RNA helicase, DDX27 regulates skeletal muscle growth and regeneration by modulation of translational processes

PLoS Genet. 2018 Mar 8;14(3):e1007226. doi: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007226. eCollection 2018 Mar.

Abstract

Gene expression in a tissue-specific context depends on the combined efforts of epigenetic, transcriptional and post-transcriptional processes that lead to the production of specific proteins that are important determinants of cellular identity. Ribosomes are a central component of the protein biosynthesis machinery in cells; however, their regulatory roles in the translational control of gene expression in skeletal muscle remain to be defined. In a genetic screen to identify critical regulators of myogenesis, we identified a DEAD-Box RNA helicase, DDX27, that is required for skeletal muscle growth and regeneration. We demonstrate that DDX27 regulates ribosomal RNA (rRNA) maturation, and thereby the ribosome biogenesis and the translation of specific transcripts during myogenesis. These findings provide insight into the translational regulation of gene expression in myogenesis and suggest novel functions for ribosomes in regulating gene expression in skeletal muscles.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Genetically Modified
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Nucleolus / metabolism
  • Cell Nucleolus / ultrastructure
  • Cell Proliferation / genetics
  • DEAD-box RNA Helicases / genetics
  • DEAD-box RNA Helicases / metabolism*
  • Embryo, Nonmammalian
  • Mice
  • Muscle Development / physiology
  • Muscle, Skeletal / cytology
  • Muscle, Skeletal / growth & development
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiology*
  • Myoblasts / cytology
  • Myoblasts / physiology
  • PAX2 Transcription Factor / genetics
  • PAX2 Transcription Factor / metabolism
  • Protein Biosynthesis*
  • RNA, Ribosomal / genetics
  • RNA, Ribosomal / metabolism*
  • Regeneration / physiology
  • Zebrafish / embryology
  • Zebrafish / genetics
  • Zebrafish Proteins / genetics
  • Zebrafish Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • PAX2 Transcription Factor
  • RNA, Ribosomal
  • Zebrafish Proteins
  • pax7a protein, zebrafish
  • DDX27 protein, human
  • DEAD-box RNA Helicases