snRNA 3′ end formation: The dawn of the Integrator complex

Jiandong Chen, Eric J. Wagner

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

39 Scopus citations

Abstract

The ubiquitously expressed uridine-rich snRNAs (small nuclear RNAs) are essential for the removal of introns, proper expression of histone mRNA and biosynthesis of ribosomal RNA. Much is known about their assembly into snRNP (small nuclear ribonucleoprotein) particles and their ultimate function in the expression of other genes; however, in comparison, less is known about the biosynthesis of these critical non-coding RNAs. The sequence elements necessary for 3′ end formation of snRNAs have been identified and, intriguingly, the processing of snRNAs is uniquely dependent on the snRNA promoter, indicating that co-transcriptional processing is important. However, the trans-acting RNA-processing factors that mediate snRNA processing remained elusive, hindering overall progress. Recently, the factors involved in this process were biochemically purified, and designated the Integrator complex. Since their initial discovery, Integrator proteins have been implicated not only in the production of snRNA, but also in other cellular processes that may be independent of snRNA biogenesis. In the present study, we discuss snRNA biosynthesis and the roles of Integrator proteins. We compare models of 3′ end formation for different classes of RNA polymerase II transcripts and formulate/propose a model of Integrator function in snRNA biogenesis.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1082-1087
Number of pages6
JournalBiochemical Society Transactions
Volume38
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2010
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor (CPSF)
  • Integrator complex
  • RNA cleavage
  • RNA polymerase II
  • Small nuclear RNA (snRNA)
  • β-lactamase

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry

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