Spliced-leader RNA silencing: a novel stress-induced mechanism in Trypanosoma brucei

Lustig, Y., Sheiner, L. , Vagima, Y., Goldshmidt, H., Das, A., Bellofatto, V. and Michaeli, S. (2007) Spliced-leader RNA silencing: a novel stress-induced mechanism in Trypanosoma brucei. EMBO Reports, 8(4), pp. 408-413. (doi: 10.1038/sj.embor.7400930)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/sj.embor.7400930

Abstract

The signal-recognition particle (SRP) mediates the translocation of membrane and secretory proteins across the endoplasmic reticulum upon interaction with the SRP receptor. In trypanosomes, the main RNA molecule is the spliced-leader (SL) RNA, which donates the SL sequence to all messenger RNA through trans-splicing. Here, we show that RNA interference silencing of the SRP receptor (SRα) in Trypanosoma brucei caused the accumulation of SRP on ribosomes and triggered silencing of SL RNA (SLS). SLS was elicited due to the failure of the SL RNA-specific transcription factor tSNAP42 to bind to its promoter. SL RNA reduction, in turn, eliminated mRNA processing and resulted in a significant reduction of all mRNA tested. SLS was also induced under pH stress and might function as a master regulator in trypanosomes. SLS is reminiscent of, but distinct from, the unfolded protein response and can potentially act as a new target for parasite eradication.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Sheiner, Professor Lilach
Authors: Lustig, Y., Sheiner, L., Vagima, Y., Goldshmidt, H., Das, A., Bellofatto, V., and Michaeli, S.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
Journal Name:EMBO Reports
ISSN:1469-221X
ISSN (Online):1469-3178
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