Functional specificity among ribosomal proteins regulates gene expression

Cell. 2007 Nov 2;131(3):557-71. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2007.08.037.

Abstract

Duplicated genes escape gene loss by conferring a dosage benefit or evolving diverged functions. The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae contains many duplicated genes encoding ribosomal proteins. Prior studies have suggested that these duplicated proteins are functionally redundant and affect cellular processes in proportion to their expression. In contrast, through studies of ASH1 mRNA in yeast, we demonstrate paralog-specific requirements for the translation of localized mRNAs. Intriguingly, these paralog-specific effects are limited to a distinct subset of duplicated ribosomal proteins. Moreover, transcriptional and phenotypic profiling of cells lacking specific ribosomal proteins reveals differences between the functional roles of ribosomal protein paralogs that extend beyond effects on mRNA localization. Finally, we show that ribosomal protein paralogs exhibit differential requirements for assembly and localization. Together, our data indicate complex specialization of ribosomal proteins for specific cellular processes and support the existence of a ribosomal code.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • DNA-Binding Proteins / biosynthesis
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal*
  • Genes, Duplicate
  • Genes, Fungal
  • Genes, Reporter
  • Nuclear Proteins / metabolism
  • Phenotype
  • Protein Biosynthesis
  • RNA Transport
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Repressor Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Repressor Proteins / genetics
  • Ribosomal Proteins / genetics
  • Ribosomal Proteins / metabolism*
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / cytology
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / genetics*
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins / genetics
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins / metabolism*
  • Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
  • Transcription, Genetic

Substances

  • ASH1 protein, S cerevisiae
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • LOC1 protein, S cerevisiae
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • RNA, Messenger
  • RNA-Binding Proteins
  • Repressor Proteins
  • Ribosomal Proteins
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins

Associated data

  • GEO/GSE8761
  • GEO/GSE8765