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Updated: Jan 16, 2026

Isolation of Cognate RNA-protein Complexes from Cells Using Oligonucleotide-directed Elution
Published on: January 16, 2017
RiboCop surveils pre-rRNA processing by Dicer in cellular quiescence
B Roche1,2, R A Martienssen1
1Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory; 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA.
Researchers discovered a new RNA molecule, RiboCop, that silences ribosomal DNA (rDNA) in quiescent cells. This process is crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis during dormancy by preventing the production of non-functional ribosomal RNA.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- RNA Biology
Background:
- Most cells enter a quiescent G0 state for homeostasis without dividing.
- Non-coding RNAs regulate development, but their role in quiescence is unknown.
- Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) processing is critical for cellular function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the function of non-coding RNAs in quiescent cells.
- To identify regulators of rRNA processing during cellular dormancy.
- To elucidate the mechanisms maintaining cellular homeostasis in the absence of cell division.
Main Methods:
- Identified pre-ribosomal RNA (pre-rRNA) as a target of the RNase III enzyme Dicer in quiescent cells.
- Characterized a novel trans-acting non-coding RNA, RiboCop, involved in nucleolar stress response.
- Investigated the complex of RiboCop with Enp2/NOL10 and RNase H1.
Main Results:
- Dicer is physically located at the rDNA locus in quiescent cells.
- Mutants with improper rRNA processing exhibit a nucleolar stress response.
- RiboCop binds to unprocessed pre-rRNA and induces rDNA silencing.
- RiboCop-mediated silencing involves Sir2, RENT, and H3K9 methylation.
Conclusions:
- RiboCop silences rDNA specifically in dormant cells.
- This silencing prevents the production of non-functional rRNA during quiescence.
- RiboCop plays a vital role in maintaining cellular homeostasis in G0 cells.
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