An mRNA-derived noncoding RNA targets and regulates the ribosome

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Small non-protein-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play critical roles in cellular gene regulation.
• Understanding the diverse functions of ncRNAs is key to deciphering complex gene regulatory networks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the function of an 18-nucleotide ncRNA derived from the TRM10 locus in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
• To identify the molecular target and mechanism of action of this small regulatory RNA.

Main Methods:

• Genetic analysis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
• Biochemical assays to study RNA-protein interactions.
• Polysome profiling to assess translation regulation.

Main Results:

• An 18-nucleotide ncRNA, originating from the TRM10 locus, downregulates translation by targeting the ribosome.
• This ncRNA binds to polysomes during salt stress and is vital for yeast growth under hyperosmotic conditions.
• Genetic evidence confirms the RNA sequence, not the encoded enzyme, mediates translation regulation.

Conclusions:

• The ribosome is a direct target for a small regulatory ncRNA.
• A novel mechanism of translation regulation mediated by ribosome-targeted ncRNAs has been discovered.
• Ribosome-targeted small ncRNAs represent a prevalent, yet underexplored, class of regulatory molecules across all domains of life.