This proposal describes experiments to investigate the scope and importance of base-pairing between messenger RNA (mRNA) and ribosomal RNA (rRNA) as a mechanism for regulating translation in eukaryotes. Until recently, this mechanism was thought to be restricted to bacteria. However, by using the same rigorous criteria that were used to establish the Shine-Dalgarno base-pairing interaction in bacteria, the applicant has shown that this mechanism also affects translation in mammalian cells. This demonstration used a 9-nt translational enhancer element from the 5'leader of the Gtx homeodomain mRNA. The rRNA binding site for the Gfx-element is in the platform of the 40S ribosomal subunit, close to the predicted mRNA binding tract. The applicant has identified numerous other translational enhancer elements with potential binding sites in the 18S rRNA. These sites are primarily in two discrete regions in the intersubunit face of the 40S subunit: the platform and the right foot. A major goal of the proposed studies is to use both biochemical and functional approaches to determine if these sequences bind to rRNA and to determine if this binding affects translation. UV cross-linking together with RNase H localization and toeprinting methods will be used to evaluate and define binding sites. Functional evaluation of base-pairing will involve targeting candidate sites in the 18S rRNA with complementary oligoribonucleotides and by mutation of both mRNA and rRNA sequences to determine whether the activities of individual mRNA-elements require intact complementary matches to the rRNA. For these studies, the applicant has developed a novel yeast system with ribosomes containing a mouse-yeast hybrid 18S rRNA. The second major goal of the proposed studies is to assess the physiological relevance of mRNA:rRNA interactions. Natural mRNAs that contain ribosome binding sites will be tested in yeast and in mammalian cells to determine whether base-pairing occurs in this context and whether these interactions affect protein synthesis. In addition, the extent to which such base-pairing interactions affect the proteome will be assessed by blocking and mutating binding sites in 40S subunits and measuring the effects of these mutations on global and specific protein synthesis both in yeast and in mammalian cells. These studies should provide valuable insights into how the translation of mRNAs are regulated, allowing novel means for controlling translation, e.g. for the production of therapeutic proteins, and new avenues for analyzing the potential contributions of mis-regulation to disease.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01GM078071-03
Application #
7571570
Study Section
Molecular Genetics B Study Section (MGB)
Program Officer
Bender, Michael T
Project Start
2007-03-01
Project End
2011-02-28
Budget Start
2009-03-01
Budget End
2010-02-28
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2009
Total Cost
$360,050
Indirect Cost
Name
Scripps Research Institute
Department
Type
DUNS #
781613492
City
La Jolla
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
92037
Mauro, Vincent P; Chappell, Stephen A (2014) A critical analysis of codon optimization in human therapeutics. Trends Mol Med 20:604-13
Burman, Luke G; Mauro, Vincent P (2012) Analysis of rRNA processing and translation in mammalian cells using a synthetic 18S rRNA expression system. Nucleic Acids Res 40:8085-98
Matsuda, Daiki; Mauro, Vincent P (2010) Determinants of initiation codon selection during translation in mammalian cells. PLoS One 5:e15057
Koh, Dora C; Mauro, Vincent P (2009) Reconciling contradictory reports regarding translation of BACE1 mRNA: initiation mechanism is altered by different expression systems. RNA Biol 6:54-8
Panopoulos, Panagiotis; Mauro, Vincent P (2008) Antisense masking reveals contributions of mRNA-rRNA base pairing to translation of Gtx and FGF2 mRNAs. J Biol Chem 283:33087-93
Mauro, Vincent P; Edelman, Gerald M (2007) The ribosome filter redux. Cell Cycle 6:2246-51