ABSTRACT
The molecular mechanism underlying the retention of intron-containing mRNAs in the nucleus is not understood. Here, we show that retention of intron-containing mRNAs in yeast is mediated by perinuclearly located Mlp1. Deletion of MLP1 impairs retention while having no effect on mRNA splicing. The Mlp1-dependent leakage of intron-containing RNAs is increased in presence of ts-prp18 delta, a splicing mutant. When overall pre-mRNA levels are increased by deletion of RRP6, a nuclear exosome component, MLP1 deletion augments leakage of only the intron-containing portion of mRNAs. Our data suggest, moreover, that Mlp1-dependent retention is mediated via the 5' splice site. Intriguingly, we found Mlp-proteins to be present only on sections of the NE adjacent to chromatin. We propose that at this confined site the perinuclear Mlp1 implements a quality control step prior to export, physically retaining faulty pre-mRNAs.
Subject(s)
Cell Nucleus/genetics , Nuclear Proteins/genetics , RNA Splicing/genetics , RNA, Messenger/genetics , Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins/genetics , Yeasts/genetics , Active Transport, Cell Nucleus/genetics , Cell Nucleus/metabolism , Exoribonucleases/deficiency , Exoribonucleases/genetics , Exosome Multienzyme Ribonuclease Complex , Introns/genetics , Mutation/genetics , Nuclear Envelope/genetics , Nuclear Envelope/metabolism , Nuclear Pore Complex Proteins/genetics , Nuclear Pore Complex Proteins/metabolism , Nuclear Proteins/deficiency , Nuclear Proteins/metabolism , Protein Transport/genetics , RNA Splice Sites/genetics , RNA, Messenger/metabolism , RNA-Binding Proteins , Ribonucleoprotein, U5 Small Nuclear , Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins/metabolism , Yeasts/metabolismABSTRACT
The Aurora B kinase complex is a critical regulator of chromosome segregation and cytokinesis. In Caenorhabditis elegans, AIR-2 (Aurora B) function requires ICP-1 (Incenp) and BIR-1 (Survivin). In various systems, Aurora B binds to orthologues of these proteins. Through genetic analysis, we have identified a new subunit of the Aurora B kinase complex, CSC-1. C. elegans embryos depleted of CSC-1, AIR-2, ICP-1, or BIR-1 have identical phenotypes. CSC-1, BIR-1, and ICP-1 are interdependent for their localization, and all are required for AIR-2 localization. In vitro, CSC-1 binds directly to BIR-1. The CSC-1/BIR-1 complex, but not the individual subunits, associates with ICP-1. CSC-1 associates with ICP-1, BIR-1, and AIR-2 in vivo. ICP-1 dramatically stimulates AIR-2 kinase activity. This activity is not stimulated by CSC-1/BIR-1, suggesting that these two subunits function as targeting subunits for AIR-2 kinase.