Press release: Quality control in gene expression

Nr. 18/2014 - 10.02.2014

Göttingen scientists identify cellular monitoring mechanism

(pug) Scientists at Göttingen University have identified a cellular mechanism that is responsible for quality control during gene expression. The proteins Gbp2 and Hrb1 appear to play a critical role during the translation of genetic information (DNA) into messenger RNAs. Errors occurring in this process are considered responsible for the development of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, among others. The results of the study have been published in the journal Nature Communications.

In order for an organism's genetic information to become manifest and expressed, its DNA first has to be "translated" into messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in the nucleus. These mRNAs migrate into the cytoplasm surrounding the nucleus where they, in turn, are converted into proteins. Messenger RNA cannot leave the nucleus unless this process works correctly and the mRNA is released, for example, by certain non-coding sections of the gene sequence, called introns – this is the only way for the genetic information to be transported error-free.

In their studies, the scientists have now been able to demonstrate that the proteins Gbp2 and Hrb1 apparently monitor this translation process in the nucleus. Switching off these two proteins leads to a significant accumulation of defective messenger RNAs in the cytoplasm. If aberrations occur during translation – for example, if intron sequences are not removed – the two proteins ensure that the defective mRNAs are broken down again. By contrast, when translation works properly, the same proteins ensure that error-free mRNAs are properly shuttled from the nucleus into the cytoplasm.

“The two RNA-binding proteins we have identified obviously act here as central switches to ensure proper gene expression,” states the head of the study, Professor Heike Krebber of the Department Molecular Genetics at Göttingen University.

Original publication: Alexandra Hackmann et al. Quality control of spliced mRNAs requires the shuttling SR proteins Gbp2 and Hrb1. Nature Communications 2014. doi: 10.1038/ncomms4123.

Contact address:
Professor Heike Krebber
Georg-August-Universität Göttingen
Faculty of Biology and Psychology
Institute of Microbiology and Genetics
Department Molecular Genetics
Grisebachstrasse 8, 37077 Göttingen
Phone +49(0)551 39-33801
E-mail: heike.krebber@biologie.uni-goettingen.de
Website: www.img.bio.uni-goettingen.de/molgen.html