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Dbp9p, a putative ATP-dependent RNA helicase involved in 60S-ribosomal-subunit biogenesis, functionally interacts
M C Daugeron1, D Kressler, P Linder
1Département de Biochimie médicale, Centre Medical Universitaire, Université de Genève, Switzerland.
RNA (New York, N.Y.)
|September 22, 2001
Summary
DEAD-box protein 9 (Dbp9p) is essential for Saccharomyces cerevisiae 60S ribosomal subunit biogenesis. Depletion of Dbp9p disrupts ribosome assembly, leading to cell death and indicating a critical role in ribosome production.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Ribosome synthesis is a fundamental cellular process crucial for protein production.
- DEAD-box proteins are vital ATP-dependent RNA helicases involved in various RNA metabolic pathways.
- The specific roles of many DEAD-box proteins in ribosome biogenesis remain to be fully elucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the function of the uncharacterized Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene YLR276C, named DBP9.
- To investigate the role of Dbp9p in ribosome biogenesis, particularly the 60S ribosomal subunit.
- To explore the functional relationship between Dbp9p and other known ribosome biogenesis factors.
Main Methods:
- Genetic analysis, including gene deletion and dosage effects.
- Analysis of ribosomal subunit deficits and polysome profiles.
- Assessment of rRNA precursor stability and synthesis.
- Yeast two-hybrid assays to study protein-protein interactions.
Main Results:
- Dbp9p is an essential nucleolar protein required for 60S ribosomal subunit biogenesis.
- Depletion of Dbp9p leads to a shortage of 60S subunits and the accumulation of half-mer polysomes.
- Dbp9p deficiency causes instability of early pre-ribosomal particles and reduced synthesis of 27S rRNA precursors.
- Dbp9p dosage suppression of dbp6 alleles and synthetic lethality of dbp6/dbp9 mutants suggest functional interaction with Dbp6p.
Conclusions:
- Dbp9p is a critical factor in the assembly of the 60S ribosomal subunit in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
- Dbp9p's function is closely linked to Dbp6p, highlighting a coordinated role in ribosome biogenesis.
- Dbp9p likely acts by stabilizing early pre-ribosomal particles, ensuring efficient rRNA processing and subunit maturation.