Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 25, 2026

Identification of RNA Fragments Resulting from Enzymatic Degradation using MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry
09:20

Identification of RNA Fragments Resulting from Enzymatic Degradation using MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry

Published on: April 11, 2022

mRNA decay: x (XRN1) marks the spot

Roy M Long1, Mark T McNally

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA.

Molecular Cell
|May 29, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Messenger RNA (mRNA) degradation is key to gene expression. Research shows that specific protein complexes, like decapping (Dcp1p, Dcp2p) and decapping-independent decay factors (Lsm1-7p, Xrn1p), form cytoplasmic foci that serve as sites for mRNA decay in yeast.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Messenger RNA (mRNA) degradation is a critical regulatory process in gene expression, controlling the lifespan of transcripts.
  • Several protein factors, including Dcp1p, Dcp2p, Lsm1-7p, and Xrn1p, are known to be essential for mRNA decay in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
  • These factors have been observed to localize to discrete cytoplasmic foci, but their precise function within these structures remained unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the functional significance of cytoplasmic foci in mRNA decay.
  • To provide evidence for the role of these foci as sites of mRNA degradation.

Main Methods:

  • Localization studies of key mRNA decay factors within yeast cells.
  • Analysis of mRNA decay kinetics in relation to the formation and dynamics of cytoplasmic foci.

Main Results:

  • Compelling evidence demonstrates that the observed cytoplasmic foci are indeed sites where mRNA degradation occurs.
  • The localization and function of decapping (Dcp1p, Dcp2p) and decapping-independent decay factors (Lsm1-7p, Xrn1p) are directly linked to these foci.

Conclusions:

  • Cytoplasmic foci represent specialized compartments for the execution of mRNA decay pathways in yeast.
  • Understanding these foci provides insights into the spatial regulation of gene expression and mRNA turnover.

More Related Videos

Monitoring Protein-RNA Interaction Dynamics In Vivo at High Temporal Resolution Using χCRAC09:15

Monitoring Protein-RNA Interaction Dynamics In Vivo at High Temporal Resolution Using χCRAC

Published on: May 9, 2020

Measurement of mRNA Decay Rates in Saccharomyces cerevisiae Using rpb1-1 Strains12:21

Measurement of mRNA Decay Rates in Saccharomyces cerevisiae Using rpb1-1 Strains

Published on: December 13, 2014

Related Concept Videos

Nonsense-mediated mRNA Decay02:27

Nonsense-mediated mRNA Decay

The Upf proteins that carry out nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) are found in all eukaryotic organisms, including humans. Each protein has an individual role, but they need to work in collaboration. Upf1 is an ATP-dependent RNA helicase that unwinds the RNA helix. Because Upf1 can unwind any RNA, Upf2 and Upf3 are required to help Upf1 discriminate between nonsense and normal mRNAs.
Usually, Upf3 binds to an Exon Junction Complex (EJC) at mRNA splice sites. If a ribosome fully translates the mRNA,...
Nonsense-mediated mRNA Decay02:27

Nonsense-mediated mRNA Decay

The Upf proteins that carry out nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) are found in all eukaryotic organisms, including humans. Each protein has an individual role, but they need to work in collaboration. Upf1 is an ATP-dependent RNA helicase that unwinds the RNA helix. Because Upf1 can unwind any RNA, Upf2 and Upf3 are required to help Upf1 discriminate between nonsense and normal mRNAs.
Usually, Upf3 binds to an Exon Junction Complex (EJC) at mRNA splice sites. If a ribosome fully translates the mRNA,...
Nuclear Export of mRNA02:31

Nuclear Export of mRNA

Before mRNAs are exported to the cytoplasm, it is crucial to check each mRNA for structural and functional integrity. Eukaryotic cells use several different mechanisms, collectively known as mRNA surveillance, to look for irregularities in mRNAs. Irregular or aberrant mRNA are rapidly degraded by various enzymes. If a defective mRNA escapes the surveillance, it would be translated into a protein which would either be non-functional or not function properly. One of the primary irregularities in...
Nuclear Export of mRNA02:31

Nuclear Export of mRNA

Before mRNAs are exported to the cytoplasm, it is crucial to check each mRNA for structural and functional integrity. Eukaryotic cells use several different mechanisms, collectively known as mRNA surveillance, to look for irregularities in mRNAs. Irregular or aberrant mRNA are rapidly degraded by various enzymes. If a defective mRNA escapes the surveillance, it would be translated into a protein which would either be non-functional or not function properly. One of the primary irregularities in...
mRNA Stability and Gene Expression02:51

mRNA Stability and Gene Expression

The structure and stability of mRNA molecules regulates gene expression, as mRNAs are a key step in the pathway from gene to protein. In eukaryotes, the half-life of mRNA varies from a few minutes up to several days. mRNA stability is essential in growth and development. The absence of the proteins regulating its stability, such as tristetraprolin in mice, can cause systemic issues, including bone marrow overgrowth, inflammation, and autoimmunity.
Cis-acting Elements involved in mRNA stability
Nucleotide Excision Repair01:46

Nucleotide Excision Repair

Exposure to mutagens can damage DNA and result in bulky lesions that distort the double-helix structure or impede proper transcription. Damaged DNA can be detected and repaired in a process called nucleotide excision repair (NER). NER employs a set of specialized proteins that first scan DNA to detect a damaged region. Next, NER proteins separate the strands and excise the damaged area. Finally, they coordinate the replacement with new, matching nucleotides.DNA distortion and damageCells are...