Nucleolar biogenesis: the first small steps

2005 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 1441-1443 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.-L. Prieto ◽  
B. McStay
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Initiation ◽  
Nucleolar Organizer ◽  
Gene Clusters ◽  
Initial Step ◽  
Ribosomal Gene ◽  
Initiation Factor ◽  
Nucleolar Organizer Regions ◽  
Pol I ◽  
Late Telophase ◽  
Polymerase I

The nucleolus is the site of rRNA transcription, pre-rRNA processing and ribosome subunit assembly. The nucleolus assembles around clusters of ribosomal gene repeats during late telophase, persists throughout interphase and then disassembles as cells enter mitosis. The initial step in nucleolar formation is ribosomal gene transcription, which is mediated by Pol I (RNA polymerase I) and its associated transcription factors: UBF (upstream-binding factor), SL1 (selectivity factor) and TIF-IA (transcription initiation factor IA)/Rrn3. Ribosomal gene clusters, termed NORs (nucleolar organizer regions), are found on each of the five human acrocentric chromosomes. Though transcription is repressed during metaphase, NORs that were active in the previous interphase form prominent cytogenetic features, namely secondary constrictions. The main defining characteristic of these constrictions is under-condensation in comparison with the rest of the chromosome. Extensive binding of UBF over the ribosomal gene repeat is responsible for the formation of this chromosomal feature. During interphase, the majority of the Pol I transcription machinery, though present in nucleoli, is not actively engaged in transcription. Interaction with UBF bound across the gene repeat provides an explanation for how this non-engaged Pol I machinery is sequestered by nucleoli.

A role for upstream binding factor in organizing ribosomal gene chromatin

2006 ◽  
Vol 73 ◽  
pp. 77-84 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane E. Wright ◽  
Christine Mais ◽  
José-Luis Prieto ◽  
Brian McStay
Keyword(s):  
Nucleolar Organizer ◽  
Ribosomal Gene ◽  
Rna Polymerase I ◽  
Nucleolar Organizer Regions ◽  
Binding Factor ◽  
Upstream Binding Factor ◽  
Acrocentric Chromosomes ◽  
Polymerase I ◽  
Secondary Constrictions ◽  
Active Nors

Human ribosomal genes are located in NORs (nucleolar organizer regions) on the short arms of acrocentric chromosomes. During metaphase, previously active NORs appear as prominent chromosomal features termed secondary constrictions, which are achromatic in chromosome banding and positive in silver staining. The architectural RNA polymerase I transcription factor UBF (upstream binding factor) binds extensively across the ribosomal gene repeat throughout the cell cycle. Evidence that UBF underpins NOR structure is provided by an examination of cell lines in which large arrays of a heterologous UBF binding sequences are integrated at ectopic sites on human chromosomes. These arrays efficiently recruit UBF even to sites outside the nucleolus, and during metaphase form novel silver-stainable secondary constrictions, termed pseudo-NORs, that are morphologically similar to NORs.

scholarly journals Spt6 Is Essential for rRNA Synthesis by RNA Polymerase I

2015 ◽  
Vol 35 (13) ◽  
pp. 2321-2331 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krysta L. Engel ◽  
Sarah L. French ◽  
Olga V. Viktorovskaya ◽  
Ann L. Beyer ◽  
David A. Schneider
Keyword(s):  
Rna Polymerase ◽  
Transcription Initiation ◽  
Initiation Factor ◽  
Rrna Synthesis ◽  
Temperature Sensitive ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Pol I ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Sensitive Allele ◽  
Polymerase I

Spt6 (suppressor ofTy6) has many roles in transcription initiation and elongation by RNA polymerase (Pol) II. These effects are mediated through interactions with histones, transcription factors, and the RNA polymerase. Two lines of evidence suggest that Spt6 also plays a role in rRNA synthesis. First, Spt6 physically associates with a Pol I subunit (Rpa43). Second, Spt6 interacts physically and genetically with Spt4/5, which directly affects Pol I transcription. Utilizing a temperature-sensitive allele,spt6-1004, we show that Spt6 is essential for Pol I occupancy of the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) and rRNA synthesis. Our data demonstrate that protein levels of an essential Pol I initiation factor, Rrn3, are reduced when Spt6 is inactivated, leading to low levels of Pol I-Rrn3 complex. Overexpression ofRRN3rescues Pol I-Rrn3 complex formation; however, rRNA synthesis is not restored. These data suggest that Spt6 is involved in either recruiting the Pol I-Rrn3 complex to the rDNA or stabilizing the preinitiation complex. The findings presented here identify an unexpected, essential role for Spt6 in synthesis of rRNA.

scholarly journals Phosphorylation by Casein Kinase 2 Facilitates rRNA Gene Transcription by Promoting Dissociation of TIF-IA from Elongating RNA Polymerase I

2008 ◽  
Vol 28 (16) ◽  
pp. 4988-4998 ◽  
Author(s):  
Holger Bierhoff ◽  
Miroslav Dundr ◽  
Annemieke A. Michels ◽  
Ingrid Grummt
Keyword(s):  
Rna Polymerase ◽  
Transcription Initiation ◽  
Casein Kinase ◽  
Casein Kinase 2 ◽  
Rna Polymerase I ◽  
Initiation Factor ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Rdna Transcription ◽  
Pol I ◽  
Polymerase I

ABSTRACT The protein kinase casein kinase 2 (CK2) phosphorylates different components of the RNA polymerase I (Pol I) transcription machinery and exerts a positive effect on rRNA gene (rDNA) transcription. Here we show that CK2 phosphorylates the transcription initiation factor TIF-IA at serines 170 and 172 (Ser170/172), and this phosphorylation triggers the release of TIF-IA from Pol I after transcription initiation. Inhibition of Ser170/172 phosphorylation or covalent tethering of TIF-IA to the RPA43 subunit of Pol I inhibits rDNA transcription, leading to perturbation of nucleolar structure and cell cycle arrest. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching and chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrate that dissociation of TIF-IA from Pol I is a prerequisite for proper transcription elongation. In support of phosphorylation of TIF-IA switching from the initiation into the elongation phase, dephosphorylation of Ser170/172 by FCP1 facilitates the reassociation of TIF-IA with Pol I, allowing a new round of rDNA transcription. The results reveal a mechanism by which the functional interplay between CK2 and FCP1 sustains multiple rounds of Pol I transcription.

Localization of the RNA polymerase I transcription factor hUBF during the cell cycle

1993 ◽  
Vol 104 (2) ◽  
pp. 327-337 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Roussel ◽  
C. Andre ◽  
C. Masson ◽  
G. Geraud ◽  
D. Hernandez-Verdun
Keyword(s):  
Rna Polymerase ◽  
Nucleolar Organizer ◽  
Ribosomal Gene ◽  
Human Cells ◽  
Rna Polymerase I ◽  
Nucleolar Organizer Regions ◽  
3 Dimensional ◽  
Definitive Evidence ◽  
Fibrillar Component ◽  
Polymerase I

Autoantibodies directed against nucleoli that recognized a doublet of 97–94 kDa in HeLa nuclear protein extracts were identified. The two polypeptides bound equal amounts of antibody, and each was recognized by antibodies affinity purified using the other polypeptide. These antigens were localized in the secondary constriction of PtK1 cells, i.e. the nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) where ribosomal genes accumulate. They were observed in human cells in the same sites as the NOR-silver-stained proteins. The molecular mass of the antigens, their characteristics in Western blotting and their localization in nucleoli and NORs during mitosis are consistent with them being RNA polymerase I transcriptional factor, UBF. This identification was confirmed on Western blotted proteins by their identical labelling patterns, using these autoantibodies and an anti-mUBF antibody that had been previously described. We obtained definitive evidence that these autoantibodies recognize UBF by the strong positive labelling of purified hUBF (1 to 4 ng). During interphase, these autoantibodies directed against UBF labelled in a folded filament pattern as small beads that may correspond to individual transcriptional units. In electron microscopy, the antibodies were observed in the dense fibrillar component (DFC) of the nucleoli and at the periphery of the fibrillar centers (FCs). At the end of G2 phase, transcription inactivation was concomitant with the gathering of UBF at mitotic NORs. UBF was not equally distributed between NORs in human cells: some NORs scored negative (2 to 4) and the intensity of labelling of positive NORs (6 to 8) differed. In confocal microscopy, 3-dimensional analysis of mitosis indicated that UBF remained associated with NORs during all mitotic stages and that there was equal partition of UBF between the daughter cells. The relationship between proteins associated with the NORs and ribosomal gene transcription is discussed.

scholarly journals The Ribosomal Gene Loci—The Power behind the Throne

Genes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 763
Author(s):  
Konstantin I. Panov ◽  
Katherine Hannan ◽  
Ross D. Hannan ◽  
Nadine Hein
Keyword(s):  
Genome Stability ◽  
Cell Cycle Progression ◽  
Global Gene Expression ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Ribosomal Gene ◽  
Cellular Growth ◽  
Rrna Genes ◽  
Dynamic Regulation ◽  
Pol I ◽  
Polymerase I

Nucleoli form around actively transcribed ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes (rDNA), and the morphology and location of nucleolus-associated genomic domains (NADs) are linked to the RNA Polymerase I (Pol I) transcription status. The number of rDNA repeats (and the proportion of actively transcribed rRNA genes) is variable between cell types, individuals and disease state. Substantial changes in nucleolar morphology and size accompanied by concomitant changes in the Pol I transcription rate have long been documented during normal cell cycle progression, development and malignant transformation. This demonstrates how dynamic the nucleolar structure can be. Here, we will discuss how the structure of the rDNA loci, the nucleolus and the rate of Pol I transcription are important for dynamic regulation of global gene expression and genome stability, e.g., through the modulation of long-range genomic interactions with the suppressive NAD environment. These observations support an emerging paradigm whereby the rDNA repeats and the nucleolus play a key regulatory role in cellular homeostasis during normal development as well as disease, independent of their role in determining ribosome capacity and cellular growth rates.

The mitotically phosphorylated form of the transcription termination factor TTF-1 is associated with the repressed rDNA transcription machinery

1999 ◽  
Vol 112 (19) ◽  
pp. 3259-3268 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Sirri ◽  
P. Roussel ◽  
D. Hernandez-Verdun
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Termination ◽  
Nucleolar Organizer ◽  
Ribosomal Gene ◽  
Nucleolar Organizer Regions ◽  
Rdna Transcription ◽  
Mitotic Chromosomes ◽  
Termination Factor ◽  
Transcription Machinery ◽  
Phosphorylated Form ◽  
Transcription Termination Factor

The transcription termination factor TTF-1 exerts two functions in ribosomal gene (rDNA) transcription: facilitating initiation and mediating termination of transcription. Using HeLa cells, we show that TTF-1 protein is colocalized with the active transcription machinery in the nucleolus and also with the inactive machinery present in certain mitotic nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) when rDNA transcription is repressed. We also show that TTF-1 is specifically phosphorylated during mitosis in a manner dependent on the cdc2-cyclin B kinase pathway and on an okadaic acid-sensitive phosphatase. Interestingly, the mitotically phosphorylated form of TTF-1 appearing at the G(2)/M transition phase was more easily solubilized than was the interphase form. This indicates that the chromatin-binding affinity of TTF-1 appears to be different in mitotic chromosomes compared to the interphase nucleolus. Correlated with this, the other DNA-binding factor, UBF, which interferes with chromatin conformation in the rDNA promoter, was more strongly bound to rDNA during mitosis than at interphase. The reorganization of the mitotic rDNA promoter might be induced by phosphorylation of certain components of the rDNA transcription machinery and participate in silencing of rDNA during mitosis.

Events during eucaryotic rRNA transcription initiation and elongation: conversion from the closed to the open promoter complex requires nucleotide substrates

1988 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 1940-1946
Author(s):  
E Bateman ◽  
M R Paule
Keyword(s):  
Rna Polymerase ◽  
Transcription Initiation ◽  
Topological Analysis ◽  
Acanthamoeba Castellanii ◽  
Rna Polymerase I ◽  
Initiation Factor ◽  
Rrna Transcription ◽  
Promoter Complex ◽  
Polymerase I

Chemical footprinting and topological analysis were carried out on the Acanthamoeba castellanii rRNA transcription initiation factor (TIF) and RNA polymerase I complexes with DNA during transcription initiation and elongation. The results show that the binding of TIF and polymerase to the promoter does not alter the supercoiling of the DNA template and the template does not become sensitive to modification by diethylpyrocarbonate, which can identify melted DNA regions. Thus, in contrast to bacterial RNA polymerase, the eucaryotic RNA polymerase I-promoter complex is in a closed configuration preceding addition of nucleotides in vitro. Initiation and 3'-O-methyl CTP-limited translocation by RNA polymerase I results in separation of the polymerase-TIF footprints, leaving the TIF footprint unaltered. In contrast, initiation and translocation result in a significant change in the conformation of the polymerase-DNA complex, culminating in an unwound DNA region of at least 10 base pairs.

scholarly journals Effects of single-base substitutions within the Acanthamoeba castellanii rRNA promoter on transcription and on binding of transcription initiation factor and RNA polymerase I.

1988 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 747-753 ◽  
Author(s):  
P Kownin ◽  
E Bateman ◽  
M R Paule
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Initiation ◽  
Single Point ◽  
Point Mutations ◽  
Acanthamoeba Castellanii ◽  
Dnase I ◽  
Initiation Factor ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Transcription Initiation Factor ◽  
Polymerase I

Single-point mutations were introduced into the promoter region of the Acanthamoeba castellanii rRNA gene by chemical mutagen treatment of a single-stranded clone in vitro, followed by reverse transcription and cloning of the altered fragment. The promoter mutants were tested for transcription initiation factor (TIF) binding by a template commitment assay plus DNase I footprinting and for transcription by an in vitro runoff assay. Point mutations within the previously identified TIF interaction region (between -20 and -47, motifs A and B) indicated that TIF interacts most strongly with a sequence centered at -29 and less tightly with sequences upstream and downstream. Some alterations of the base sequence closer to the transcription start site (and outside the TIF-protected site) also significantly decreased specific RNA synthesis in vitro. These were within the region which is protected from DNase I digestion by polymerase I, but these mutations did not detectably affect the binding of polymerase to the promoter.

scholarly journals The cryo-EM structure of a 12-subunit variant of RNA polymerase I reveals dissociation of the A49-A34.5 heterodimer and rearrangement of subunit A12.2

eLife ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucas Tafur ◽  
Yashar Sadian ◽  
Jonas Hanske ◽  
Rene Wetzel ◽  
Felix Weis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rna Polymerase ◽  
Ribosomal Rna ◽  
Transcription Initiation ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Reversible Binding ◽  
Cryo Electron Microscopy ◽  
Nucleotide Analog ◽  
Pol I ◽  
Polymerase I ◽  
Insight Into

RNA polymerase (Pol) I is a 14-subunit enzyme that solely transcribes pre-ribosomal RNA. Cryo-electron microscopy (EM) structures of Pol I initiation and elongation complexes have given first insights into the molecular mechanisms of Pol I transcription. Here, we present cryo-EM structures of yeast Pol I elongation complexes (ECs) bound to the nucleotide analog GMPCPP at 3.2 to 3.4 Å resolution that provide additional insight into the functional interplay between the Pol I-specific transcription-like factors A49-A34.5 and A12.2. Strikingly, most of the nucleotide-bound ECs lack the A49-A34.5 heterodimer and adopt a Pol II-like conformation, in which the A12.2 C-terminal domain is bound in a previously unobserved position at the A135 surface. Our structural and biochemical data suggest a mechanism where reversible binding of the A49-A34.5 heterodimer could contribute to the regulation of Pol I transcription initiation and elongation.

Identification of two steps during Xenopus ribosomal gene transcription that are sensitive to protein phosphorylation

1994 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 2011-2020
Author(s):  
P Labhart
Keyword(s):  
Protein Kinase ◽  
Rna Polymerase ◽  
Protein Phosphorylation ◽  
Gene Transcription ◽  
Okadaic Acid ◽  
Protein Phosphatase ◽  
Transcription Initiation ◽  
Ribosomal Gene ◽  
Rna Polymerase I ◽  
Polymerase I

Protein kinase(s) and protein phosphatase(s) present in a Xenopus S-100 transcription extract strongly influence promoter-dependent transcription by RNA polymerase I. The protein kinase inhibitor 6-dimethyl-aminopurine causes transcription to increase, while the protein phosphatase inhibitor okadaic acid causes transcription to decrease. Repression is also observed with inhibitor 2, and the addition of extra protein phosphatase 1 stimulates transcription, indicating that the endogenous phosphatase is a type 1 enzyme. Partial fractionation of the system, single-round transcription reactions, and kinetic experiments show that two different steps during ribosomal gene transcription are sensitive to protein phosphorylation: okadaic acid affects a step before or during transcription initiation, while 6-dimethylaminopurine stimulates a process "late" in the reaction, possibly reinitiation. The present results are a clear demonstration that transcription by RNA polymerase I can be regulated by protein phosphorylation.

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