Ribosomal protein eL22 contributes to the assembly of 60S ribosomal subunits in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Ribosome biogenesis is a highly coordinated pathway that involves the assembly of ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs) with ribosomal proteins (r-proteins) to generate functional ribosomal subunits (r-subunits). The Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) large 60S r-subunit consists of three rRNA molecules and 46 r-proteins. The contributions of nearly all r-proteins of the yeast large r-subunit have been characterized; however, a few non-essential proteins remain poorly understood. Although non-essential, human eL22 has been identified as a key player in p53 regulation during ribosomal stress and as a highly mutated target in cancers. Despite this function, the role of eL22 in ribosome maturation is still ill-defined. In this study, we characterized yeast eL22 r-protein. Our results show that eL22 assembles into intermediate nucleolar pre-60S ribosomal particles. Loss of eL22 impairs cell growth and reduces 60S r-subunit accumulation, phenotypes that are exacerbated at low temperatures. Analysis of pre-rRNA processing by pulse-chase labeling, northern blot hybridization, and primer extension reveals a defect in 27S pre-rRNA maturation, specifically at the level of 27SB pre-rRNA processing. Consequently, nuclear export of eL22-deficient pre-60S particles is mildly impaired. Furthermore, we identify genetic interactions between eL22 and neighboring r-proteins, eL38 and eL31. We conclude that eL22 assembly is required for optimal pre-60S maturation during middle nucleolar stages, particularly at low temperatures, a function likely supported by the cooperative action of other r-proteins associated with common elements of 25S rRNA.