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ASAP, a novel protein complex involved in RNA processing and apoptosis
Christian Schwerk1, Jayendra Prasad, Kurt Degenhardt
1Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Division of Nucleic Acids Enzymology, Department of Biochemistry, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA.
Molecular and Cellular Biology
|April 1, 2003
Summary
The apoptosis- and splicing-associated protein (ASAP) complex links RNA processing and apoptosis. ASAP inhibits RNA processing and accelerates cell death, disassembling upon apoptosis induction.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The apoptosis- and splicing-associated protein (ASAP) complex, comprising SAP18, RNPS1, and Acinus, plays a role in cellular processes.
- Acinus is involved in apoptosis and spliceosome function, while RNPS1 activates RNA processing.
- Understanding ASAP's function is crucial for elucidating the interplay between RNA processing and programmed cell death.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of ASAP complexes in RNA processing and apoptosis.
- To characterize the composition and function of different ASAP isoforms.
- To explore the relationship between ASAP complex integrity and the induction of apoptosis.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of ASAP complex isoforms from HeLa cell extract.
- In vitro splicing assays using ASAP isoforms and various RNA processing factors.
- Microinjection of ASAP complexes into mammalian cells to assess cellular effects.
- Analysis of ASAP complex disassembly during apoptosis induction.
Main Results:
- ASAP complexes were isolated, containing SAP18, RNPS1, and Acinus isoforms.
- ASAP isoforms inhibited in vitro RNA processing mediated by ASF/SF2, SC35, and RNPS1.
- Microinjection of ASAP complexes accelerated cell death in mammalian cells.
- The ASAP complex was found to disassemble upon induction of apoptosis.
Conclusions:
- ASAP complexes play a significant role in linking RNA processing and apoptosis.
- The inhibitory effect of ASAP on RNA processing and its pro-apoptotic activity suggest a regulatory function.
- ASAP complex disassembly during apoptosis indicates its involvement in the apoptotic pathway.