Gemin5 plays a role in unassembled-U1 snRNA disposal in SMN-deficient cells

Gemin5 acts as a U1 small nuclear RNA (snRNA)-binding protein in U1 small nuclear ribonucleic protein (snRNP) biogenesis. Here, we report a role for Gemin5 in unassembled U1 snRNP disposal under survival of motor neuron (SMN) protein-deficient conditions. We demonstrate that non-Sm protein-associated U1 snRNA and U1A are enriched in cytoplasmic granules and colocalize to P bodies in SMN-deficient cells. Immunoprecipitation assays show increased associations of the U1 snRNP component U1A with P body components and Gemin5 in SMN-deficient cells. More importantly, Gemin5 knockdown eliminates the unassembled U1 snRNP granules and rescues U1 snRNA levels in SMN-deficient cells. Taken together, our study provides direct evidence that Gemin5 is involved in unassembled-U1 snRNA disposal under conditions of SMN deficiency.