RNA Structure Coordinates Translation Across the Meiotic Program

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Cell Biology

Background:

• mRNA structure influences translation efficiency but its role in complex processes like meiosis is unclear.
• Yeast meiosis presents a unique model to study dynamic post-transcriptional regulation due to limited transcription.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of mRNA structure in coordinating translation during yeast meiosis.
• To understand how RNA helicases modulate mRNA structure and translational control.

Main Methods:

• High-resolution profiling of mRNA structures (structurome) across multiple time points during yeast meiosis.
• Quantification of mRNA structures for over 2,000 annotated mRNAs.
• Analysis of RNA helicase (Ded1p) levels and their impact on mRNA structure and translation.

Main Results:

• Meiotic transcripts generally exhibit flexible structures that enhance translation.
• Complex mRNA structures impede translation by reducing ribosome flux and promoting alternative initiation.
• Dynamic oscillations in RNA helicase levels reprogram cell-wide translational preferences based on RNA structure.
• Disruption of specific mRNA structures or helicase levels impairs meiotic proteostasis and progression.

Conclusions:

• Concerted action of mRNA structure and RNA helicases orchestrates cell-wide translation dynamics during meiosis.
• This highlights a crucial post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism active when transcription is limited by chromosome condensation.
• The findings reveal a sophisticated layer of gene expression control essential for successful meiosis.