nucleus. In contrast, the transport properties of vertebrate telomerase RNA resemble those of snoRNAs; telomerase RNA is retained in the nucleus and targeted to nucleoli. Furthermore, both nuclear retention and nucleolar localization depend on the box H/ACA motif. Our findings suggest that the H/ACA motif confers functional localization of vertebrate telomerase RNAs to the nucleus, the compartment where telomeres are synthesized. We have also found that telomerase RNA localizes to Cajal bodies, intranuclear structures where it is thought that assembly of various cellular RNPs takes place. Our results identify the Cajal body as a potential site of telomerase RNP biogenesis.     

Assembly, nuclear import and function of U7 snRNPs studied by microinjection of synthetic U7 RNA into Xenopus oocytes.

In Xenopus oocytes in vitro transcribed mouse U7 RNA is assembled into small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs) that are functional in histone RNA 3' processing. If the special Sm binding site of U7 (AAUUUGUCUAG, U7 Sm WT) is converted into the canonical Sm sequence derived from the major snRNAs (AAUUUUUGGAG, U7 Sm OPT) the RNA assembles into a particle which accumulates more efficiently in the nucleus, but which is non-functional. U7 RNA with a heavily mutated Sm binding site (AACGCGUCAUG, U7 Sm MUT) is deficient in nuclear accumulation and function. By UV cross-linking U7 Sm WT RNA can be linked to three proteins, i.e. the common snRNP proteins G and B/B' and an apparently U7-specific protein of 40 kDa. As a result of altering the Sm binding site, U7 Sm OPT RNA cannot be cross-linked to the 40 kDa protein and no cross-links are obtained with U7 Sm MUT RNA. The fact that the Sm site also interacts with at least one U7-specific protein is so far unique to U7 RNA and may provide an explanation for the atypical sequence of this site. All described RNA-protein interactions, including that with the 40 kDa protein, already occur in the cytoplasm. An additional cytoplasmic photoadduct obtained with U7 Sm WT and U7 Sm OPT, but not U7 Sm MUT, RNAs is indicative of a protein of 60-80 kDa. The m7G cap structure of U7 Sm WT and U7 Sm OPT RNA becomes hypermethylated. However, the 3mG cap enhances, but is not required for, nuclear accumulation. Finally, U7 Sm WT RNA is functional in histone RNA processing even when bearing an ApppG cap.     

Specific sequence features, recognized by the SMN complex, identify snRNAs and determine their fate as snRNPs

The survival of motor neurons (SMN) complex is essential for the biogenesis of spliceosomal small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs) as it binds to and delivers Sm proteins for assembly of Sm cores on the abundant small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs). Using the conserved snRNAs encoded by the lymphotropic Herpesvirus saimiri (HVS), we determined the specific sequence and structural features of RNAs for binding to the SMN complex and for Sm core assembly. We show that the minimal SMN complex-binding domain in snRNAs, except U1, is comprised of an Sm site (AUUUUUG) and an adjacent 3' stem-loop. The adenosine and the first and third uridines of the Sm site are particularly critical for binding of the SMN complex, which directly contacts the backbone phosphates of these uridines. The specific sequence of the adjacent stem (7 to 12 base pairs)-loop (4 to 17 nucleotides) is not important for SMN complex binding, but it must be located within a short distance of the 3' end of the RNA for an Sm core to assemble. Importantly, these defining characteristics are discerned by the SMN complex and not by the Sm proteins, which can bind to and assemble on an Sm site sequence alone. These findings demonstrate that the SMN complex is the identifier, as well as assembler, of the abundant class of snRNAs in cells because it is able to recognize an snRNP code that they contain.     

Rrp47p is an exosome-associated protein required for the 3' processing of stable RNAs

Related exosome complexes of 3'-->5' exonucleases are present in the nucleus and the cytoplasm. Purification of exosome complexes from whole-cell lysates identified a Mg(2+)-labile factor present in substoichiometric amounts. This protein was identified as the nuclear protein Yhr081p, the homologue of human C1D, which we have designated Rrp47p (for rRNA processing). Immunoprecipitation of epitope-tagged Rrp47p confirmed its interaction with the exosome and revealed its association with Rrp6p, a 3'-->5' exonuclease specific to the nuclear exosome fraction. Northern analyses demonstrated that Rrp47p is required for the exosome-dependent processing of rRNA and small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA) precursors. Rrp47p also participates in the 3' processing of U4 and U5 small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs). The defects in the processing of stable RNAs seen in rrp47-Delta strains closely resemble those of strains lacking Rrp6p. In contrast, Rrp47p is not required for the Rrp6p-dependent degradation of 3'-extended nuclear pre-mRNAs or the cytoplasmic 3'-->5' mRNA decay pathway. We propose that Rrp47p functions as a substrate-specific nuclear cofactor for exosome activity in the processing of stable RNAs.     

Functions of the exosome in rRNA, snoRNA and snRNA synthesis.

The yeast nuclear exosome contains multiple 3'-->5' exoribonucleases, raising the question of why so many activities are present in the complex. All components are required during the 3' processing of the 5.8S rRNA, together with the putative RNA helicase Dob1p/Mtr4p. During this processing three distinct steps can be resolved, and hand-over between different exonucleases appears to occur at least twice. 3' processing of snoRNAs (small nucleolar RNAs) that are excised from polycistronic precursors or from mRNA introns is also a multi-step process that involves the exosome, with final trimming specifically dependent on the Rrp6p component. The spliceosomal U4 snRNA (small nuclear RNA) is synthesized from a 3' extended precursor that is cleaved by Rnt1p at sites 135 and 169 nt downstream of the mature 3' end. This cleavage is followed by 3'-->5' processing of the pre-snRNA involving the exosome complex and Dob1p. The exosome, together with Rnt1p, also participates in the 3' processing of the U1 and U5 snRNAs. We conclude that the exosome is involved in the processing of many RNA substrates and that different components can have distinct functions.     

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.     

Multiple requirements for nematode spliced leader RNP function in trans-splicing.

The 5' exon donor in nematode trans-splicing, the SL RNA, is a small (approximately 100 nt) RNA that resembles cis-spliceosomal U snRNAs. Extensive analyses of the RNA sequence requirements for SL RNA function have revealed four essential elements, the core Sm binding site, three nucleotides immediately downstream of this site, a region of Stem-loop II, and a 5' splice site. Although these elements are necessary and sufficient for SL RNA function in vitro, their respective roles in promoting SL RNA activity have not been elucidated. Furthermore, although it has been shown that assembly of the SL RNA into an Sm RNP is a prerequisite for function, the protein composition of the SL RNP has not been determined. Here, we have used oligoribonucleotide affinity to purify the SL RNP and find that it contains core Sm proteins as well as four specific proteins (175, 40, 30, and 28 kDa). Using in vitro assembly assays; we show that association of the 175- and 30-kDa SL-specific proteins correlates with SL RNP function in trans-splicing. Binding of these proteins depends upon the sequence of the core Sm binding site; SL RNAs containing the U1 snRNA Sm binding site assemble into Sm RNPs that contain core, but not SL-specific proteins. Furthermore, mutational and thiophosphate interference approaches reveal that both the primary nucleotide sequence and a specific phosphate oxygen within a segment of Stemloop II of the SL RNA are required for function. Finally, mutational activation of an unusual cryptic 5' splice site within the SL sequence itself suggests that U5 snRNA may play a primary role in selecting and specifying the 5' splice site in SL addition trans-splicing.     

Unexpected flexibility in an evolutionarily conserved protein-RNA interaction: genetic analysis of the Sm binding site

Human autoantibodies of the Sm specificity recognize a conserved set of proteins found in the U class small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (U snRNPs), key trans-acting factors involved in the splicing of mRNA precursors. The Sm protein binding site in U snRNAs is unusual because of its single-stranded nature and its simple sequence motif (AU5-6GPu). Here we use genetics to probe this specific protein-RNA interaction by saturation mutagenesis of the Sm binding site of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae U5 snRNA. The assay system used to analyze these mutations takes advantage of a conditionally expressed U5 gene which does not support growth under non-permissive conditions; U5 genes containing Sm site mutations were tested for their ability to complement this lethal phenotype. Our results indicate that the Sm binding site is remarkably tolerant to mutation despite its high degree of conservation, suggesting that relatively few or redundant specific contacts can determine recognition of single-stranded RNA by protein. A complementary biochemical analysis of these mutants demonstrates that integrity of the Sm site is necessary for snRNP stability in vivo and in vitro.     

Assembly of the U1 snRNP involves interactions with the backbone of the terminal stem of U1 snRNA

Nucleotide analog interference mapping (NAIM) is a powerful method for identifying RNA functional groups involved in protein-RNA interactions. We examined particles assembled on modified U1 small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs) in vitro and detected two categories of interferences. The first class affects the stability of two higher-order complexes and comprises changes in two adenosines, A65 and A70, in the loop region previously identified as the binding site for the U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP)-specific U1A protein. Addition of an exocyclic amine to position 2 of A65 interferes strongly with protein binding, whereas removal or modification of the exocyclic amine at position 6 makes little difference. Modifications of A70 exhibit the opposite effects: Additions at position 2 are permitted, but modification of the exocyclic amine at position 6 significantly inhibits protein binding. These interactions, critical for U1A-U1 snRNA recognition in the context of in vitro snRNP assembly, are consistent with previous structural studies of the isolated protein with the RNA hairpin containing the U1A binding site. The second category of interferences affects all partially assembled U1-protein complexes by decreasing the stability of Sm core protein associations. Interestingly, most strong interferences occur at phosphates in the terminal stem-loop region of U1, rather than in the Sm binding site. These data argue that interactions with the phosphate backbone of the terminal stem loop are essential for the stable association of Sm core proteins with the U1 snRNA. We suggest that the stem loop of all Sm snRNAs may act as a clamp to hold the ring of Sm proteins in place.     

Spliceosomal U snRNP core assembly: Sm proteins assemble onto an Sm site RNA nonanucleotide in a specific and thermodynamically stable manner.

The association of Sm proteins with U small nuclear RNA (snRNA) requires the single-stranded Sm site (PuAU(4-6)GPu) but also is influenced by nonconserved flanking RNA structural elements. Here we demonstrate that a nonameric Sm site RNA oligonucleotide sufficed for sequence-specific assembly of a minimal core ribonucleoprotein (RNP), which contained all seven Sm proteins. The minimal core RNP displayed several conserved biochemical features of native U snRNP core particles, including a similar morphology in electron micrographs. This minimal system allowed us to study in detail the RNA requirements for Sm protein-Sm site interactions as well as the kinetics of core RNP assembly. In addition to the uridine bases, the 2' hydroxyl moieties were important for stable RNP formation, indicating that both the sugar backbone and the bases are intimately involved in RNA-protein interactions. Moreover, our data imply that an initial phase of core RNP assembly is mediated by a high affinity of the Sm proteins for the single-stranded uridine tract but that the presence of the conserved adenosine (PuAU.) is essential to commit the RNP particle to thermodynamic stability. Comparison of intact U4 and U5 snRNAs with the Sm site oligonucleotide in core RNP assembly revealed that the regions flanking the Sm site within the U snRNAs facilitate the kinetics of core RNP assembly by increasing the rate of Sm protein association and by decreasing the activation energy.     

Air proteins control differential TRAMP substrate specificity for nuclear RNA surveillance

RNA surveillance systems function at critical steps during the formation and function of RNA molecules in all organisms. The RNA exosome plays a central role in RNA surveillance by processing and degrading RNA molecules in the nucleus and cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells. The exosome functions as a complex of proteins composed of a nine-member core and two ribonucleases. The identity of the molecular determinants of exosome RNA substrate specificity remains an important unsolved aspect of RNA surveillance. In the nucleus of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, TRAMP complexes recognize and polyadenylate RNAs, which enhances RNA degradation by the exosome and may contribute to its specificity. TRAMPs contain either of two putative RNA-binding factors called Air proteins. Previous studies suggested that these proteins function interchangeably in targeting the poly(A)-polymerase activity of TRAMPs to RNAs. Experiments reported here show that the Air proteins govern separable functions. Phenotypic analysis and RNA deep-sequencing results from air mutants reveal specific requirements for each Air protein in the regulation of the levels of noncoding and coding RNAs. Loss of these regulatory functions results in specific metabolic and plasmid inheritance defects. These findings reveal differential functions for Air proteins in RNA metabolism and indicate that they control the substrate specificity of the RNA exosome.