Biogenesis of small nucleolar ribonucleoproteins.
Eukaryotic cells contain a very complex population of small nucleolar RNAs. They function, as small nucleolar ribonucleoproteins, in pre-ribosomal RNA processing reactions, and also guide methylation and pseudouridylation of ribosomal RNA, spliceosomal small nuclear RNAs, and possibly other cellular RNAs. Synthesis of small nucleolar RNAs frequently follows unusual strategies. Some newly discovered brain-specific small nucleolar RNAs of unknown function are encoded in introns of tandemly repeated units, expression of which is paternally imprinted. Recent studies of the protein components and factors participating in small nucleolar ribonucleoprotein assembly have revealed interesting connections with other classes of cellular ribonucleoproteins such as spliceosomal small nuclear ribonucleoproteins and telomerase. Cajal bodies emerge as nuclear structures important for the biogenesis and function of small nucleolar ribonucleoproteins.
Filipowicz
Witold
W
Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Maulbeerstrasse 66, CH-4058 Basel, Switzerland. Witold.Filipowicz@fmi.ch
Pogacić
Vanda
V
D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism; D002466:Cell Nucleolus / Q000378:metabolism*; D020541:Coiled Bodies / Q000502:physiology; D008957:Models, Genetic; D009687:Nuclear Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D012323:RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional; D020537:RNA, Small Nucleolar / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D012261:Ribonucleoproteins / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology
D009687:Nuclear Proteins; D020537:RNA, Small Nucleolar; D012261:Ribonucleoproteins