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SnoRNA-guided ribose methylation of rRNA: structural features of the guide RNA duplex influencing the extent of the reaction.

Eukaryotic rRNAs contain a large number of ribose-methylated nucleotides of elusive function which are confined to the universally conserved rRNA domains. Ribose methylation of these nucleotides is directed by a large family of small trans -acting guide RNAs, called box C/D antisense snoRNAs. Each snoRNA targets precisely one of the nucleotides to be methylated within the pre-rRNA sequence, through transient formation of a 10-21 bp regular RNA duplex around the modification site. In this study we have analyzed how different features of the double-stranded RNA guide structure affect the extent of site-specific ribose methylation, by co-expressing an appropriate RNA substrate and its cognate tailored snoRNA guide in transfected mouse cells. We show that an increased GC content of the duplex can make up for the inhibitory effects of a helix truncation or for the presence of helix irregularities such as a mismatched pair or a bulge nucleotide. However, some helix irregularities dramatically inhibit the reaction and are not offset by further stabilization of the duplex. Overall, the RNA duplex tolerates a much larger degree of irregularity than anticipated, even in the immediate vicinity of the methylation site, which offers new prospects in the search for additional snoRNA guides. Accordingly, a few snoRNA-like sequences of uncertain status detected in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome now appear as likely bona fide ribose methylation guides.

Animals↗

Direct chemical method for sequencing RNA.

Four different base-specific chemical reactions generate a means of directly sequencing RNA terminally labeled with 32P. After a partial, specific modification of each kind of RNA base, an amine-catalyzed strand scission generates labeled fragments whose lengths determine the position of each nucleotide in the sequence. Dimethyl sulfate modifies guanosine. Diethyl pyrocarbonate attacks primarily adenosine. Hydrazine attacks uridine and cytidine, but salt suppresses the reaction with uridine. In all cases, aniline induces a subsequent strand scission. The electrophoretic fractionation of the labeled fragments on a polyacrylamide gel, followed by autoradiography, determines the RNA sequence. RNA labeled at the 3' end yields clean cleavage patterns for each purine and pyrimidine and allows a determination of the entire RNA sequence out to 100-200 bases from the labeled terminus.

Base Sequence↗

Secondary structure of the RNA component of a nuclear/mitochondrial ribonucleoprotein.

RNase mitochondrial RNA processing (MRP) is a site-specific endoribonuclease located in both the nucleus and mitochondria of vertebrate cells. The enzyme is a ribonucleoprotein whose RNA component has been shown to be encoded by a nuclear gene. Because RNase MRP is particular in its substrate requirement, RNA-RNA interaction has been proposed as important for the cleavage reaction. A secondary structure of this RNA from mouse cells has been derived by chemical modification of in vivo MRP RNA in ribonucleoprotein form, as isolated free RNA, and as RNA synthesized in vitro. Full-length MRP RNA appears to adopt a conformation containing a significant number of single-stranded residues and may form a pseudoknot. The data are consistent with both the RNA within the ribonucleoprotein and the free RNA possessing comparable secondary structures and suggest a possible site of interaction between enzyme and substrate. The human MRP RNA can be folded into a conformation very similar to that predicted for the mouse MRP RNA. A more limited analysis of human MRP RNA is consistent with the structure proposed for the mouse species.

Animals↗

[Use of liposomes for incorporation of alkylating derivatives of mono- and oligonucleotides into mammalian cells].

It was shown that within the liposomes mono- and oligonucleotides and their alkylating derivatives penetrate the cells of Ehrlich ascite carcinoma and peritoneal exudate of the mice. Inside the cells the alkylating reagents are mainly utilized for modification of proteins (42--76%), RNA (5--16%) and DNA (3--9%). Presumably DNA modification is largely dependent on the penetration of the reagents into the nuclei. No significant differences in alkylation of the cell components by oligoadenylate derivatives, capable of complementary interactions with nucleic acids and mononucleotide derivatives, incapable of such interactions, were observed.

Alkylating Agents↗

Requirements for editing in the genomic RNA of hepatitis delta virus.

Hepatitis delta virus is a satellite of the hepatitis B virus which provides the surface antigen for the viral coat. The genome of the hepatitis delta virus consists of a single-stranded, circular RNA of 1679 nucleotides which forms a rod structure due to a high extent of self homology and which replicates via synthesis of an antigenomic RNA in a rolling circle mechanism similar to plant viroids. The antigenomic RNA contains the open reading frame for the delta-antigen which exists in two isoforms, p24 and p27. The formation of these two isoforms is explained by RNA editing at nucleotide 1012 which changes the stop translation codon UAG at amino acid residue 196 into the codon UGG for tryptophan and extends the open reading frame for the synthesis of p27. In order to investigate whether the editing occurs cotranscriptionally during RNA replication or is a posttranscriptional base modification in the genomic or antigenomic RNA, replication defective deletion mutants of the HDV genome were constructed and expressed in COS-7 cells. Editing was demonstrated in non-replicating fragments of genomic HDV RNA but not in antigenomic HDV RNA fragments. The sequences from nucleotide position 337-1200 of the genomic RNA were sufficient to enable low levels of editing. Editing at position 1012 required the opposite strand of the RNA rod from nucleotide position 337-783. Replicating circular HDV RNA was much more efficiently edited than non-replicating full length genomic HDV RNA. Expression of delta-antigen in trans did not complement the low editing efficiency of replication defective genomic HDV RNA. These results demonstrate posttranscriptional U to C editing in the genomic HDV RNA and exclude misincorporation during HDV RNA replication as the editing mechanism. The minimal structural requirements for HDV RNA editing reside between nucleotide position 337-1200.

Animals↗

Dinucleoside pyrophosphate are substrates for T4-induced RNA ligase.

RNA ligase isolated from bacteriophage T4-infected Escherichia coli will utilize a number of different compounds with the general structure Ado-5'PP-X as substrates in an ATP-independent reaction. The P-X portions of these molecules are transferred to the 3'-hydroxyl of an oligoribonucleotide to form a phosphodiester bond, and the Ado-5'P (AMP) portion is released. AMP, CMP, GMP, UMP, dTMP, NMN, alphaNMN, reduced NMN, FMN, Rib-5P, phosphopantetheine, and cyanoethylphosphate all have been added to [Cyd-3H](Ap)3C from their corresponding AMP adducts. Contrary to the relative lack of specificity of RNA ligase for the P-X -group added, the failure of NADP+, deamino-NAD+, epsilonNCD+, epsilon NAD and CoA to react indicates that the enzyme shows a high degree of selectivity for the AMP portion of the substrate. The diversity of chemical groups that can be efficiently added suggests that this reaction of RNA ligase will prove useful for the modification of the 3' ends of RNA molecules.

Coliphages↗

Solid-phase methods for sequencing nucleic acids. III. Simultaneous sequencing of different long RNA fragments using DE 81 anion-exchange paper.

A solid-phase method for simultaneous sequencing of different long RNA fragments has been developed using Whatman DE 81 anion-exchange paper as the support. The approach involves 8 operations including: immobilization of heat-denatured 3'-end labeled RNA fragment on DE 81 paper; washing; modification reactions; washing; aniline reaction; washing; RNA desorption by salt and ethanol precipitation. For modifying the RNA, the following reactions were selected for the routine: G with dimethylsulfate at 90 degrees C/sodium borohydride at 0 degrees C, A + G with diethylpyrocarbonate at 90 degrees C, U + C with hydrazine at 0 degrees C and C with hydrazine/5M NaCl at 0 degrees C. The losses of RNA material during the reactions with large excess of reactants were 50% during the reduction with NaBH4 and 30% during C-reaction. Almost no losses were observed during aniline reaction. The RNA could be recovered by desorption with 2M NaClO4 in 50-70% yield. The whole solid-phase procedure up to the sequencing gel takes about 2 hours and is much faster and more convenient than chemical RNA sequencing in solution according to Peattie, especially if many fragments are to be processed.

Animals↗

Structure of turnip crinkle virus. III. Identification of a unique coat protein dimer.

The minor structural protein (p80), found in about one copy per virion in turnip crinkle virus (TCV), is shown by amino acid analysis and peptide mapping to be a covalent dimer of the major coat protein (p40). The covalent linkage occurs near the N termini of the crosslinked chains. These data suggest that TGV and related viruses contain 178 copies of p40 (89 non-covalent dimers) and one copy of p80 (covalent dimer of two additional p40 chains). The presence of p80 in the salt-stable RNA-protein complex formed when TCV dissociates, as described in an accompanying paper, indicates that the covalent modification affects binding to RNA. We suggest that p80 might be the final dimer to be incorporated into the shell and that it might also be the site for initiation of uncoating.

Amino Acids↗

Phylogenetic comparative chemical footprint analysis of the interaction between ribonuclease P RNA and tRNA.

Ribonuclease P RNA is the catalytic moiety of the ribonucleoprotein enzyme that endonucleolytically cleaves precursor sequences from the 5' ends of pre-tRNAs. The bacterial RNase P RNA-tRNA complex was examined with a footprinting approach, utilizing chemical modification to determine RNase P RNA nucleotides that potentially contact tRNA. RNase P RNA was modified with dimethylsulfate or kethoxal in the presence or absence of tRNA, and sites of modification were detected by primer extension. Comparison of the results reveals RNase P bases that are protected from modification upon binding tRNA. Analyses were carried out with RNase P RNAs from three different bacteria: Escherichia coli, Chromatium vinosum and Bacillus subtilis. Discrete bases of these RNAs that lie within conserved, homologous portions of the secondary structures are similarly protected. One protection among all three RNAs was attributed to the precursor segment of pre-tRNA. Experiments using pre-tRNAs containing precursor segments of variable length demonstrate that a precursor segment of only 2-4 nucleotides is sufficient to confer this protection. Deletion of the 3'-terminal CCA sequence of tRNA correlates with loss of protection of a particular loop in the RNase P RNA secondary structure. Analysis of mutant tRNAs containing sequential 3'-terminal deletions suggests a relative orientation of the bound tRNA CCA to that loop.

Bacillus subtilis↗

A novel approach to introduce site-directed specific cross-links within RNA-protein complexes. Application to the Escherichia coli threonyl-tRNA synthetase/translational operator complex.

We describe a methodology which allows the introduction of a photoactivatable azido group at specific internal positions of any RNA in order to identify the neighboring elements of an interacting protein. The first step involves site-directed modification of the target RNA with an antisense oligodeoxyribonucleotide bearing, at its 3' or 5' phosphate, a 4-[-N-(2-chloroethyl)-N-methylamino]benzylmethylamino group. Position N7 of a guanine residue located in the close vicinity of the hybrid is the main target for alkylation. The antisense oligodeoxyribonucleotide is then removed by acidic pH treatment and a photoreactive reagent (2,4-dinitro-5-fluorophenylazide) is condensed to the modified nucleotide. This method was used to induce specific cross-links between Escherichia coli threonyl-tRNA synthetase and the leader region of threonyl-tRNA synthetase mRNA, which is involved in translational feedback regulation. Control experiments revealed that the modification affects neither the structure of the mRNA nor the interaction with the enzyme. More than 50% of the modified mRNA complexed with threonyl-tRNA synthetase can be cross-linked to the enzyme, depending on the nucleotide modified.

Alkylation↗

Chemical probing of conformation in large RNA molecules. Analysis of 16 S ribosomal RNA using diethylpyrocarbonate.

Peattie & Gilbert (1980) have described an accurate and rapid gel method for assessing conformation of individual nucleotides in RNA, based on chemical modification of bases and aniline-induced strand scission. In order to extend this approach to analysis of large RNA molecules, we introduce the use of hybridization of modified RNA with DNA restriction fragments to generate RNA fragments of defined length. In principle, this permits chemical probing of conformation at any position of any RNA molecule for which a cloned DNA coding sequence is available. To illustrate the utility of this method, we use diethylpyrocarbonate to probe the reactivities of adenine residues in Escherichia coli 16 S rRNA under "native" (80 mM-potassium cacodylate (pH 7.0), 20 mM-MgCl2, 300 mM-KCl) and "quasi-secondary" (80 mM-potassium cacodylate (pH 7.0), 1 mM-EDTA) conditions. This study shows that: (1) there is generally good agreement between diethylpyrocarbonate reactivities of adenine residues in naked 16 S rRNA and a secondary structure model based on comparative sequence analysis; of 309 adenine residues probed under native conditions, only four strongly reactive residues are found in helices in the model. (2) Candidates for possible tertiary interactions are identified as adenine residues that are unpaired in the model and unreactive toward diethylpyrocarbonate under native conditions but reactive under quasi-secondary conditions. (3) An unexpectedly stable structure has been identified in the region between positions 109 and 279, where many adenine residues remain unreactive even at 90 degrees C in 80 mM-potassium cacodylate, 1 mM-EDTA. This may correspond to a structural "core" that is important for early events in ribosome assembly.

Adenine↗

The formation of internal 6-methyladenine residues in eucaryotic messenger RNA.

1. The formation of internal 6-methyladenine (m6A) residues in eucaryotic messenger RNA (mRNA) is a postsynthetic modification in which S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) serves as the methyl donor. 2. Of the methyl groups incorporated into mature mRNA 30-50% occur in m6A residues. 3. Although most cellular and certain viral mRNAs contain at least one m6A residue, some transcripts such as those coding for histone and globin are completely lacking in this modification. 4. 6-Methyladenine residues have also been localized to heterogeneous nuclear RNA (HnRNA), and for the most part these residues are conserved during mRNA processing. 5. In all known cases, the m6A residues are also found in a strict consensus sequence, Gm6AC or Am6AC, within the transcript. 6. Although the biological significance of internal adenine methylation in eucaryotic mRNA remains unclear, a great deal of research has indicated that this modification may be required for mRNA transport to the cytoplasm, the selection of splice sites or other RNA processing reactions.

Adenine↗

Sequence and structure of a serine transfer RNA with GCU anticodon from mosquito mitochondria.

We have determined the primary sequence and modification status of a transfer RNA from mosquito mitochondria whose GCU anticodon indicates that it is a serine tRNA (tRNASerGCU), and have obtained information on higher order structure using partial digestion with nucleases S1 and T1 under non-denaturing conditions. Although its primary sequence homology to mammalian mitochondrial tRNASerGCU is modest (46%), the mosquito tRNA resembles its mammalian mitochondrial counterpart in that a plausible secondary structure configuration includes a drastically abbreviated D arm and a sex base-pair anticodon stem. Other unusual features include a ribose-methylated cytidine residue at the end of the anticodon stem, and the likely occurrence of a psi residue between the amino acid arm and arm IV.

Aedes↗

RNA editing.

RNA editing is a term describing a variety of novel mechanisms for the modification of nucleotide sequences of RNA transcripts in different organisms. These editing events include (a) the U-insertion and -deletion type of editing found in the mitochondrion of kinetoplastid protozoa, (b) the C-insertion editing found in the mitochondrion of Physarum, (c) the C-to-U substitution editing of the mammalian apoB mRNA, (d) a similar C-to-U substitution editing of mRNAs in higher plant mitochondria and chloroplasts and in tRNAs of marsupials and rats, (e) a diverse nucleotide substitution editing of tRNAs in Acanthomoeba mitochondria, and (f) the A-to-I type of editing found in the mammalian glutamate receptor subunits. These diverse phenomena involve several different enzymatic mechanisms. In several cases, duplex RNAs with internal or external guide sequences help determine the site specificity of editing. The A-to-I editing observed in RNAs encoding non-NMDA glutamate receptor subunits may be due to the actions of a double-stranded RNA-specific adenosine deaminase that is widespread in higher organisms. Although the function of many RNA editing events is unclear, the biological importance of RNA editing in other systems may prove as significant as the nucleotide modifications regulating the cation selectivity and electrophysiological profiles elaborated by non-NMDA glutamate receptors in the mammalian brain.

Animals↗

Functional analysis of H2B-Lys-123 ubiquitination in regulation of H3-Lys-4 methylation and recruitment of RNA polymerase II at the coding sequences of several active genes in vivo.

Previous biochemical studies have demonstrated that Lys-123 ubiquitination of histone H2B is globally required for up-regulation of mono-, di, and trimethylation of Lys-4 of histone H3. However, recent studies have implicated H2B-Lys-123 ubiquitination in the regulation of di- and trimethylation, but not monomethylation, of H3-Lys-4 in vivo. Using a formaldehyde-based cross-linking and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, we show that H3-Lys-4 trimethylation, but not dimethylation, is up-regulated by H2B-Lys-123 ubiquitination in vivo at the coding sequences of a set of transcriptionally active genes such as ADH1, PHO84, and PYK1. Both the ubiquitination of H2B-Lys-123 and the methylation of H3-Lys-4 are dispensable for recruitment of RNA polymerase II to the coding sequences of these genes, and hence, their transcription is not altered in the absence of these covalent modifications. However, recruitment of RNA polymerase II to the coding sequence of a galactose-inducible gene, GAL1, is significantly reduced in the absence of H2B-Lys-123 ubiquitination but not H3-Lys-4 methylation. Consistently, transcription of GAL1 is altered in the H2B-K123R point mutant strain. Finally, we show that H3-Lys-4 methylation does not regulate H3-Lys-9/14 acetylation. Collectively, our data reveal a "trans-tail" regulation of H3-Lys-4 tri- but not dimethylation by H2B-Lys-123 ubiquitination, and these modifications are dispensable for transcription of a certain set of genes in vivo.

Chromatin Immunoprecipitation↗

A bacterial RNA polymerase mutant that renders lambda growth independent of the N and cro functions at 42 degrees C.

We describe a bacterial RNA polymerase mutation, rif 501, which confers rifampicin resistance and thermosensitivity to E. coli K 12. The purified RNA polymerase enzyme from rif 501 bacteria shows increased heatsensitivity in vitro at 51 degrees C. However, in vivo, at 42 degrees C the non-permissive temperature, mutant bacteria continue to grow and to synthesize RNA for 90 min. On a lawn of the mutant bacteria, at 40-41 degrees C, phage lambda forms clear plaques (LycA phenotype); this is probably due to an enhancement of cro function; we surmise that at 42 degrees C the transcription originating from the pR (but not from the pL) promoter on the lamdba genome becomes N-independent and less sensitive to the absence of the cro product. We discuss the possibility that both the N and cro proteins of phage lambda interact directly with the bacterial RNA polymerase. These observations indicate that the loss of viability of the rif 501 mutant at the restrictive temperature is not a consequence of an immediate inactivation of RNA polymerase; rather we feel it is due to a modification of the activity of RNA polymerase, leading to a disruption of the cellular regulation.

Coliphages↗