Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026
08:34
Mechanism of Regulation of Adipocyte Numbers in Adult Organisms Through Differentiation and Apoptosis Homeostasis
Published on: June 3, 2016
Staufen1-mediated mRNA decay functions in adipogenesis
Hana Cho1, Kyoung Mi Kim, Sisu Han
1School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 136-701, Republic of Korea.
Molecular Cell
|April 17, 2012
Summary
Staufen1-mediated mRNA decay (SMD) involves PNRC2 and Upf1, facilitating rapid mRNA degradation. This pathway is crucial for adipogenesis, regulating key factors like Krüppel-like factor 2 (KLF2).
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Gene Regulation
- Cellular Processes
Background:
- Staufen1 (Stau1) is a double-stranded RNA binding protein regulating gene expression.
- Staufen1-mediated mRNA decay (SMD) degrades target mRNAs by recruiting Upf1.
- The downstream events and biological significance of SMD are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms and biological role of Staufen1-mediated mRNA decay (SMD).
- To investigate the involvement of SMD in adipogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Biochemical assays to identify interacting proteins and enzymatic activities.
- Analysis of protein and mRNA levels during adipogenesis.
- Functional studies involving knockdown of SMD components and adipogenic factors.
Main Results:
- SMD involves PNRC2, decapping, and 5'-to-3' exonucleolytic activity, with Upf1 acting as an adaptor.
- SMD efficiency is enhanced during adipogenesis due to increased Stau1 and PNRC2, and Upf1 hyperphosphorylation.
- Downregulation of SMD components impairs adipogenesis, which can be rescued by reducing Krüppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) mRNA, a direct SMD target.
Conclusions:
- SMD is a key pathway regulated by Stau1, PNRC2, and Upf1, involving decapping and exonucleolytic degradation.
- SMD plays a critical biological role in adipogenesis by controlling the decay of specific mRNAs, including that of the antiadipogenic factor KLF2.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
02:51mRNA 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
Cis-acting Elements involved in mRNA stability
02:51mRNA 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
Cis-acting Elements involved in mRNA stability
02:27Nonsense-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,...
Usually, Upf3 binds to an Exon Junction Complex (EJC) at mRNA splice sites. If a ribosome fully translates the mRNA,...
02:27Nonsense-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,...
Usually, Upf3 binds to an Exon Junction Complex (EJC) at mRNA splice sites. If a ribosome fully translates the mRNA,...
02:31Nuclear 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...
01:23Regulation of Expression at Multiple Steps
The gene expression in cells is regulated at different stages: (i) transcription, (ii) RNA processing, (iii) RNA localization, and (iv) translation. Transcriptional regulation is mediated by regulatory proteins such as transcription factors, activators, or repressors—these control gene expression by initiating or inhibiting the transcription of genes. Once a precursor or pre-mRNA is produced, it undergoes post-transcriptional modification, including 5' capping, splicing, and the addition of a...