Processing bodies require RNA for assembly and contain nontranslating mRNAs Journal Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • Recent experiments have defined cytoplasmic foci, referred to as processing bodies (P-bodies), wherein mRNA decay factors are concentrated and where mRNA decay can occur. However, the physical nature of P-bodies, their relationship to translation, and possible roles of P-bodies in cellular responses remain unclear. We describe four properties of yeast P-bodies that indicate that P-bodies are dynamic structures that contain nontranslating mRNAs and function during cellular responses to stress. First, in vivo and in vitro analysis indicates that P-bodies are dependent on RNA for their formation. Second, the number and size of P-bodies vary in response to glucose deprivation, osmotic stress, exposure to ultraviolet light, and the stage of cell growth. Third, P-bodies vary with the status of the cellular translation machinery. Inhibition of translation initiation by mutations, or cellular stress, results in increased P-bodies. In contrast, inhibition of translation elongation, thereby trapping the mRNA in polysomes, leads to dissociation of P-bodies. Fourth, multiple translation factors and ribosomal proteins are lacking from P-bodies. These results suggest additional biological roles of P-bodies in addition to being sites of mRNA degradation.

publication date

  • April 1, 2005

has restriction

  • bronze

Date in CU Experts

  • February 20, 2014 11:58 AM

Full Author List

  • TEIXEIRA D; SHETH U; VALENCIA-SANCHEZ MA; BRENGUES M; PARKER ROY

author count

  • 5

published in

  • RNA  Journal

Other Profiles

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 1355-8382

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1469-9001

Additional Document Info

start page

  • 371

end page

  • 382

volume

  • 11

issue

  • 4