title: Control of mRNA decapping by Dcp2: An open and shut case?
abstract: mRNA decapping by Dcp2 is a critical step in several major eukaryotic mRNA decay pathways. Dcp2 forms the catalytic core of a mRNP that is configured for processing diverse substrates by pathway-specific activators. Here we elaborate a model of catalysis by Dcp2 which posits that activity is controlled by a conformational equilibrium between an open, inactive and closed, active form of the enzyme. Structural studies on yeast Dcp2 indicate that the general activator Dcp1 and substrate promote the closed form of the enzyme. Kinetic studies indicate the catalytic step of decapping is rate-limiting and accelerated by Dcp1. We propose that regulation of conformational transitions in Dcp2 during a rate-limiting step after assembly of the decapping mRNP provides a checkpoint for determining if an mRNA is degraded or recycled to translation.
authors.affiliation: Graduate Group in Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158-2517, USA.
authors.forename: Stephen N
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Floor
authors.forename: Brittnee N
authors.initials: BN
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: John D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Gross
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004722:Endoribonucleases / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D008954:Models, Biological; D012315:RNA Caps / Q000378:metabolism*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D012441:Saccharomyces cerevisiae / Q000201:enzymology
chemical_list: D012315:RNA Caps; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D004722:Endoribonucleases