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MAC5, an RNA-binding protein, protects pri-miRNAs from SERRATE-dependent exoribonuclease activities

Shengjun Li1, Mu Li1, Kan Liu1

  • 1School of Biological Sciences and Center for Plant Science Innovation, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588-0666.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
|September 5, 2020
PubMed

Insights

MAC5 protein is crucial for microRNA (miRNA) biogenesis, aiding in the processing and stability of primary miRNA transcripts. Its interaction with Serrate protects miRNAs from nuclear RNA decay.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • RNA Biology

Background:

  • MAC5 is part of the MOS4-associated complex, known for roles in development and immunity.
  • MicroRNA (miRNA) biogenesis is a critical regulatory process involving the microprocessor complex.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of MAC5 in microRNA biogenesis.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which MAC5 influences miRNA processing and stability.

Main Methods:

  • Co-immunoprecipitation assays to study protein interactions.
  • Analysis of primary miRNA transcript (pri-miRNA) processing and stability.
  • Investigating the role of nuclear exoribonucleases (XRN2/XRN3) in pri-miRNA regulation.

Main Results:

  • MAC5 is essential for efficient pri-miRNA processing and stability.
  • MAC5 interacts with Serrate (SE), a key component of the microprocessor complex.
  • Reduced pri-miRNA levels in mac5 mutants are partly due to XRN2/XRN3 activity and depend on SE.
  • MAC5 protects pri-miRNAs from nuclear RNA decay.

Conclusions:

  • MAC5 plays a dual role in promoting pri-miRNA processing and stability via its interaction with SE.
  • Pri-miRNAs require protection from nuclear RNA decay machinery, linked to the microprocessor.
Keywords:
MAC5ASerratemiRNA biogenesispri-miRNA stablity

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