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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 5, 2025

MS2-Affinity Purification Coupled with RNA Sequencing in Gram-Positive Bacteria

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Published on: February 23, 2021

Hfq and RNase R Mediate rRNA Processing and Degradation in a Novel RNA Quality Control Process.

Ricardo F Dos Santos¹, José M Andrade², Joana Pissarra¹

¹Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal.

|October 21, 2020

Summary

The RNA chaperone Hfq and RNase R degrade harmful ribosomal RNA fragments and ensure proper rRNA processing, maintaining cell survival. These proteins are crucial for ribosome assembly and function.

Keywords:

Hfq RNA maturation RNA processing RNA quality control RNase R ribosomal RNA

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Area of Science:

Microbiology
Molecular Biology
RNA Biology

Background:

Cellular RNA quality control is essential for survival.
Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) processing and degradation pathways are critical but not fully understood.
Highly structured and stable rRNAs require specific surveillance mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the roles of Hfq and RNase R in rRNA quality control.
To elucidate the mechanisms of degradation for structured rRNA fragments.
To determine the involvement of Hfq and RNase R in rRNA maturation and ribosome assembly.

Main Methods:

Genetic analysis of Escherichia coli strains lacking Hfq and/or RNase R.
Assessment of rRNA fragment accumulation and rRNA precursor processing.
Analysis of ribosome assembly and 70S ribosome levels.
Protein interaction studies to investigate Hfq and RNase R association.

Main Results:

Hfq and RNase R mediate the degradation of detrimental rRNA fragments.
Absence of Hfq and RNase R leads to accumulation of 16S and 23S rRNA fragments.
Hfq and RNase R are required for proper maturation of 16S and 23S rRNA precursors.
Cells lacking Hfq and RNase R exhibit ribosome assembly defects and reduced 70S ribosome levels.
Hfq and RNase R can associate, potentially forming a complex.

Conclusions:

Hfq and RNase R cooperate in a novel rRNA surveillance pathway.
This pathway is critical for eliminating toxic rRNA fragments and ensuring correct ribosome biogenesis.
The findings reveal conserved mechanisms of RNA quality control with implications for translation and cell viability.