Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 11, 2026

DNAzyme-dependent Analysis of rRNA 2’-O-Methylation
09:12

DNAzyme-dependent Analysis of rRNA 2’-O-Methylation

Published on: September 16, 2019

Human ribosomal protein L13a is dispensable for canonical ribosome function but indispensable for efficient rRNA

Sujan Chaudhuri1, Keyur Vyas, Purvi Kapasi

  • 1Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio 44115, USA.

RNA (New York, N.Y.)
|October 9, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Ribosomal protein L13a release from ribosomes silences Ceruloplasmin (Cp) mRNA translation. Depleting L13a rescues Cp translation and reduces ribosomal RNA methylation, impacting internal ribosome entry site-mediated translation.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) induces ribosomal protein L13a release from the 60S ribosome.
  • This release leads to translational silencing of Ceruloplasmin (Cp) mRNA in monocytic cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of ribosomal protein L13a in IFN-gamma-mediated translational silencing of Cp mRNA.
  • To determine if L13a-deficient ribosomes retain global translational competence.
  • To explore the impact of L13a depletion on ribosomal RNA methylation and internal ribosome entry site (IRES)-mediated translation.

Main Methods:

  • Stable transfection of human monocytic U937 cells with L13a-specific shRNA to achieve over 98% L13a expression abrogation.
  • Metabolic labeling to assess protein synthesis.
  • Analysis of ribosomal RNA methylation and IRES-mediated translation using p27, p53, and SNAT2 mRNA elements.

Main Results:

  • Depletion of L13a rescued Cp translation from IFN-gamma-induced silencing.
  • L13a-deficient ribosomes remained competent for global translation, processing, and polysome formation.
  • L13a depletion significantly reduced ribosomal RNA methylation and cap-independent translation via IRES elements.

Conclusions:

  • Cp mRNA silencing is dependent on L13a, which acts as a translation-regulatory factor released from the ribosome.
  • Ribosomes can function as depots for regulatory factors independent of their core protein synthesis function.
  • L13a's essential role in yeast suggests an evolutionary shift from a vital ribosomal component to a dispensable extra-ribosomal regulator in higher eukaryotes.

More Related Videos

Assessment of DNA Contamination in RNA Samples Based on Ribosomal DNA13:16

Assessment of DNA Contamination in RNA Samples Based on Ribosomal DNA

Published on: January 22, 2018

Single Nucleotide Polymorphism-sensitive FISH Detection of Locus-specific Ribosomal RNA Transcription in Drosophila melanogaster04:59

Single Nucleotide Polymorphism-sensitive FISH Detection of Locus-specific Ribosomal RNA Transcription in Drosophila melanogaster

Published on: March 28, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Ribosomal RNA Synthesis02:53

Ribosomal RNA Synthesis

Ribosome synthesis is a highly complex and coordinated process involving more than 200 assembly factors. The synthesis and processing of ribosomal components occurs not only in the nucleolus but also in the nucleoplasm and the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells.
Ribosome biogenesis begins with the synthesis of 5S and 45S pre-rRNAs by distinct RNA polymerases. The primary transcripts are extensively processed and modified before they are bound and folded by ribosomal proteins and assembly factors,...
Ribosomal RNA Synthesis02:53

Ribosomal RNA Synthesis

Ribosome synthesis is a highly complex and coordinated process involving more than 200 assembly factors. The synthesis and processing of ribosomal components occurs not only in the nucleolus but also in the nucleoplasm and the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells.
Ribosome biogenesis begins with the synthesis of 5S and 45S pre-rRNAs by distinct RNA polymerases. The primary transcripts are extensively processed and modified before they are bound and folded by ribosomal proteins and assembly factors,...
RNA Stability01:53

RNA Stability

Intact DNA strands can be found in fossils, while scientists sometimes struggle to keep RNA intact under laboratory conditions. The structural variations between RNA and DNA underlie the differences in their stability and longevity. Because DNA is double-stranded, it is inherently more stable. The single-stranded structure of RNA is less stable but also more flexible and can form weak internal bonds. Additionally, most RNAs in the cell are relatively short, while DNA can be up to 250 million...
RNA Stability01:53

RNA Stability

Intact DNA strands can be found in fossils, while scientists sometimes struggle to keep RNA intact under laboratory conditions. The structural variations between RNA and DNA underlie the differences in their stability and longevity. Because DNA is double-stranded, it is inherently more stable. The single-stranded structure of RNA is less stable but also more flexible and can form weak internal bonds. Additionally, most RNAs in the cell are relatively short, while DNA can be up to 250 million...
Types of RNA01:23

Types of RNA

Overview
Three main types of RNA are involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). These RNAs perform diverse functions and can be broadly classified as protein-coding or non-coding RNA. Non-coding RNAs play important roles in the regulation of gene expression in response to developmental and environmental changes. Non-coding RNAs in prokaryotes can be manipulated to develop more effective antibacterial drugs for human or animal use.
RNA...
Types of RNA01:20

Types of RNA

Three main types of RNA are involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). These RNAs perform diverse functions and can be broadly classified as protein-coding or non-coding RNA. Non-coding RNAs play important roles in regulating gene expression in response to developmental and environmental changes. Non-coding RNAs in prokaryotes can be manipulated to develop more effective antibacterial drugs for human or animal use.
RNA Performs Diverse...