The coding/non-coding overlapping architecture of the gene encoding the Drosophila pseudouridine synthase

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• RNA Biology

Background:

• H/ACA small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) form ribonucleoprotein particles with four core proteins.
• One core protein is a pseudouridine synthase, essential for ribosome biogenesis and telomere maintenance.
• Investigating pseudouridine synthase gene expression mechanisms is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the transcriptional activity of the Drosophila pseudouridine synthase gene (minifly/Nop60b, mfl).
• To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying its gene expression.

Main Methods:

• Detailed analysis of transcriptional activity.
• mRNA sequencing and characterization.
• Identification and analysis of intron-encoded non-coding RNAs.

Main Results:

• The mfl gene encodes two novel mRNAs with alternative 3' ends, including an extended 3 UTRs and a rare variant protein.
• A cluster of snoRNAs and unknown function ncRNAs are intron-encoded within the mfl gene's variable 3 UTRs.
• Intron-encoded RNA accumulation is sex-biased, developmentally modulated, and shows specific ovarian expression patterns.

Conclusions:

• The mfl gene exhibits complex organization, expressing diverse coding and non-coding transcripts.
• Alternative 3' ends allow production of distinct protein subforms and release of different ncRNAs.
• These transcripts may contribute to the gene's biological functions.