RNA helicase A is necessary for translation of selected messenger RNAs.
RNA helicase A (RHA) is a highly conserved DEAD-box protein that activates transcription, modulates RNA splicing and binds the nuclear pore complex. The life cycle of typical mRNA involves RNA processing and translation after ribosome scanning of a relatively unstructured 5' untranslated region (UTR). The precursor RNAs of retroviruses and selected cellular genes harbor a complex 5' UTR and use a yet-to-be-identified host post-transcriptional effector to stimulate efficient translation. Here we show that RHA recognizes a structured 5'-terminal post-transcriptional control element (PCE) of a retrovirus and the JUND growth-control gene. RHA interacts with PCE RNA in the nucleus and cytoplasm, facilitates polyribosome association and is necessary for its efficient translation. Our results reveal a previously unidentified role for RHA in translation and implicate RHA as an integrative effector in the continuum of gene expression from transcription to translation.
Hartman
Tiffiney Roberts
TR
Center for Retrovirus Research and Department of Veterinary Biosciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210 USA.
Qian
Shuiming
S
Bolinger
Cheryl
C
Fernandez
Soledad
S
Schoenberg
Daniel R
DR
Boris-Lawrie
Kathleen
K