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Isolation of mRNAs Associated with Yeast Mitochondria to Study Mechanisms of Localized Translation
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Isolation of mRNAs Associated with Yeast Mitochondria to Study Mechanisms of Localized Translation

Published on: March 14, 2014

The yeast Apq12 protein affects nucleocytoplasmic mRNA transport

Kristian E Baker1, Jeff Coller, Roy Parker

  • 1Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson 85721, USA. kebaker@email.arizona.edu

RNA (New York, N.Y.)
|July 27, 2004
PubMed

Insights

The gene APQ12 is crucial for messenger RNA (mRNA) export from the nucleus to the cytoplasm in yeast. Mutations in APQ12 disrupt mRNA export, affecting cell growth and morphology.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Messenger RNA (mRNA) export from the nucleus to the cytoplasm is a critical step in gene expression.
  • Nucleocytoplasmic transport is essential for cellular function and is tightly regulated.
  • Previously uncharacterized genes require investigation to fully understand cellular processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the function of the previously uncharacterized gene APQ12 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
  • To determine if APQ12 plays a role in nucleocytoplasmic mRNA transport.
  • To elucidate the cellular consequences of APQ12 disruption.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of apq12delta mutant strains for mRNA export defects.
  • Assessment of poly(A)+ RNA localization in the nucleus.
  • Localization studies of an Apq12p-GFP chimeric protein.
  • Measurement of mRNA stability in apq12delta cells.

Main Results:

  • apq12delta strains exhibit 3' hyperadenylated mRNA and nuclear retention of bulk poly(A)+ RNA.
  • Apq12p localizes to the nuclear periphery.
  • mRNA export rate is reduced in apq12delta cells, leading to mRNA stabilization.
  • apq12delta mutants show impaired growth and abnormal cell morphology.

Conclusions:

  • APQ12 is essential for efficient nucleocytoplasmic mRNA transport in yeast.
  • Apq12p's localization to the nuclear periphery supports its role in export.
  • The severe growth defect and atypical morphology suggest APQ12 may have additional functions beyond mRNA export or preferentially affects specific mRNA populations.

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