Sorting Signal from Noise: How Cell Nuclei Manage RNA Chaos
In mammalian cells, RNA production often encounters obstacles during the early stages of transcription. In a special issue of Molecular Cell focussed on RNA biology, William Garland and Torben Heick Jensen review the early quality control mechanisms that shape the short RNA landscape in our cells.
In mammalian cells, RNA production often encounters obstacles during the early stages of transcription. This results in the release of an overwhelming abundance of cryptic short RNAs, that are hazardous to proper RNA function (Figure, top panel). To navigate this, cells have evolved intricate mechanisms to quickly identify and eliminate such transcripts. These sorting systems are essential for maintaining the balance between functional and non-functional RNAs, establishing rigorous quality control so that only selected molecules survive.
In a special issue of Molecular Cell focussed on RNA biology, William Garland and Torben Heick Jensen have reviewed these early quality control mechanisms that shape the short RNA landscape in our cells. In line with recent breakthroughs in the field, the review highlights the ARS2 protein as being central for negotiating the fate of short RNAs. Through a specific effector domain, ARS2 may interact with various productive and destructive effector proteins (Figure, bottom panel) that all harbour a corresponding ARS2 recruitment motif (ARM).
The review provides a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge and interaction modes for RNA fate decisions – a valuable resource for future research into these complex molecular mechanisms and RNA biology as a whole
The scientific article:
Nuclear sorting of short RNA polymerase II transcripts.
William Garland and Torben Heick Jensen.
Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Denmark.
Molecular Cell 84, October 3 (2024): https://doi.org/10/1016/j.molcel.2024.08.024
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION, INCLUDING CONTACT INFORMATION
We strive to ensure that all our articles live up to the Danish universities' principles for good research communication. Against this background, the article is supplemented with the following information:
Study type:
Review
External funding:
Work in Torben Heick Jensen's laboratory is supported by the Danish National Research Council, the Lundbeck foundation and the Novo Nordisk Foundation
Conflicts of interest:
None
More information
Torben Heick Jensen
Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics
Aarhus University, Denmark
thj@mbg.au.dk