ePrints

Box C/D snoRNP catalysed methylation is aided by additional pre-rRNA base-pairing

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Robert Van Nues, Kate Sloan, Matthew Chicken, Dr Nick Watkins

Downloads

• Published version [.pdf]

Abstract

2'-O-methylation of eukaryotic ribosomal RNA (r)RNA, essential for ribosome function, is catalysed by box C/D small nucleolar (sno)RNPs. The RNA components of these complexes (snoRNAs) contain one or two guide sequences, which, through base-pairing, select the rRNA modification site. Adjacent to the guide sequences are protein-binding sites (the C/D or C'/D' motifs). Analysis of >2000 yeast box C/D snoRNAs identified additional conserved sequences in many snoRNAs that are complementary to regions adjacent to the rRNA methylation site. This 'extra base-pairing' was also found in many human box C/D snoRNAs and can stimulate methylation by up to five-fold. Sequence analysis, combined with RNA-protein crosslinking in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, identified highly divergent box C'/D' motifs that are bound by snoRNP proteins. In vivo rRNA methylation assays showed these to be active. Our data suggest roles for non-catalytic subunits (Nop56 and Nop58) in rRNA binding and support an asymmetric model for box C/D snoRNP organization. The study provides novel insights into the extent of the snoRNA-rRNA interactions required for efficient methylation and the structural organization of the snoRNPs. The EMBO Journal (2011) 30, 2420-2430. doi: 10.1038/emboj.2011.148; Published online 10 May 2011

Publication metadata

Author(s): van Nues RW, Granneman S, Kudla G, Sloan KE, Chicken M, Tollervey D, Watkins NJ

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: EMBO Journal

Year: 2011

Volume: 30

Issue: 12

Pages: 2420-2430

Print publication date: 10/05/2011

Date deposited: 10/06/2013

ISSN (print): 0261-4189

ISSN (electronic): 1460-2075

Publisher: Nature Publishing Group

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/emboj.2011.148

DOI: 10.1038/emboj.2011.148

Altmetrics

Share