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Evidence that poly(A) binding protein has an evolutionarily conserved function in facilitating mRNA biogenesis and
Julia A Chekanova1, Dmitry A Belostotsky
1Department of Biological Sciences, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, New York 12222, USA. dab@albany.edu
RNA (New York, N.Y.)
|November 19, 2003
Summary
Arabidopsis thaliana poly(A) binding protein (PAB3) complements yeast defects in mRNA processing and export. This plant PABP facilitates mRNA biogenesis and export, suggesting conserved eukaryotic functions.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Eukaryotic poly(A) binding protein (PABP) is crucial for translation initiation and mRNA turnover.
- Evidence suggests PABP also plays a significant role in nuclear functions.
- The Arabidopsis PAB3 protein rescues yeast mutants but not all PABP functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the nuclear function of PABP, specifically the lag-correction role of Arabidopsis PAB3 in yeast.
- To determine if PABP physically interacts with mRNA to mediate this function.
- To explore the broader role of PABP in mRNA biogenesis and export.
Main Methods:
- Complementation of yeast pab1Δ mutant with Arabidopsis PAB3.
- Analysis of mRNA decay rates and poly(A) tail length.
- Investigating synthetic lethality with specific yeast mutants (rna15-2, gle2-1, nab2-1).
- Subcellular localization studies of PAB3 in yeast.
- In vitro polyadenylation assays.
Main Results:
- Arabidopsis PAB3 partially corrects the mRNA decay lag in yeast lacking Pab1p.
- PABP physically binds to target mRNA to mediate lag correction.
- PAB3 complements defects in mRNA export and poly(A) tail length control in yeast.
- PAB3 interacts with nuclear factors involved in pre-mRNA processing and export.
Conclusions:
- Eukaryotic PABPs possess conserved functions in facilitating mRNA biogenesis and export.
- PABP's nuclear role extends beyond translation, impacting mRNA processing and nuclear export.
- Arabidopsis PAB3 serves as a valuable tool for studying PABP's conserved nuclear functions.