Biological implications of decapping: beyond bulk mRNA decay
Fivos Borbolis1, Popi Syntichaki1
1Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Center of Basic Research, Athens, Greece.
The FEBS Journal
|March 4, 2021
Summary
mRNA decapping removes the 5' cap structure, controlling RNA turnover and translation. This review details decapping enzymes, focusing on DCP2, and discusses mRNA decay functions.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Gene Expression Regulation
Background:
- mRNA levels are not solely determined by transcription rates.
- Post-transcriptional mechanisms, including decapping, regulate mRNA fate.
- The 5' cap is crucial for mRNA processing, transport, translation, and decay.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review 5' end RNA modifications and functions.
- To provide an overview of mRNA decapping enzymes and their properties.
- To focus on the DCP2 enzyme, its regulation, and mRNA decay functions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of mRNA decapping and decay mechanisms.
- Synopsis of 5' end RNA modifications and functions.
- Overview of decapping enzymes, enzymatic properties, and regulation.
Main Results:
- Decapping is a controlled process involving multiple enzymes and regulatory networks.
- DCP2 is a key enzyme in the 5'-3' mRNA decay pathway.
- Cis-elements and trans-acting factors influence DCP2 activity, specificity, and localization.
Conclusions:
- mRNA decapping is a critical regulatory step in gene expression.
- Further research is needed to fully understand mRNA decapping and decay factors.
- Decapping and decay pathways are essential for cellular mRNA homeostasis.
Related Concept Videos
02:51mRNA Stability and Gene Expression
6.1K
The structure and stability of mRNA molecules regulates gene expression, as mRNAs are a key step in the pathway from gene to protein. In eukaryotes, the half-life of mRNA varies from a few minutes up to several days. mRNA stability is essential in growth and development. The absence of the proteins regulating its stability, such as tristetraprolin in mice, can cause systemic issues, including bone marrow overgrowth, inflammation, and autoimmunity.
Cis-acting Elements involved in mRNA stability
Cis-acting Elements involved in mRNA stability
6.1K
02:51mRNA Stability and Gene Expression
3.1K
3.1K
02:27Nonsense-mediated mRNA Decay
11.2K
The Upf proteins that carry out nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) are found in all eukaryotic organisms, including humans. Each protein has an individual role, but they need to work in collaboration. Upf1 is an ATP-dependent RNA helicase that unwinds the RNA helix. Because Upf1 can unwind any RNA, Upf2 and Upf3 are required to help Upf1 discriminate between nonsense and normal mRNAs.
Usually, Upf3 binds to an Exon Junction Complex (EJC) at mRNA splice sites. If a ribosome fully translates the mRNA,...
Usually, Upf3 binds to an Exon Junction Complex (EJC) at mRNA splice sites. If a ribosome fully translates the mRNA,...
11.2K
02:27Nonsense-mediated mRNA Decay
3.1K
3.1K
02:31Nuclear Export of mRNA
8.1K
Before mRNAs are exported to the cytoplasm, it is crucial to check each mRNA for structural and functional integrity. Eukaryotic cells use several different mechanisms, collectively known as mRNA surveillance, to look for irregularities in mRNAs. Irregular or aberrant mRNA are rapidly degraded by various enzymes. If a defective mRNA escapes the surveillance, it would be translated into a protein which would either be non-functional or not function properly. One of the primary irregularities in...
8.1K
01:53RNA Stability
34.7K
Intact DNA strands can be found in fossils, while scientists sometimes struggle to keep RNA intact under laboratory conditions. The structural variations between RNA and DNA underlie the differences in their stability and longevity. Because DNA is double-stranded, it is inherently more stable. The single-stranded structure of RNA is less stable but also more flexible and can form weak internal bonds. Additionally, most RNAs in the cell are relatively short, while DNA can be up to 250 million...
34.7K