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Zfrp8/PDCD2 Interacts with RpS2 Connecting Ribosome Maturation and Gene-Specific Translation

Svetlana Minakhina1, Tatyana Naryshkina1, Neha Changela1

  • 1Waksman Institute, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America.

Plos One
|January 26, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Zfrp8/PDCD2 protein is crucial for stem cell maintenance and cancer cell proliferation. This study reveals its role in regulating mRNA-ribonucleoprotein complexes and ribosome assembly, impacting cytoplasmic localization and translation.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Zfrp8/PDCD2 is a conserved protein vital for stem cell maintenance in flies and mammals.
  • It is also essential for rapidly proliferating cells, including cancer cells.
  • Previous research indicated Zfrp8's involvement in mRNA ribonucleoprotein (mRNP) complex formation and Transposable Element (TE) RNA control.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the function of Zfrp8/PDCD2 in regulating RNA metabolism and ribosome biogenesis.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which Zfrp8/PDCD2 controls mRNA and TE transcript localization.
  • To determine Zfrp8/PDCD2's interaction with ribosomal components and its role in ribosome assembly.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized Zfrp8/PDCD2 knockdown (KD) in ovaries to observe effects on mRNA and TE transcript localization.
  • Investigated the interaction between Zfrp8/PDCD2 and the 40S small ribosomal subunit component, RpS2 (uS5).
  • Employed fluorescently tagged ribosomal proteins to study their distribution in cells with and without Zfrp8/PDCD2.

Main Results:

  • Knockdown of Zfrp8/PDCD2 led to increased nuclear accumulation of specific mRNAs and TE transcripts.
  • Demonstrated a direct interaction between Zfrp8/PDCD2 and the RpS2 protein of the 40S ribosomal subunit.
  • Showed that Zfrp8/PDCD2 regulates cytoplasmic levels of 40S ribosomal subunit components, but not their nuclear/nucleolar localization.

Conclusions:

  • Zfrp8/PDCD2 plays a role in late stages of ribosome assembly.
  • The protein likely controls the binding of specific mRNA-ribonucleoprotein complexes to the small ribosomal subunit.
  • This regulation ultimately influences the cytoplasmic localization and translation of these transcripts.

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